It's Time to Shine

Taken from the Morning Journal, November 14, 2010

     When you're consumed with all the obvious aspects of wedding planning such as food and flowers, it's easy to forget about components like lighting that are seemingly behind-the-scenes. But most wedding professionals agree that how you illuminate your event is actually a key decor detail.
     If you're still in the dark about this essential wedding element, these expert tips will help you see the light.

Why you need it
     According to Karen Bussen, author of the "Simple Stunning Weddings" book series, good lighting is the most important part of creating the proper mood for a space.
     "You can spend a fortune on flowers and tabletop details, but if the room is too dark, you won't be able to see any of it," says Bussen. "And if the lighting is dreary or, on the other hand, too bright, the party simply won't feet festive."

What you need
      If your ceremony will take place in an interior space such as a ballroom, consider using small uplights in the area where you say your vows. They add extra emphasis to the moment and can enhance your photos, says Bussen.
     At the reception, the most important area to light is the band and the dance floor so that guests will feel inspired to get down. But instead of using moving lights or disco effects that can distract, Bussen recommends going with colored lights in soft hues that match your wedding palette. If you opted for a buffet, it's also imperative that the service tables have acceptable lighting so that guests can see what they are eating. The next priority is your dinner tables. Candles will help provide light from underneath and around, but generally they aren't sufficient to show all the intricacies of a fabulous centerpiece. Consider using pin-spots that project downward to highlight the center of a table, allowing your floral arrangements to really shine.
     Bussen also advises lighting the perimeter of the space to accent any architectural details, such as a gorgeous ceiling, woodwork or a fireplace.
     Be sure to visit your venue at least once during the hours when your celebration will occur so that you fully understand what you're working with, adds Bussen. Ask the manager if the various in-house lighting elements can be dimmed and if they are on separate switches for easy individual adjustment.

Get creative
     Lighting can be used to draw attention to favorable aspects of a space, and to hide the less appealing parts, says Anja Winikka, senior editor of TheKnot.com. For instance, if you love the Gothic columns in a room, lighting them from the base will turn them into showstoppers. Hate the floral pattern on the carpet? Project a pattern on the ceiling to draw eyes upward. Gobos are essentially glass or metal "stencils" that are attached to a light projector to produce images. Cast soft vines or branches on the walls and ceiling for an organic effect, suggest Bussen, or cover your dance floor in geometric patterns for a modern look.
     You also can create beautiful atmospheric transformations during an event by using color washes, Winikka says. "Cool blues and purples set a soothing, sophisticated vibe, while intense ambers and reds let guests know it's time to party."

The cost
     The price for bringing in additional lighting can vary from a couple hundred dollars for a few simple effects to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex installation in multiple spaces, so make sure to get comparative quotes from at least two pros, advises Bussen.
     "But", says Winikka, "If your space isn't up to snuff, we promise it's totally worth the expense."

Caring for Dinnerware

     You and your groom picked out the dinnerware and crystal you wanted. Family and friends used your gift registry choices and now you have beautiful china and crystal from those dear to you. don't be afraid to use it and enjoy it.
     Don't put it away and use it only for "special occasions", fearing that it will be scratched or chipped or broken if used too often. With proper use and gentle care, you can use and enjoy these lovely things frequently. here are some care tips for your china dinnerware.
     it is fine to put china in a dishwasher. Just remember not to stack pieces too closely together so that they don't bump and jostle and chip.
     if you choose to hand wash your china, put a rubber mat in the bottom of the sink to guard against breakage.
     use proper cooking and storage items for food - not your china. Temperature extremes in ovens and refrigerators may cause it to crack.
     Wherever possible, hang the cups on plastic coated hooks rather than stacking them.
     Your crystal deserves special care.
     Do not put it in the dishwasher because the detergent may react with the lead content of the crystal and give it a bluish cast.
     Experts recommend that you wash crystal by hand using mild, non-lemon dish soap.
     Clean etched patterns with a soft brush and plan to add a drop of ammonia to the rinse water for added sparkle. Be sure to rinse it off.
     Stand glasses straight up in a safe place.
     With a little care, you'll enjoy both your china and crystal for many years to come.

Entertaining Tips

     You're married! You received new dinnerware. You are planning your fist dinner party. Here are some tips for the big event.
     How many people to invite? A dinner party for six or eight is ideal. A successful party depends on the right combination of people so think about personalities and individual interests before you invite the potential guests.
     Choose the right table covering to complement your dinner plans. Formal entertaining still calls for a linen tablecloth with matching napkins. Informal entertaining lends itself to colorful cloths with either matching or contrasting napkins. Many hostesses choose to use place mats - either alone or layers.
     Adding a special centerpiece can reflect your personal style. Just remember that:

• A centerpiece should never block a guest's view.
• The size and shape should be in proportion to the size of the table.
• flowers should not be so fragrant that they overpower the food.

