I'm in good company

I'm not the only one who thinks a bachelorette party should be reasonable, realistic and FUN!  Check out Palindrome Bride's post today here - love it!

P.S. That was a lazy excuse for a post, yes? :)
share on: facebook

Monday Meals - Wedding Edition

As you can all figure out based on my recent posts, I attended my dear friend's wedding last weekend.  It was a beautiful affair, bursting with love and happiness!  That sounds totally cliche but it's totally true.  Their food was to die for...especially noteworthy since it was transported to the venue after being prepared at a local synagogue.  And I give you the meal:

Appetizers: Various stations themed around the couple's travel - China, Japan and others.  My favorite was the duck pancake with hoisin and chicken satay (I may have snagged one as the bridal party took the wayward route into cocktail hour...hey, I was hungry!)

Salad: Bibb lettuce topped with tomatoes, corn, soybeans in a cool vinaigrette

Main Course: Prime rib service with orzo with spinach and summer veggies - check out that hunk of meat!!!  We clearly did not go hungry...

Dessert: Chocolate wedding cake with oreo icing (delicious!), chocolate covered strawberries and citrus sorbet

P.S. I know it's not Monday...
share on: facebook

Eureka, Happy Bridesmaids!

A follow-up to Tuesday's post.  Here I'll share a few thoughts on how to be bride of the year and keep your bridal party happy.  And I'll speak to a few things I wish I had done differently...

The dress: Yes, I know bridesmaids dresses are grossly overpriced and it's not your fault. You didn't create the overpriced wedding industry, blah blah blah. All of these things are true, but there are ways to avoid asking your gals to shell out $300 for a dress. Price check - the internet can be a great source to compare. Buy in a state without sales tax (if you can). My Mom was able to do this for our wedding as a NH state resident and it saved everyone about $20. Ship them direct to the girls. When you receive the dresses, send them direct to the gals so they can get any alterations required and save them the shipping cost.

Insanity is not a virtue:  I think this is self explanatory.  No one likes a bridezilla.  If bridezilla takes over, make a phone call and apologize.

Flexibility is a virtue: For accessories like shoes and jewelry, it's nice to let girls select their own, within reason.  Give them a guideline.  For example, black shoes or small stud earrings like pearls or diamonds.  As a bridesmaid, it helps to have guidance and if given some flexibility, girls may already have these items in their closet.  And does it really matter if everyone has the same Nine West gold strappy sandals?  A little flair and diversity is a good thing.

No contracts, please: We've all heard the urban legends about brides who asked each bridesmaid to sign a contract saying they wouldn't gain weight, get weird tan lines or complain about a hefty price tag for a destination bachelorette party. I will only say this - don't be that girl.

Beautify: If there will be hair, make-up and/or nails on the wedding day or leading up to the wedding day, let your girls know.  I feel strongly that if you want everyone to have professional hair and make-up, the bride pays for it.  It's not fair to require people to have professional beautification at their personal expense.  It's also fun to have a few make-up "artists" within the bridal party to help everyone get ready.  And between everyone's make-up bags, you probably have a wide variety of products and colors.  A word of caution - the wedding day is not the best day to try out neon blue eye shadow!

Prioritize: If given the opportunity, it's totally ok to let your gal pals know priority of specific events and what are most important to you. Maybe you don't care about the bridal shower being thrown by your aunt, but really want a full house for the bachelorette party or bridesmaids luncheon. In a kind, tactful way, you can make these priorities known. Just don't go bridezilla if the girls have extenuating circumstances that preclude their attendance.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Above all else, respect your friends and family members. Most likely they all have jobs, family and friends and each of these comes with commitments. They may not be able to go to every single shower, but cut them some slack if they can't fly across the country twice for bridal showers.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that these girls are your best buds and family members and having their love and support throughout your engagement, wedding day and newleywed-bliss is what really matters.

