Ask Cynthia

We love lounges!

2009-11-16T18:14:00.004-06:00

I thought that I would share some pictures of a lounge that we did for a recent wedding at the Temple for Performing Arts in Des Moines. As you can tell, we really enjoyed ourselves in both design and execution.

A lounge for your wedding?

2009-11-15T07:24:00.008-06:00

More and more couples are asking for a "lounge" at their weddings. Outdoors or indoors, they want to create a separate area where people can get away from the hustle and the bustle for a while and catch up with friends and family. I think this is a great idea. It does take some extra effort, but done right, they are not only chic and beautiful, but it adds another element to your wedding celebration; another layer that unfolds for your guests giving them a sense that you really planned for their every comfort. Besides, the practical element is that we are seeing wedding guests stay far longer when there is a seating area away from the dance floor where they can sit and rest.

If you don't think that your budget will handle renting couches and chairs, look around your house or apartment for inspiration. I am sure that most of you have a couple of chairs and an end table that could easily be moved to your reception venue. If not, then perhaps a friend or family member has something that you could borrow? Make the look cohesive by adding some throw pillows in your wedding colors. Don't forget to turn the lights down and add lots of candles for that "nightclub feel."

Need more ideas?

Visit these sites and let your imagination be your fun!

eclecticprops.com

modprop.com
designer8furniturerental.com

Friday always comes!

2009-11-14T21:10:00.004-06:00

It is Friday already! Where does the week go? I am sure that many brides feel like that. So many little details to attend to and it feels like there is not enough time to get it all done. Having a planner helps as they will keep you on task and do many of the detail things that you won't have to worry about. Bar hiring a planner, keeping things in order in a notebook designed to keep one organized is key to a successful event.

As long as you are writing notes and referring to your "planner" often, it might as well be a pretty one. After all, it will be going with you wherever you go, so a stylish notebook just makes the task that much more enjoyable. I found these beautiful notebooks and thought you might like them.

These patterned notebooks come from Avie Press

The journals above and below are from Elum designs

Avie Press

This adorable journal would not only be a great idea gatherer but also gives inspiration. I love the chandeliers! It comes from Bound To

Colors to choose from

2009-11-12T13:06:00.003-06:00

Need help finding a color palette for your wedding? Here are some great sites to check out that will help. Don't be afraid to think outside the box for your color choices.

www.colourlovers.com
www.pantone.com
http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE%20Fashion%20Color%20Report%20Spring%2008.pdf

Gown shopping pointers

2009-11-10T22:44:00.008-06:00

Finding the right dress for your body type, coloring and wedding style is important. For instance, a ballgown has a fitted bodice and a very full, bell shaped skirt. This would not be the best choice for a casual, outdoor wedding.

An A-Line style is cut close to the rib cage but along the body it has a slight flare. This shape creates a smooth, clean, elongated line. If you are looking to appear taller and slimmer, then this is the shape for you.

A sheath style closely follows the curve of the body. It can be crisp and structured or slinky and sexy. These dresses are usually good for destination weddings.

Mermaid or trumpet styles are a type of sheath dress. The skirt flares out at the knee. If you are looking to show off your curves, this is the dress for you.

Then of course, you have the "I just have to have it" gown.

Monogram Cookie Treats

2009-11-09T22:54:00.006-06:00

This is a cute and practical idea if you are looking for affordable favors to give to your wedding guests. It is also a great idea if you are a DIY bride. You will love the compliments!

Making monogramed cookies are easy - here is the recipe and the directions:
1 cup white sugar

1 egg
1 cup of shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon each baking soda, baking powder, salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup canned pumpkin
White cockie icing - use the icing that comes in a small squeezable tube.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together sugar, egg, shortening, and vanilla.
Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir into the creamed mixture, then stir in pumpkin.
Spoon dough onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake for 12 minutes, then cool.
Once cool, write the first letter of each guests' name on each cookie with the icing.
When the icing has set, place each cookie in its own cellophone bag tagged with your monogram and a thank you note. Tie it all up with a coordinating ribbon.

Want to buy some edible cookies instead of baking your own?
Here are some websites to check out.
http://www.ediblegiftsplus.com/
http://www.1-800-bakery.com/
http://www.myweddingfavors.com/
http://www.momentsofelegance.com/

Last wedding of the year

2009-11-07T10:00:00.006-06:00

Today is our last wedding of the year. I am going to try and take some pictures (if you follow my blog, you know that this is definitely something I need to improve upon!). My bride chose the fall color palette, so her bouquets are absolutely stunning. I had so much fun last night putting them together last night.