Using candles at the table adds a romantic touch to the dinner. Here are some expert tips on candle use.

• Ivory candles are the preferred choice for a classic table setting.
• If you keep your candles in the refrigerator they will burn evenly and slowly.
• All candles should be displayed with charred wicks and should be placed at least two or three inches apart to prevent melting into each other.
• If you forgot to extinguish the candles and some of the wax melted onto the tablecloth, you can remove the wax from a washable cloth by scraping off the excess wax and running boiling water through the fabric.

Following these tips for the first dinner party should help insure that you'll feel more comfortable in your role as hostess and will be happy and eager to repeat the lovely evening you provided for your guests.

The Bridesmaid's Role

     We often counsel brides on the true and expanded role that bridesmaids play in their wedding plans. It is far more than merely buying a dress with matching shoes and showing up at the ceremony on time. How much each bride expects of her maids is a highly personal choice. We think knowing about the traditional roles will help her choose what exactly she'd like from each. We also counsel brides on the need to share this information with her friends prior to asking an individual to be a bridesmaid in her wedding.
     One can find all sorts of resources, which discuss the history of bridesmaids. There are likely two traditions. One evolved from a cultural / religious belief that evil spirits would try to derail a bride's happiness in marriage; so young women dressed just like her and surrounded her to confuse those evil spirits. a second comes from Roman times when by Roman law, at least ten young maidens were required to "protect" the bride from capture. while today's bridesmaid isn't expected to engage in hand-to-hand combat to protect her friend, she is expected to assist the bride in various parts of the wedding plans and ceremony. Too few bridesmaids know what the role entails.
     So when a girl says, "Yes, I'd love to be in your wedding party", what does that mean? It means that:
   She will offer emotional support and be available for handling some of the details of the wedding if the bride needs her.
     She will be invited to all of the showers being held for the bride.
     She will participate in and perhaps help plan the bachelorette party.
     She will offer assistance as needed in various projects like helping to address invitations, printing seating charts and place cards, or train fluffing before photos.
     She will help select the bridesmaids dresses, be cooperative in the choice and be prepared to pay for her own gown and accessories unless the bride clearly offers her financial assistance.
     She will attend the rehearsal and be a cooperative participant.
     She may be asked to stand in the receiving line and assist in moving guests through it. If she is not in the receiving line, she may be asked to function as a roving hostess and insure that the bride and groom have the opportunity to greet everyone at the reception.
     If the wedding reception includes a dance, the bridesmaids have a responsibility to insure that guests do dance. they get people out on the dance floor.

     In a way, bridesmaids are still helping to ward the "evil spirits of stress and strain that may rob the bride of the joy in her wedding.

Spirits and Bubbly

     If you are planning to serve liquor at your reception there are a few ground rules to remember as you place your order.
     Costs for beverages can either be managed or reach the stratosphere. the prices of champagne, wine, beer and/or hard liquor can vary a great deal but with a little research on brands, quantities and service style, you can contain the costs. A great deal depends on the expectations of your guests and your own personal tastes.
     Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you choose your wedding spirits.
    
Champagne:

• Brut = extra dry, Extra Sec or Sec = medium dry to medium sweet, Demi Sec or Doux = sweet to very sweet.
• 750 ml = six flute glasses of champagne and 1500 ml = 12 flutes
• Budget 2 glasses of champagne per person if wait staff are pouring.
• You can control costs by planning 1 glass per person and have it served by waiters from silver trays.
• Serve champagne at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wine

• Sugar Content - very dry = 0% sugar, dry = 1-2%, medium = 3-6%, sweet = 7+%
• Budget two glasses of wine per person per hour.
• Budget 1/2 bottle of wine per person if you are serving cocktails before/during meal service.
• Unless dictated otherwise by menu choices and guest preferences, the usual breakdown of wine to be served is 60% white, 40% red.

Beer

• Include a mix of light, dark, imported and nonalcoholic beers.

Factors that will influence quantities served:

• Will you serve wine and beer only or include specialty drinks?
• Will you have an open bar?
• Will you serve wine with the meal following cocktails or with no pre-meal cocktails?
• Will you serve after dinner liquors?
• Will the bar remain open during dinner?

Other factors to consider:

• you will need one bar for every 40-50 guests.
• You will need one bartender for every 40 guests.
• Set up a minimum of 3 glasses per person per bar.

