2010 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Pantone, the world’s color authority, predicts the color for 2010 is TURQUOISE.

According to Pantone, turquoise is universally flattering, appeals to men and women, pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum, adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Be Inspired

Photo credit: Donovan Moore, Wedding Paper Divas, Project Wedding, The Knot, and Sugar Chef

Happy Planning

A Letter to Our Guests (Guest Etiquette defined)

Dear Wedding Guest,

Our Wedding Day will be one of the most important days of our lives. We have been planning our wedding for about a year and we are excited that it is quickly approaching. With the assistance of our wedding planner we have chosen a gorgeous venue, phenomenal vendors, a delicious meal and beautiful decor. We are expecting a stress-free, fun and fabulous occasion. You have been carefully selected to be in attendance as we join together in holy matrimony.

Since WE are hosting ($85 per guest + tax, + service charge, + gratuity) this event, there are some reminders we wanted you to keep in mind:

Please do not call asking if you can bring a guest (including children). If their name isn't included on the inner envelope of the invitation they are not invited.

Please arrive to our ceremony on time. You are not a member of the bridal party, we don't want to see you walking down the aisle after the processional.

You are invited to the ceremony & reception. Please do not skip the ceremony, only to attend the reception because the food and drinks are free.

Return your RSVP card even if you are unable to attend. We have applied a stamp to the RSVP envelope, all you have to do is make your selection and place it in the mail.

If we do not receive your RSVP response (by the reply date) your name will not appear on the guest list.

If you RSVP yes, but later find you cannot attend, please notify us immediately.

You are attending a wedding- please dress accordingly.

Yes, there will be an open bar. However, that doesn't mean you are free to get drunk.

Please do not collect more than one wedding favor. We purchased one per guest. Don't be greedy!

During the reception get up, dance, mingle and enjoy yourself. We're spending a ton of money on our celebration. So-CELEBRATE!

Again, we are looking forward to a fabulous occasion and we hope to see you in attendance. Visit our wedding website for more information www.futurebrideandgroom.com

With love,


Future Bride & Groom
__________________________________________________________


Happy planning...

Kellie Williams Ties the Knot

Kellie Williams (Laura Winslow) of "Family Matters" is a married woman. She tied the knot to Hannibal Jackson last month.

Photo credits: Lip Stick Alley and Forever

Happy Planning...

10 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

In this critical economy, many couples are going the extra mile to keep their wedding costs down. There are many ways to cut costs without sacrificing style and elegance.

Try these tips:

1. Trim the guest list. More guests equals more everything (food & beverage, stamps, invitations, programs, chair treatments, linens, favors, centerpieces, serving staff, rentals). More everything equals more money!
2. Borrow something. Use your parent's toasting glasses, your sister's veil or your best friend's unengraved cake cutting set. Just make sure to return them.
3. Scale down the centerpieces. The taller the centerpiece the higher the cost. If your venue permits candles incorporate them into the centerpiece design. Also, remember to use flowers that are in season.
   
4. Say yes to the dress and grant a wish. Thousands of brides have found the gown of the dreams at an incredible low price by attending the Brides Against Breast Cancer National Tour. Most of the gowns range from $99 to $799 (including new name brand designer gowns).
5. Forget the favors. Who will notice? Favors are an unnecessary expense. They're either eaten immediately or tossed later.
6. Skip the full bar. Instead offer signature (specialty) drinks or a wine bar.
   
7. Cut the cake. Purchase a smaller version of your dream cake for the cake cutting ceremony/pictures, and purchase a backup sheet cake for additional servings. Also, buttercream is less expensive than fondant and it tastes better!
   
8. Simplify your menu. Beef and seafood entrees can quickly increase your catering bill. Instead of forgoing altogether, opt to serve them during cocktail hour. Instead of serving filet mignon as an entree, serve mini beef wellingtons or beef satay as hors d'oeuvres. Instead of lobster serve shrimp shooters, ceviche or crab cakes during cocktail hour.
   
9. Have the ceremony and reception at the same location. This will save you money on site rental fees and transportation fees. Your guests will also appreciate this.
10. Hire a professional wedding consultant. Wedding consultants can save you money by referring you to suitable vendors who can supply the service/product within your price range, negotiate the best price, and help you manage and stick to your budget.
    

Happy planning...

Out-of-Town Welcome Bags

It's a thoughtful gesture to greet your out-of-town guests with a welcome bag. Your guests are traveling far and wide to attend your event, so show your appreciation by giving them a warm welcome.

What to Include
The contents of your guests welcome bags are a personal choice, which will depend upon your budget and location.

Some items to include:

A handwritten welcome/thank you note
Weekend event itinerary and clear directions
Area maps
Drinks
Non-perishable snacks

Delivery

Leave the bags at the front desk of the hotel for guests to receive at check-in or arrange for the staff to personally deliver the bags to each guests room (normally a fee). Don't forget to provide the front desk with a list of your guests names and number of bags to receive.

Photo credit: Favors You Keep

Happy planning...

Wedding Rehearsal

The purpose of the wedding rehearsal is to practice what takes place during the wedding ceremony. It's important that all those participating in the wedding know their parts, duties and responsibilities.

