Ways to WOW Your Weddings Guests

"The Knot" had an article about ways in which to WOW your wedding audience. Of course I had to read through it to see what their take on it was. Well I must say they had some pretty good ideas and if you have some extra money in your budget, I would definitely consider adding one or more of these elements into your wedding.

Guest Transportation: If you are planning on shuttling your guests from the ceremony to the reception, make the journey part of the fun by renting some cool mass transportation. Hire an old-fashioned trolley to get guests from point A to B. And for extra flair, customize the ride by playing fun music or decking out the bus with signs that reads "Sarah and John's wedding or bust!"

Pre-ceremony Cocktails: Nothing like getting the party started a little early?! Your guests won't be expecting any drinks until the reception, so give them a pleasant surprise by setting up at table of light beverages on the way into the ceremony. Just DON'T serve anything too strong-- think mimosas or fruit-infused iced teas they can sip before taking their seats.

Standout Escort Cards: Instead of a paper card that'll get lost or thrown away, upgrade your escort cards to something worth keeping (or eating!). Try personalized cake pops with guests' names and table runners written on them in icing or on a cute tag, or engraved martini glasses that double as favors.

Thoughtful and (Useful) Favors: Keep your guests comfortable all day by thinking ahead. Planning on dancing the night away... put out a basket of flip-flops (in your wedding colors, of course) so guests can take their shoes off. Having an outdoor reception... well it might get breezy, keep your guests warm by offering up some cozy pashminas. And for the summer outdoor ceremony, provide a station with spray-on sunscreen and a stack of inexpensive sunglasses.

To-Go Valet Gifts: Send guests home feeling taken care of by having your valets place small favors or end-of-the-night snacks in your guests' cards before handing over the keys. No valets? Set out baskets of the gifts, such as soft eye masks with notes that say "Sleep tight!" or even hangover kits... for guests to grab on their way out of the reception.

Convenient Child Care: Hire a babysitter or two... and set up a room so your youngest guests can have a place to go when they tucker out. If it's possible pick a room near your reception location so parents can stop by to check in on the little ones and then return easily to the party. Stock the rooms with snacks, games, and a portable DVD player. Also make sure there is a soft sofa and lots of blankets for those inevitable naps.

Conder Elementary Dance Banquet

So last Thursday, I had the pleasure to decorate for the Conder Elementary Dance Banquet! I must say this had to be one of the most pleasurable events to do decorations for because it was for the kids. My friend Veneshia who is the dance specialist at Conder asked me about a month ago if I would be interested and of course I said YES!! Like I was going to turn down an event to decorate for. 

We had a pretty tight, but I believe that everything came out great! Of course I went to one of the best sites on the internet for ideas... PINTEREST! And found some pretty great ideas. Here are my inspirations pics...

So the concept for the banquet was "Lights... Camera... Action"! Perfect for the RISING STARS! For some of the decor, I did outsource to another company called Unique Designs... yup you read that right, Unique Designs... FREAKY I know!! That is what I thought as well... but it turned out to be a true blessing. I learned so much from Ms. Lyles in trying to decide what we wanted the centerpieces to look like. I was even able to come by the day of the event to assist her with the centerpieces. In the 2 hours that I was there... I learned ALOT about balloons! She has even decided to take me under her wings and let me apprentice under her... you can never learn too much!

Here are some pics from the banquet... ENJOY!

The Rising Stars Table

The banquet entrance sign. Yes I made the sign.

Close up of the sign.

The entrance into the space. Yes the students got the red carpet treatment. And I LOVE the balloon columns!!

The centerpieces.

Close up of centerpiece. We had three different bottoms and all the tops were the same. This is a very economical decoration if you can find helium! LoL

Awards table

Top view of tables. We didn't want to do too much because 150 people had to fit in the room. And sometimes less is more.

Table names were different dance styles.

I will be putting up a post later this week on how I designed the welcome board so be on the lookout. I promise its not as hard as it looks. Just took a little vision and ALOT of staples!!
 
Be sure to check out my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UniqueByDesignWeddings and "LIKE" my page. Let me plan your next wedding or baby shower!

Do I Really Need a Wedding Website?

DO I REALLY NEED A WEDDING WEBSITE? I mean really, it's just one more thing that to add to the list of 100 things that I ALREADY have to do!!

