Guest Post: Tips for a Successful Kids' Party

Hey-Oh!


I have a super special treat for you today, y'all.  Lauren Bonk, (yes, that Lauren Bonk) is on hand to give us a little heads up on planning a stress-free kids' party. 

As we do more and more of them, I have become more acutely aware of how much I don't know about kids (You mean, they can't have mimosas?!  Like, ever?!).  I kid, I kid...sort of (seriously, no mimosas?!)


And, because I totally sure I'm not the only fab, pre-baby gal out there with the questions, I thought we all might benefit from the knowledge of one of Goldiluxe's most favorite Mamas. 


Take it away, Lauren!

Oh, and P.S., would you look at that face?!  Crazy lovely, right?!  Well, if you like what you see here, I suggest you get your fab little behinds over to her equally lovely blog.  It's pretty great, y'all.




I'll be honest, the words 'kids' and 'parties,' when spoken in the same sentence, almost immediately give me a migraine.

My son, Charlie, is getting bigger, though, and that means it's going to be harder for me to be such a mommy-hermit. He's going to start caring if other people celebrate his birthday or not, and he's going to start caring if he gets invited by someone else.

Kids need to interact with each other...who'd have thought?

So this is where I admit that I haven't actually had to tow Charlie to another child's birthday party yet...and at first, I thought that may pose a problem when Erin asked me to write about parties involving gaggles of ankle-biters. (These, of course, are my words...not Erin's :)

Now, I may not be a kid-party expert, but I'd like to say that I'm becoming quite experienced in the actual having-a-kid department...and I've learned a few social cues from Charlie that I plan to use when planning future birthday parties.

A toy is usually boring until someone else wants it.

Here's my main suggestion: If you're going to present toys to play with, make sure they're plentiful and alike. Let me use the example of sand-toys here. When I bring buckets and shovels to the park, Charlie could not care less about them until some other kids start playing with them. He then uses his super-speedy-toy-swiping skills to steal his favorite bucket right from the cute little hands of an 11 month old with a planet-sized flower balancing on her headband.

She cries. Charlie looks triumphant. I give him a time out.

All of this could have been avoided if I had brought 4 identical buckets. The same applies for your party. Have a few choices of toys and games, but make sure there are plenty of identical toys for everyone to play with.

Plan for contained chaos.

This is a gathering made up of children. They are bursting with energy and at the mercy of their emotions. This party will not be perfect. It will, however, help to find an area that has plenty of room, but also comes with effective methods of containment.

If you're going to the trouble to put together a kid-friendly party, chances are you'll go the extra mile to find an appropriate space.

A big, empty room (like a rented library room, church fellowship hall, or big basement) that you can fill with toys, tables, and games will be perfect. Kids like to run around and chase each other...parents are usually cool with watching them. Make sure you can close a door or put up a gate so that moms and dads can easily keep eyes on their kids.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret:

Big, safe room + toys + kids = Glorious sit-and-chat-and-watch time for parents.

Plan for crazy hippies.

I'm not trying to be offensive here...I'm the crazy hippie you've got to watch out for. We chose not to give Charlie any processed sugar for a really long time. We still don't give him a whole lot. For his 1st birthday, we found a great recipe for a naturally sweetened carrot cake. It was pretty tasty, even for everyone else.

The result of this is that Charlie would much prefer a bowl of yogurt and cheerios over (are you ready for this?) a Krispy Kreme donut. For real. He took one bite of a heavenly sugar ring a couple days ago and immediately lost interest.

This last Easter, my wonderful sister-in-law brought graham cracker bunnies and natural fruit roll-ups to put in the plastic eggs that Charlie found. I was so grateful that Charlie was able to sit and eat his spoils with the rest of his cousins...I totally owe her one.

What I'm trying to say is that people will appreciate it if you provide a few different snack options. Apple slices and flavored yogurt as well as big, fabulous slices of cake will help to keep everyone happy.

That's not so much a social cue as a parental preference...but hey, I think it's important.