Here is some of my inspiration.

I will keep you posted on our fun today!

Now Trends

2009-11-05T21:36:00.006-06:00

There are a couple of wedding trends that are happening all across the country. I love them all and heartedly agree that they should be embraced for your own wedding. After all, stamping your wedding with your own personalized style is what sets your event apart from anyone else.

1. The Groom's attire is made much more fun with great looking socks. Checks, dots, stripes, play with them all. http://www.absolutesocks.com/esocks.com/ is the web site to check out.

2. Custom Chairs for the Bride and Groom are a great way to bring attention to the Guests of Honor.

Thank you!

2009-11-04T20:56:00.006-06:00

What makes a great thank you note to write to guests for all of those wonderful wedding gifts?

Here are some things to remember when you write those important pieces of paper:

1. Direct your greeting to all of the givers of that particular gift. Event is you know that Uncle Fred didn't choose the gift, if his name is on the card, he receives a mention in the greeting line.

2. Always mention the item by name. Referring to it as simply "the gift," tells the recipient that you don't care or don't know really what was given.

3. State how you plan to use the gift. Your guest really does want to know that their gift is appreciated and useful.

4. If you can, try to mention the special effort that the guest made to come to your event.

5. Last but not least, your thank you's should be sent within 6 weeks of your wedding; 8 weeks at the most!

Here is a great web site with some wording suggestions for your thank you correspondence: http://weddings.about.com/od/bridesandgrooms/a/thankyoucards.htm
Picture credits
http://www.myexpression.com/ArticlesWedding/WeddingThankYouCards.cfm
http://www.ivylain.com/wedding_cards.htm

A Grand Exit

2009-11-04T06:42:00.009-06:00

I miss the days of the Grand Exit. So many brides and grooms now, when it is time to go home, turn up the lights, start packing up the centerpieces, grab the discarded veil and are often one of the last to leave the venue. Very undramatic and anticlimactic. What happened to brides changing into a chic little get-a-way outfit, the groom receiving claps on the back of well-wishers, and the confetti toss while the newlyweds drive off in a sleek car? Am I an incurable romantic? Absolutely! Give me a staged and fun exit any day. Now my guests know when the party is over, they have sweet visions of the loving and adorable couple and a successful wedding remains in the hearts and minds of all who attended.

Photos in order of appearance:
Stephen Gray Photography
Intimateweddings.com
Laura Meyer
Lizze Belle Event Planning
The Wedding Bee

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T16:09:00.010-05:00

I didn't want you to think that I had forgotten this fun holiday! There are way too many fun ideas to pick one, so I am showing you several.

http://www.wedding-cakes-for-you.com/images/halloween-wedding-cake.jpg

http://www.weddingobsession.com/category/unique/

Would you dress up for a Halloween wedding?

We had our own Halloween wedding today - No I didn't dress up! I did supply the flowers though. Her colors were green, purple and orange with a smattering of black. The bouquets were vivid and pretty. If I were to plan a wedding for today, it would be similar to this board. Love the ideas and the elegance!

http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/halloween-wedding.jpg

These wedding ideas are fun. Love the little ghost cakes!

New Pictures

2009-10-31T15:54:00.004-05:00

I have some new pictures of a wedding we helped with this summer. The photographer was Eloquent Photography. I always enjoy working with Aaron because as you can see, he does a great job.

Another Bridal Show

2009-10-29T20:44:00.004-05:00

We are getting ready for the Muscatine Bridal Show on November 1st. It is hard to believe that November is already here!

This is the first year for our show at the Muscatine Mall. One of the shops in the mall, Hazel Green Bridal and Tux was at our IMU Bridal Show earlier this spring. Hazel approached us to see if we were interested in hosting a show at her mall and we immediately said yes! We love hosting Bridal Shows and bringing Brides and Grooms together. A successful show for me is when every vendor books business. Until then, we keep working towards that goal.

Come join us for a great fashion runway show with over 60 dresses! The show starts at noon with the runway fashion show starting at 2:30. See you there!

Map to the mall:
http://maps.yahoo.com/map?q1=Muscatine%20IA%2052761&q2=1903%20Park%20Ave%20%23%201%20Muscatine%20IA%2052761&mag=5&ard=1#mvt=m&lat=41.43354&lon=-91.03677&mag=5&zoom=14&q1=Muscatine%20IA%2052761&q2=1903%20Park%20Ave%20%23%201%20Muscatine%20IA%2052761

$10.00???

