Drum Roll Please! Introducing.....

Rachel Oliver's 1st Press Post!

Ms. Rachel Oliver on her Wedding Day!

Hello Everyone!  Since this is my first time entering the blogosphere, I’ll start with a brief introduction.  Since the first step is admitting you have a problem, here goes.  I am a non-traditional bride.  I had two dresses, four weddings (to the same wonderful man- more on that later) and I’m addicted fashion.  Now that we've gotten that out of the way, there is nothing more beautiful than finding a way to merge the classic beauty of a wedding with all things fashionable and trendy to create something timeless.

I have spent most of my life in retail.  As a window designer and display person, I got to merge my inner craft-a-holic with my outer fashion junkie.  What sounds like a really cool job can be frustrating since you are often thwarted with contradicting tangible resources to develop your vision; not to mention time, budget, and space constraints.  You know! It’s kind of like planning a wedding or event.  When I was planning my wedding, I came across endless magazine photos, websites, planning tools and blogs that all claim to help you put together your perfect wedding.  What I found, was about a million ideas that I wanted to somehow incorporate into one cohesive event.  Add in some moms, maids, and hubby’s opinions and you can get utterly overwhelmed!  Despite where you’re at in the planning process, let me assure you, it can be done!

You’ll hear a lot from me about fashion, trends, and ideas to set the mood.  I am firm believer that even at the same venue where your cousin got married six month ago, you can create a truly distinct and memorable event with the right planning.  Combining my former career with event planning has turned into an impromptu three step program to help me through my creative planning addiction.  All of these things can be applied to creating the perfect wedding, sweet sixteen, window display, store grand opening, or Thursday night dinner party with pals. 

Here’s the advice I can offer:

1)      Know your budget!  Don’t stray.  Set one, and stick with it! The likelihood is that you will go over even when minding it closely, so if you fool yourself into thinking you can easily cover any additional expenses, you will be sadly mistaken.

2)      Be flexible! Make a must have list.  Maybe it’s the dress, maybe it’s the venue or the photographer (or the wedding planner J.) Know what’s on your must list and be flexible to accommodate it by finding alternatives for other things. 

3)      Stay true to you!  Everything you see is going to be beautiful.  If you’re not careful, a tomboy at heart can end up with a Barbie pink, ruffled event that everyone is wondering what part represents you or your partner.  Even a tomboy can love ruffles and want to feel like a princess, but there’s a way to still make it look like you.  Pick out the specific elements you liked, like the pink, ruffled peonies, or the romantic lighting so that you get the right feeling without it being over done. 

4)      Relinquish control!  Let the experts help.  If your DIY projects look like they are done by kindergartners, ask your crafty aunt for help.  Whether it’s hiring a coordinator to do all the work for you, or asking your sister to bake your Grandma’s famous cookies for the favor bags, let others help! Everyone wants to see you enjoy your day and relax.  Chances are the end result will be even better since they are happy to contribute and want to please you all the same.  You’ll also enjoy the planning process as much as the big day! 

TTFN: Rachel

Where to Sit...Where to Sit.....

The Troubles and Tribulations of Creating Your 

Reception Seating Chart

Ah the seating chart — one of the least fun parts of wedding planning, especially if you’re having a big wedding. While it seems like an easy task, it’s not rare for couples to get pretty frustrated with this as they get closer and closer to their big days. That’s why I've decided to share some of my personal tips and advice to creating the perfect seating chart, without going crazy in the process.

Why Do I Need a Seating Chart?

If you’re hitting this stage of planning, you might be asking yourself, “Why do we need a seating chart anyway? Can’t guests just find a seat themselves?” In my opinion, a seating chart is a must, unless you’re not doing a meal or your wedding is a very small family and friends gathering where almost everyone knows each other. I've been to many weddings where it was a struggle to find a seat, let alone a seat next to people I actually knew and liked. Don’t create extra anxiety for your guests; thoughtfully create a seating chart that reserves a place specially for each guest.

Who Sits at the Head Table?

When it comes to the head table, you have a couple options — a large table for the entire bridal party or a sweetheart table for you and your new hubby alone. I've also seen the significant others of the bridal party seated at the head table. Really, this is dependent on your preference and how much space you have.

Where Does Everyone Else Go?

