Awesome Resource: Wedding Wire

I've always been the type of person who can't seem to hide it when I'm happy, mad, sad, etc. And whenever I find a great site or what-have-you, I feel obliged to pass it on to someone....better yet, anyone! Because in my opinion, why let such a fabulous find go unnoticed, right? So to get to the point of this blog (finally!) - I wanted to let you all know about WeddingWire.com. This site allows free advertising for vendors, like me, but it also relies heavily upon the reviews and ratings given by its users (i.e. the buyers). The site also has lots (I mean TONS) of planning resources available to you such as a wedding date countdown, free wedding website (with some very cool templates), guest list manager (a MUST-HAVE for those of you who don't use Excel or some similiar program), and not to mention checklists galore. I would highly suggest you check it out! And if you happen to stop by my "booth", drop me a line and let me know you were there!

Luvs,

Christina

Geat Tool: Multicolr Search Lab - Flickr Set

I have found a gem. Not only for event planners who work with people who have no idea what color scheme will work best for their event, but also for all the diy-er's out there. The tool is the Multicolr Search Lab by Idee Inc. This handy little product allows you to select up to ten colors and it will find images from Flickr and create a collage for you to see how the colors work together. This beats going to your local Home Depot to "borrow" paint samples by far! I've been hooked on this ever since and recommend it to anyone who is a little unsure or who wants to see what their color options are. Happy creative color hunting!

Angela and Rob's Wedding Countdown

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts




This event is definitely going to be the most fabulous bash of summer 2009! Angela and her fiance are both so very down to earth and envision a wedding and reception where their guests will have a blast. Since I have been assisting with the planning of their special occasion, I wanted to give myself another reminder of this event that I am so proud to be a part of. I am looking forward to this day, and although there is still much planning to do and time seems to be going by so slowly, the day is surely approaching. Angela and Rob are two very sweet, caring individuals and I'll most certainly do all that I can to ensure their day goes off without a hitch.


Luvs,

Christina

Wedding Superstitions

I've been on the hunt lately for old wives tales that pertain to weddings, don't ask why, I couldn't tell you. I can almost say it's been somewhat of an obsession for me. Perhaps it's because reading some of these things makes me shake my head and laugh or because I do slightly believe in some of it. I've never been super superstitious but it is fun nonetheless to read and to share with the bride and grooms to be. Makes you wonder how some of these ever came about. Some folks are entirely too imaginative!


One saying for the day of the week you are married goes like this:
Monday for health,
Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday best of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses, and
Saturday no luck at all!


The next tidbit relates to what month you are married:
Married when the year is new and he'll be loving, kind and true.
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know.
Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man.
Marry in the month of May and your surely rue the day.
Marry while June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go.
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bread.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see.
Marry in September's shrine, you'll be living rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches will tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come remember.
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.


Then there is the issue of colors:
Married in white, you have chosen right.
Married in grey, you'll go far away.
Married in black, you'll wish yourself back.
Married in red, you'll wish yourself dead. (NOT a fan of this one)
Married in green, ashamed to be seen.
Married in blue, you'll always be true.
Married in pearl, you'll live in a whirl.
Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
Married in brown, you'll live out of town.
Married in pink, your spirit will sink.


Here are some random things that denote good or bad luck on your wedding day:

Bad Luck:
For the groom to see the bride before the wedding.
If the groom drops the wedding band during the ceremony.
To practice writing your new married name before the wedding.
To wear your complete outfit before the ceremony (many brides often leave one stitch out of their dress to ward off this superstition)
Good Luck:
To see a black cat on your wedding day.
For it to rain.
Seeing a rainbow.
Meeting a chimney sweep (not likely in this day in age).
To see a police man.


Superstitions - Things we can do to help:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe!
For good luck, the first gift the bride opens should be the first gift she uses.
The new bride must enter the home through the front door and must not trip or fall (why we get carried over the threshold).
It is said that looking in the mirror just before you leave your home for the ceremony is good luck. However, any peek in the mirror after that before the ceremony will bring bad luck.