I know these tips won't solve all your child-party problems, but hopefully they'll solve enough to provide a fairly stress-free experience.

What about you guys? Do you have any great kid-party tips?

You Asked For It: Music to My Ears

Hey Goldiluxe!


You have a lot of opinions!  I like.  How about you weigh in on this: What are your top 20 song choices for a first dance?  Your 20 least favorite?

Okay, Sugar, I'll open up that door.  But, before I do, let me say this:  These are MY personal favorites (and least favorites).  This question was a lot of fun to answer, but I don't want anyone to feel like I'm doing the Electric Slide all over their music choices.  You dance to what ever moves you.  I will too. Also, keep in mind some (not many, but some)of those listed on the Bottom 20 are songs I LOVE, but I just can't stand hearing them at yet another wedding.

Now on to the list!

Top 20 (in no particular order):

1.  You Go to My Head - Billie Holiday                       
2.  I Get a Kick Out of You - Billie Holiday                 
3.  What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong        
4.  Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
5.  She's a Lady - Tom Jones
6.  What's New Pussycat? - Tom Jones
7.  At Last - Etta James
8.  Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennille
9.  In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
10.  Rio - Duran Duran
11.  Africa - Toto
12.  Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley (seriously, I love this song)
13.  Endlessly - Duffy
14.  Friday I'm in Love - The Cure
15.  Sea of Love - Phil Phillips
16.  (Can't Help) Falling in Love With You - Ingrid Michaelson
17.  Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches
18.  Mint Car - The Cure
19.  Sweet Darlin' - She & Him
20.  Help Yourself - Tom Jones

And a bonus 21: Easy Like Sunday Morning - The Commodores

The Bottom 20 (in no particular order):
1.  Amazed - Lonestar
2.  My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
3.  Lips of an Angel - Hinder
4.  Everything I Do (I Do it For You) - Bryan Adams
5.  I Swear - All 4 One
6.  Kiss From A Rose - Seal
7.  I'll Make Love to You - Boyz II Men
8.  White Wedding - Billy Idol
9.  I Don't Want to Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
10.  Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
11.  Careless Whisper (!) - Wham!
12.  I'll Be - Edwin McCain
13.  Every Breath You Take - The Police
14.  I will Always Love You - Dolly Parton
15.  Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
16.  She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
17.  Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
18.  All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You - Heart
19. Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
20.  Shameless - Garth Brooks

And your bonus stinker #21: Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley and Allison Kraus

Have suggestions?  Leave 'em in the comments.

You Asked For It: Bridal Shower Bliss

Hey lady!
Here's the deal.  One of my 'maids approached me about throwing a shower.  I jumped at the chance.  She's the only one that has offered.  I'm also really lucky because she's a close friend of mine and is consulting me on the plans-she wants to make sure the shower is uniquely me!  My question is this:  

Should I assume that my future MIL will want in on this (she lives in the same town)? What about her friends? Should I just wait and see if she approaches me? What about my Mom? She hasn't said a word, but she does live in another state.

First off, congratulations!  I love wedding showers, I think they're just wonderful!  Also, how awesome that your 'maids are involving you in the process.  Sounds like it's gonna be great!

Now my judgment call advice:

You should let his mom know that a shower is being planned/designed for you. Judging on her reaction, you can decide how much to involve her. Of course let her invite her friends, moms of sons love showing off their future daughters in law. Also, if she wants to add a lot of people to the guest list (which you should be considering now, probably) , she might have some great ideas on where to have it…if the guest list grows larger than the home you're having it in…there are so many great ways your MIL can be involved. Here are a few:



- let her help your 'maids pick out, assemble and mail the invites 

- once you have some decor options to look at, show them to her and ask for her input

- she can help set the menu

- she can help decorate

- let her be in charge of the RSVP’s

- ask her for input on dates and locations

- if there is a game, consider letting her run it 

You will be surprised at the number of things that will arise as you go through the process. It’s all up to you how much you want her to do and if you’re unsure of what’s being done, you can always put her in touch with your 'maids.  They'll be happy to provide some guidance.

