The Importance of the Invitation

On this blog, we've talked about the value of hiring a planner, the importance of the venue, the tasty options for cakes, stylish dress options, and getting fit to name just a very few blog topics, but we have not discussed the importance of your invitation!

Not only is your invitation the first declaration of your wedding that many of your guests will see, it also sets the theme, colors, and expected formality or fun factor for the event. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let's cover the basic functions of the wedding invitation ~

- The Who: No, not the band from decades back, you!

- The What: The ceremony and/or the reception

- The When: Day, Date, and Time

- The Where: Venue(s), City, State

- The Why: Well, we're assuming because you love each other!

Wedding invitation packets have expanded to include a menagerie of addition information - maps, general event timelines, lodging info, places to see and things to do, and, in some cases, registry information. Most guests these days are connected to the Internet so we encourage our clients to stick with the formal invitation, the reply card and envelope, and an information card. The information card directs guests to the custom website for the bride and groom. The custom website offers so many options, that we'll leave that for another post.

Any generic wedding invitation can supply you with the basic information above, but you need for your invitation to imply a bit more about your event. Your wedding should be as unique as you are and the invitation design should be reflective. An elegant country club wedding should signal the more formal event while the woodland/beach/disco/etc wedding should reflect their own uniqueness. This is accomplished easily enough, but not through off-the-shelf invitations. For many of these companies, "custom" means adding your names to one of their 100 design options - Did you know that there are over 2 BILLION weddings a year in the US alone? Even if there were 5,000 off-the-shelf invitations options, that means there are lots and lots of brides using your same design :(

Details creates one-of-a-kind invitations designed specifically for your personality, event style, theme, colors, and budget and then never resales that design - WOW! I've shared a few of our designs below, some of which are still in the "comp" stage (think sketches), and have tried to give a brief synopsis of the unique event.







The groom is a corporate pilot.  These are two of several options presented for the invitation.



Presented as an option for a formal pink and black wedding.  However, the designs are being revisited to incorporate the groom's love of hunting.  Still staying with pink and black though!

The designs above are available for purchase.



We get lots of requests for pink and black :)



Peonies are a key component for the wedding.  This design is still available for purchase since the client chose another design.



Blue and roses were two elements that were tricky to incorporate, but I believe our design blends them well.  The client is pleased and has purchased the invitation, information card above, response card, matching thank you cards, and place cards.



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This outdoorsy couple loves to fish together so we designed this piece to match their passion, their colors, and their budget.  Invitations, respond postcards, and thank you cards were purchased.

The save the date above and invitation below were submitted as a possibility for this elegant black and tan country club reception.  This design is available because the client has chosen the floral design below.

Although still in the planning stages, this invitation is expected to have their names stamped in gold foil and the floral design custom embossed on the invitation folder.

These are just two elements to a very popular invitation!  The multi-layered piece included the two layers shown as well as two additional layers (a map and an information layer).  All elements were secured with red eyelets to the top of a red folder with the tree line custom laser cut and folded up from the bottom. Matching thank you cards were also purchased.  The layer below offered a perf across the top as well as between the response card and ski discount for easy removal.

Another formal country club wedding and reception, but on a more limited budget.  The bride's colors were ivory and coral so we were very careful to achieve the right color - not too pink, not too orange.  Just one of the many perks of custom design.  Save-the-dates, invitations, thank you cards, response cards, place cards, and rehearsal menus all coordinated incorporating variations of the same design.




Call us to schedule a complimentary initial consultation to learn about our custom designs.  From high-end to budget, we'll help you incorporate just the look and feel you want.

Beyond the norm with gift options - http://ping.fm/ZduxV

Tired of the Standard Bridal Party Gifts?

As a follow up to the article in last month's newsletter, here are more websites to peruse for special gifts that say “thank you” to your groom, groomsmen, bride, bridesmaids, parents, and guests. Each link has been listed under the category for which we believe it best fits, but most of them carry a broad range of gifts for anyone (including those last minute holiday gifts!)