2009-10-29T19:44:00.004-05:00

These days, $10.00 doesn't buy very much. But what if I told you that $10.00 could make a difference at your wedding? Here are some ways that a $10.00 bill and some change could make your wedding day celebration the wonderful event that you envision.

1. Color. $10.00 will buy you a beautiful length of double-sided satin ribbon to wind around your waist giving your wedding gown definition, style, individuality and a shot of color. Add your grandmother's brooch and you have something old and something new. Use your ribbon color to further define the colors of your wedding to make an impact and lasting impression.

2. Walk into your favorite discount store and buy a journal for less than $10.00. This will become your wedding planner - you will use it to record the place that you saw that beautiful necklace, write down your favorite flowers, clip out pictures and paste them in, use it to record gifts received and for your reception seating chart. It will become indispensable in helping you hold onto your sanity and will be your best friend for helping you stay on track. Being organized for your wedding day is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself.

3. Want to create an exciting and unforgettable reception using $10.00? Purchase the game Table Topics from http://www.tabletopics.com/. What a fun way to involve your guests and get to know each other better? Who says that wedding receptions have to be stuffy?

4. For less than $10.00 you can purchase a beautiful picture frame and fill it with a home-made sign that thanks your guests for coming to your wedding. Place it on a table surrounded by candles (again, less than $10.00) in a place that your departing guests are sure to see. It will leave them with a beautiful and loving thought of their hosts. http://www.framesbymail.com/ has some great picture frames and you can even download and frame your print right online.

5. For $10.00 you can fill a basket or bowl from home with assorted sundries from your favorite dollar store. Place this in the women's bathroom for a gentle and much needed reminder of your care for your guests. You can do the same in the men's bathroom.

6. For a $10.00 bill and some change, pick up some coloring books, modeling clay and other kid's items that will keep the littlest guests at your wedding happy while mom and dad dance the night away. Trust me, it will be the best $10.00 you ever spend for your wedding!

7. For $10.00 and a little change, Barnes and Nobles has a great book offer entitled The Knot Book of Wedding Lists: The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Day, Down to the Smallest Detail. The checklists in this book help you stay on track and sane!

Finding the unique

2009-10-28T21:54:00.007-05:00

Have you visited the website, Etsy lately?

It is a crafter's mecca. You can find anything for any price and in any style. Here is just a sampling of the great wedding ideas I found.

Wedding stickers by Posh Designs. They are perfect for gifts, tags for welcome bags or thank you's on favors.

This ring pillow from SS Creative Designs is beautiful!

These invitations from Samvadiya Cards remind me of Moroccan nights, candles and lots of pillows in a lounge-inspired room that none of your wedding guests would want to leave.

Lance Harding Videos

2009-10-27T06:12:00.004-05:00

Lance Harding has done it again with another wonderful wedding. This time it happens to be one of ours, so of course, we are prejudice in our thinking that it is wonderful.

See for yourself his amazing talent:

Michelle & Christian from Harding Videography on Vimeo.

Another Bridal Bhow

2009-10-27T06:08:00.002-05:00

We are getting ready for another Bridal Show this Sunday, November 1st at the Muscatine Mall in Muscatine, IA. We have never been in this area with one of our shows so we are anxious to see the turn out.

Hazel Green has a lovely boutique in the mall called Hazel Green Bridal and Tux. She will be spearheading a fashion show at 2:30 in front of her store and we think that it will be a lot of fun.

Make sure to come see us! http://www.specialelegantevents.com/id83.html

Vera Wang's new Bridal Line

2009-10-23T19:54:00.003-05:00

I am a lover of Vera Wang's bridal dresses, but this year's showing makes me even more of a believer. She is certainly talented and gifted and her understanding of fashion and fabric is clear to see. Here is a look-see at some of her beautiful designs: http://ow.ly/wa7e

Favors for the asking

2009-10-22T09:32:00.004-05:00

Favors are a fun way to connect with your guests. They are a way to leave a lasting impression, a token of the event, a way to keep the event alive. There are some adorable favors for every type of wedding and event. Whatever favor you choose, please keep these things in mind:

1. If your budget would either accommodate an extra hour at the bar or favors, go for the extra hour at the bar. Favors are fun to give, but certainly not necessary. If you give your guests good food, good entertainment and a loving spirit, they won't really need anything to keep your wedding memory.