I have been hearing this question more and more as I assist couple's with planning their weddings, so thought I would share some insights about the "wedding website".

I am sure some of you are asking what do I need one for anyway? Most of my guests already know how we meet and do I really need to list my registry locations again?!

Well, it depends. Here are some things to consider to see if a wedding website is right for you.

Do I Need a Wedding Website?

• Are you have a destination wedding?
• Will you have out of town guests?
• Will you need to communicate with all of your guests via email or the Internet?
• Do you have more information to share with your guests than you can put on your invitations?
• Do you want or need a place for the guests who can't attend to leave you a note or message?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you NEED a wedding website.

Why Do I Need a Wedding Website?

If you are having a destination wedding, then the majority of your guests if not all of your guests will be traveling, staying in a hotel, eating out and vacationing at this location. Your wedding website will serve as a mini guide for them to know where to stay (because you will book one or two hotel blocks so your guests will all be together and hopefully get a discount on room prices), where to eat (you should share your research on restaurants, bars, and clubs), and what attractions they can look forward to visiting. You would much rather your guest be able to read it on your website... than spending alot of extra money printing this information... or time having to repeat yourself who knows how many times and still end up sending the information because if your family/friends are like mine they like their information on paper and would just ask me to email it to them!!

The same rule applies to out of town guests. Depending on the number of out of towners, you will likely book a block of rooms at a local hotel. You should also point your guests to the best restaurants and/or city attractions. Again... your wedding website can serve this purpose.

Depending on who your guests are, you might need to communicate with them via email. Many wedding websites allow you to enter guests' email addresses and send them mass emails with wedding updates.

If you have more information to share with your guests than will git on your wedding invitations - such as driving directions, seating limitations, or potential parking issues, then you have a wedding website. You don't want to include too much logistical information on your invitations... IT RUINS THE MOOD!!

Having a wedding website can be a beneficial way for guests who can't attend your wedding to feel included in on your BIG DAY. They can leave a message, peruse your categories and look at engagement and couple photos. 

So okay I need a wedding website... which wedding website company is the right one for ME?

Wedding website companies range from the very expensive - up to $99 a year - to moderately priced - around $30 a year - to ABSOLUTELY FREE!! And free sounds good to me!

Free wedding websites offer the couple a place to list their information, but normally don't offer customizable color and font options or themed backgrounds. Your website address would be similar to www.yournamehere.weddingwebsitecompany.com.

Paid wedding websites offer a host of options, such as a personalized url www.yournamehere.com, as well a gift tracking, online RSVPs (which eliminates the need to mail RSVP cards and extra stamps) and seating chart assistance.

Wedding Website lists most of the website providers and offers useful reviews and customer ratings. It is a good place to look for ideas and information regarding wedding website companies. 

FREE Invitation Printables

Getting married soon... want some great invitations for a GREAT price? How does FREE sound?! Well your dreams have been answered. On the blog iDiY they have a TON of free invitation printables! Go here to see all the designs that have!! Go take a look and see what goodies you find!!

Conder Elementary Dance Banquet

Hi Everyone~


Yes please yell at me because it has been some weeks, since I last put up a post. A lot has been evolving lately and just trying to handle things as they come. So upcoming decorating project will be for a dance banquet at Conder Elementary School! Yea... got to love the kids! The theme is "Lights Camera Action" and it is very appropriate! Lots of plans in the works and met with a woman yesterday who will be designing the centerpieces and balloon columns, which will have lights in them for the banquet! Can't wait!! I will be making some projects in the coming weeks... the event is May 24th, so definitely be on the look out. And I will start kicking myself in the butt more to be more persistent on posting! I PROMISE I WILL HAVE ANOTHER POST UP BY THE END OF THE WEEK! I am thinking it will be a printable! I have seen a TON of invitation that are very cute and you can get very printables of them. Can you say money in the pocket. So come back by Saturday and another one will be up PROMISE!!


Jevettra

I'm Engaged... Now What? 6 Steps to Help You Get on the Right Track

He got down on one knee and asked you to spend the rest of your life with him... Of course you said YES and have been dreaming about this moment since you were young! The day that you have been dreaming about since you were a little girl is going to come true. You start daydreaming of what it will look like and then reality kicks in... WHERE IN THE WORLD DO I START?! No fear... here are 6 steps to help you get everything started on the right track.


