Will You...

The holidays are a very popular time for popping the big question. It makes good sense really. If you live far from family and friends, chances are a visit will be happening so that you can celebrate the good news with loved ones.

****************

I became engaged on Christmas. My husband did not do anything too crazy, but much to my surprise, planned a simple and meaningful proposal. And that is what matters most...that it is meaningful. Here's a peek into my engagement story:

We spent the morning together and we each had a few gifts for the other. I cannot remember what I got him (probably something lame...I am a horrible gift-picker-outer!). He gave me a new camera. Together we read the directions and put the film in (back in the days of film). Once it was up and running I opened my other present, while he practiced with the camera. All the while I opened this big ginormous box, he snapped away. Of course inside was an engagement ring! He was was sly with that camera gift - we have all the moments and memories of me owning my ring box on film! Tricky!

I will admit I made my hubby stop by the store on the way to my parents house on Christmas Day so I could purchase a bridal magazine or two.

****************

It is a busy time too on so many levels. I have seen many a bride jump straight into her planning. I have actually received phone calls (messages) on Christmas from the newly engaged asking to schedule an appointment. Now, that is quick!

Take some time...revel in the excitement of being engaged...enjoy the family and friends and love that is in the air. And rest up and read up...come January competition is stiff for vendors and locales.

So, tell me about your engagement.

When was it? Was it romantic?

Were you a crazy-excited bride like me?

How soon did you start planning?

See ya soon!

Great Ideas for Your Wedding!

I am always thrilled when I find something fun and new to do at a wedding, especially when it is a detail that brings even more meaning to an already wonderful occasion. Here are a couple of idea I ran across that are fabulous and have so much potential to work with so many weddings.

Jenny at Simcoe Street had a great idea for her wedding too!

Check out what she created for her wedding guest book table.

"What we did was get wedding photos of as many of our guests as we could - our aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, grandparents, parents and friends. Sometimes this meant calling the kids of our parents' friends and asking them to secretly scan and email us the pic. For a lot of them, our Moms had copies of pictures that we made copies of and used. Everyone was completely surprised by this, and it was fun to show weddings of all styles and decades and highlight the amazing tradition of weddings."

This idea is fun and what a great way to celebrate marriage!

************************

First, from Restoring Tracey, inspired ideas from a DIY Wedding.
I am particularly fond of the ladder used as a display...FAB idea!

Thanks ladies for the amazing ideas and inspiration!

This is Going to Cost You! The Budget

Over the last several years, "big" weddings have become hugely popular for brides and big business for wedding vendors. During this time, a slew of "urban legends for wedding planning" have sprung up. Many brides get caught up in these myths as they seem simple enough and, on the surface, sometimes even logical. Don't be fooled. Dispelling the unfortunately too common fallacies of wedding planning will help you avoid disappointment and disaster. No one ever said planning a wedding was easy.

 MYTH: I know exactly what it takes to pull off a wedding, and I will not go over budget.

TRUTH: There is a good chance you probably will. Many brides "forget" to include some necessary expenses and/or incur additional costs at the last minute. Some brides also "fall in love" with certain items and must have them whether or not they were originally budgeted for. Work with a trusted professional wedding planner to detail out a budget for you based on your needs. Professional planners deal with budgets all of the time and know what costs are involved in a wedding.

As a final precaution, take 5-10% off of your budget total and hold it back for those unexpected expenses - if you need it, it will not push you over the edge, and if you don't you will have some extra cash for the honeymoon (or bank account!).

Happy Planning!

DIY...Tattooed Fruit and Pumpkins

I always am trying to think of new ideas for
weddings, home decor, crafts...life!

When I was asked to do a giveaway
for Silhouette products at 504 Main! 

giveaway--CLOSED

I was thrilled and when I received their Tattoo Paper!

My mind went crazy with ideas.

I wanted to try something new!

{at least I have not seen this before}

Tattooed Fruit and Pumpkins!

You can create your own designs and really do something special and unique!

Amazing Centerpieces

 

Table number, place cards, or just a special detail!

 

How excited am I!!!!

I did all of this WITH SCISSORS AND AN EXACTO KNIFE. 

NO MACHINE NECESSARY to use these cool products!

