Friday, July 20, 2012

Bidding Adieu To The Bride And Groom

I felt that what could be my last blog for Paisley Events, it would be appropriate to discuss the last event of the wedding day, the send off! Depending on your wedding style, there are many different types of things you could have your guest do to say goodbye and wish you nothing but a life of happiness and joy!

Blowing Bubbles!
A wedding send-off with bubbles is a great idea for several reasons. The non-toxic solution does not stain or damage clothing and there is no mess to clean up afterward.Guests of all ages can participate. Children especially love bubbles and the reflections and lighting effects caused in the glistening spheres will make for some wonderful photos.


Holding Sparklers!
A wedding exit with sparklers is perfect if you’re looking for a dramatic and impressive ending to your wedding. Wedding sparklers come in a variety of different colors and lengths. For the best results I suggest to buy sets that burn slowly and are at least 20″ in length.


Tossing Rose Petals!
Tossing white rose petals are a great delicate and classy way to end an event that had the same ambiance and atmosphere!


Twirling Streamers!
Streamers are also a great way to send off a bride and groom at the end of a wedding. Consider colors that match the colors used in your wedding or utilize your favorite sports team colors for fun.


Tossing Rice or Birdseed!
Throwing rice at the end of a wedding ceremony or reception used to be an important part of weddings. It was a traditional ritual which symbolized fertility of the couple and the probability of having many children. Bird seed has come into being since the late 80's with the rumor that birds could explode if they ate the rice!

I have loved writing for the blog during the time at Paisley Events! Till we meet again!

Happy Planning!
Emily

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

How To Ask For Her Hand In Marriage

While it may not be always done these days, it is still a nice and polite gesture to ask her father or both parents for her hand in marriage. However, in modern day, it is more common to ask for their blessing rather than their permission. For the soon to be fiances, it may be an added stress to do so. How should they do it? What should be said? Luckily, we're here to help!




How to ask for their blessing?


If you live close-by, the easiest thing to do is to call and ask if you can stop by for a moment as you have something to ask them. They'll probably be suspect, but that's oaky as it will give them time to be prepared and know what to say. If you are friends with them, you might see if they want to go out to dinner, but since this will be rather nervous-making, it might be better to keep it short and sweet.

If they live far away, try to call at a time when you think they'll be home. If her parents are still married, and you happen to call at a time when only one is available, simply say that you have something you want to ask them, but would like to wait until you can ask them both together, and when would be a good time to do so.

What to say?

Start out by saying a sentence or two about your love for their daughter. Then say something about you feel now is the time to move the relationship to the next level, and follow it by asking for their blessing. For example, you might say, "As you know, I love your daughter very much. She is the most beautiful, intelligent and loving woman a man could ever ask for. We've been together for almost three years now, and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else but her. I would like to ask her to marry me and I'm here today to ask for your blessing." 
Simple, but sweet.


Happy Planning!
Emily

Sunday, July 15, 2012

10 Things To Do Once You Are Engaged


First, a Congratulations is in order! This is not only a special and unique time in one’s life; it is also a somewhat hectic and whirlwind process. However, do not worry! The lovely interns here at Paisley Events are here to help you so that even in the moments after you say yes and the ring is slipped on to your finger it can be as stress-free as possible. You should be able to just relax and enjoy this special time and not worry about all the planning and let that to-do list get out of control.

Therefore here is a list of the top 10 things you should do as soon as you get engaged.

1. Get A Manicure
You have this new sparking, absolutely stunning accessory adorning your left hand now, and its guaranteed to attract a lot of attention here in the near future. Whether it is from the attention of all of those around (“Oh, let me see that ring!”) or the numerous pictures to be taken in the near future, it is important that your hand looks just as nice. You would not want to embarrass yourself with chipped, and unpolished nails. Therefore you should get a manicure, regardless if it is from a professional or an at-home polish, to make sure that your hands and nails are in tip-top shape.


2. Settle On A Budget
You need to decide upon a budget and rather early on. Whether it’s you, your fiancĂ©, his parents or yours, it needs to not only be discussed, but finalized to the last cent in order to maintain positive relations with everyone. No one wants to feel pressured or uneasy with all the planning, and having a clear, set budget is one way of decreasing potential tension that is sure to ensue.



3. Sign Up For Sale Alerts
There are so many details that go in to a wedding, from the accessories to the honeymoon packages. However it is important to keep in mind that all things go on sale! So make sure that you sign up for any alerts that might be of use so that you can save as much money as possible.


