What's Hot in 2011 - How Inviting

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011

In or out? Melinda Morris of Lion in the Sun, a Brooklyn, NY, paperie, has the lowdown on invitations.

• Out! Big ribbons or bows. Poufy invites have had their day.
• In! Luxurious textured papers, such as ultra-thick cotton sheets, natural rice or bamboo papers, and anything with a deckled edge. the paper surprise of the year? Wood veneers mounted on paper for the ultimate rustic look.
• Out! Magnets. They're clichéd and they're expensive.
• In! Calligraphy, and not just for the envelope. Invitations will be hand-lettered, and even slightly splattered. Invitations should look personal, almost as if you took the time to write each one yourself. 
• Out! Satin and silk moray. Instead, envelopes, the back of your invites and even bellybands get a pop of pattern. Choose two different patterns and mix them up: dotted swiss and plaid, anyone?
• In! Letterpress and laser printing. The bold color you can get from offset printing is still strong, but thermography - while always a staple - won't be used much this year.

Personalize! Melinda's pick for the top look in invitations for 2011 are hand-drawn illustrations and watercolors. Whether it's a constellation of small images that tell the story of how you met or one gorgeous illustration that captures the feeling of your day, the most coveted invitations will feature artwork created just for you. One of Melinda's favorites is an image of an elephant walking across the Brooklyn Bridge - created especially for the wedding of an Indian bride.

What's Hot in 2011 - Love In Bloom

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011

     This years favorite flowers? Peonies and anemones. "And in spring, it's cherry blossoms," says florist Sarah Brysk Cohen.
     The trend toward the traditional is in full bloom. "People really want a vintage look," says Sarah. "A lot of people are thinking about a Victorian feel, very personal and bespoke."
      One way to get that classic look? Gorgeous vessels that harken back to the past; milk glass and jadite are popular. "I'm also doing vintage tin vessels," says Sarah, "like Chinese tea tins or vintage tobacco tins. And sometimes wood crates or boxes."
     Everything old is new. Sarah's using baby's breath and carnations - 'flowers my brides used to say "Oh, that's my grandmother's!' " - in new and modern ways. Carnations can be clustered to look like fluttery hydrangea, and baby's breath adds a dreamy look to centerpieces and bouquets.
     Succulents are peeking out from centerpieces. "I've been using them to provide texture and muted color," Sarah says. "We do silver, gray and muted green to go with stylish muted palettes. Conceptually, it's a mismatch to put a traditional flower with nontraditional flowers, but it works."
     Want to try vintage with a twist? Sarah picks terrariums as the alternative centerpiece of choice. "It's a bell jar or an apothecary jar with moss, maidenhair fern and maybe succulents. There may be a little scene inside, like a miniature dollhouse."

What's Hot in 2011 - Dazzling Decor

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011

     The look of the year? Vintage. "I'm so excited that the traditional wedding is coming back," says Tara Guerard, or Soiree in Charleston and New York. "It's whites and champagnes, grays, golds and maybe a pop of lavender - muted colors that are classic and timeless."
     Capture vintage glamour with cut-crystal chandeliers. "Chandeliers are going to be the look," predicts New York City-based Bentley Meeker, the lighting designer behind Chelsea Clinton's wedding.
     The easiest way to get the vintage look? Wallpaper, says California planner Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, but you can use a gorgeous vintage print and still get a modern feel.
     The something new is something blue. Tara says, "Navy popped on white is such a tailored look. I just did a wedding in lavender, robin's egg and Carolina blue.
     Table numbers are out, says Melinda Morris of Lion in the Sun, a paperie in Brooklyn, NY. Her brides are asking for table illustrations. Escort cards are printed with guest names and a small image, which guests match to images on the tables inspired by the couple's story. "It's uber personal - this is the story of our day and how we got here," Melinda says.
     Get a stunner of a bar. Tara says, "I like to do something like an old bar from the fifties with glassware stacked behind it. I even like to have stools at the bar."
     This year's wow factor? Bentley's pick is video scenes. "Imagine a big white wall nicely lit up. Then it turns into a beach with rippling water, then a beautiful sunset, then a starry night sky. You can create a whole video and turn the room into whatever you like. And it's gorgeous!"
     Nineteen-fifties and fabulous. "The look is tailored, with a clean line. It's from the fifties - so feminine." Tara says. "I'm excited about it because I'm Southern."
     From the invites to the menus to statement splashes on the dance floor, brides are branding their day with a custom-designed wedding emblem. "One bride chose a lino's head in cobalt blue and gold," says Tara. But does that mean monograms are out? "Monograms will always be in," she says. "But now the  monogram is nestled into a wedding emblem.

Finesse the Guest List

From Bridal Guide January/February 2011

Here's how to get a handle on some common dilemmas.

Compiling a guest list seems daunting. Where do I start?
First, think about the style of wedding you envision. "Ask yourself: 'Do I want a 300-person bash, an intimate dinner or a destination wedding?" suggests Christine Paul of Christine Paul Events in new York City. Or, if you're considering a particular venue, figure out how many guests you can comfortably accommodate. Start your list with close friends and family, then add until you've reached the ideal number for the space you've booked.

My parents would like to ask some people. Do I have a say over their choices?
Sure you do. But first give them a number to aim for. Paul suggests allotting 25% of the guest list to the bride's parents, 25% to the groom's parents and 50% to the couple themselves. this keeps parents from taking over - after all, it's your wedding. You definitely can question some of their choices, too. "Have an intelligent conversation with your parents about it," says Sherri Williams of Williams-Sossen Events, which has locations in Philadelphia and New York City. But if the 'rents are paying for the wedding, try to be as tolerant as possible.

My list is too long! How do I make cuts?
"Take a look at the friends you're inviting," says Williams. "How important are they to you?" Another tip: "Try dividing the list into the people you can't imagine not having and those who could decline and you wouldn't mind," says Paul. also, look for groups of people you can eliminate: The pals from your yoga class probably won't be offended if they're not invited. Consider taking children off the list, too. You may decide to have an "A-list" of people who'll get invitations right away and a "B-list" of those who are invited as other decline. Be sure to ask A-listers to RSVP well in advance so B-listers don't feel they're last minute invites.

I'm including a lot of single friends, and I'll go over budget if I let them all bring dates. How do I decide who gets to bring a guest?
"You never have to invite your single friends with dates," says Paul. "But it's always nice." Consider having all your single friends come dateless - they can socialize together. If you have room for a few extras, evaluate each situation. Are some in ongoing relationships? Then it makes sense to invite the partner. Or, if all your work friends are married except for one, she may feel more comfortable if she's able to bring a date.

Is it appropriate to invite an ex? My ex and I have become friendly and I don't know what I should do.
If you feel at all uncertain, don't. Your wedding day should be about you and your fiance. "It's only appropriate to invite an ex if you and your fiance agree it's okay, and you decide together where he should sit," says Williams. If you and your ex have children, having him at the wedding could be confusing to the kids.

A few guests haven't replied to my RSVP date. What should I do?
Have a friend or family member call or e-mail them to find out if they're attending. "Never assume they're not coming." says Williams. Guests often just forget to pop the response card in the mail, and you don't want to be surprised when the show up on the big day.

Many DIY wedding websites have tools that let you create a guest list online, or upload a list onto the site. If you're not taking your wedding to the Internet, you can purchase a program with similar guest-list functions that will allow you to merge multiple lists, record gifts and more. We like Excel best because it's easy to sort the list, store info (like the number of guests per party) and print up addresses for your calligrapher. Plus, you can update and use this list in the future for holiday cards and more.

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.