As for your Mom, let her know what's going on. Let her be involved however she'd like.  Send her an invite.  You never know when you'll get a surprise guest.

Hope that helps.

You Asked For It: Registry Revelations {Re-Post}

Good morning, dolls! I am so lucky to have such bright, inquisitive little Goldilous!  Because so many of you have been asking the best questions about registries, I thought I might re-post some of my tips on making your registry a little more fabulous!  Enjoy...

Registering for gifts was my second favorite part of the wedding planning hoopla. (Can you guess what my favorite part was?) Incidentally, registry planning is one of my favorite things to do with my couples as well. I was such a lucky gal because The Hubbs was totally into helping out. {Although I did have to keep steering him away from the electronics...and when my back was turned, he registered us for a Nintendo Wii et al.) Nevertheless I have definitely developed a strategy that I would love to share with you!


1. Don't spread yourselves to thinly. Stick to two or three of your favorite stores. Although the beauty of online shopping is so alluring, try to choose at least one national department chain with locations in most regions with a great selection of housewares. You may also want to choose a local specialty store for those quirkier items.

2. Think of your guests. When registering for gifts, try to choose items that span the spectrum of price ranges. Be sure to balance big ticket items with equally wonderful budget-friendly choices.

3. Give yourself the gift of time. You should complete your registry(ies) between 4 and 6 months before the big day. This gives your guests time to shop, wrap and ship to their heart's desire. A generous time frame will also cover any showers you may have.

4. Make sure to register for enough gifts. I know this may sound a wee bit strange, but trust me (!) this is important. You want to register for more gifts than there are guests. Choosy gift givers (like me) will appreciate the plethora of items to browse. Keep in mind, you'll most likely have a shower or two in there somewhere and you'll need to allow for those as well. After all, "variety is the spice of life", no?

5. Don't be afraid to spread the registry word! I know that etiquette (and Martha Stewart) says, "Don't tell your guests where your registered in the invitation". For me, the jury's still out. While I agree such info should never EVER be located on the invitation card itself, I have seen a number of tasteful and gorgeous registry cards. In my humble opinion, the job of the invitation suite is to provide your guests with all the info they'll need to successfully attend your wedding. The registry info is part of that information. However, if you should want to follow etiquette, you and your SO should tell only immediate family and the bridal party. Have them spread the word throughout the wedding guests. It is totally appropriate to include registry info with shower invites.

6. It's okay to register for gift cards! While it is still taboo to ask for money {as it should be}, most registry programs will ask you if you'd like to receive gift cards. Go ahead and check "yes"! We all know these things are great for traveling guests. Just slip them into the card, slip the card in your carry on and away you go! It's also super great to use your gift cards to complete your registry after the wedding!

7. When registering, think of your "happily ever after" not just your "happily ever now". Registry expert Mary Rose Gearon said it best, "Don't just think about your lifestyle as it is now. You'll be entertaining more in the years to come, so create a wish list of items: a platter for your first Thanksgiving dinner or champagne flutes for a New Year's toast. Keep those special occasions in mind; it's a wonderful way to include loved ones in those important milestones." I couldn't have said it better myself.

8. Keep up on those thank you cards. As soon as gifts come in, write that thank you note. To add a more personal touch to the often-arduous task of thank-you notes, try short, personalized messages written by hand. If time is what you lack most, printed stock greetings are acceptable as long as you add a thoughtful, personal "PS" section. Your guests love you, so don't be afraid to show them a little love in return. Your friends and family will appreciate the time you took to make them feel special.

9. Don't fret if you don't get everything you registered for. Most registry programs have fantastic completion programs. Ask your registry consultant for details...most programs offer discounts, incentive programs and will keep your info online for awhile.

So there you have it. A few {well, more than a few} words on registries. I should mention that you should, most importantly, have fun! You should get to laugh and dream together as you pick out your fabulous gifts. So get out there, grab a scanner and have at it!