For Her:

My Bridesmaids Gifts
Beau-coup
Cherished Gifts and Favors

Gunther Gifts customized baseball bat

For Him:                                                        

Personalization Mall
Groom Stand
Gunther Gifts

For Them:

American Bridal
My Wedding Favors

http://www.treesforlife.org/ - the gift of hope

Beyond the Norm:                                                                 

Cambria Cove
Lenox
Tiffany

And Over the Top:

The VIP Concierge
Pianki

When selecting gifts, consider the interests and personality of each individual.  It is not necessary to provide the same gift for each person, however, it is best to stay within the same price range for groomsmen and bridesmaids.  Maids of honor and best men can be the exception since they play a larger role.  When selecting gifts for each other, make sure it is personal enough to create a memory (the huge bouquet of roses on Pianki) or an item that can be treasured and passed down as an heirloom (engraved watch).

~Jami

All About Candy Buffets http://ping.fm/GViFY

Sweet On You - All About Candy Buffets

Candy Buffets are hugely popular for weddings right now and they're so much fun and so versatile, why not include one at yours? There are a few necessities as well as a few things to determine before you begin.
First, are you going to be a candy purist? In other words, are you only offering candy items? Some couples like to have a sweet & salty offering, others include fruit & vegetables. We spoke with a bride a few days ago who prefers an offering of
Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and other similar childhood favorites. Maybe your buffet will be strictly chocolate!

Second, are you going to be a color purist? Will the items you offer follow the color(s) of your wedding?

Third, do you have a budget in mind for this buffet? The images shown showcase the very basic and the very extravagant. Where will yours fall on the spectrum?

Once you have made those determinations, you can begin to gather the necessities. Here's what it will take:

• Containers. The popular glass apothecary jars are quite pricey to purchase, but look stunning. Details offers several for rent if you are utilizing our planning services. In general, the glass containers work well as they create a lovely aesthetic while allowing your candy selections to shine. If you are purchasing, take into consideration the types of food you'll be offering and the size of container that will be needed. Also, make sure the opening is large enough to access the goodies!

• Scoops. The Container Store has the best price and variety of scoops. Unless you live near one of their stores, expect to pay hefty shipping fees for your inexpensive little dippers!

• Candy Bags. You can get creative depending on your budget, but the best option if you're on a budget is to stick with either cellophane or bakery bags.

• Labels. You may wish to label each candy jar so there is no question what your guests are about to pop into their mouths. There's a multitude of ways to do this from little table tents to tags attached to ribbons to stickers. Speaking of stickers, consider a fun option for securing your guests' candy bags. This might be with ribbon or with a custom sticker with your monogram or theme.

• Décor. Offering a candy buffet with the supplies above creates an eye catching presentation, but why not make just a bit more effort and make it spectacular? Incorporate fun linens, flowers, or, if you rent a candy buffet from Details, you have the option to rent our large lollipops!

• Goodies. As mentioned above, this can be anything you wish it to be. Often, brides ask us how much candy? You'll need to take three things into consideration to answer this question. First, the size of your guest list. If it is large (250+), you can figure ¼ lb to ½ lb per person. The second plays into the first question: Is this for fun or is it your dessert option? Is this presented as your guest favor? If you answer yes to one of the latter two, error on the high side for quantity. The third item to take into consideration is the impact you want your buffet to make. Brides with smaller guest lists may wish to purchase a large quantity of candy (particularly the cheaper varieties) in order to make it a focal point and destination.

• Fillers. The larger vessels create the most visual impact but to fill them completely with your candies of choice can get pricey quickly. A beautiful, inexpensive option is to use “fillers”. Fillers are placed in the jar first, with candy filling the remaining space. There are so many filler options! Sugar, rice, gumballs, coffee beans, fruit (lemons, limes), rocks, and on and on.

While you can't please all of your guests, if you are aware of allergies you may wish to play it safe and leave those peanuts off the buffet. Also, consider your weather. Hot and humid weather can be disastrous for certain candies – especially chocolate!

I have seen brides “skimp out” for their candy buffet and that's exactly what it looks like. By spending just a bit more money you'll be able to kill several birds with one stone – a special gift for your guests, a dynamic focal point, munchies to keep energy high while dancing, and additional fun.

A snapshot of the Details candy buffet at a recent bridal show.  Since ours was bar height, we were careful not to place items so high that guests could not reach into the vessels.  What you can't see here, unfortunately, is that the twin bases of the candy buffet were lit by pedestals
rented from Dream Lighting Company.

If any photographers have a better image of our buffet, please share it!

“Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate." Sandra Boynton

~Jami

Wedding Day Beauty Tips http://ping.fm/D8Dvd

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

Even with all the wedding day decisions that have to be made weighing heavily on your mind as a bride-to-be, we know you haven’t stopped envisioning the way you want to look on your wedding day. You picture yourself walking down the aisle in the beautiful gown that accentuates your features perfectly, with your hair perfectly arranged and your face glowing not only from the flawlessly applied make-up but also from the sheer happiness of the day.


It’s easy enough to imagine these things but let’s be honest – most of us don’t wake up in the mornings looking like some kind of goddess. To attain the look you want on your wedding day is going to require a little research and planning. It’s probably a good idea to hire a professional to handle at least the fashioning of your hair, if not the application of your make-up as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re considering your personal beautification for the wedding:

If you struggle with skin problems, it might not hurt to visit a local dermatologist or esthetician to help you tackle those issues. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Consult these professionals months (6-12) in advance.

If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, begin researching this up to a year in advance. The process can be long and hairy (pun intended).

If laser hair removal isn’t your thing, consider waxing critical areas for your wedding day. You may want to have your legs, bikini line or under your arms done for your day as well as the honeymoon.

Schedule a trial hair and make-up session with your specialists a month or two in advance. You want to make sure you’re all on the same page when it comes to your desired look. If you want a more natural make-up application, you don’t want your make-up artist turning your face into that of a clown’s ON your wedding day.

Most make-up artists will make sure of this but double-check that the make-up you’re using is waterproof. Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a crier, it isn’t a bad idea to use waterproof make-up just in case.

Ask a friend – maybe the maid of honor or your mother – to keep an eye on your make-up and to let you know if you need to reapply at some point during the day.

Have an emergency kit readily available in case something comes up. If Details is your wedding coordinator, we will provide a kit for you but this should include a small sewing kit, bobby pins, safety pins, a tampon, breath mints, hairspray, a hairbrush, clear nail polish, lipstick and other beauty essentials. This way, you’ll be fully prepared for any mini or full size crises that may occur!

Don’t stress too much over some of these minor details. Being prepared always helps ease a worried mind and don’t hesitate to give Details a call if at any point you find yourself in need of a little, or a lot, extra help!

Meg

The Traumas of Wedding Planning http://ping.fm/5Q9BK

The Traumas of Wedding Planning

You're engaged!  How exciting!  Everyone is thrilled . . . and has plenty of thoughts as to where your reception should be held, what colors you should choose, which DJ is best, cake flavors . . . yada, yada, yada.  Isn't this supposed to be YOUR day?

Too many opinions from loved ones can certainly bring on extra stress and cause strain in your relationships, but there are ways to head off, avoid, or work through these differences.  Even if it is with the groom.  Or worse, your mother.  Or even more worse, his mother.

1)  Always listen politely to what they have to say, then say something to the effect of, "Hmm, I'll keep that in mind."  This is not a lie.  If you like the suggestion, you are likely to remember it and potentially use it.  If it is horrendous, you will certainly not be forgetting about it anytime soon!  As a matter of fact, it will probably be something you laugh about for many years after your wedding.

2)  While robotically following item #1, put together your budget and a wish list.  Then, have a discussion with anyone who might be contributing financially as to how much or what elements they wish to pay for.  If one set of parents is planning to pay a large portion but has a very different expectation for your special day, you may want to reconsider the financial arrangements.

3)  Pick your battles.  Stay firm on what is most important to you.  Is there a way to compromise on some of the issues?  Your mother would like for you to wear her wedding dress, but it's not your style.  Can you wear her pearl necklace instead?  Can you incorporate some of the lace from her dress into your veil or garter?

4)  Depending on your relationship with the groom's parents, either the two of you, or him alone, should have a discussion as to how involved they expect or wish to be in the planning process.  Understanding their expectations right up front can prevent surprises and hard feelings along the way.  The mother/son bond is often very special and including her can reassure her that you're not stealing him away.

5)  Bridesmaids are your closest friends and should be very happy for you.  Sometimes, though, a little envy can set in.  Maybe there is one in the group who is not yet married and no prospects in site, despite trying hard (too hard most times!).  Maybe one realizes that the relationship between the two of you is going to be different now that you're about to be someone's wife.  Schedule a little one on one time with the friend and find out what is really upsetting her.  I'm sure deep down she couldn't be happier that you've found a special person with which to spend the rest of your life.

