Wedding Planning Made Easy for the DIY (Do-It-Yourselfer)

Planning a wedding takes alot of hours.  For many, it could be the first time planning one of the most important and expensive events.  Central Piedmont Community College has recently added a course to introduce you to exactly what goes into putting it all together.  It's  a great opportunity to ask questions and meet others sharing the same experience. As an instructor I am looking forward to bringing fun and interactive concepts to the agenda.

SLF 7101
January 28 - Central Campus (Uptown)

To Register Visit CPCC website:
 

Event: The Wedding Boutique at The Wadsworth Estate

The Wedding Boutique was held at The Wadsworth Estate on Sunday, October 23rd.  Guests enjoyed intimate private tours of the event space while meeting quality wedding professionals and passed hors douvres by Heaven Sent Catering.  The Carriage House including  tablescapes with design and floral by Event Fantasies. Katie (EF) also spoke to couples about "Creating a Professional Color Pallette" as they were served chilled mimosas. A warm and special thanks to the businesses that participated, partnered, and/or sponsored.

Birdie Buffet
Brelli
Charlotte Premier Bride Magazine
Crumbs Couture
Event Fantasies
First Impression Linens
Ice Sensations
Heaven Sent Catering
Nordstrom  South Park
Perfect Place Setting
Posh Event Firm
Simply Unique
The Bridal House
The Wadsworth Estate
Thirty One Gifts
Three Little Birds

Venue Profile: The Wadsworth Estate

While it's not officially autumn, it's the beginning of what wedding professionals refer to as the kickoff of the "Fall Wedding Season".  We're preparing for an outdoor wedding at The Wadsworth Estate and while cloudy, you cannot ask for more wonderful weather.  The bridal suite is set and the groom with his attendants are sitting back in The Carriage House partaking in pre-wedding refreshments. If you're looking for a unique yet sophisticated venue,  The Wadsworth Estate is a hidden gem just minutes from center city Charlotte. 

 

Inspiration: Purple Romance

There's something about the color purple that expresses romantic, soothing, yet fun.  YUMMY!!

Stationary: Conversation with Royale Amethyst Invitations

With social media and texting now being the primary form of communication, we miss out on the personal touch we feel when a hand written correspondence comes our way. A hand-written note says: "time was taken to write, seal, affix a stamp and mail just so that the person on the receiving end can feel warm".

 Event stationary is the initial impression of what guests expect to experience at your event.  Kisha Kingston, of Royale Amethyst Invitations, has shared some great information with us that we are, in turn, sharing with you. 

Kisha believes that it doesn't get more personal and exclusive than a hand written note. Kisha Kingston, says "that it's not official until it's written on paper". That reminds her that no matter how tech savvy our society may become, stationery and beautiful papers will not disappear.

Q: What are important items to include in an invitation suite?

Your invitation suite should consist of all the details needed to keep your guest informed about your event.

1. Invitation: Detailed information pertaining to the honored guest and the event being hosted.

2. Response Card :: A corresponding addressed and postage paid response envelope should be included.

3. Inserts :: Great for additional information that could not fit on the invitation i.e. Accommodations, Direction Card, Reception Card
 
 

Q: What do you say to those contemplating custom versus print yourself?


Unlike DIY invitations, with custom work you have the confidence in knowing that your invitation/stationery will be designed to fit your preference and prepared by a professional who understands the industry trends and standards.

Your invitation is a very important stationery piece and a lot of detail goes into creating the perfect one. Details include choosing the right invitation style, envelope size, color, paper, invitation wording and print set up.
   
Share as much information as possible with your stationer and designer to allow them to fully absorb the concept.  Kisha's design process is quite simple but detailed. Her main goal is to "design with the client's vision in mind". Because her designs are custom to fit each clients preference, she makes it her duty to gather specific details pertaining to their personal style and their vision for the event.

"What I enjoy most about the design process are the fresh perspectives that are presented to me. Each client is unique in their own way; their vision in addition to my overall concept creates such an amazing piece of work. " 

Kisha Kingston is the Creative Director and Owner of Royale Amethyst Inviations. Kisha's philosophy is making service, quality and creativity the number one priority. "With this combination I wouldn't be able to build relationships with my clients, produce value work as well as capture my client's vision from conception to completion."