You Asked For It: The Perfect Fit{ting}

Hey there...
I love your blog.  Could use more pictures of your work though.  And if I remember correctly, you promised us baby shower pics, yes?  You should get on that.  So, I am about to go for my first fitting...any tips on making it perfect?

Well, hello Darlin'!
Believe you me, the photos they are a comin'.  I am so shamefully behind.  Ugh.

On to your question...(of course I have an opinion about fittings...I have an opinion about everything!) How 'bout I whip up a quick list?

6 Fitting Tips I Wish Someone Would Have Mentioned to Me

1. Make sure the salon's alteration policy is made crystal clear.  This is a big one, kids.  I don't care if you have to ask the same question 100 times, you and your alteration team need to be on the same page.  A dress is just fabric without the perfect fit.

2.  Most retailers will have alterations departments and are responsible for providing you with the proper fit.   If you are unsure, check with the salon first.  A well placed call can save a lot of gas and frustration.

3.  Do not panic if the dress doesn't fit properly when it comes in!  In most cases, you were likely measured four to six months before, when you placed the order.  Even slight changes in your physique can affect the fit.

4.  Be sure to wear your wedding day shoes to every fitting.  This will ensure consistent height.  Also, it's an easy way to help break in your shoes.  

5.  Wear your wedding day underpinnings to every fitting.  Again, this is a big one.  Everything you put on your body will affect the fit.  Wearing the same foundation and underpinnings will help eliminate the element of surprise on the big day and will make your alteration team's job that much easier.

6.  Relax, enjoy the process and trust in your alteration team.  You're getting married!  That and all the happy feelings associated should be your main focus.  You shouldn't be stressing out about the dress.  Besides, hovering over your alteration team won't get the job done any faster.

And a bonus tip from me:

7.  You are absolutely perfect, just as you are.  The dress doesn't make you beautiful.  Neither does the shoes, the veil, the fake tan, the makeup, the jewelry nor any of the other trappings of a wedding.  You make you beautiful.  Don't waste your time chasing the idea of "The Perfect Bride".  Believe me, if you are confident in yourself and the beauty that only you can possess, you will see The Perfect Bride.  You will see her each and every time you look in the mirror.

Good luck, my dove.  I'm rooting for you!

10 Wedding Planning Mistakes

I've been thinking long and hard about what, if anything, I would've done differently during the planning of our wedding (and there were a lot of mistakes I could have made, considering my death grip on the "design reins" of our wedding). I felt kind of like a football coach watching a video of the latest game to identify the weaknesses of the offensive approach. Then I got to thinking about things on a broader scale. What mistakes do most couples make as they plan their way through the emotional roller coaster that is a wedding?

Below, I've identified the 10 biggest mistake to be made and hopefully given some insight on how to avoid them. Let's take a look, shall we?

1. A Lack of Personal Touches. I think the biggest, most egregious error I see happen when a wedding is completely devoid of the personalities of the betrothed couple. Trust me, I don't mean everyone out there should have a theme wedding (can you imagine, oy), but seriously, if I have to see one more wedding with the Sonnet 18 reading (not that I don't love the Bard) or hear "Amazing" by Lonestar one more time, I'm going to lose it! I want to see that the couple has had a hand in the decor, music selection, and menu. This day should reflect your life and give your guests a glimpse of the wonderful life you'll have together. Instead of traditional table cards, try naming the tables with places you've traveled as a couple, your favorite colors, veggies or fruits, or piece of trivia. Put the Jordan almonds away and give favors from the heart. We gave everyone one of our FAVORITE cookies from a local organic grocery store.

2. Not Knowing When to Save. Let's face it. The wedding biz is just that. A biz. There's a ton of great sources out there for no-nonsense advice, we all know that. But there are just as many sources looking to turn a profit. I hate to see couples spending money they don't have in all the wrong places. Get to know your budget inside and out. Set guidelines for you and your SO and stick to them. Decide on a list of splurges and steals. Creating a united front will help safeguard you from impulse buys.