*Photo of Grace Kelly's wedding party courtesy of fashion-era.
share on: facebook

bride of the year

This upcoming weekend is pretty much the creme-de-la-creme of my summer.  My dear dear friend mentioned here and here is getting married.  I am beyond excited for the wedding and even more excited to fulfill my bridesmaid-y duties.  Sounds like an oxymoron, huh?  Well ladies, especially those of you who are soon to be Mrs., pay attention.  This gal put on her a-game when she picked her gaggle and furthermore, made our lives very, very easy.  As a bride, this is a great thing to do - after all these are your best gal pals and you don't want to make them miserable.  In theory, you want your wedding party to be flawlessly gorgeous in photos, for strangers to gush over your exquisite taste and for everyone to feel as happy as they look.  So I'd like to present to you the bride of the year for making my life as a bridesmaid immeasurably easy!!

Exhibit 1: The dress was cheap.  Well cheap for a bridesmaid dress....as in under $150.  And it's something I would actually re-wear (gasp)!

Exhibit 2: The dress is flattering...on all 5 of us!  It's a long, black a-line dress with a sash.  Sashes make waists look tiny and a-lines flatter all body types.  And um hello, it's black - need I say more.  Everybody wins.

Exhibit 3: The bachelorette party was manageable.  It wasn't over the top and no one lost the farm to finance it.

Exhibit 4: There weren't excessive time commitments....we weren't required to attend 3 bridal showers and whatnot.

Exhibit 5: She's having a luncheon for us at a local restaurant that specializes in afternoon tea!  How fun is that?!

Exhibit 6: We get to wear our own shoes!  That means we get to pick the style and heel height, both usually pretty personal choices...especially for those of us with hard-to-fit-wide-width feet.

In tomorrow's post, a few tips for those brides who are totally stressed, strugglin' or just plain confused on what to do with her bridesmaids!

*Photo courtesy of the Austin Chronicle.
share on: facebook

Bachelorette Basics

Most of what I post on this blog has a lot to do with what's going on in my daily life.  I mean, let's be honest, my day-to-day routine isn't all that inspiring so when something is a bit more fun, it usually graces the pages of this site.  Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing a girl's weekend in honor of a very dear friend getting married next month.  I've known this girl since I was 14 years old.  We have shared so many memories together - college acceptances, high school boyfriends, collegiate adventures, first jobs and engagements.  And now I am beyond excited to stand by her as she is married to the man of her dreams.  But before she could walk down the aisle, we wanted to celebrate our dear friend with a bangin' bachelorette party!  We had a wonderful weekend on Long Island and it was just what she wanted.  And in the world of weddings with ever-expanding responsibilities, budgets and expectations, the bachelorette party can be tricky.  I've figured out a few things having helped throw two for good friends.

Know your pal: There's nothing worse than ordering a stripper for a conservative gal or bringing all beer to a wine-o's party.  If you're in the wedding, you have every right to delicately ask your friend what type of fete she would enjoy.  Maybe it's a rager on a club floor in Vegas or a low key weekend at a rented house on Long Island, but knowing this will definitely help ensure your party is a hit!

Location, location, location: While some may be able to jet across the country, Atlantic or Southern hemisphere for a long weekend, most are typically not afforded this luxury with time or the finances to back it.  And you don't have to go to Vegas or the DR to have a good time.  Pick a location that's attainable for the group.  In most cases, it's nice if a large percentage of the group doesn't need to fly to said location; in some cases it may be unavoidable though.

Don't break the bank: Unless the attendees all have large amounts of disposable income, which let's be honest, isn't all that common for a group of twenty-something women, it's smart to keep the budget under control.  A few splurges - maybe a limo or a private vineyard tour are great, but the whole celebration doesn't have to be about caviar and Dom Perignon.  It's smart to have a caucus with the group of planners (typically bridesmaids) to agree on a reasonable budget for the group.  Maybe its $300 and maybe its $1000.  Just pick something and stick with it.  Oh, it helps to communicate this tactfully to the attendees so they know what to expect.

Track it:  The ether is a perfect way to keep track of any logistics or aspects of planning.  Google docs is a great tool - you can keep track of things like attendees, contact info, transportation plans for all guests, ideas for favors, flowers and menus.

It's about her:  The number one thing to keep in mind is this is her celebration, not yours.  If she loves wineries and you're more of a beer and pretzels kinda girl, go with the flow and revel in her obsession with cabernets and pinots.  She may be a wild child or she may be more into a phallic-free celebration - just keep her wishes in the back of your mind as you are planning and reveling in girly fun times.