Bottom line, keep a smile on your face because it is definitely your day, and you want to make sure to let the special people in your life know that they are still the special people in your life regardless of the change in your last name.

~Jami

What a difference a planner makes! http://ping.fm/fnjSM

Recent Wedding Images

What we love about weddings is that each is unique and personal to the bride and groom's personality, season, location, and budget.  We are not planners who recreate the same cookie-cutter look for each venue.  You're unique, your event should be too!

We do not yet have the professional shots for the events shown below, but we hope you'll enjoy the images I was able to capture with my cell phone.  Two couples, two seasons, two locales, two budgets . . . two very different looks.  What's your vision for your special day?

Ashley and Derek 10.02.10 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at The Riviera, Victorian theme

The couple and their court looking out onto their 225 guests.

Centerpieces with pheasant feathers and antique topiary frames.  Table numbers in vintage frames.

Each of the four cake flavors was identified by a Victorian looking frame from Pier 1.

The bride purchased vintage skeleton keys online which were attached to tags with the guests' names and table numbers.  The groom created the framed display.

Pre-event (You don't want to see Post-event!).

Victorian looking candlelabras ornamented the cocktail tables.

The beautiful cake from Aggies of Milwaukee.

Tanya and Chris 8.21.10 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin at Sand Bay Beach Resort, beach theme

Small beach-themed items that the bride and her friends already owned made perfect decor items to set the mood.

Rental items were provided by You'll Be Floored.

Simple, elegant, and stunning centerpieces further enhanced the beach romance.

Linens in watery colors tied the reception tent to the water in view.

Tables were identified by white shell plates labeled with Disney's Little Mermaid related phrases and characters.

Roast pig served on the buffet dressed up the event.

Cake Anatomy in Kaukauna created the pearlized cake with edible shells.

Details created the custom monogram and labels and jumped in bake and decorate the starfish cookies when the original supplier bailed.



Creating Your Signature Drink

Signature drinks are all the rage at the moment and why not? They're a great way to infuse a little of your personality and theme into your reception drink options. Make sure you meet with your planner and your bartender to get their creative expertise, but use the information below to prep yourself for the discussion.

1.What is the theme of my day? Beach parties often lean toward margaritas, but there are so many other options!

2.The season of your wedding should have an impact on your signature drink decision. In general, drinks provided during summer should be chilled and have a cooling effect. The opposite can be true for a winter wedding.

3.Even if you choose to provide a margarita, have it created in one of your wedding colors or use colored salt around the rim to coordinate. Some drinks can be tinted to match your colors, others may capture your color by the liquids used such as cranberry or tomato juice for a red scheme.

4.Consider what your favorite drinks are, alcoholic or non.

5.Garnishes are not just for looks, pretty as they may be. Berries, edible flowers, and candy sticks among others will add flavor to your drink.

6.Always have a non-alcoholic option for your non-drinking guests. And, don't assume that your signature drink has to be alcoholic. Providing a fun, complimentary, non-alcohol signature drink encourages guests to partake of it and thus reduces your open bar tab. Please also note that if you're offering a signature drink, it should be complimentary to your guests.

7.Then, be sure to give it a special day for your special day!







Seasonal:

Winter – pears, apples, cranberries, kiwi, lemon, spices, maple syrup

Spring – green grapes, apricots, honeydew, limes, mango, oranges, pineapple

Summer – watermelon, blackberries, cherries, raspberries, coconut, strawberries, blueberries

Fall – pomegranates, pumpkins, pears, chestnuts, grapefruit, lemons, oranges

A little gift for fall...

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Makes half a gallon of cocoa

Ingredients:
4 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup half and half
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter
Salt to taste
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:
1.In a small medium saucepan, heat milk and half and half to 165°F, or until you see foamy bubbles begin to form around the edges. Do not bring it to a full, rolling boil.

2.Pour in chocolate chips and stir constantly until all of the chocolate is melted.

3.Add peanut butter and brown sugar, again stirring until completely melted and combined.

4.If your cocoa is not smooth or has chunks of peanut butter floating around that simply will not melt, run the cocoa through the blender and reheat again before serving.

5.Salt to taste and serve with an optional dollop on whipped cream.