And lastly, some random factoids to expand our mind for the day:

It is believed that at your shower the person who gave you the 3rd gift you opened will be the next to become pregnant.
If a girl sleeps with a piece of the wedding cake under her pillow she will dream of her future husband.
You always hear of ladies wanting to be a "June Bride". This actually dates back to the 1400's because May is when people took their annual bath. So then in June, everyone would smell fresh. In Roman times, May was a bad month to get married because that is when the Feast of the Dead occurrs.
Brides used to wear silver. It was Queen Victoria who defied this tradition and wore white. All of her subjects wanted to be in fashion and copied the Queen resulting in a new tradition of white wedding gowns.
The veil now represents purity. But in the days of old it was to trick the evil spirits from seeing the bride.
Having bridesmaids all dressed alike was to trick the evil spirits into not knowing which one was the bride. When this tradition was in it's prime, the bridesmaids would wear white along with the bride to trick those pesky spirits.
Again with the evil spirits - tying cans to the back of the newlywed's car came from tying items on the back of horse carriages to make noise to scare away the evil spirits.
Superstition says that the first person to buy an item after the marriage will be the dominant one in the relationship. And as a result of this, many brides arrange to purchase something from one of their bridesmaids immediately following the ceremony.

I love this last fact! Shows how smart the brides can be since the groom didn't come up with it!
Well that is all I have for today. I hope this gives you some wedding conversation starters. Now when your husband to be complains that all you care about is flowers and dresses you can tell him that you care about your future very much and you need those colored flowers to ensure your future happiness :) Do you like how I can justify just about anything?

Signature Drink Names & More!

Crystal Candy Swizzle Sticks - $12 per 20 (Courtesy of WeddingThings.com)

Mr. & Mrs. Drink Mixers - $27 per 24 (Courtesy of MyWeddingFavors.com)

Custom Letterpress Coasters (Courtesy of Bella Figura)

Image Courtesy of StyleMePretty.com

I found these fun signature drink names while browsing through one of my favorite reads: The Modern Bride Survival Guide. Thought these might come in handy for those of you who want to add a personal touch for your guests who visit the bar. You could also supply personalized beverage napkins or fabulous custom coasters. And how about adding fancy signs to let your guests in on the secret meaning behind your favorite liquid concoction! In my opinion, these small details help create an environment that puts everyone in the mood to have a good time! Your guests WILL notice and APPRECIATE your attention to the little stuff.

Fun Signature Drink Names

Altar-ed State

Blushing Bride

By My Cider

Cloud-Nine Cocktail

Diamond Ring Sling

Electric Slide Special

Eternitini

First-Kiss Fuzz

Groom's Gimlet

Honeymoon Helper

"I Do" Daiquiri

Maidarita

Rosy Future

Tie-The-Knot Shot

Tuxedo-politan

True Blue

Veil Ale

Wedding Bell-ini

Courtesy of The Modern Bride Survival Guide by Antonia Van Der Meer, Modern Bride

A Beautiful Poem

One of my favorite movies (In Her Shoes) has a scene in it in which Cameron Diaz reads a very sweet poem to her sister at her wedding (can you tell why this is one of my fave flicks?). It's a very beautiful poem that can be translated (in other words - mean different things) in many ways, and I wanted to share with you all.

"I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart. I am never without it. Anywhere I go, you go, my dear. And whatever is done by only me... is your doing, my darling. I fear no fate... for you are my fate, my sweet. I want no world, for, beautiful... you are my world, my true. Here is the deepest secret no one knows. Here is the root of the root... and the bud of the bud... and the sky of the sky of a tree called life... which grows higher than the soul can hope... or mind can hide. It is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart. I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart."
By E.E. Cummings

Hope you enjoyed. <3>

Personalized Favors

Hi everyone-

Just wanted to let you all know, in case you didn't already know, Envy Events offers a complete line of personalized favors, bridal party gifts, & wedding day accessories. We have many styles for you to choose from - dramatic, romantic, contemporary - you name it. FYI: This isn't a service that we offer to just anyone. Because we take such a customized approach to the process, we usually only extend our services to our current clients.

Here's how it works by default: we get together and help you to become familiar with the many options & products available to you. Then, you get to make the decision on (as the ultimate decision maker!) what works best with the overall theme and budget (always mindful of the bottom line- especially with the economy the way that it is).

The perks to placing an order with us is that you always have someone who is knowledgable and ready to answer (*or find answers to) all of your questions regarding shipment time, font selection, color options, pricing, & quantities needed.

Here's a small display of some of our most requested items. Remember, everything can be ordered blank -or- personalized with your name(s) or monogram (at much less the cost than what similiar companies are offering).