Seeing her light up with happiness, celebrating with her besties is all that any gal needs to enjoy this time!  Not to mention it's a great opportunity to meet some other friends attending the wedding.  No need to endlessly embarrass her; this isn't sorority hazing, it's a celebration of girlfriends so raise your glass in a toast to your friend, smile and have fun!
share on: facebook

Shower power

It's that time of year!  No, not tax season (although the IRS deadline is looming), it's bridal shower season!  With summer and fall weddings in vogue these days, many bridal showers happen in the spring.  And there is something quite special about spending time with a glowing bride!  I'm a huge fan of selecting items off a couple's registry for wedding and shower gifts but I also love to add a personal touch.  So if you're struggling for ideas for a friend, co-worker or family member, see below for some of my favorites - some, fun and personal, and some, likely on a registry somewhere.

Clockwise from bottom left: Apron from Boojiboo on etsy, Emma pitcher from Pottery Barn at $35, Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast - Weeknight cookbook at $18, Microplane Paddle Grater from Williams-Sonoma at $17, Lenox Ice Bucket from Macys at $54, Bride and Groom Cookbook from Amazon at $23, Personalized Recipe Cards from LittleBeaneBoutique on etsy at $12, Kitchenaid 4-piece utensil set from Target at $24.49, Kitchen Hand Soap from Bath and Body Works at $4.50, Cupcake Winery Cabernet Sauvignon at about $12, Monogrammable pillow from Pottery Barn at $19, "I do" frame from Pottery Barn at $20.

I love the idea of a subtly themed gift or gifts that coordinate.  Recipe cards or an apron pair lovely with kitchen gadgets or accessories.  A cookbook is perfect for a friend learning to cook or who already loves to cook.  A bottle of wine or pretty wine stopper is perfect with a set of wine glasses.  Sprinkles or a cupcake cookbook are wonderful for a gal with a penchant for sweets or baking.

How do you add some pizazz or flair to bridal shower gifts?
share on: facebook

Hints for the Bride (and Groom) - Planning

Wedding season is right around the corner.  As we had dinner with our favorite engaged couple recently, they prompted me to share some of my "wisdom" on the blog.  And lucky for you, I nicely decided to oblige.  A few areas in which I offered (un)solicited advice to them...

First Dance: Keep it short, unless you like the stage.  You've already had a lot of all-eyes-on-you attention during your ceremony.  Still want more?  Pick a long song and choreograph your dance.  My hubs and I opted for a different route and selected a short song, because trust me (us), it feels like an eternity!  If you are set on a song that normally runs at 5 minutes, ask your band to edit to a shorter length or invite the wedding party on the dancefloor after you've had your fun in the spotlight.

Details: There's an old quote about not sweating the small stuff...well, brides, in wedding planning, it's all about small stuff, aka details.  Picking your vendors is the easy part.  Then you hit the stage where the vendors and timing and everything else must come together seamlessly.  In this area, get help!  Ask your family, bridesmaids, friends, heck even strangers, for help.  Maybe a friend has already been married and can help you with your timeline.  Maybe your Mom's best friend is an interior decorator and can help you with ideas to bring your "look" together at the reception.  People love to offer advice and help - just ask!

Dessert: Almost every wedding that I have attended has offered an additional option for dessert - cookies, pastries, ice cream sundae bar, sorbet, etc.  I am a dessert lover and more often than not, I've passed on the option because I was enjoying a cocktail or dancing.    If your catering package includes it, go for it.  No need to pay extra for an "additional" dessert besides your cake...unless your cake is just for photos and not for eating...in which case, why do you have a cake to taunt people?!

Interested in more advice from a past-bride?  Email me at pthomemaker@gmail.com.  You know how I love to offer advice!!
share on: facebook

You can always get what you want...Part Two

In a continuation of yesterday's post here, I'm offering a list my favorite registry items.

Christine's Top 20 Registry Items:

1. China - It's expensive and people want to buy it for you...especially your grandmother! Plus, you won't want to fork over a minimum of $1000 for china in 3 years when you decide you actually have a place for it and will use it.

2. Everyday dishes - For goodness sakes, give up the random assortment of plates you gathered during college. Make sure you scan some coordinating serving dishes as well - bowl, platter, sugar, creamer, butter dish, etc.

3. Silverware - Pick out a set that will stand the test of time with your home decor tastes. Make sure you get a set of serving utensils that match!

