Wedding Planning/ Pointers/ Lessons Learned

Wedding Planning/Pointers/Lessons Learned

So 2017 was a blur! AND a blast! I had the extreme pleasure helping my daughter with planning her wedding! We had so much fun and some anxieties, not going to lie…lol. Loved collaborating with her and hopefully brought her dream wedding to fruition!

Here are some of the spotlight things I worked on:

1. The Photo Booth backdrop! My daughter wanted something different, something fun and full of color. We started researching ideas. Then, it was like a light bulb went off… tissue paper flowers…. LOTS of them. I started with individual boards… she loved them! I kept adding on and on.. the final product… an approximately 7’ x 7’ wall! It looked amazing! We used The Bosco for the Photo Booth company.. they were awesome…. I highly recommend them,. Props… we had gold crowns, masquerade masks, fun signs, personalized sunglasses and boas, of course! 
   
   
2. The Flip Flops! Oh my, these were a HUGE hit! I filled a basket with silver flip flops (because they matched the bridal party colors) We had sizes 7-8-9-10. I put a separate basket in the bridal suite, as well, to make sure the girls got their sizes… (the Bride had special rose gold glitter Kate Spade Keds..lol) Each pair was wrapped with a ribbon and size tag to make it easier for the guests to grab them.
3. 
   
   The Card and Gifts Table!  We used a gorgeous lantern for the cards. It was perfect and the newlyweds got to take home the lantern and actually use it! A little memory of their special day.
4. 
   The Favors! It took a little bit to find one that was “them”. They picked the gorgeous murano magnolia square twist dish. The wrap was up to me! Haha! I stayed with traditional white embossed paper. For the ribbon, I used a white satin tie and added a rose gold sparkle bow with the traditional 5 Jordan Almonds. What’s the significance of the 5 Jordan Almonds? Health…. Wealth…. Happiness…. Fertility…. Longevity! Finishing touch… a Thank You tag from the Bride and Groom.
   
   
   
5.  The Memory Table! Unfortunately, we have family members who are no longer with us. The bride and groom wanted everyone to know that although they could not be present, they were still remembered and forever present in their hearts. We had a separate table set up with framed photos of loved ones, flowers and a special sign just for them.
6. 
   The Place Card Table & Table Signs! They chose traditional place card frames in rose gold. I customized the notecard to match their invitations. A little extra favor for the guests to take home. For the Table Signs, we matched the place card frames with a larger version for each table. Each table number, as well, was customized to match their invitation
   
   
   
7. 

Major Pointers/ Lessons: (Now that I am experienced MOB, haha!)

Pinterest - Pinterest is great to get all your ideas in one place. Just remember, when pinning your favorite flowers, dresses, etc., reality is … those pics are professional, they don’t always use real flowers, they use artificial in some of those shots and real ones aren’t always so perfect ( ahem… nature) or an exact color match ( I worked in a flower shop for almost 30 years.. I know) Same goes with dresses, those photos are done in the perfect lighting, mostly touched-up, in the perfect setting. Do a little research before you set your heart on something. Keep an open mind..be ready to substitute, if necessary. Pick a few different styles, colors, flowers….the one you keep going back to…that’s the one you go with. 

Even though you THINK you will remember everything you want that day…. WRITE IT DOWN! Keep notes while getting ready and at the reception & KEEP CHECKING IT.

i.e. Emergency Kits - including Tide-to-go! (My son accidentally splashed cocktail sauce all over my dress in the Bridal suite .. BEFORE we even made an entrance!)  Thankfully, the venue’s event coordinator, Gina, and our Maitre’d, Mary, were lightning quick and had me all cleaned up in a flash! I had a cream/taupe dress! 

Special photos you may want. Even the best photographers can get caught up to remember each particular photo you want. Jot down those pics, family members, friends and bring it with you to the reception.. leave it at the table in full view so YOU don’t forget, as well. The night truly does fly by and before you know it, it’s over and those photo opps have been missed.

Same goes for special songs/announcements.

Know your family and friends.. that is, know who you might want to delegate getting pics for you. You want to enjoy the night, not walk around all night snapping pics. Especially during the grand entrances into the church/ceremony and reception. I loved that my family and friends got such great pics throughout the day/night. Of course, the photographer will get the professional ones… but who wants to wait?! lol

Transportation… We had a 33 passenger bus take the bridal party and family members from the venue to the hotel ( Crown Plaza, White Plains) and back to Bronxville. Since we all went up in the limos, it just seemed easier to have a bus come to take us back, instead of trying to get all our cars to the venue ahead of time. It was great! 

Lastly,  ENJOY! ENJOY! ENJOY! Take it all in. I can’t say it enough. The whole day and night goes by in a blink. I never believed it, but, now, I know it!