Royale Amethyst Invitations is a growing custom stationery company that specializes in designs with the client's vision in mind. In addition to invitations, and event stationery. While most of their clients are based in New York; services are available Nationwide. Royale Amethyst Invitations also offer design services and business stationery.
Special thanks to Kisha and  Royale Amethyst Invitations for providing us with photos of their work.  Find them on the web at http://www.royaleamethystinvitations.com/

Signature Cocktail: Crantucket Mojito

Add  a personal touch to your wedding or event with a signature cocktail.  A creative name will have guests remembering your event for months to come. Consider having waitstaff ready to greet guests upon their arrival  with a cool, refreshing glass. Cheers to the first day of summer!

Drink Recipe Preparation:
Rim highball glass with Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer.
Fill with ice, add Myer's Platinum Rum, Mojito Mixer, and Cosmopolitan Mixer.
Garish with a sprig of mint and serve.




Drink Recipe Ingredients: 1 serving

• 1.5 oz. Myers's Platinum Rum (25 oz. per bottle)
• 1 oz. Stirrings Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)
• 1 tablespoon(s) Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer
• 1 sprig(s) mint
• 1 cup(s) ice
• 1.5 oz. Stirrings Mojito Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)

Recipe Provided by:  TheBar.com

From unused to RENEW!!

When I heard about this new service by The Dessy Group, I was literally jumping for joy.  The Dessy Group recently introduced a new service,  NewlyMaid, which allows you to take your old bridesmaid dress or social occasion dress and trade it for credit toward a new little black dress.

The process looks fairly simple, and for a limited time they are offering their return mailer at no charge for you to send them one dress. Click here to visit the site for details about How It Works.

I am trying out the new service so that I can share my experience.  Be sure to check back to see how it goes.

Photo Courtesy: Dessy Group

Brooch of Style

Cake, gown, hairpiece, bouquet, shoes -- The brooch has made its way back as a trendy accessory.  Timeless and classic, but easily transforms simple to chic.  

1 - simplyposhdesign.com
2 -  vanillabakeshop.com
3 - eco-artwear.com

The sense of smell: Creating memories for years to come

Many memories are triggered by a single scent.  While putting together your ensemble (gown, shoes, jewelry, etc) do not forget the one single item that your new husband may always remember.  Your signature wedding day scent will bring back happy wedding memories for years to come.

The perfect scent to wear when you say, "I do" should be soft and unabashedly romantic — think traditional floral notes like rose, gardenia, and jasmine. - Marie Claire

Your fragrance should match your wedding day attire, location, and style. While floral scents are recommended, do not select a heavy flowery scent on a hot, day or outdoor wedding because it may attract insects or bees.    If you typically do not wear fragrance, a body lotion will suffice. 


If you'd like to create your own special touches, why not have a blend custom mixed to fit your personality and add a fresh memory of your day.

Scent Choice By The Season

Spring or Summer


A spring or summer wedding calls for a light scent, such as a verbena or honeysuckle. Look for a fresh fragrance that will not be excessive on a hot day.  A gentle floral perfume such as bluebells or lilac would be sweet for a spring bride wearing an organza gown with pearl bridal jewelry. If a festive summer celebration is more your speed, a fun upbeat green apple or citrus fragrance will be terrific.


 Fall or WinterFor a fall or winter wedding that is more relaxed, look for a perfume with hints of vanilla, orange, or amber. The eco-friendly bride may enjoy a fragrance with a hint of patchouli, but don’t use the single note essential oil, it is too overused for a bride.


A richer fragrance is appropriate in the colder months. Perfumes with musk or spice bases are always a good choice.If you favor sophisticated scents, look for perfumes classified as “oriental”. If you were wearing a trumpet gown and stunning jewelry, an intense, exotic fragrance would be an excellent choice.

Sources:
Marie Claire
Scents of Attraction

Rain, Rain, On Your Wedding Day!

There's a superstition that says rain on your wedding day is to be considered "good luck".  Of course, our brides often hope for a nice day and often check the weather reports for days before the BIG DAY praying for sunny skies. 

Our advice: Things happen! Make the best of it with some great photos. 

Photo credit: Bubbly Bride

And don't forget the flower girls and ring bearers!  How cute??