4. Linens - Ours even included our new monogram (altogether now...awww).

5. Kitchenaid Mixer - A staple for any gal (or guy) who wants to bake.

6. Wine glasses - Get at least 12 of each, red and white...flutes if you want to be really well outfitted. Some like to get specific wine glasses like chardonnay, riesling, etc but we were pleased with basic red and white glasses.

7. Lamps - This seems sort of silly, but nice lamps can add a lot to a room. Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware have some pretty neat options.

8. Towels - Again, get rid of the thread-bare rags you used in college and pick up a few sets that coordinate with your bathroom(s). There are some really nice quality, soft options that aren't terribly expensive and Macys and other department stores.

9. Pots and pans - Another somewhat pricey item, but picking out high quality cookware will make dinnertime much, much easier. Make sure you get a few different sizes for sauce pans, saute pans and frying pans. I recommend the Stainless Steel Calphalon set.

10. Pretty photo frames - Pick out some fab frames for your future fab wedding photos!

11. Baking pans - Cake pans, loaf pans, baking sheets and cookie sheets will help all your baking endeavors be a success. You can find inexpensive options at many stores from Target to Williams-Sonoma.

12. Knives - If you don't have good knives, these are an absolute must. And they don't have to break the bank. Both Wusthof and Henckels have sets at various price points. And some places will let you register for each knife individually so they're more affordable for the gift giver.

13. Wooden Cutting Board - First of all, they're just prettier than plastic kinds. And they keep your knives sharper longer.

14. Cookbooks - No, you don't have to register for the Bride and Groom varieties, but there are some great books that will make weeknight cooking quick and simple...and tasty! Check out Williams-Sonoma's weeknight collection, for some nice options.

15. Blender- For all your frozen libations...or smoothies.

16. Wine/Beer - For those that have everything. Seriously, you can make a wish list at Wine.com or other sites for your guests to peruse.

17. Kitchen Tools - Garlic press, pizza cutter, new spoons and spatulas, meat thermometer, etc. Upgrade or get rid of the crummy ones you have and pick some durable goods. Oxo has lots of awesome kitchen tools, available at many stores like Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond and Williams-Sonoma.

18. Bar Tools - Get yourself a nice ice bucket, shaker and set of bar tools. Your husband-to-be will enjoy the process of selecting these, as well!

19. Vases - This was my one opportunity to get rid of all the freebies (not that they're bad!) from 1-800-Flowers and get some nicer options.

20. Toaster Oven - I like the combo option because you can bake small dinners or appetizers without having to pre-heat your oven.

P.S. Word to the wise - don't use the registry lists that each store gives to you. Unless your newlywed pad is 3000 square feet, you'll have to rent a storage unit with all the items they suggest!

*Photos courtesy of Bloomingdale's, Williams-Sonoma and Bed Bath and Beyond.

Related Posts: Going to the Chapel, Smitten with my Kitchen Gadgets.

share on: facebook

You can always get what you want...Part One

I'm definitely in that phase of life where everyone seems to be getting married. Exhibit A: 5 weddings this year. Exhibit B: 2 weddings already on the books for summer 2010. And in an effort to help those gals (and guys) who are simply overwhelmed with many aspects of wedding planning, I can help in one area - your registry. This is your one opportunity to put together an insane wish list to get you and your new spouse off on the right path with a well-outfitted home. And while it's tempting to register at every one of your favorite stores, here are a few hints that will help you navigate the wedding registry chaos and find affordable items you need to get going on your married life!

1. Limit yourself to 3-4 stores. No one wants to look through 6 or 7 registries online. Plus, it doesn't exactly present you as the gracious, appreciative bride that you really are!

2. Go national. Your favorite boutique in town may have all you need, but people that live 500 miles away will be grateful that you've picked Macy's, Target or Pottery Barn.

3. Pick stores that offer something different. You may find that one store has beautiful home
decor to outfit your bedroom, bathroom and living room ad another store that has phenomenal kitchen supplies. Like your financial advisor says, diversify.

4. Hit all price points - under $25, $25-$75, $100+, $200+. Once you've done a first pass with the scanner, take a look at the prices to ensure you have a wide range to suit all of your guests' budgets.