The Hands Have It

http://www.redcarpetbeading.com

Taken from The Morning Journal 11/14/10

Fashion-forward brides are reaching for bracelets, bangles and cuffs

     When it comes to accessorizing, most brides only have eyes for earrings and necklaces. But donning a big, bold cuff or bracelet or a stack of gorgeous bangles - one of the hottest trends in fashion right now - is an easy way to give big impact to your big day attire.
     Sarah Leingang, the assistant beauty and jewelry editor for Brides magazine, currently loves the Indian-inspired crystal bangles and cuffs by Tejani, a designer bridal costume jewelry collection that launched in 2006. She's also excited about Givenchy's new line of Art Deco bangles. "Brides can layer on and mix metals for an edgier, more modern look," Leingang says.
     Jewelry designer Pat Flynn's hand-forged iron bracelets and cuffs with diamond, 18-karat gold and platinum embellishments are another good way to give serious sophistication to a feminine frock. and a more affordable option that looks equally high-end is Alexis Bittar's Lucite bracelets that come in earthy and industrial tones - but that also can have Swarovski crystal "dust" in vibrant hues.
     Lara Casey, editor-in-chief of Southern Weddings magazine, is a fan of arm candy that provides a meaningful pop of color, such as a bangle in Carolina blue to represent the school where the couple met, a grandmother's vintage jeweled cuff, or a bracelet with charms to represent family members.
     "I think anything you wear on your big day should represent your personal style and help tell your unique love story," says Casey.
     Regardless, if you opt to incorporate a statement-making bracelet in your wedding fashion ensemble, it's best to skip the necklace and stick to simple pearl drops or stud earrings, advises Leingang. "A bride's beauty should never be overshadowed by busy accessories."

Rental Items

     In an ideal world, each place you use for the ceremony and reception will have everything you need for a perfect event. However, things are rarely exactly how you wish them to be. Brides usually ask us for recommendations for rental businesses that can supply additional items that may be needed. But before we recommend any other business we try to help the bride determine exactly what may be needed and sources for those items.
     Before you rent anything, be sure to check with your wedding ceremony site, wedding reception venue, caterers, beverage providers, decor company, florist entertainment, audiovisual, staging and lighting companies for items needed. It is hard to believe that one could need something these services couldn't provide, but if there is, a reputable rental provider is your answer.
     Once you have identified the items you think you'll need, have a conversation with two or more rental services to check the quality of the items provided as well as the rental costs. Your ceremony or reception venue may be able to refer you to a reputable service that comes with strong references from previous customers.
     To help you with discussions about rental items, there are some questions you will want to ask them.
     Ask the agency to be specific about the services they will supply. Will they merely deliver the items to your site or does the price include set up and tear down?
     Ask if the items are insured against theft and/or damage and is that included in the rental fee. If it s not included, ask for the amount of insurance you may need.
     Bear in mind that a full service decor company will likely be able to handle all or part of your decor, floral, table settings, glassware, tables, chairs and chair covers, linens, and lighting requirements. In addition to the usual items, the decor company may be your best source for any unusual items you decide you must have to complete the theme of your celebration. how much "extra" you want will likely be determined more by budget than lack of resources.

Forest Green...1 Color, 4 Ways

    

     Nature's neutral forest green is the earth's go-to color. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Forest and Cream...an airy hue can make even the darkest tones feel clean and fresh. Try this sophisticated duo during the day in a sunny space or at night in a mod lounge or club.
• Forest and Peach...a twist on the traditionally preppy pairing of green and pink, these hues are frothy enough to dress up a retro diner but elegant enough for a tea-room party.
• Forest and Wine...these jewel tones would look lovely in a sumptuous wood-paneled space, preferably one kitted out with antiques and oriental rugs.
• Forest and Navy...A combo this rich and velvety works best for an evening affair and since it echoes the colors of planet Earth, it would totally rock in a natural-history museum.

Taken from Brides November 2010

Your Gift Registry "Wares"

    
     Now that you are a bride-to-be, you'll want to get serious about adding to your domestic vocabulary. As you begin to explore registry options and settle on the main resource for your gift registry, here are some terms that you should know.
     DINNERWARE is a general term for dinner and salad plates, cups and saucers and other pieces of china that are used at individual place settings.
     HOLLOWARE literally means anything that is hollow. It could be a teapot or a casserole. There are several kinds of holloware. Silver holloware refers to things like punchbowls, ice buckets and serving pieces. Crystal holloware includes bowls and vases. China holloware should match your china pattern.
     GIFTWARE is a term that covers a broad range of product offerings. It refers to figurines, decor accessories, boxes, jewelry chests, silver chests, vases and linens.
     STEMWARE means a "glass or a stem". It includes all of the sparkling pieces of crystal that have stems - champagne flutes, wine glasses, water glasses, and liqueur glasses.
     FLATWARE refers to knives, forks, teaspoons and other pieces used at individual place settings. Flatware is available in sterling silver; silverplate, stainless steel, vermeil (which refers to a metal like silver or bronze that has been gilded), and ceramic. Sterling silver is the ultimate in flatware. Its value and beauty increase with time and wear. You will find a wide range of designs in classic, traditional and contemporary design. Silverplate, which is silver deposited on a base metal, offers the look and feel of sterling in a variety of patterns and styles at a lower price. Stainless steel flatware is made from a combination of steel, chromium and nickel in both contemporary and traditional styles.
   Enjoy making your selections!