4. Insure Your Ring
Make Sure You Do This! God forbid anything ever happen to that now precious accessory, but accidents do happen and because of that this is a necessity! If your fiancĂ© has not done it already, make sure this is done immediately. The jeweler where it was purchased should refer you to certified insurers. Also, make sure to ask the jeweler for an appraisal slip because this will be used to determine its value. Your fiancĂ© spent a lot of time and money picking out the perfect ring; therefore you shouldn’t risk any potential damages or loosing it. I cannot stress this enough, make sure you get your ring insured!



5. Sign Up For Pinterest
As you can probably tell from most of the other posts, Pinterest is a huge source of inspiration! It has pictures and ideas from everything from food and fitness to wedding and décor. It is by far the biggest resource for wedding ideas. Everything from your dream dress, to DIY favors, to mouth-watering cakes and everything in between can be found. It is by far a great tool and can be considered a brides best friend!



6. Have ‘The Money Talk’ With Your FiancĂ©
The wedding budget conversation is not the only money centered conversation necessary. You are creating a family now and you two will also need to hash out all the logistics that come along with merging bank accounts. The saying “what’s yours is mine” is not as simple as it sounds.



7. Sign Up For Trunk Show Alerts
Everyone dreams up their perfect dress for their wedding day. Whether it’s princess-like ball gown or a sleek and elegant evening gown, your checkbook will thank you for signing up for local trunk shows. By following your local bridal boutique on Facebook and referring to a regional bridal magazine for a list of the designer trunk shows in your area, you will be able to go, see and touch all the most recent designer gowns – straight off the runway.



8. Choose A Diet Plan & Start It
It is common for brides to want to look their absolute best on their wedding day. Not only do they want to look great in all the pictures that will forever be timeless reminders of the day that they said “I do”, they also want to feel their absolute best. To do this however, many plan to lose weight. Keep in mind; the worst thing to do is to wait until the last minute and crash diet. Therefore you should start as soon as possible. If you plan on dieting you need to pick an appropriate and well-fitting plan and make sure to stick with it! This is the best way to not only achieve your ultimate goal, but to look and feel your best.



9. Pick A Location
The location – city and venue – is the most important decision you will make in the wedding planning process. Everyone will have an opinion about where you should get married and where the reception should be held. Therefore it is important to get this discussion started as soon as possible.



10. Hire A Planner
It does not matter how great of a planner you are or that you are extremely Type-A and organized. The wedding planning process is hectic and a job in itself. Very few people have the time and patience necessary for such a grueling process. Which is why you should leave it to the professionals, like those here at Paisley Events! J You want your wedding day to be relaxing and stress-free. Without a planner you are almost guaranteed to be stressed and worried about all the details on your big day instead of focusing on the more important things at hand. Hiring a professional who does this for a living, allows them to worry about the details not only throughout the planning process, but on the day of as well. Trust me, it will be money well spent!



I hope this helps and makes the beginning stages of the engagement and wedding planning process as easy as possible! Once again, Congratulations! This is a very special time so make sure you stop and enjoy the moment!

xox Lauren

Monday, July 9, 2012

Inviting Disney Characters


I came across this the other day while I was on Pinterest, and I thought it was an absolutely adorable idea. Growing up watching Disney Princess movies and other various Disney related shows, it would be an understatement to say that I was and still am a huge Walt Disney fan. Something about each princess finding their Prince Charming and all those catchy songs sold me on the collection early on. Therefore when I came across this I found it to be a great idea and I just had to share with the other Disney fans out there!

Apparently, if you send Mickey and Minnie and/or Cinderella and Prince Charming a wedding invitation they will each send back their own response.

Mickey and Minnie send back an autographed photo and a “just married” button.


Cinderella and Prince Charming send back an autographed congratulatory certificate.


Here are their addresses if there are any readers who are interested J

Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California
91521

AND

Cinderella and Prince Charming
P.O. Box 1000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
32830

What do you guys think of this? Would you send these classic Disney figures a wedding invitation?

xox Lauren

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Proper Attire


This week I decided to do a post not only relevant to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the required dress code.

We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.

White Tie
Probably the least likely to appear, however nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls, Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and Academy Awards Ceremonies.

Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn
-       Shoes should match the gown
-       Jewelry should be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)
-       Clutch bag
-       Gloves are optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera length

Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid
-       White Vest and Shirt with piquĂ© wing-collared with stiff front
-       White bowtie
-       Gloves should be white or gray
-       Studs and Cufflinks should both be white
-       Finally black dress socks and patent shoes


Black Tie
Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm. Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or galas.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)
-       Shoes should match your dress
-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers
-       Formal white pique or pleated front shirt
-       Black bow tie
-       Black cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat
-       Suspenders are optional
-       Black patent leather shoes and black dress socks
-       White pocket handkerchief



Black Tie Optional
When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is usually a clue as to the formality of the event.

Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)
-       Shoes should match your dress
-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - A tuxedo
OR
-       Dark Suit with a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie



Creative Black Tie
Although not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy interpretations for the classic formal wear.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)
-       Shoes should match your dress
-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice
-       Don’t be afraid to get Creative!

Men: - Tuxedo combined with color
-       Black shirt, colorful bowtie and cummerbund
-       Any other creative yet formal combination you can think of

Semiformal
As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples. It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.

Women: - Cocktail dresses
-       Matching appropriate shoes
-       Jewelry should match/ compliment your outfit
-       Purse should again be minimal

Men: - Dark business suit
-       Optional matching vest
-       White shirt
-       Conservative tie

Dressy Casual/ Business Casual
One of the most casual types of events one can attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.

Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress
-       Matching appropriate shoes
-       Purse should be small

Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer
-       Slacks or khakis
-       Open-collared shirt


Beach Casual
As you can most likely infer from the title, it usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that same feeling.

Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors
-       Sandals
-       Minimal Jewelry
-       Purse should be small

Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
-       Knit or Polo shirt
-       Optional Sports Jacket or sweater

I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these different styles?


xox Lauren

Must-Take Wedding Photo Checklist


When it came to this week's blog, I have to give credit to my aunt who brought this to my attention! Today, with photography being very important to the memories of the bride and groom's big day, it is important to capture every 'Kodak Moment'. When it comes to knowing those special times, here is a list of things that might be some of those important moments that should be captured and not forgotten!

Getting Ready                                                                                    
Bride having her hair styled and makeup applied


Bride’s gown hanging on a padded hanger, spread on the bed, or draped over a chair
Still life shots of the bride’s shoes, jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blueDetailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquetsCandid shots of the bridesmaids getting dressed

  • Mother buttoning or zipping up the bride’s dress

  • Mother helping the bride with one last detail, such as the veil

  • Full-length shot of the bride in her gown, looking at herself in a mirror

  • Bridesmaids reacting to the bride in her gown

  • Father seeing the bride in her gown

  • Bride with her parents and siblings

  • Bride with her bridesmaids

  • Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen

  • Close-up shot of the wedding bands

  • Groom with his parents and siblings

  • Groom with the best man

  • Groom with his groomsmen

  • Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties

  • Bride and groom separately making their way to the ceremony

The Ceremony                                                                                       
Exterior and interior shots of the site before guests arrive

  • Groom walking down the aisle with his mother

  • Close-up of groom’s expression while waiting for the bride

  • Bridal party walking down the aisle

  • Both sets of grandparents walking down the aisle

  • Bride and her escort waiting to walk down the aisle

  • Close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance

  • Bride and her escort walking down the aisle

  • Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle

  • Bride’s escort giving her away

  • Bride and groom at the altar or the chuppah

  • Both sets of parents watching the ceremony

  • Wide shot of the altar or chuppah, from the guests’ point of view

  • Wide shot of the guests, from the couple’s point of view

  • Special moments, such as the candle lighting and the readings

  • Close-up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows

  • Close-up of the bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings

The Kiss!


  • Close-up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony

  • Bride and groom hugging family and friends

  • Bride showing off her wedding ring to her bridesmaids

  • Bride and groom leaving the ceremony site

Before the Reception                                                                        

  • Bride and groom together

  • Bride with her mother

  • Bride with her father

  • Bride with both parents

  • Bride with her entire immediate family

  • Groom with his mother

  • Groom with his father

  • Groom with both parents

  • Groom with his entire immediate family

  • Bride and groom with bride’s family

  • Bride and groom with groom’s family

  • Bride and groom with both sets of parents

  • Bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides

  • Bride and groom with bridesmaids

  • Bride and groom with groomsmen

  • Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer

  • Bride and groom with entire wedding party

The Reception                                                                                    
Exterior and interior shots of the site before the guests arrive

  • Still-life shots of place cards, menus, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors, and Champagne glasses

  • The cake

  • Hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks

  • Guests arriving and signing the guest book

  • Bride and groom arriving

  • Close-ups of friends and family making toasts

  • Bride and groom sipping Champagne at their table

  • Bride and groom speaking with guests

  • Bride and groom’s first dance

  • Bride dancing with her father

  • Groom dancing with his mother

  • Parents and grandparents dancing

Wedding party dancing


  • Musicians, deejay, and/or entertainers performing

  • Guests dancing

  • Bride and groom dancing with the bridal party

  • Bride and groom cutting the cake

  • Bouquet toss

  • Newlyweds’ vehicle

  • Bride and groom leaving the reception



Happy Planning!

Emily