5. Do it together! After all, this is about building a wish list for your new home together. Be sure there are a few things the groom is excited about...after all many of the registry items are female-oriented.

*Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.
Related Posts: Whats in a venue?, Wedding Etiquette for the Bride and Groom.
share on: facebook

What's in a venue?

I've already mentioned that several of my nearest and dearest have become engaged this summer. And being that I've been through the wonderful (and sometimes stressful!) process of planning a wedding, I decided that I would post some tips and share some lessons learned from my experiences. And I'm lucky enough to be able to accompany my aforementioned friend while she looks at venues for her wedding this weekend - woo! A few key questions and topics of conversation for all of you brides-to-be.

Facility Basics

What are rental hours for evening receptions?

Does the venue have sufficient bathroom and coat check facilities?

Logistics

Where will you take photographs? Are there picturesque locations nearby or at the facility?

Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?
How and how long will it take your guests to get there? Is the facility easily accessible from the site of the ceremony?
What are various configurations for the room?

Financials

What's the cancellation policy?

Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)

Cost for cake cutting?

Corkage fees?

What are the overtime charges?

Food and Drink

Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?
Do they have a liquor license? What are bar options? Wine? Beer? Liquor? What are costs for each? Are upgrades or substitutions possible? Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)
What are menu options for buffet and sit down? Can modifications be made to the standard menu?

Entertainment
Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?
Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?

Decorations
What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?
Are candles or other open flames allowed?
Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?
What linens are included in the basic rental fee? Are there additional colors?
What chairs are included in the basic rental fee? Are there additional options?

*Photo courtesy of Cavalier Hotel.

Related Posts: Going to the Chapel, Be our (wedding) guest, Best wishes to my best buddy.

share on: facebook

Best wishes to my best buddy!

You know how some people are just meant to be together? Doesn't it make you feel warm inside when things work out for them...like when of your bestest friends calls you all giddy like and you know it can only mean one thing? Like, the BF proposed and she said yes!!! I received a call...ok a phone call and then a text message... from one of my bestest friends from high school while my hubs and I were on vacation with wonderful news that her boyfriend had proposed. I couldn't be happier for her and her dear fiancee; they are wonderful people and even more wonderful together! And I was even more thrilled that she asked me to be a bridesmaid on the spot - nothing like a gal who knows what she wants! :)

I can't wait to celebrate their upcoming nuptials (hopefully soon!). And to give you an idea of what this girl means to me, check out this stream of priceless photos from the day of my own nuptials, where she gladly stood at the alter with me as one of my MOH's.

I've known this gal since I was 14 years old (seventh grade) and she was just one of those awesome people who made me feel welcome at a new middle school in Virginia. Remember those days? Kids were pretty brutal to each other! But Rach was one of those who stood out - asking me to have lunch with her and her gal pals on my 2nd day of school, inviting me to sit with her in French class where we would later become separated because we talked too much in class, inviting me over to her house on a Friday night (I even remember what she was wearing - Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt). I wouldn't have survived middle school, high school, college or post-college days without her. Best wishes and congrats, Rach and Sammy! :) We love you guys so much!!

Related Posts: Going to the Chapel, Congratulations are in order, Be our (wedding) guest.

share on: facebook

Be our (wedding) guest

In honor of my friend Jamie's wedding this weekend (yay!), I thought I would post a few of my favorite tips regarding wedding guest etiquette. Note that in my world, these are not just tips, but rules to live by!

1. Don't ever even think about being late for the ceremony. This is one of those rare occasions where no one (really no one!) will approve of you spending an extra 5 minutes curling your hair, making you late. However, if you do spend those extra 5 minutes on your hair, please wait until after the processional has entered the church or ceremony area and slip in a side door and grab a seat at the back - don't make a scene and draw attention away from the bride.
2. What are the bride and groom supposed to do with 30 huge boxes of glassware and china and linens after their wedding? Yes, I know it may be the custom in some parts of the country to bring gifts to the wedding, but spend $10 to mail it to them. Trust me, they'll appreciate it (and so will their parents, aunts, or uncles who will have to otherwise tote all of these gifts on their behalf)!
3. Make sure you sign the guestbook. The bride and groom will be so pleased to have well wishes from all in attendance. I was pretty bummed that only about 20% of our guests signed our book.
4. This is not like 50 cent beer night in college - more beers are not necessarily better at a wedding. Yes there may be an open bar, but enjoy with some moderation and respect for the occasion. In other words, don't be the guy everyone is talking about the next morning. And you'll thank me when you have a 4 hour layover on your way home - no one wants to hang out in an airport while hungover.
5. Always compliment the bride and groom on their beauty, grace and blissful newlywed happiness. Trust me, it doesn't get old.