3. Forgetting What the Wedding is Really All About. The wedding ceremony is the main event, people. It's easy to get caught up in all the hoopla, but failing to take the time to remember why you two got together in the first place can take the fun out of everything. Leave the w-word at home and go enjoy each others company.

4. Not Establishing Positive Working Relationships with Your Vendors. These people are going to be executing your ideas. They will be delivering the flowers. They will be touching the cake. You need to get to know them. I suggest you and your SO get out and talk with them. How else will you know what kind of an MC you've been saddled with unless you talk with them. Make sure all your personalities mesh well. You need to feel listened to and respected.

5. Thinking It Can't "Rain On Your Parade". Have a contingency plan. Nothing ruins a wedding like not having a plan B. This is especially true for outdoor weddings. Have an alternative location. The best thing you can do is give someone you trust a list of contact information and arrival times so you and your SO aren't caught off guard. Bring an emergency kit for any last minute catastrophes.

6. Ignoring the Budget. As you plan, it becomes so easy to say to yourself, "Oh, well it's just 50 dollars extra." So many couples start out so well...but then as time goes on and you grow weary of shopping around.....you look up and you've blown your entire apparel budget on a designer dress. Do not throw caution to the wind! Use your budget to figure out what you can cut, what you can save on and what you can splurge on. Budgeting will only become more important as you and you SO begin your new chapter. Consider your wedding a trial run.

7. Ingesting Too Many "Liquid Calories" the Night Before the Wedding. Never plan your bachelorette/bachelor parties the night before the wedding. Just don't do it. Try to keep the rehearsal dinner drinks to a minimum, as well. The last thing you'll need on your big day is to wake up puffy, bloated, sluggish, cranky and headachey. Or worse...hungover. Just try to do yourself a favor and skip the drinks the night before.

8. Forgetting the Supporting Players. Of course it your big day, but don't forget the people that helped the two of you get there. Be gracious and considerate. Do not bark orders or take tones with your vendors, family and friends. All of these rules apply to the attendants as well. They are your friends, not your slaves. Consider thanking them in your speeches and be sure to get them a thoughtful gift commensurate with the infinite amount of patience they have for you.

9. Leaving out your Leading Lady/Man. This isn't the 50's. There isn't any reason the two of you can't be equally involved in the plans. I suggest meeting to talk about your ideas together. You'll be amazed how excited you'll both get just knowing the other is interested in hearing your thoughts.

10. Taking Your Eyes Off the Prize. Ever been to a wedding where the napkins match the chair ties and the chair ties match the details on the Bride's shoes. Ugh. There can be such a thing as too much. Don't get weighted down in details. Remember what's really important to you. Spend time thinking about what makes your SO special to you. If you hit a snag, take it in stride and think of the big picture. Laugh! Remember to laugh.

photo credit: Hay Adams hotel, Washington DC

Raising, (Or Rather, Lowering) the Bar....Part Deux

In my last post, I described three general rules couples should follow when attempting to control the liquid cost of their reception. So, what's to be done when you've chosen a venue? While it can be hard to avoid some expense, especially with soda and coffee, there are always things that can be done. Here are a couple of tricks I routinely employ to save a few clams!

1. Never underestimate the beauty of the signature drink. Oh, the signature drink-what a beautiful thing! This is a great way for Brides on a budget to save a little money while amping up the personal touches that make a reception great. Choose a drink you and your SO really like, give it a fun, flirty name and voila! A signature drink is born. Then, serve your guests soda, coffee, champagne for the toast and your signature drink. Also, consider making a colorful sign to announce your drink at the bar. Here's a drink idea to get you started!

Love's First Kiss
Vodka
Cranberry Juice
Ginger Ale
garnish with Lime, serve over ice in a cocktail glass
*This is one of my favorite drinks. I happen to really like Cape Cods, though. Great for summer!