Here's what you need:

You just need the Silhouette Tattoo Paper and some fruit or a pumpkin.

Now,I discovers that the bumpier the object {like all those ridges on a pumpkin} the trickier it is to get it to stick...but it is just a learning curve...after a try or two...I got it!

The pumpkins were more challenging than the pears because the pears were smoother.
My images are from The Graphics Fairy.

Here's what to do:
Just decide on a design, print it out using your computer and printer, apply the adhesive, cut out - with your scissors, apply to the surface!
DONE and quick!
And these are the easiest to apply tattoos I have ever tried!

I did a tablescape that I will be showing off on Thursday at 504 Main!
  ***************************************************************

I was supplied with a product bundle from Silhouette to review and try out for this giveaway. Read my disclosure HERE.

Who Are All These People? Wedding Planners and Location Managers

There seems to be a never ending list of myths

when it comes to wedding planning...

well, let's start talking about the reality!

MYTH: I do not need a wedding planner. The location/venue/catering manager will help me.

TRUTH: Simply speaking, a location manager is not the same as a wedding planner. The location manager works for the venue and the wedding planner works for you! The three of you (+ the groom) should work together to ensure your wedding runs smoothly.

That said, it works differently at all locations, so you cannot make assumptions. There are venues where the location managers (sometimes called a catering or site manager) will work closely with you on all details from the moment you book the location until you leave the reception as husband and wife, offering vendors referrals, advice, and suggestions to assist you. Still, some venues work with a more hands-off approach, assisting you with details related to the venue (pricing, menu, times) and nothing more. In many instances, the location manager is onsite for the beginning of your wedding to ensure everything is ready to go but may leave sometime after the reception begins, leaving you in the hands of the banquet captain.

A wedding planner works independently of the venue and is hired by you, to be your advocate. Now, depending on what services you hire a wedding planner for, she can be available to accompany you on appointments, taste menus, assemble invitations, run errands, or to simply manage the wedding day. (Check back later in the week for the skinny on the different types of wedding planning services!)

So, don't get the services and responsibilities of wedding planners and location managers confused. Lastly, don't be surprised...ask questions, specific questions. Be sure you understand the extent of the assistance your location manager offers.

Happy Planning!

P.S. I always recommend the services of a professional wedding planner. 

Happily Ever After Sign

I created this chic sign that can be used at the wedding...how fabulous would it be hanging on a garden gate for the guests to see as they exit, at the end of the aisle, or even as part of the couple's dining table decor...so many possibilities!

The sign could absolutely be customized with the wedding colors, a wedding date or the couple's names too. Oh yeah...I think this sign turned out pretty cute...so why not add different vinyl lettering for any occasion!

Supplies

Click HERE for a full pdf

1 wood board. I used a 6x1 cut to X" long

Design Diva vinyl lettering #1204

Decoart American Acrylic, white

Decoart Enamel, Black

Decoart Stencil Paint, Grey

Cutting Edge Stencil Brush Set

Cutting Edge Wall Art Stencil, Birds on a Branch

Dremel Multi-Max

Rockler Deft Wood Finish Semi-Gloss

DISChangers

Ribbon (optional)

Go check out The DIY Club for the full tutorial.

And visit 504 Main for more DIYing!

Simple Advice: Rehearsal Dinner

I am feeling very nostalgic today - it is my anniversary {you can read all about that craziness HERE}. I was thinking about all that happened before and during and after my wedding. I thought I would share some great advice with you.

Rehearsal Day for many couples. It is a crazy exciting day that is packed with emotions. If you are reading this and you are not yet married, let me tell you, you cannot even imagine the little (and sometimes big) "tiffs" I have seen between bride and groom on rehearsal day.

Why? As a bride (or groom), you have been working and planning to make this day perfect, and as the day approaches you are surrounded by family and friends, attending bridesmaids lunches and rehearsals, attending to all those last minute details...and probably have not seen a whole lot of your fiance...remember him, the man this is all for?

When I was a (crazy) bride, my Matron of Honor gave me the best advice ever - advice I passed on to the many brides I worked with over the years - spend some time with your man! You can make time for the manicurist...make time for the man! Even if all you can swing is driving with your fiance - and only your fiance - to the rehearsal dinner, do it!

Happy Planning!