2. Favors should compliment your overall wedding theme. Caramel apples work well for a fall theme. Cookies in the shape of a flower work well for spring weddings. A pot of locally-grown honey and your grandmother's biscuits are great for out of town guests.

3. The most popular favors are those that involve food; cookies, chocolate, biscotti and a bag of coffee, your aunt's favorite soup mix and a beautiful enameled spoon, something that is meaningful to the both of you.

4. Make sure that your favors are packaged as beautifully as possible. Add a homemade sticker with your initials and a personal thank you; a colorful ribbon, a flower detail, anything to enhance the gift. After all, anticipation of the gift is as important as the gift itself.

Here are some great web sites for favor ideas:

http://emmasfavors.theaspenshops.com/

http://www.beau-coup.com/

http://www.godiva.com/welcome.aspx

http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/edible-wedding-favors-c-89.html

http://www.yacanna.com/ProductDetail.do?cid=37&pid=3889

http://www.charmingweddings.com/edible-wedding-favors-c-29.html

The Designer Wedding Show

2009-10-21T10:14:00.003-05:00

Bridal shows are fun! Vendors, samples, prizes, what better way for a bride and groom to get up close and personal with service providers dedicated to helping them plan the perfect day?

The Designer Wedding Show is coming this Sunday, the 25th to the Meskwaki Convention Center from noon - 3 pm. If you haven't attended this show -it is the third anniversary - then you are in for a treat when you see the space. The Convention Center is beautiful! What a great place to help you wedding!

Professional vendors, cake samples, designer gowns, hourly prizes, decorating ideas, the list could go on and on. It promises to be a great afternoon that you won't want to miss. To pre-register, go to http://www.specialelegantevents.com/id4.html

Lots of weddings and lessons...

2009-10-20T15:30:00.007-05:00

It feels like a lifetime ago since I last posted. Sorry. Our weekend was nothing short of crazy and it is taking me a few days to recuperate. I have to start by saying kudos to my crew! They were amazing and then some!! 7 weddings in 6 days has to be some sort of miracle or at least definitely crazy! Here are some things we learned in the last week and a half:

1. Music helps make a reception into a party. A band is great, but a great DJ makes the party. Not everyone can appreciate your choice in music. So when you choose a band based on what you like, it might not be to your guests' liking. The answer? Have the band play for about a hour, no more than two, then turn the DJ loose with party music. He or she can gage the mood of the room, the ages of your guests and play a variety of music from all genres and artists. Music is very important. If you want people to stay and party - give them a reason.

2. If you are going to have a dry reception (no alcohol), then have some fun beverages to serve. How about a non-alcoholic signature drink? Pop the cork on some sparkling grape juice. Even better, serve a warm apple cider to your guests when they first arrive. Receptions are for celebrating, so you definitely want something for your guests to celebrate with.

3. Create an area where people can get away from the dance floor to visit and watch the fun. Situating your dance floor in the midst of your reception is always a good idea, but creating a place where people can get "away" for a little bit to have a drink, visit with long lost cousins, or just sit back a way from the music, is a great idea. Add some tall cocktail tables, a few chairs and you have the makings of a perfect reception party room.

4. Above all be a gracious host and hostess. Smile, hug, love and dote on your guests. Make them feel special and treasured. Give them memories of your gracious and loving self - this is a perfect wedding.

Wedding Centerpieces

2009-10-15T06:15:00.005-05:00

Need some wedding centerpiece ideas? Here is a great web site with loads of ideas: http://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Wedding_Centerpiece_Picture_Gallery

Love this video!

2009-10-12T19:37:00.003-05:00

Lance Harding does an amazing job with his videos as the one attached will testify to. Check out his work at www.hardingvideography.com

This is just too fun!

Katie & Eric from Harding Videography on Vimeo.

More brides need to do this

2009-10-12T10:47:00.004-05:00

I found this video on the Internet and loved the concept. Then I have to ask myself why more and more brides aren't doing this? Your pictures last a lifetime - this is one more dimension to add to a lifetime of memories.

http://ow.ly/tXka

Thought you might like these

2009-10-08T06:29:00.003-05:00

Just when I think I have seen it all at weddings, this is what I get for snooping around the Internet. I will leave the comments to you.

englishrussia.com/?tag=russian-wedding&paged=2