2. Limit the free stuff to a few choice items. This works well for couples who would like to have a few free items on the menu, but maybe don't want to give away the farm. I suggest paying the corkage fee on a limited number of wine bottles and ordering a keg or two of beer. Also, if your venue will allow it, have them put any partially used bottles of the toasting champagne on the bar for the guests.

3. Consider the password. This can be used like a drink ticket/token, but less obtrusive. Perhaps you'll want to limit the number of free drinks for the entire guest list (two or three seem to be most common). Unlimited drinks for a small group of people (think bridal party, parents and a few close family and friends) is completely acceptable as well. Make the password simple and relevant to the wedding (think last names or the date of the event). Whatever you do, make it fair. Do not choose a group of people who, to a guest outside that group, seem to be chosen at random. Make the group and the reasoning behind it crystal clear. Confusion is usually not an element of an unforgettable wedding.

4. Keep an open dialogue with banquet staff. Inform the wait staff(preferably the Banquet Captain or Catering Manager) that you and your SO would like to be kept in the loop when deciding to open more bottles and tap more kegs. Timing is everything, so use your best judgment. If you seem to be running out and it's only 10pm you may need to rectify that problem, tout de suite. Is it 11:15pm and you have to be out by midnight? That's a different story-maybe you only refill wine. It's your call. Also, let the bartenders know not to open any bottles they don't have to. If you have Ketel One on the bar and no one asks for it, send it back unopened. If it's open, but unused, you will still pay for it. A little diligence goes a long way, trust me.

5. Get to know the menu and ask questions. I saved this for last because, in my opinion, it is the most important. Get cozy with the corkage fees and drink charges. The sooner the better.

Can you bring in your own alcohol? Is there a corkage fee? What percentage is the service charge? What is the general price difference between rail and top shelf liquor? What do "rail" and "top shelf" mean? These are all questions you should be asking. Get answers to them. Don't sign anything until you do. For beverages that come in bottles, but are charged by the glass-ask how many glasses count as a bottle (at our venue, it was six). It may be cheaper to buy a set number of bottles beforehand at the bottle price. This goes double for champagne. If you want an open bar, find out if they have any packages (3 and 5 hour packages seem to be the most common). Also, check to see what the price per hour is. You may save money by limiting the open bar to just one or two hours.

All in all quite a few money saving options exist when it comes to the bar. You just have to know where to look. If you are without a planner, it can be difficult. The best advice I can give you is to always remember that the vendors work for you. Not the other way around. Getting what you want can be tricky with weddings. Getting what you want at a price you can afford is trickier still.

Photo Credit: Maui Weddings.com

Raising (or, Rather, Lowering) the Bar

"What advice can you give me about reducing the cost of the bar? I want our guests to enjoy themselves, but everything is adding up so fast-we really need some help keeping our liquid costs down."

The bar. Oy. If I had a nickel....

Liquid costs are sometimes the last thing on a couple's "wedding mind". It just not something everyone thinks about, we didn't. Not until very late in the game, at least. I'm not going to lie, the navigation of liquid cost is a tricky business. Luckily, I have a few tips and tricks at the ready.

1. Do your homework. Get familiar with any literature you have from your catering and/or venue candidates. Go to their websites and check out references. The best thing you can do is talk to people who've used them. See what problems if any other couples have had. If at all possible, talk to a local wedding planner and ask them for recommendations. In other words, know as much as you can about the place you will be visiting before you even set foot on the grounds. The Hubbs and I searched for at least 6 weeks before coming to a decision. It's a lot like dating. You gotta let 'em work for it awhile, before you go giving it up.

2. Ask Questions. When you are venue-hunting, take a list of questions along with you (more on this in a different post). Write down everything you want to know, no matter how silly you think your inquiry may be. You can't have too much knowledge, especially when it comes to money. Sample topics: Bartender fee, gratuity, tax, drink price and per bottle prices. Make sure you ask what bottles are included with your bar and how much upgrades are. For instance, Stoli may come in the bar, but it may cost $10 to upgrade to Grey Goose. Do not leave that venue until all of your questions have been not only answered, but answered to your satisfaction. This is what ONE of our question lists looked like. We had seven lists.

