Guess what!!

OK - I can jump on this trend because I LOVE IT!!! I was out with Kristy getting an after lunch treat at Guarino's bakery (we both love whipped cream frosting) but, we came out with the awesomist idea - a really crazy wedding cake. We all love the Ace of Cake and those whimsy cakes with polka dots and jewelry but this is a new area where brides are bringing in their "couple" personalities. I know this is usually done with the grooms cakes but why not do it with your main showcase! Because Kristy is from New Jersey, she thought a Jersey Shore cake would be so fun. We were going to include the bridges and the fountain with columns supporting the cake - all with bathing suit clad bridal party! I know the bridges, fountains and people are WAY old school - that was the whole point! She knew it would make people laugh. She is all about fun and not being so serious about her big day! Not sure if her fiance will go for it or how it will come out but the point is - as I have always said - this is the first event you are hosting as a married couple. It should be all about you and what you love! So, show off "all about you" with your cake! It's only gonna get carved up anyway - enjoy it while you can! I KNOW - it's your wedding cake - it doesn't mean you can't have fun!!

Me First!

I love to give you all tips that you won't or may not find in your pretty planning books. There are certain things that we just know from experience and seem totally unrelated to your wedding. This issue has come up recently and I was called in to help resolve it. One of my brides had decided to book a local restaurant for her rehearsal dinner. She ordered a menu to look over but set it aside as her wedding is a few months away. She did nothing wrong really but when I inquired about her plans, she asked if I could assist with creating a custom menu wih the restaurant. My first question to the restaurant was - is the room still available for X date. Apparently, the room had been booked for months already and not by my client. I felt terrible for her because this was the place she and her fiance had chosen. The problem is, her wedding is in June which is a very busy month for events. There are, of course, weddings, graduation parties and for some reason - lots of Bachelorette parties. So your 40 guest rehearsal dinner has to compete with these big life events - especially on a Thursday or Friday night. Why? Because of the economy, people are trying to save a buck any way they can. Most venues, as you know, discount for week nights. The same happens in May - you have a lot of proms and large groups of kids taking over the restaurant function room. This is why you need to book your limo's and tuxes early if you wedding is in May or June as well. There are lots of things to consider during these months. Wedding planners know what to do. We make sure the bases are covered - even though it may seem as common as buying a gallon of milk - sometimes, theres a rush and you don't want to get stuck with the skim.

It's Official

Well, I have finally done it - I am doing a bridal show. I've wanted to do it for so long and it's finally coming to fruition. I don't like those bridal expo scenes - I feel like the lawyer in the emergency room. But, I found a person that is willing to keep it to one theme and to keep it intimate. Being a smaller venue (as in - not a ballroom), the bride will be able to chat with vendors without fighting through a crowd. So, it's The Bridal Spa & Gown Affair at Maria of Italy in Plymouth, Ma and I am wicked excited!! The date is May 12th from 6 - 9 pm. The first floor will have mini manis/pedis, mini massages, hair demonstrations, lingerie, DJ etc. Very fun and bachelorette party-ish. Upstairs, we have bridal gowns, bridal jewelry and me. I can't wait to host this event and chat with brides about their weddings! I hope to see you there!

Goodness!

Girl, it has been a busy month! I have met some great new brides and have been attending some fun bridal events. Last Sunday, I went to the Bridal Faire at the Commanders Mansion in Watertown. I worked the venue last summer but we didn't have access to the entire mansion. This time, I got to see the entire beauty! There was a groom speaking about his own wedding that had occured a few months prior. He explained that they used the entire space. He mentioned that they created interest in each room so that the guests would actually tour the mansion without realizing it. That is such a fantastic idea. I have the pleasure of working the CM in August for Michelle & Chris and we are actually creating a dessert buffet in the mansion to bring guests back inside. We felt that after cocktail hour, the group moves to the tent and the mansion (which is rented for a hefty sum) is technically only used for that hour. Why not make sure that it is used as much as possible. If you book a mansion for your venue, make sure you use the space to its fullest. Create a dessert room or a photo guest book room for your guests. Why not display family wedding photos on the mantles or tables throughout. This is the perfect opportunity to create the feeling that it is your home. Don't forget to display your favors by the front door!

The Saphire Estate

Do you remember the old Saphire Manor in Sharon? You probably had a prom there if you lived in the Sharon/Stoughton/Easton area. It used to be so dark and gloomy and who could forget the crazy ugly mural over the shipwreck bar. Things have changed my friends. I saw the recently re-done venue a couple of years ago and was pleasantly surprised. It was nice to see the "after" but its still fun to remember the "before"! Tonight, I was invited to attend the tasting for Kristy and Adam at the Saphire Estate - did you notice the new name too? I have to say, I think everything including the menu has been done over. The food was excellent. The last time I had eaten there was at a wedding of a co-workers daughter. We had the baked stuffed chicken. Need I say more. This time, we were able to sample everything from gazpacho to whoopie pies - and it was all delicious. Things certainly have changed over there - maybe it's time for you to take a second look too.