{A Toast to the New Mr & Mrs...}

A reception toast, whether it be emotional, humorous, or just simply BAD, is a time for some reminiscing, thanking guest and wishing happiness to the newlyweds.  Below are some tips for the "toastee"

-According to the Emily Post Insistute, a toast should be short and to the point-not drone on in a way that takes attention from the couple and bores guest.

-Write down your speech and practice beforehand.

-Funny childhood stories, a time when the person was there for you, or a tasteful college incident will all work.

-If your completely unsure as to what you should say, Check out the vast amount of wedding toast websites available or check out a book at the library that might have info like this in it.  There is even professional wedding speechwriters if your wanting to go down that route.

-It's going to make you nervous, but throwing back a few drinks is never the way to go to alleviate pre-toast jitters.  You never know what might be said that's going to be regretted or not remembered later.

- Never use profanities, your sure to offend somebody.

-It doesn't need to be formal, poems, favorite songs, raps...all can make a speech creativily interesting. Inlist your DJ to help you when you "que" the music. 

-Although traditionally the best man then the maid of honor toast, there is no particular order you must follow and sometimes the Father of the Bride or other guest of honor may have prepared something special.

-Both the bride and groom might want to write their own toasts to give thanks to friends and family.

-Having the bride and groom toast each other adds a romantic touch to the occassion. 

(http://www.weddingguidechicago.com/)

Some of my favorite wedding speeches :)

Bridesmaids

Wedding Crashers

Michael Scott

The Wedding Singer

{UpLighting}

Ever wonder how those swanky looking weddings in the bridal magazines somehow came about, even though they were being held in venues that still had the busy burgundy carpet throughout or the blah brick walls and panel dividers?  One word... Uplighting!  It's amazing what color can add to a sash, bridesmaid dress, and oh yes even the walls of your venue.  Now available from Marien Mae Bridal Boutique & Events and  Guys on the Radio - you can have that extra something that was missing. 



{It's November}

I seriously can not believe it's November already.
 Summer and early fall went so fast.
It seems November can be a very tricky month to bring together a wedding.  There is such unpredictability with the weather, families are usually making travel plans, and it seems that Christmas decor is placed out in the stores sooner and sooner every year.  I always question myself, if I should leave my pumpkins and fall foilege decor up in the house because I can't decide if pumpkins represent Halloween or if they are simply a part of fall.  So, as I was doing my own little searching- I thought I'd share with you some inspirational ideas for if you do find yourself planning a November wedding and your looking for ways to incorporate color, decor, and design.



 

Wedding Planners Tip: Many times, local reception sites and other vendors lower their costs because it is getting into the slower season of the wedding industry. This is the perfect opportunity for you to take advantage and either save a little bit of money or add-on that sweets table you were wanting.

{Jim Hjelm Trunk show at Marien Mae Bridal Boutique}

A Trunk Show is a wonderful way for Brides to view, try on and find their perfect gown. 

 Get ready to find "The Dress" at Marien Mae Bridal Boutique.

For Two days - the top {Twenty} gowns from JIM HJELM will be in our store!

Appointments for this event are 90 min (if you need more time, you got it)

There will be special pricing given during the trunk show, 

so you won't want to miss this opportunity!

Appointments Encouraged ~ Walk-Ins Welcomed

Appetizers and Beverages will be provided!

{The look...The feel...of Invitations}

You might be thinking- I'm going to have to place my invitation order online, but I highly recommend you and your groom making an in-store consultation with Kristin from
Happily Ever After Invitations. Sit down with some albums that you'll be able to touch , see and hold the samples of.  Become familiar with a few of the popular printing methods.  There's offset printing, where letters are inked flat on the paper- its a very budget-friendly option.  Then you have letterpress and engraving, where the ink is actually pressed into the paper.  Finally, there is thermography, which is more of an embossing on the paper which gives it a raised effect.  Talk with Invitation designers and wedding planners to decide which method works best for your design, paper stock, etc.

The invitations are just a piece of the stationary puzzle.  If you really want to pull everything together, make sure to ask about coordinating ceremony programs, escort cards, menu cards and than-you cards.

 

All Products in Photos by Happily Ever After Invitations

{Rain or Shine...it's picture time}

One of the biggest concerns couples always have when planning their wedding is the questions "what if it rains?"  Well, there's always going to be what if's and truth be told it MIGHT just rain on your wedding day- and if it does, go into it prepared and get ready for your photographer to capture some awsome images due to the rain.

{Not your typical escort card table}

When we go to set up for weddings I just love to see the creative and fun ways that couples have decided to express themselves through their details.  This particular wedding I was able to help set up for and be a guest at.  So I just had to tell the bride how impressed I was with her seating escort cards and when she told me it was the grooms idea...I was even more impressed!!! See...I do think Grooms are participating in the planning process more these days :-)



Jake & Abby Kotecki's escort cards- each name card was a polaroid of the happy couple that was yours to keep which told you where to sit for the evening! LOVED this!