Related Posts: Wedding Etiquette for Bride and Groom, A gift for the hostess with the mostess, Sunday afternoon with Emily Post.

share on: facebook

Going to the Chapel

My dear darling bride-to-be cousin is soon to be dress shopping for the dress...that's her wedding dress for those few men who actually read this. She recently sent me an email asking for some advice and ideas. Having been through this fun, but extremely overwhelming experience about two years ago, I have a few tips for Cynthia and for other brides looking for the perfect wedding day duds.

1. Make an appointment! Most bridal salons require it, particularly for weekends.
2 Look through bridal magazines before you go. This way, you'll have an idea of what you like when you arrive at the bridal salon. Bonus points for tearing out pages to show to your bridal consultant.
3. Know your budget and don't hesitate to be firm when being offered dresses that don't meet it.
4. Bring your nearest and dearest. This is a special occasion and it's nice to have your fondest family and friends in tow. My Mother and 3 bridesmaids accompanied me on our whirlwind bridal and bridesmaid dress shopping weekend.
5. Wear comfortable undergarments that won't make you blush if your mother, grandmother, friends, bridal consultant and 10 other brides in the salon see as you parade around trying on dress after dress!
6. Bring a strapless bra.
7. Know the timing and season for your wedding. For a summer wedding, you probably won't want a heavy fabric and likewise, for a January wedding, chiffon just won't do.
8. If you find a designer that you love, look for locations when they may be hosting a trunk show. You can usually find discounts from 10-15% which can be substantial when looking at a pricey dress.
9. Try on different accessories if you find a few dresses between which you cannot decide. A veil, crinolin or necklace might make your decision for you.
10. Keep an open mind. You never know...that the beaded mermaid cut your maid of honor picks might turn out to be drop dead gorgeous on you!
share on: facebook

An industrial celebration of sorts

We spent the weekend in Waltham, Massachusetts (about 15 miles from Boston) for the wedding of a dear friend of mine from college. This was one of the coolest and most unique weddings that we have attended. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Charles River Museum of Industry in Waltham. I sort of expected that we might see a brief glimpse of the museum content, but would be in some sort of function room for the fete. Boy, was I wrong! The cocktail hour was actually in one of the rooms with old looms and textile machines; the entire space was exposed brick with old, concrete floors from the original building when it was used as a factory. We walked through a portion of the museum on our way to the ceremony. It was such a unique place and I was envious that the couple found such a picturesque location for their special day.

The other aspect of their wedding which I loved was the incredibly personal and intimate atmosphere. From the ceremony to the toasts, the wedding just oozed of the couple's personalities - it sort of defies words and is tough for me to explain in a meager blog post. The officiant obviously knew the couple extraordinarily well (she has known my friend since she was 2!!) and spoke about each of them beautifully. She even included a few high points from their '25 random things about me' that each had posted to Facebook - how modern and chic! The best man brought down the house with his toast which included singing and speaking; it was incredible! And the dance floor was packed all night long; this was truly a rockin party!

Check out their escort cards - a multi-color lollipop tied with a card showing our table, which was named after their darling dog.

It was a beautiful celebration for a dear friend and we were so blessed to be able to celebrate with them! I know they will have an amazing time on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.

*Photos of museum courtesy of Charles River Museum of Industry.

share on: facebook

Congratulations are in order...

...for my cousin Cynthia! She and her boyfriend, Brian, became engaged on Wednesday!!! I am so incredibly happy for them. As I told her, I have been awaiting this phone call for months (ok, years now)! And since I don't have any sisters of my own (or brothers for that matter), C is like a sister to me.

My dear, darling cousin and I last summer during some of our wedding festivities.