Charger Plates

Charger plates have been our most recent favorite topic of discussion. We're currently expanding our rental inventory and are going to offer different styles of charger plates exclusively for our clients' use. Chargers are a nice addition to any event. They add a touch of formality and show your attention to detail when hosting special events. Your guests will feel like royalty when they show up to your exquisitly decorated event.

Photo Credit: lisarunolfson on flickr

Whether you're going for a soft or more dramamtic look, it can most definitely be achieved by using charger plates with other decor or even standalone.

Photo credit: Grand Tradition Estate on Flickr

Read Me! Confessions of a Bad Wedding Guest

Read on below...

Last month, on a flight to a friend's wedding in Chicago, I sat next to someone even more clueless about weddings than I was: one of my fellow bridesmaids.“I bought these great open-toed sandals,” she cooed. “They match the dress perfectly! How about you?”Hmm, didn't she get the e-mail from the bride insisting we wear closed-toe pumps? Turns out she hadn't gotten her dress altered either ("It'll be fine!"). Plus she'd forgotten to RSVP to some of the wedding-weekend events. And she was shocked to hear that I'd gone to the trouble of preparing a toast for the rehearsal dinner. In short, she was a disaster. But I had to smile. She was just like I used to be.

Before I got engaged last May, I'd broken every rule of wedding thoughtfulness. It wasn't that I didn't care about the bride and groom or that having good manners wasn't important to me. I consider myself a caring friend: I send thank-you notes promptly, I never show up to a housewarming empty-handed. But somehow, the world of proper wedding behavior had eluded meIt wasn't until I started receiving piles of lovely engagement presents (before we'd even decided to have an engagement party) that I realized I should have given some myself. And it wasn't until my own bridal shower, when friends who couldn't attend made sure they still had gifts waiting for me at the hostess' home, that I learned I should've done so, too. I'd actually arrived at one friend's "game theme" shower with a waffle maker. She'd opened it, paused, and politely said, “Well, this will be a lot of fun to play with.”

I never bought off the registry, reasoning that personal gifts like, say, monogrammed robes, were more exciting than china. "What an original idea," brides would write in their thank-you notes. Now, after spending hours selecting items for my own registry, I find myself slightly miffed when guests don't use it. Why do they think I've gone to all that trouble? And that idea that it's acceptable to send gifts up to a year afterward? No one told me that, though technically acceptable, procrastinating until months after the wedding is disappointing for the bride and groom.

Occasionally, I'd forget to send in the response card until the bride's mother followed up. At the time, I didn't see the big deal. After all, I'd told the bride a million times I was coming! Now, after eagerly awaiting the mail each day so I can tear open those little cards and begin table arrangements, I marvel at my thoughtlessness. With the wedding a month away, I can't remember my vows, let alone which friends told me what. And when guests ask to bring dates, I bristle. Our numbers are so tight I couldn't invite some of my cousins. How could I squeeze in someone's new flame? But then I recall how once, days before a wedding I was in, I begged the bride to let me bring my new boyfriend — of six weeks.“Fine,” she snipped. “If it's really that important to you.”I spent the entire wedding locked in his arms, neglecting my bridesmaid duties.

Soon after, the boy was history, but I'm reminded of him and my poor judgment whenever I see the two of us in my friend's wedding photos.Ultimately she got over it; perhaps she'd committed her own faux pas, too, before she was a bride. Or maybe she just preferred to focus on the ways her day was special. I'm mortified by my past behavior, but thankful that this friend and others let it all slide. And now that I'm in their position, I'm trying to do the same. Don't get me wrong:

Having to e-mail guests for their RSVPs makes my blood boil. But I know that someday they'll be brides and grooms themselves and discover that there are actually pretty good reasons behind those wedding rules we've all (cluelessly) broken.