This, my friends, is where many people find trouble when it comes to seating arrangements. What worked really well for Michael and I was to use post-it notes as people and paper plates as tables when we were arranging everyone. That way, you can easily move people around as you fill in tables and try to ensure everyone has a seat they’ll be happy with. This photo (found on Something Turquoise), uses a very similar approach:

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Parents, grandparents and other close family members should be as close to the head table as possible.
2. Avoid the urge to create a singles table; this might embarrass some of your single friends. Instead, mix singles and couples together.
3. Sit friends and acquaintances together wherever possible.
4. If you have a large group of friends that can’t fit at one table, split the group down the middle and fill in the rest of each table with other people who may not be a part of such a large group.
5. Be cognizant of who works well together.

So…are you ready to tackle your seating chart now?

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

The Groom's Corner: Bachelor Party Advice

Six Do’s and Don’ts for Throwing the Best Stag Party

From the moment he pops the question, there’s one thing groom-to-be thinks about more than anything else – the bachelor party. This isn't a new phenomenon either, as bachelor parties are rooted in ancient history. Many believe that the Spartans were the first to hold bachelor parties as a celebration of the groom’s last night as a single man. This celebration included dinner and drinks with many a toast given in the groom’s honor. The term bachelor itself, used as we do today, first appeared courtesy of Geoffrey Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales.

Bachelor parties have come a long way since then, and more importantly, they've become much more creative. Unfortunately, they've also tended to get more out of hand as well. In more recent times, bachelor party debauchery has even contributed to numerous celebrity break-ups. From fancy five-star dinners to a Texas Holdem weekend at the casino, there are many different ways to throw a bachelor party. But regardless of your party preference, there are some basic tips and advice worth following. These bachelor party dos and don’ts can make or break the celebration – and even the groom if you’re not careful.

Don’t let the groom pay. No matter how generous he is, the groom shouldn't have to pay for anything during his bachelor party. It’s his last night out as one of the guys, so take care of him. Certain exceptions can be made, especially if the celebration spans a weekend or longer: think Las Vegas. But make sure to cover him when it counts – after all, it’s his celebration, right?

Do something different.  If your group always hangs out at the same bar or goes to the same restaurant or club, don’t go back to that place for the bachelor party. Take the groom somewhere different – hopefully somewhere nicer too. Whether he’ll admit it or not, this is a big deal for him, so do something special. Go all out, that way there are no regrets when he looks back on the night 10 years from now.

Don’t let yourself get tired. This is particularly important for weekend excursions or trips to Vegas. No, we’re not talking about doing anything illegal here, but some real simple things can help make sure everyone’s energetic and enjoying the party. Sleep can be hard to come by on a bachelor party weekend, especially if a night-long US poker tournament is in the cards. So know where to find a good cup of coffee if you’re on an overnight trip. Better yet, bring one of your own coffee makers along with you. This can save you some serious money too – Starbucks gets expensive!

Do some advance planning. As great as it made the plot of The Hangover, don’t try to hold a bachelor party any closer than three days before the wedding. There’s just too much that can go wrong. Trust me – the bride and her family will thank you. Be sure to start planning early, as well, especially if there are a number of guys traveling for the occasion.

Don’t let the groom do anything he’ll regret. He’s still engaged, after all, so don’t let him get too out of control. It’s the best man’s job to make sure the groom behaves, which is actually the second most important thing he has to do – other than plan the bachelor party. Everyone else is on his own, just make sure to keep an eye on the groom. If Mario Lopez can get caught, then there’s no reason to expect that he won’t.

Do remember to have fun. Despite all the excitement and planning going into the bachelor party celebration, the most important thing is to just have fun. At the end of the day, it’s all your friends together celebrating an important moment in the groom’s life. Don’t lose sight of that among all the other craziness that may or may not be going on. And remember that at the end of the day, it’s not where you are or what you’ll do that matters – it’s who you’re with that really counts.

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

So It's Raining...

Chances are you may have some difficult mother’s to deal with on your wedding day, but the most unforgiving of all could end up being Mother Nature. One of the most common statements I hear during consultations includes “It won’t rain on my wedding day”. Most brides actually state it as a fact, sending it out into the universe almost in a threatening manner. When it comes to weather, positive affirmations will only take you so far. If they work to calm your nerves, great. BUT, you still need to make arrangements for inclement weather should Mother Nature not get/ignore your memo.

