Website of the Week: DIY Bride

So I've decided that I'm going to start posting some of my favorite websites every week. This week, I'd love to share diybride.com with you. It's a great way for you learn about different DIY projects, ways to negotiate, money-saving tips and more. Khris is so talented, and we're all lucky to be able to learn from her! She's also got a book out, a way to learn even more of her famed secrets!

Enjoy!

Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue!

So what's with this tradition? It seems to be quite popular, but where does it come from? It actually dates back to the early Victorian Era in England (Mid 1500s). Each item is seen as a token of good luck for the bride.

"Something Old"-people often ask "How old is 'old'?" Well, there was never any set length of time, so I like to go by the definition: something that's not new. I can be anything: A necklace from a grandmother, or a veil from a mother, it's a symbol of the bride's connection to her family.

"Something New"- This can be anything, the dress is used most commonly for something new, but could be jewelery or a pair of shoes! It represents good hope for the future.

"Something Borrowed"- Just what it says! Borrow something from a happily married friend or family member for this one!
"Something Blue"- For something blue, it's common to use a blue garter, underwear, having your initials embroidered onto the dress in blue, or even carrying a small blue handkerchief with your flowers. It's said to symbolize love, so don't forget this important one!

A Quick Look at Budgets!

Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there! Because there are so many of you, I figured that this is something important to point out before the major planning and contract signing begins!

With the skyrocketing costs of weddings, it's important for you to set your boundaries (budget) early in the planning process. Come up with a good round number, and stick to it! The round number should include all contributions from family members, your fiancé, and yourself. Now here's something that I often tell my brides, just to keep them under the overall budget: When working with your budget, assume that you can only spend 85% of it. That way when you forget little things, or decide to splurge on something towards the end, it's still within your budget!

Just because you create the budget doesn't mean you're finished looking at it, constantly update it with any contracts you sign, and diligently work to stay within it. I promise it will take so much of the stress out of the planning if you don't also have to plan how you're going to get rid of the credit card debt!

Happy Planning!

Welcome to the Team!

I would personally like to welcome Jessica to the Unforgettable Soirées Team.

Currently she is acting as an assistant and I look forward to working with her on many of our upcoming weddings. I also look forward to her future opportunities within the company.

Jess is a recently married Seminole who loves event planning and has great knowledge of Atlanta area vendors as well as many hidden gems! She is a great addition to the team and I'm so excited to have her!

Welcome Jess!!

Happy New Year!!!

So many people have been asking me where Unforgettable Soirées is going next year, and the truth is: in so many new and exciting directions! However, we can't look at where we're going until we know where we've been right?

2008, a year in review: It started off in a mad rush, people were calling, and e-mailing, and even texting me to reserve their date at my bargain of a price. January was full of meetings with potential brides, many of which turned into clients, and some now even friends. With only one wedding in February, it was a time to focus on a plan, how was it that I would do 26 weddings in 1 year? Well, sitting here on the last day of december, it seems as though it's worked. I'm still here, doing what I love to do. Over the course of the year, I've gained so much experience, knowledge of the industry and some truly great friends that I love to work with!

Now where are we going in 2009? Well packages have been re-focussed based on the needs of clients, so that I can provide the best service possible. The new webiste is almost ready to launch, my assistant, Jess is taking on a great deal with quite a few weddings in the next year, and more to come, and I think we're ready, as a team for it to begin!

I wish you all a very prosperous, exciting, and happy new year!

Bachelorette Ides: Watson Adventures

If strippers aren't your thing, and you've got a large group interested in attending your Bachelorette Party, I think that Watson Adventures might be a really fun idea. It's a scavenger hunt that can be located throughout Atlanta (The History Center, Fernbank Museum, the Aquarium, and many more).

You can do a walking tour or a limo tour or so much more! The cost is a bit much (probably close to about $1500) but if you get a big enough group together, it could be a ton of fun!

Mid-Planning Minute: Leah & Christian!