We can't thank our vendors enough! Each and every one of them was spectacular! You can click on the links below to check out their websites! If you want to hear personally from me about their services, please, feel free to call me!

Florist - Mrs. Morgan’s Flower Shop, Bronxville, NY 

http://www.flowershopbronxville.com

Photographer/Videographer - Fantasy Flash Studios, Briarcliff Manor, NY

http://fantasyflash.com

Hair & Makeup - GlamBar, Yonkers, NY

914-222-9777

Photo Booth - The Bosco

https://www.thebosco.com/p/7665-M8RZDT

DJ - Stolen Moments, Dobbs Ferry, NY

http://www.stolenmoments.com

Limousines - Top Class Limousine, Yonkers, NY

http://www.topclasslimo.com

Private Bus - Service Tours, Yonkers

http://www.servicetours.com

Venue - The Clubhouse at Patriot Hill, Stony Point, NY

http://www.patriothillsny.com

DIY Glitter Shot Glasses

I had to think "outside the box" for a Disco themed event. I chose silver sparkle shot glasses. My client loved them!

I had so much fun making these that I decided to give you a little insight to DIY them yourself. Of course, I'm always here to do them for you!

Ok, Here you go!

I used shot glasses, you can use any shape, style glass you like.

* Clean the glass with alcohol.

* Tape up your design (I used the blue painter's tape)

 

* Modge Podge the exposed glass, moderate amount, not too thin and not too thick. I used a foam brush for this.

* Shake glitter on glue area (keep a piece of tissue paper or paper towel under your work area to catch the excess glitter.

*Remove the tape BEFORE the glue dries. I did 5-10 of them and then removed the tape and went on to do another set.

*Let dry for 24 hours

* Shake any excess glitter off and apply a THIN coat of Modge Podge ( I used a gloss one for this) They have a Dishwasher Safe one, but, I would still suggest hand washing.  You will be applying this coat without the safety of the tape so try to be precise and keeping it on the glitter part only. I used a different brush for this. A small (about 1/2" wide craft brush.. not foam)

*Let dry another 24 hours.

* At this pont you can do another THIN coat of the gloss or not. It's up to you! 

*Once all dry, wrap them up! I used clear cellophane with coordinating ribbon for the event.

Hope this helps. It is a bit time consuming... but so much fun!

 

I'm always here if you

What’s the Wedding Trend for 2017? YOU!

What’s the Wedding Trend for 2017? YOU!

While the industry can sway and dictate the trends for the year through Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook, keep in mind that YOU are the perfect “trend” for your special day.

Anyone can spend hours obsessing through Pinterest and Instagram photos. They’re PERFECT! Perfect lighting, perfect shots, perfect details! It’s a great way to zone in on some inspiration. So what if it’s another year’s trend. If it’s you, then use it!

I hear so often “I know that’s the trend, but, I’m not sure I like it.”

My answer “So don’t do it!” Be yourself, make YOUR day personal. After all, your wedding day is all about you and your future spouse.

What makes you happy? What makes you feel special? What theme shouts you? Whichever look or “trend” you go with, your guests will love it because they know it is a reflection of you.

Congratulations & Best Wishes Always! Have fun planning your special day! I’m always here if you need some help!

Lorraine - NV Me Gifts

http://www.nvmegifts.com/apps/blog/

I have been asked why? Why wedding favors/party favors? 

Well, here’s my why … I LOVE beautiful things! I LOVE celebrating happy times and making lasting memories!

I can remember, as a little girl, waiting for my parents to come home from a wedding, anniversary, shower, or Christening. Sometimes it was so late I could barely keep my eyes open. I wanted to see their favor/ bomboniere. I loved the frilly tulle pouch filled with those sweet Jordan almonds (confetti) and their “gift” all wrapped up, ever so pretty! The “gift” would then be displayed on a coffee table or in a credenza, where I would pass and admire for days and days. I visit my mom’s, and, now, in my own home, I still look at those “gifts” and have fond memories. Some are over 40 yrs old! 

Today, it is not so different…I wait anxiously for my vendors to release their NEW favor lines. Excited to see one more beautiful than the other. I love imagining how I am going to wrap them. Paper, satin, tulle, ribbon, jewels .. I love them all!

Some couples shy away from giving favors. For some, it’s a financial factor, others feel they are not an important part of their celebration. 

I’m here to say… You’re favors ARE important! After all, you invited your guests, some have come from distances. They are there to celebrate YOU! They spend most of their day (and night) getting ready to see you! Your favor says “Thank You! We loved sharing our special day with you!”

Long after the ceremony is over and the DJ/Band stops playing, your favor will remind them of your perfect celebration and give an everlasting memory of the amazing time they shared with you. And, who knows, there may be a little girl waiting anxiously at home to see “their gift”! 