3. Consider your options and do the math. This is a bit complicated only because today's couples have so many. Once you've gathered all your info, work it out. Maybe it saves money to go with a venue that allows you to bring in your own bartender. Or perhaps it makes more sense to choose a place that has bar service and limit the "free" stuff. You'll have to decide, what's best for you.

So, after you've done all that what's next?! You've got some concrete decisions to make that will, perhaps, vary greatly depending on your choice of venue. The above three tips are general ones that can be used to effectively determine difference in cost and fees between all venues. Once the venue is chosen, the hard part begins. That's another post entirely.

Save the What?!.....Date. That's what.

Today a word about Save the Dates.

If I had to pick the question I get most often- it would have to be, "Do I really need Save the Date card?" This question would usually be followed by, "Are they necessary.....I mean it's just another expense, right?" My answer is always the same. It goes a little bit something like this: "Don't we want to do all we can to assist everyone we've invited in attending? Look, truth is everybody's busy. Everybody. So, it stands to reason the more lead time they're given, the more likely they'll be able to attend."

Now, I'm in no way suggesting that you run right out and buy letterpressed, solid gold save the date cards. There are so many things you can to do save a little green while your guests are busy saving the date. Magnets and postcards are two of my favorite ideas and are perfect for the Recessionista.

My piece of advice? Well, today you get more than one. First, your Save the Dates should hit the mail approximately 2 to 4 months before your invites go out. So, in real people time, about 4 to 6 months before your wedding. I'd say for those of you having destination weddings stick with six months. Use your judgment.

Finally, Keep it simple. You're only asking your guests to save the date. Give them a taste of your event and then leave them wanting more. You've spent a lot of time putting the whole shebang together, so play it close to the chest. Also, don't wait for a response. You won't get one. Your guests will eagerly reply when their invites arrive.

Box Me Up!

I LOVE The White Box of Milwaukee. The White Box is a local wedding planning and consultation service. They have a variety of services tailored for even the most finicky of brides. Absolutely fabulous! Their blog (Bespoke) is even better, chock full of stories, tips and hints that we can all relate to. Whether you're in the MKE area or not, do yourself a favor and check them out!

Saturday, this wonderful company posted about the proper way to hold your bridal bouquet. They beat me to it, but they did it so well, I'm not even upset. In fact, I am printing the post out, making copies and handing them to my bridesmaids at the rehearsal. These are the kinds of things that a bride can easily overlook. In many cases it takes a planner to help point them out. I think I feel a series coming on....

To get enlightened, check out the post here.

To get hooked on The White Box, stop by their website.

Enjoy!

Inspiration Domination!

A year ago, when I first started planning this wedding, I was having trouble corralling my ideas and editing them into something I could actually use. I would just cut pictures out of magazines and put them into envelopes. At the end of a week, I had, get this, 45 envelopes FULL of raw ideas. I didn't feel any closer to accomplishing anything, I actually felt as though I had created more work for myself. I needed a change. I needed to view my ideas in an organized way. I also needed some flexibility to allow for the decisions I would surely be making.

This is what I came up with. An Inspiration Board. I got the idea from an interior designer friend of mine. She uses them to give clients an inkling of what the larger picture will entail. Brilliant! The one in the picture, I made early on in the process. I started with all of my ideas for dresses, decor, vendors, venues, etc. I arranged them in sections, starting, of course, with the dress and the bouquet. As I toddled along, the boards became more specific, each focusing on one aspect of the planning process. I found this drastically reduced the time I needed to organize my thoughts and I could flip through them, almost like flashcards. As decisions were made, I was able to distill everything into one, cohesive picture.

As things began coming together, I made one more board. On it, are the pieces from the other boards as well as some ideas I had along the way. When I finished it, our wedding was staring back at me. Business cards from our vendors, linen samples, the receipt from the deposit on my dress, little pieces that had blended together to become one big, beautiful, idea. This one I will frame and hang as art in my office.