Who should attend?

All members of the wedding party including ushers, flower girl, ring bearer, both sets of parents, the officiant, readers and musicians (if possible).


How long does a rehearsal last?

Under normal circumstances the wedding rehearsal is one hour. However, the length of the rehearsal depends on the size of the bridal party and the complexity of the ceremony.

When are rehearsals scheduled?
Rehearsals usually are held the afternoon or evening before the wedding. Check to make sure that your ceremony location is available for the rehearsal and there aren't any other events scheduled during that time.

What to bring?

Marriage License

Final vendor payments

Mock bouquets, flower basket and ring pillow


Happy planning...

Walk To End Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Get involved by walking to stomp out domestic violence.

Location: Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheatre

Address: 16501 NE 16th Ave. North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Time: 7:00am- 12:00pm

Onsite Registration is $25
Includes gift bag and t-shirt

All Star Registration is $35
Includes gift bag, t-shirt and one Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks opening night game ticket (10/28)

For more information visit: Safespace

If you or someone else is being abused call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The End of Elegant Bride & Modern Bride

Due to the downturn in the economy and slump in advertising, Condé Nast is closing Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. Simply put: the magazines were losing money.

Condé Nast also publishes Brides magazine. Brides magazine celebrated their 75th Anniversary this year and will now be published 12 times a year instead of only 6 times a year.


Our hearts go out to the many families who will be affected by the closing.

The Perfect Bridesmaids Dress

Photo credit: 27 Dresses

Choosing dresses for your bridesmaids can be a time consuming task. Before making a decision there are some tips to consider:

Take into account the shapes and sizes of your bridesmaids. You want your girls not only to look beautiful, but feel comfortable. It may be best to select a color, but allow your bridesmaids to select their individual styles.

Unless you are footing the bill, choose a dress that is reasonably priced.

The bridesmaids dresses should be reflective of the location, formality and season of your wedding.

Happy planning...

Be Inspired: Chair Style

Transform an ordinary chair into something extraordinary.

Photo credit: Chameleon Chair

Happy planning...

Gone to the Dogs

Many couples can't imagine tying the knot without their four-legged family members present. Are you thinking of including your pet in your wedding ceremony? If yes, here are a view questions to consider:


Does your venue allow dogs?

Is your dog well trained?

Will your guest be comfortable around the dog?

Who will be responsible for getting the dog to and from the venue?

How does your dog react around large crowds and unfamiliar faces?

Who will be responsible for the dog before, during and after the ceremony?

Photo credit: Designer Duds for Dogs

Happy planning...

Breaking the Ice

Want to break the ice at your next event? Incorporating a functional ice sculpture (large or small) will certainly give your guests something to talk about.

ICE BALLS

ICE SHOT GLASS

MARTINI LUGE

Photo credit: Ice Caters

Happy planning...

Couples Boudoir Photos

Many brides-to-be have stepped out of their comfort zones to display their beauty and sensuality for their soon-to-husbands in the form of boudoir photos. However, couples boudoir sessions are becoming the trend. The photo shoot is not meant to be trashy. It's an intimate sexy and fun experience to share with your significant other.

Photo credit: GQ Magazine

Photo credit: Chelsea Nicole Photography

Happy planning...

In the Mix: Hennessy Black

Soon (September for South Florida) you will be able to introduce Hennessy Black at your next social occasion.

Hennessey Black's taste is described as smooth, floral and fresh. Inside the sleek black bottle is a blend of grapes and 35-45 distinctive eaux-de-vie (fruit brandies). Making a crossover to a versatile cognac, Hennessy Black can be mixed with ingredients such as: champagne, coffee liqueur & cola, or lemon & simple sugar. For more recipes visit www.hennessyblack.com

Happy planning...

Be Inspired: Candy Buffet Alternative

Photo Credit: Simply Candy Buffets

For many couples candy buffets are still the rage, but if you are looking to offer something different to your guests consider these:

POPCORN BAR

Photo credit: OneWed

SUNDAE BAR

Photo credit: Spence Photographics


COOKIE BUFFET

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Happy Planning...

Consultant Corner: Q&A

Q: My fiance popped the question over the weekend. I am excited and nervous all in one. We're engaged, what do we do now?

A: First off, congratulations you on your engagement. Before you jump into the wonderful world of planning your wedding relax, take a deep breath and enjoy being engaged. The engagement period is one of the most exciting moments you will ever experience. Once you decide to begin the planning process there some initial steps to take:

• Set a wedding budget. It may be necessary to open an account strictly for wedding expenses.
• Decide who's paying for what.
• Choose a wedding date.
• Collect magazines, pictures, swatches etc. and start a scrapbook.
• Contact a professional Wedding Consultant. The consultant will provide information on venues, vendors, etiquette, budget management, design etc.

Happy planning...

WEDDING WEBCASTING (LIVE)

Photo credit: I do Stream

Decline with regret. Due to today's economy or wedding location (destination weddings) some invited guests may have to decline your invitation. No problem. You can now broadcast your wedding online for your family and friends to see as it happens. Wedding webcasting is the next best thing to being in attendance. Ask your videographer for more information.