So as you saw earlier this month, I met with Leah and Christian at Eileen Carter's home to do an amazing cake tasting. I just wanted to post quickly and just tell you all how excited I am about their wedding. They're such a sweet couple, and they're using some of the best vendors Atlanta has to offer. Here's a pic of the happy couple taken by the superb photographer, Shannon Wright. Their church is gorgeous, their catering hall is going to be fabulous, they're working with an amazing florist, Heather at Stems Atlanta, and they've got SO many other greats! I can't wait!

A Unique Twist: The Not Wedding

I'm really looking forward to this weekend! I've got plans to go to The Not Wedding at Opera on Sunday afternoon. Some of the best and most creative vendors will be hosting a mock wedding to show potential brides (and the occasional vendor;) ) ideas for hosting a wedding outside of the box.

The cost is $10 either online, or cash at the door and includes some hors d'oeuvres, specials offered by the various vendors, the entertainment, and a fresh look on a timeless tradition!

Some vendors include Joshua John's Cakes, Brown Linen Goods, Event Drapery, DJ Josh Whitlock, and so many more!

I can't wait! It's going to be a ton of fun, and I get to go with the hottest date out there, Shannon Wright!

The Cake Lady!

I'm so excited to post about my first tasting with Eileen Carter, aka "The Cake Lady." We met where she works her magic! People always wonder, "What happens at meetings with vendors?" So here's your inside scoop on the meeting with the baker!

When we arrived, it was first and foremost important that we look through albums of past cakes to pick the design. Leah and Christian decided to go with a petal design which is so new and exciting!

From there, Eileen actually put together styrofoam cakes so they could visualize which one they liked best. It was so cool!

Then it was time to try the cakes flavors. We got to try so many, and the bride and groom had fun coming up with different combinations for each layer.

The best part, Eileen is creating a stadium for the Groom's cake. She's quite excited about this one, and I can't wait to see it!

Oh- and she's blogging now, check out Eileen's Blog.

Pro Pics: Marva & Pascale!

I know it's been a little while since I've posted, so I figured I'd start up again, sharing new pics that I got in the mail today from Gene Ho. Gene and his assistant were an absolute pleasure to work with. They were professional from start to finish. I was so excited to see the pictures because I knew he was able to capture so many of the important and personal moments of the day! All of the following pictures are thanks to Gene and the fantastic team he's put together.
The day started with the Marva and the bridesmaids getting ready at the Ritz Downtown. Their makeup was done by Deetvekio, one of my personal favorite to work with. He is able to keep you looking natural, while adding the perfect amount of color! After getting ready, they headed to Piedmont Park to take some great pictures, and to put the finishing touches on the bride.

She was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

The flowers were done by the AMAZING Carla Duncan with On Occasions of Atlanta. They were the freshest flowers I've seen! It's always a pleasure to work with her, and her creativity always impresses! Carla also pays so much attention to detail. Take the hand-wrapped bouquet above, flawless!The ceremony took place in the meadow just off the Piedmont Garden Tent. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her mother.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and the sun peeked through the willows perfectly. They were surrounded by loving family and friends.

You can see here how truly happy they were!

Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests moved into the garden tent for a stylish reception.
The food was also the talk of the night, and absolutely delicious!

All in all, I would say that it was a fabulous wedding!

Such an amazing couple!

Need a Map?

Are many of your guests from out of town? It might be a good idea to provide them with a map of the local area. I'd suggest checking out Wedding Maps. Their creative staff will come up with something in just your style!

You can put them in the Out of Town Guest bags, or you can mail them with your invitations! They've got tons of paper styles and colors to choose from and they promise prompt quality service! Get in touch with Eric today!