This content was written by Zibby Right and first appeared in Modern Bride magazine. For more weddings information, visit Brides.com

Marriage Licenses

Marriage Licenses by County:

Pierce County

King County

Snohomish CountyPhoto credit: Bethanylee

What You'll Need In Order to Get a Marriage License
By Nina Callaway, About.com
If you're planning to get legally married, there is one thing you mustn't forget – the marriage license. A marriage license is sort of a permit, kind of like a driver's license. It says that you are legally allowed to marry, although obtaining one does not mean that you ARE married. The rules and requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary from state to state and from country to country. To make sure that you have all your ducks in a row, contact your city or town clerk's office who will direct you to the right information. Many towns now have websites with all marriage license requirements spelled out. Some things you will want to know:When: Find out if there is a waiting period, and for how long marriage licenses are valid. You'll likely need to apply in the week or two before your wedding. What documents you'll need: Most states require birth certificates, proof of citizenship and/or residence, and a driver's license or other photo id. If you have been widowed or divorced, you should bring along a copy of the death certificate or divorce decree. Fees and how to pay them If there is a fee, you'll probably need to pay it with a money order or cashier's check, although some states are cash only. Is a blood test required? Some states still ask for a blood test. If you are having a destination wedding, or getting married in a state other than where you live, you'll also want to find out about residency requirements (how long you must be in the county before you can apply).

Vendors, Vendors, and more Vendors!

One of the toughest things -when it comes to planning an exquisite event, is finding reliable vendors - who will do exactly as they promise, and do it all with a smile. Just because you will be paying them doesn't mean they will provide the best customer service and follow through on all the little details. Let's face it, the small details are what make the event! So therefore, screening your vendors is going to be the most time consuming, and sometimes not so pleasant part of the planning process. Our motto is: we trust that vendors we have worked with will deliver. Time and again, they've proved to be the best of the best...which is why we continue to refer clients their way...
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Please contact us to discuss the many options available to you when hiring your special event vendors. We have done the searching and screening and can help you to negotiate your contract so that you are only charged for services you feel you really need. Enhancement and enjoyment are favorite words of ours, let us help you take full advantage of what our vendors have to offer!

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If you like, here are links to some local planning resources that may help the DIY planner. We suggest that if you have any questions or are at all unsure about the performance of a vendor, call a professional (*like Envy Events*) and trust your gut instinct. If you have to call more than once for a price quote - the lack of accountability will probably show it's ugly face again later on down the road. Anyhow, happy hunting! Remember, we're here to help if you're ever feeling uncertain.

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Wedding Wire is a great resource site. They have attractive wedding website templates, that don't look outdated or like every other free wedding website. Their rating system will also help you to form your opinion of whether or not to contact a vendor. There are a lot of great vendors that have profiles on this site and whose clients provide ratings...both good and bad!

Who hasn't heard of the knot.com? They are the ultimate iconic wedding resource! I especially appreciate the wedding bulletin boards -they are very useful...post your questions and instantly receive feedback from other bride and grooms to be!

And last but not least:

Photographer Must-Take Pics

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

PHOTOGRAPHY: A BLOG ON "MUST-TAKE" WEDDING DAY PICTURES



It's always a good idea to bring along some ideas to show potential photographers what you have in mind for the style of wedding day imagery that you most adore. Here are a few images I've found that I think are creative, fun ways to capture your special day.

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TIPS:

Smile, have fun and be natural!

Think different! A different pose makes taking pictures more fun for everyone involved!

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The shoes, clutch and bouquet shot. Sometimes the smaller things become forgotten, but not if you remember to tell your photographer to get this shot.

The wedding dress and veil: A neutral backdrop works best. Anything that will take away from the simple yet elegant beauty of the wedding dress is a no-no.

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

Be sure to ask for photos of the bride in her dress, with a view from the backside. Most pictures are taken with full frontal or side views, and this shot can unfortunately go overlooked.

Don't forget the bridesmaids dresses! And you might as well take as many pictures of those beautiful bouquets as well!
The ceremony before all the excitement begins:

Your bridal party spends a lot of time and effort in support and helping you to prepare for your special day. Make sure your photographer knows to take lots of photos of them as well.

The bride and groom exchanging vows and holding hands from afar:

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

A close-up of a kiss underneath the veil will make for a special photo that you will surely cherish forever.

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

Bride and groom out of focus with the bridal bouquet up close:
Most of the time the couple will be too busy to witness the beauty of their months of effort and planning to pull off the perfect reception, so it's a good idea to ask of photos of the decor and setup before the guests arrive.

Table centerpieces up close:

Your place cards...

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

Let's not forget the champagne/cider toast. If your wait staff will be serving butler style, a perfect kodak moment has presented itself.

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography

The first bite of that delicious wedding cake:

Photo credit: iStockphoto, stock photography