I'm really excited to celebrate with her and even more excited to chat with her all about wedding planning! I swore it off pretty quickly after our wedding was over, but now that a year has passed, I will be anxious to provide words of wisdom and thumb through bridal magazines once again. Some of my favorite resources when we planned our wedding were Wedding Bee, etsy and Emily Post. I found the best magazines to be Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot magazine and Modern Wedding Flowers. And of course, being the organizational finatic that I am, I created a custom binder with tabs for all topics (dress, flowers, cake, reception, church, transportaion, bridesmaids, groomsmen, accomodations, etc) - it was my Bible for 10 months.

Best wishes, cousin - you will be a perfect bride!

share on: facebook

Raising, I mean Stocking, the Bar

This weekend, my in-laws, and hubs and I co-hosted a Stock the Bar party for his cousin and bride-to-be. My husband and I were in charge of the party inspiration, invitation and bar stocking (for the party, not the future Mr. and Mrs.). Lucky for all of us, my hubs is a talented graphic designer and put together a gorgeous invitation, reminiscent of a wine tasting in a French chateau. Our bar selections for the evening were all encompassing - beer, wine and liquor. I am one of those few gals who actually likes beer and had a great time selecting some unique and summery varieties at the store. Our favorite turned out to be Black Dog Ale - a spontaneous pick in honor of my in-laws two black labs. A few more trips to the liquor store and Trader Joe's for their fabulously cheap wine and we were ready to party!

My mother-in-law, in true form, outdid herself with a gorgeously decorated house and perfectly planned menu. Some of her details included gorgeous flowers in just about every room and her center piece was the coup de gras - in keeping with the party theme, an over sized liquor glass filled with flowers. Think very similar to the photo at left, but more greenery and a liquor glass in stead of the martini glass, but it looked fabulous!

The couple is getting married in Las Vegas this fall, so we included a few nods to their destination wedding theme and location. The guest bathroom was outfitted with playing card themed-guest towels. Cocktail napkins also capitalized on the gambling theme.

Menu
Appetizers: Grilled shrimp with key lime sauce, roasted vegetable pizzas
Main course: Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, Crab cakes with beurre blanc sauce, Scalloped potatoes, Green salad with blue cheese and walnuts, Fresh bread
Dessert: Fruit tarts, Key lime tarts, Macaroons

*Photos courtesy of Brides.com
share on: facebook

Wedding Etiquette for the Bride and Groom

I was enlightened on many proper etiquette practices during the planning of my wedding. Some surprised me and some were commonplace. A few of the surprises:

• It is the obligation of the bride and groom to provide lodging for the wedding party, if they should require lodging for the wedding.
• The groom provides the last toast at the wedding reception by toasting his bride.
• It is the obligation of the groom to finance the bride's bouquet and all boutonnieres.

While these points weren't the main reason for this post, I'm curious to know if anyone else was previously aware of these practices.

A dear friend recently emailed me to decode a wedding request. On the bride and groom's website, they requested 'no boxed gifts' because they were in the midst of a transition year. Her question was simple: "What does this mean; do they only want cash?" I've heard about these requests, but never witnessed them first hand. I can empathize to a certain extent; I too, was young and 'in transition' when I was married. My husband and I probably would have benefited with a more padded savings account than our new bedding, crystal and other frivolities. However, I learned quickly that many guests will select and purchase a gift for the couple that they deem suitable and appropriate. Quite frankly, some people do not believe in giving cash; I've heard this is a strong sentiment in the deep South. I would implore all young couples to avoid these requests at all costs! It appears rude and greedy, no matter how sweet or sugary the request may be. If you don't want boxed gifts, please don't register for a plethora of sizely gifts, but don't make an open request for cash or checks. Here are ways to avoid this social faux-pas.

• The best option of all is to pass along the word to family members; both my mother and mother-in-law were asked many times where I was registered or for a potential gift idea. If family members can provide this information, you can rest assured you won't receive 10 place settings of assorted dishes that you do not want or need.
• Notify your bridemaids of your request. The maid of honor may also receive questions regarding registries or potential gift options, particularly if she is hosting a shower.
• Another trend is a honeymoon 'registry' where guests can provide a donation toward the couple's honeymoon. Not one of my favorites, but it's better than the alternative.
• Make a list of your favorite wines at a site like wine.com and post a link to the list on the wedding website.
• Most of all, be gracious, regardless of the value or type of gift!

share on: facebook