Vendor Spotlight: Illuminated Videos

I had the pleasure of working with Kelley Hammock with Illuminated Videos on Marva & Pascal's Unforgettable Soiree! It was my first opportunity to work with her, and I can't wait to do it again! She's got a great sense for what she's doing and she manages to not be in the way like so many brides are afraid of! You can check out their website for demos, and they'll even send you one for free! I just got mine in the mail today and let me just say that it's phenomenal! Their prices are very reasonable for the services they provide! Oh- and people will think you have a movie star filming you wedding because Kelley looks just like Reece Witherspoon!

Venue Preview: Signature Events, Dunwoody GA

Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Signature Events in Dunwoody GA. It's a beautiful site that can host ceremonies and receptions for up to 300 guests.
As soon as you enter, you are in a large open space that serves at the cocktail hour room or ceremony room. The bar is in the back and the ballroom is to the left. During cocktail hours, they place high boys out for guests as well as sometimes put some food displays. They've also got some pretty comfortable lounging furniture!
Judy mentioned that they usually move the highboys out of the immediate bar room because of the clutter, but that they can always keep a few in there if requested.

The ballroom is large and has a pretty good sized dance floor. In the picture below, the room is only set for 100, but you can imagine that there would be enough room to fit quite a few more tables and chairs. It really is a beautiful place, and a clean slate, so a lot can be done with it by simply using some imagination!
Their packages are very reasonably priced and they also have many different bar packages available. The Chiavari Chairs come with any event and they're in really good shape. Check them out!

Registries 101:Timing

Many brides ask "When should I register?" Here are a few things to think about before you start to register!

What are you planning to register for? Some products go through cycles where they become discontinued. Safe bets that are long lasting and OK to register early (1yr out) for: Fine China, Crystal, Silverware, Luggage, Pots & Pans, Kitchen Odds and Ends. Here are some items that are often seasonal and shouldn't be registered for until 6 months out: Bathroom Sets, Everyday China, Everyday Glasses, and Sheet sets.

If you're getting married in the Spring or Summer, go ahead and register before the holidays- for a few key items in each price point (-$50, $50-100, $100+). You should plan on watching your registry monthly just to make sure that your items aren't discontinued. If they become discontinued, you'll be on top of it so that you can swap it out! If you're getting married in the Fall, I suggest you wait on the main items until after the new year.

Get excited and make sure you include your Fiancé!

Monogram Cake Topper?

A trend that's been popular for quite some time now is the Monogram Cake Topper. Sure, there are many places to order them, but I personally suggest Toppers With Glitz. From personal experience, they do beautiful work, with quality metal being used for the actual letter.

They have many different fonts available, and any color crystal you could imagine. Sure, their pricing might seem a little steep, but they provide great products, and something that you can have displayed on a shelf or next to a framed invite for years to come!

A Sneak Peek at Jennifer & Jey's Unforgettable Soiree!

Here's just a quick sneak peek of Jennifer and Jey's wedding from Saturday the 13th. They were married at the Magnolia House in Powder Springs and it was very beautiful.They have an on-site baker who came up with their very beautiful cake as well as their fun and original groom's cake! It was a surprise to the groom, and he LOVED it. It was at that point that he shared the secret that he was taking her to Hawaii for their honeymoon.

Outdoor Wedding?

Are you having an outdoor wedding? Do you wish you could wear the perfect set of heels without sinking into the grass? Well, there is finally a solution. "Heel Stoppers" are slowly catching on, so I thought I'd bring this new idea to you!They slip onto the bottom of your heel, and can be easily removed when the party moves inside. They keep you above the grass, keep the heels clean, and are clear and subtle. No twisting ankles either. Check out Belle Devine.

Another Sneak Peek: Cathy & Danny!

Look familiar? Danny and Cathy were also married in the Piedmont Meadow, with their reception following in the Garden Tent.

It was a romatic evening ceremony with plenty of fun to enjoy in celebration of the couple.

Sorry this one is a little dark, but everyone was enjoying the food- they had a carving station, a sushi station, as well as a mashed potato bar- a huge hit!

I'll be sure to share some new pictures when I get them in a couple of weeks!