1. Start Spreading the News: If you are one who wants to jump on Facebook to share the news immediately or decide keep the moment private a bit longer... Whenever you decide to share the news... Be sure when you start spreading the news that you tell your parents FIRST!! Then other family and friends. You'll make phone calls, of course, but you can also send email, a letter, or use social media. You could even throw a party.

2. Discuss a date: Once the word is out, expect lots of questions, including "When are you getting married?" Reveal a date if you have one, or let curious friends know plans are in the works -- as they should be, especially if you want to hold your wedding at a popular time of year, such as June or over a holiday. Locations, photographers, caterers, and other professionals book up early, sometimes a year in advance.

3. Think About the Big Picture: Envision the type of wedding you both want -- maybe it's the event of childhood dreams or one that reflects your grown-up tastes. Even if you are set on a formal event in a ballroom, considering other possibilities, such as a seaside ceremony or a Sunday brunch, may change your mind or reinforce your choice. The same holds true for selecting the time of day and mood of the wedding.

4. Set a Budget: This is probably one the most crucial things to do before planning a wedding. Be clear and definite about what your budget is. Prior to making any decisions about the style, location, etc., figure out what you have to spend and whether your families will contribute. Make sure you and your fiance are in agreement about your priorities before talking to your parents about budget and logistics.

5. Register for Gifts: Surprising as it may seem, as soon as people find out about your impending nuptials, presents will start flowing in. It's never too early to register, not only to help ensure you get something you like and need, but also to make it easier on friends and family who are pondering what to purchase. Even if you don't select everything right away, at least go to one store and decide on some things for your list. You can always add more later and register at other stores. Try to limit your registry to three places. This way, it'll be easier to manage. And, in case you don't get everything you put down, many stores will keep your registry active for as long as a few years.

6.  Insure Your Ring: You may never want to take off your priceless new treasure, but realistically, you'll have to at times. It's a good idea to talk to an insurance agent about coverage in case the stones or the ring itself ever need to be repaired or replaced.

You will first need an appraisal by a certified independent gemologist; most jewelers will provide this service upon purchase. And make sure you understand all the terms of the policy. Find out whether you are covered if the ring is lost, stolen, or damaged, and what stipulations there are, if any. If the ring is damaged, does the company give you a check so you can have it repaired by the jeweler of your choice, or do you have to use one of their jewelers? You'll also want to know how long the claims process takes.

You might be able to add a jewelry rider to your existing homeowner's or renter's policy; if not, set up a separate policy. And, most important, take very good care of your ring -- when you're wearing it and when you're not -- because that's the best insurance of all.

All pictures and info from www.marthastewartweddings.com

Margarita Ice Pops

So if you know me... you know that I LOVE MARGARITAS!! And this post seemed fitting today, as my brother is in town and he ALWAYS has something to say about my tequila stash. Like I always tell him, you have to have an assortment of tequila... bottom shelf to top shelf. Top shelf is for sipping and bottom shelf is for mixing! It always taste the same when its mixed together and when its FREE most people don't care what it is!!


Ok margaritas = tequila... which always makes for a great day! So I saw this recipe on Hostess with the Mostess and knew I HAD to share because warm weather is here, I am pulling out patio furniture and getting ready for some summertime FUN! This recipe gives a unique twist to the frozen margarita and with Cinco de Mayo only 2 weeks away best to start trying out drink concoctions NOW!


The original recipe is form Bon Appetite and couldn't be easier to make. You basically take lime flavored ice pops or fruit bars... they say pour... I say SOAK and soak the pops in a mixture of tequila and lime, then lightly dip 1 edge of the pop into kosher salt.  Or you could just mix up your own margarita... freeze them into pops and then dip into salt. I would go with option #2!


Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• they say 2 tablespoons of tequila... I say go for what you know ;-)
• 2 tablespons orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
• Kosher salt, for garnish
• Small cups (Dixie bathroom cups... you know the ones you use to use to make kool-aid pops)
• Popsicle sticks

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice, and orange juice into a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Once cool, transfer to a blender with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime wedge and process until smooth. 
5. Pour into cups and cover the top of each cup with foil.
6. Place the popsicle stick in center of cup (down through foil, which will hold it in place).
7. Freeze until hard, preferable overnight.
8. Remove from freezer and run cup under warm water to loosen popsicle.
9. Garnish with kosher salt and serve.

ENJOY