  

DIY Favor Wrapping Tips

SO you decided on your favors.. great! Now, how will you wrap them?

If you are DIY’ing it, here’s a few tips:

Decide what type of wrap you like? which will be easiest for you to do on your own or with your groom-to-be or your bridal party? 

paper wrap

satin wrap

cello bags

fabric bags

boxes

ribbon

floral or jewel embellishments

Must have supplies:

tape ( for paper wrap)

fabric glue (for any embellishments)

really good scissors

clean cloth to cover table you are working on

tissue paper

When using paper wrap, it’s always best to make a template.. it doesn’t have to be the wrap you are using, use any paper, to get the exact size.

Measure the template and times it by how ever many favors you need to wrap, this way you will order/buy the correct amount of paper… 

Same goes for ribbon.. wrap a sample, then disassemble it and measure how much ribbon you will need for each. Again, times it by the number of favors to get the total amount of ribbon you will need. Rolls are sold by the yard, so figure out your yardage.

Satin wraps are fun! you can either grab and tie in the center or knot them. Play around with it. There are so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one to carry out your theme colors.

I must admit… satins are my favorite!

Cello bags and fabric bags are a bit easier.. just remember when you see the size (i.e. 6x4) that’s the total size, so make sure your favor will fit BELOW the tie. Usually, there is and inch or so you need to deduct from the overall size. Also, always take a measuring tape/ruler to see the exact size.. it’s always easy to say “Oh, yeah, they’ll fit” only to get the actual bag and realize…nope. Buy a sample if you still can’t decide.

I’m not a fan of the clear plastic boxes that favors are usually packaged in, so I like to find a decorative box and throw away the clear plastic one. It adds a little expense, but makes a huge difference in presentation! Use a piece of tissue paper to line the box to make it extra special.

Remember, make it fun. that’s when your best work will shine.  It can be very time consuming, so make sure you put aside time that’s not full of distractions. Of course, a girl’s night in with your BFFS is the good kind of distraction!

Congratulations & Good Luck! I’m always here if you need me!

Lorraine

NV Me Gifts 2015

Why Wedding Favors?

Don't underestimate the importance of wedding favors; the tradition of handing out favors, keepsakes or bombonieres dates back many years.  Wedding favors are a symbol of the gratitude the bride and groom feel for sharing in one of their most important moments of their lives.  Guests cherish wedding favors - it is the universal "Thank You for Sharing in Our Day".

How will your guests remember your wedding apart from all other weddings they have been to?  Quite simply: with the wedding favors you choose to distribute.  Choose a favor that really means something, one that is practical and long lasting or one that suits your wedding's theme.  Give a favor that makes an impression - one that stands out - something absolutely fabulous that won't break your bank.

Elegant? Unique? Trendy? Chic? Romantic? 

When choosing your wedding favors they should reflect your personal style.  Wedding favors will leave a long impression on your guests - one that brings back fond memories of your important day.

Your favors should inspire you and fit in with your style. Start your search for the perfect wedding favor by browsing through magazines, websites, specialty shops, chocolatiers, and gift shops. Gather ideas not only on the favors, but how you would package and display them.  Look for items out of the norm of favors - something that you would love to receive.

Who Receives Favors?

A good rule of thumb is one wedding favor per couple (or family) or per single guest; or if your budget allows, one wedding favor per guest. 

How to Package Your Favors

How you package your favors is just as important as what type of favor you give.  From pretty boxes, to clear cellophane bags, satin, fabric, organza and tulle, - a bride's options are not limited. 

Add a monogram, sticker, or favor label. Your favors should be perfectly wrapped to be presented.

Presenting & Distributing Favors (When & Where)

 How is each favor displayed and distributed?

The most popular way to give out wedding favors is by displaying it on each place setting - if you are giving one wedding favor per person.  Favors can also be used to hold the place cards.  Set them up on the place card table - every guest single or couple will be guaranteed to receive a favor that way.

Another option is to create a favor table near the door, which would allow each guest to take one as they leave.  Set up a frame on the table with the simple words, "Thank You",or "Please Take One".  But just remember when you do this, some guests may take more than one!

Another idea is to hand your favors out yourself as you are working the room and greeting your guests.  You can also have the wait staff present favors on silver lined trays to each table during the dessert course.

Favor Cost

Favors can cost as low as a dollar up to double digits per favor.  Favors are worth the price - remember guests look forward to receiving them.  If you are planning on spending a certain amount on your favors - make sure they are functional, fun, meaningful and won't be left behind.  Don't "cheap" out on your favors - guests DO take notice when a bride does.  Spend what you can afford - and give something that you would appreciate receiving.

NV Me Gifts offers high quality favors and favor wrapping service. 

Check out www.NVMeGifts.com for your wedding favor ideas. 

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