The first step towards preparing for a rainy wedding day is ACCEPTING the fact that it could potentially rain (or worse) on your wedding day. This is not the end of the world. It will not “ruin everything”. It will just provide new opportunities to make the day even more special. 

The second plan of action would need to be: FIND A PLAN B. Your Plan A will obviously be your first choice when it comes to your plans, but having a clearly defined Plan B will help with any nerves as the day inches closer. Think of it like this, you have a beautiful Plan A and have been only preparing for that for the past 12+ months. Now, it’s a few days before your wedding day and they are calling for rain which RUINS most of those amazing ideas. If you have a Plan B, you can shift your focus, but if you don’t… well, you’ve seen the show Bridezillas, right?? ;) Ok, so how do you prep for rain? 

Obviously, if your ceremony is scheduled to be outdoors, having a covering of some sort on standby is recommended. If that’s not possible, or if there is a nearby structure (building), that is a great option, too. Once of the biggest things brides forget to consider is HOW they will get to that structure if it’s raining. Chances are you’ll have to walk outside at some point. Either appoint someone to be your umbrella carrier for that time period or know a route that will keep you covered.

From there, you can have some fun with it. Look into a cute pair of rain boots for yourself and your girls maybe. Purchase some fun umbrellas for the bridal party and guests. Maybe have some shawls/pashminas in a basket for guests if it’s gets windy, too.

One thing I HIGHLY recommend is making sure the guests know that your event will be an outdoor function so they can prepare too. This is best done with a wedding website but word-of-mouth does wonders too.

Whatever you do, please don’t think your day will be ruined. Because it simply won’t be.

You will still get some amazing photos. You will still make amazing memories. And at the end of the day, you will have a new spouse, which is EXACTLY what was supposed to happen. Focus on that and everything else will happen exactly as it was supposed to happen.

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

The Name's Bond...James Bond.

A James Bond Inspired Style Shoot

So. Why a James Bond inspired shoot?

With the new Bond movie “Skyfall” being released the genius team of Linda Scannell Photography and Warwickshire Wedding Planner wanted to do an elegant Bond-themed wedding shoot to show how brides and grooms-to-be how they could incorporate Bond-inspired elements into their weddings. In my pure obsession with their work, even over Continents goes no further than to write a blog toasting a genius idea!

The theme
After researching previous Bond movies, the theme settled on was black tie with white, black, red and green inspired by casino tables.

The venue
Compton Verney was where the shoot took place. The former stately home is an amazing art gallery and one of the top 100 wedding venues according to Brides Magazine. 

The car
James Bond has been associated with Aston Martins since the days of Sean Connery so Louise, the wedding coordinator and site designer  tracked down a fabulous Aston Martin DBS, the same model and Quantum Silver color as the one driven by Daniel Craig in the previous Bond movie “Quantum of Solace” – an ideal car for the groom to make a stylish entrance on his wedding day.

The clothes
Their handsome “James Bond” wore his own classic single buttoned DJ, andthe gorgeous Bond girl bride, wore a flattering slim fitting ivory sleeveless dress with train by Rosa Couture, and a faux fur stole, both supplied by Village Brides of Long Compton.

Alternative flowers, jewelery and accessories
using alternative bouquets and buttonholes was a big part of getting the theme to really pop. The buttonhole and bouquet used lilies that look and feel completely real, but unlike real flowers will last for many years to come. The crystal necklaces, bracelet and head piece were also designed personally for this shoot.

Dream team:
Photography: Linda Scannell Photography, contemporary wedding photographer
Shoot styling, planning and co-ordination – Louise Harris, Warwickshire Wedding Planner
Wedding venue: Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Car: Aston Martin DBS available for weddings, TV and film work, photo shoots  promotional and marketing events, and shows and static displays from One77
Car preparation: Stuart Porter from The Clean Car Company – Vehicle Appearance Specialists, Bespoke Valeting and Detailing Solutions,
Dress and stole: Village Brides of Long Compton, the main stockists for the Rosa Couture collection in the Cotswolds
Alternative bouquets, buttonhole, jewelery, tiara and handbag: Tam Vo Company, bespoke accessory designer,
Hair and makeup: Colleen Phelan, international freelance hair and makeup artist
Canapes, cocktails and waiting staff: Aubrey Allen Events, bespoke catering service

HATS OFF TO YOU ALL!!!

Happy Planning everyone!

xoxo

Katherine