Stationery Beyond The Invitation...

Many brides and families don't realize, until they start planning and shopping, that there is way more to today's stylish and unique "stationery wardrobes" than just the engraved invitations (and little else) of yesteryear. One aspect of the stationery wardrobe you might not be thinking about is your "guest book." And while there are many gorgeous traditional books to choose from on the market, I think you'd also be surprised at the variety of fun and non-traditional guest book options available. I'm even talking about going beyond the signature photo mat, an idea that I'd say came about in the last 10-15 years but which has become a standard classic in that time.

After creating an invitation suite for one of my favorite brides Lucia, she shared with me her plans to create a "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls for her reception. I loved her idea so much I fashioned my own version for my sister's wedding. The premise is simple. Two jars (bowls, or vases work well too), one for guests to write wishes or bits of advice for the happy couple (Make-a-Wish) and another bowl filled with well-wishes from the bride and groom for their guests to take home (Take-a-Wish). This idea was so successful, that I introduced Bride Design's Signature Collection Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish Kits
to our etsy shop this past year. The customer supplies the containers and an 8x10 frame. We supply ALL the printed paper goodies. We're happy to have shipped these kits around the U.S., as well as to Canadian, English, Irish, and Australian customers around the globe!

Offered in more than 10 color schemes, the wishes provided in the kit are Irish blessings, delightful proverbs from around the world, and even a few affirming mantras. We also provide a poem and easy instructions (suitable for framing) for the guests on how to use the jars, that should be placed on the table. Guests enjoy the interactive aspect of this keepsake and cards can be stored in a variety of ways. A photo book interspersed with pictures or a lovely box are fun choices. Extra special notes might also be framed and placed in the newlyweds' home. We've also expanded our offerings (at a bride's request) to include another kit that features exclusively Christian wishes and bible verses.

For more information on these and our many other stationery offerings, please visit us on Thursday afternoons at The Wedding Studio at 224 Harrison or find us online at bridedesign.com and bridedesign.etsy.com. Happy Planning!

Do I really need the support of a wedding planner?

This is a question many brides ask themselves as they debate the investment verses DIY.

Hiring a wedding planner is a personal decision that only you can make. There have been more than a few weddings where a professional planner was not involved and the day went just fine. And yours will probably go fine, too. But at what expense to your nerves, your relationship with your mother, groom, bridesmaids, family, co-workers...

The investment you make hiring a professional is an intangible and the true value is not realized until the last song is played. We (professional wedding planners) are there to ensure you hire the wedding vendors who fit your needs, personality, and budget. We are there to ensure no detail is forgotten. We are there to ensure your day unfolds flawlessly. But most importantly we are there to reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with planning such a personally momentous occasion.

We offer customized support that fits your needs. Maybe you want someone to be by your side throughout the entire process or perhaps you just want support the final month and day of or just someone to run ideas and questions by. No matter the need, a true professional will not try to fit you into a "package."

Example: We (The Events Company) met with a bride a couple months ago who felt she wanted day of support. We reviewed her needs, expectations, concerns, and overall wedding plan and submitted a proposal. This was a bride who was used to having full control and doing everything herself, so making the decision was difficult. The event more difficult decision was selecting between 2 the companies she interviewed; the challenge was she liked us better but we were more expensive. After much personal debate she opted to hire The Events Company. Yes, we were more expensive, however she felt more comfortable with the personalities of our team and the level of service we would provide. Now, we WOW! her.

The Floral Gardens

It's a beautiful day to start planning your wedding. The Floral Gardens is hard at work finishing the last few 2010 weddings and planning for all of the new brides to come. Stop in or call us today. We love helping brides plan for their wedding. Flowers make weddings beautiful.