PARTY PERIPHERALS: ENGAGING ELEMENTS PART II

The guest list has been locked, the date has been set, and the party venue has been chosen. Now it's time to plan the exciting details of the first of many parties to come before the Big Day. From simple to extravagant or from tasteful to kitschy, the ideas for the perfect engagement party run the gamut to suit any style of soiree.

GAME GALORE

• You Did What? - Throughout the party, the host will ask several close friends and family members to write down something embarrassing that either the Bride or Groom has done in the past. Remind people to keep it light and refrain from disclosing anything too humiliating. Toward the end of the party, the host will read aloud each "roast" and the guests will guess which embarrassing fact belongs to whom.
• Karaoke Kourage - The beloved couple can sing love songs to one another to signify their strong bond. Other guests can join in on the fun, too.
• Soon To Be Newlyweds - Similar to the famous "Newlywed Game Show," this game can include either just the couple or the couple plus a few other guests who are married or in a relationship. The intention of the game is to find out how well the individuals know their partners. With their backs to one another, the couples are asked questions about their significant others, and the answers are written on pieces of posterboard. Whoever has the most matching answers wins.
• 3-Legged Race - If the Engagement Party is an afternoon outdoor gathering, try a 3-legged race using wedding garters. It's a great way to test the physical cooperation between couples.

ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL MOMENTS

• Special toasts and acknowledgments to the couple.
• A book with hand-written advice from the ones they love. Throughout the party, family members and friends can impart their wisdom of happy marriages and homes.
• A slide show or video commemorating the love and courtship of the couple.
• Announcement of attendants.

THEME AND STYLE

• Cocktail Soiree
• Dinner Party
• Afternoon BBQ
• Garden Tea Party
• Beach or Pool Party

No matter what type of party you have or what kind of games you play, the Engagement Party is a special day honoring the true love and commitment between two individuals. Two families are merging into one, and within months, the Bride and Groom will be on their way to matrimonial joy and happiness. Focus on that ideal, and the party will be a shoe-in for success!

Photo Credits: www.indie104.com, www.womansagect.org, www.savoringthymechef.com

PARTY PERIPHERALS: ENGAGING ELEMENTS PART I

So you've finally done it. The question has been popped, and cloud 9 is where you currently reside. Now is the time to let the world know of your impending nuptials and expected matrimonial bliss. The need for a fabulous engagement party has been born.

This is the first of many parties to come, and the factors going into this affair run the gamut. Below is a quick-reference guide to planning the perfect evening to assure the announcement of getting hitched goes off without even the slightest hitch.

To Host or Not to Host?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride are responsible for the planning of the engagement party; however, changing times have influenced the passing of the torch. It is not uncommon for the parents of the groom also to step in with assistance. Many times, close friends or siblings of the couple take on the responsibility. In a great deal of cases, the blushing bride-to-be and her fiance may choose to host their own party announcing their exciting news. Regardless of who hosts the event, getting input from the happy couple is highly recommended.

Don't Overdo It.
Since this is the first party surrounding the upcoming wedding, the initial response might be to have a huge blowout. Considering the numerous events that are to come, including The Big Day itself, keeping the engagement party simple and intimate is a good idea. Blowing a huge chunk of your budget on the very first occasion of the matrimonial chapter is far from necessary; however, if the couple's personality professes bigger is better, then by all means, run with it.

Shhhh?
Often the engagement party marks the event where the couple first announces their intentions of marriage; however, if keeping a secret is too much to handle, it is perfectly acceptable to inform the attendees ahead of time the occasion for hosting such a party.

Casual or Formal?
When deciding the type of engagement party, really anything goes. Some couples opt for a laid-back setting on the beach, at their favorite lounge, or in the backyard of a close friend or family member. In these types of settings, the food, drinks, and themes can remain casual (i.e. potluck, BBQ, buffet, silly yet fun decorations, etc.) Other times, formality is key for the couple. In these cases, a catered seated dinner or a chic cocktail party with passed hors d'oeuvres sets the tone. The venue for a more formal function ranges depending upon the needs. Having it at someone's home, a private room at a restaurant, or a funky art gallery are just a few options.

When is the Celebration?
Generally, if the couple has a long engagement ahead of them, the festivities to celebrate the momentus occasion are held one to three months after the engagement, and/or about a year before the wedding. If the engagement is on the shorter side, the party can be held any time more than six months before the wedding.

Who's on the Guest List?
Often, the engagement party is reserved for family and close friends. Traditionally, the purpose of the event was to introduce the families of the respective bride and bridegroom, so an intimate affair was expected. There are no set rules, however, so if the happy couple would rather announce their exciting news to banquet hall of hundreds as opposed to a living room of tens, it is totally up to them.

Tune in next Wednesday for Part II of Engaging Elements when I discuss tips on party themes, games, and guidelines.

Photo Credit: www.abazias.com
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

The voting was close. Andria Lewis Events would like to congratulate #34! We promise to call you by your actual name when we are working together on your wedding. You have 24 hours to email me at andria {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com to claim the giveaway. If we do not have contact within 24 hours, we will contact the person with the next highest votes. And those ladies are...

We are offering entrants #35 and #38 half off The Julia Collection rate. If you ladies would like to accept this offer, simply send me an email at andria {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com.


Again, thanks to all ladies who participated. Keep subscribing to The Planner Pages for all the latest in wedding planning in the Mid-South.

DIY BRIDES :: DON'T OVER DO-IT-YOURSELF IT :: CENTERPIECES

I will say it upfront. Straight with no chasers. I am not a fan of brides doing their own wedding flowers. I hear brides say, "Oh, it's just pulling together a bunch of flowers. How hard can that be?" Well, it can be. It can also be very time consuming. There are many, many factors to consider when thinking of doing all or parts of your flowers for your wedding day.

Okay, I did say I was not a fan of this DIY project. I did not say it is a complete impossibility. My main reason for saying no is the time factor. This is your weekend. Wedding guests have come from far and near to see and spend time with you and your fiance. How can they do that if you are locked in your house trying to finish last minute projects? And wedding flowers are always a last minute project. Well, that is if you actually want your flowers to be fresh. If you don't mind them being dead, then by all means create the centerpieces and bouquets at the beginning of the week.

If you want to have a hand in some of your flowers, I say create small pieces for your rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon. This little beauty will add grace to your rehearsal dinner table. You can consider it a personal gift to your wedding guests. Everyone will ooh and ahh over your creative beauties during dinner.

Photo Credit Southern Weddings Blog 

And before you begin this project, having a little professional help will not hurt. Even if it is digital help. A few weeks back, the ladies of Flower Duet contacted me and mailed me their instructional DVD on flower arranging. I could not, of course, simply tell you about this DVD. I had to try to follow along myself. What a treat! Kit and Casey (could their names be any cuter together?) are so knowledgeable and detailed on what to do and not to do when creating arrangements. I received their DVD just before my bridal show last week. And so happened, I had a house full of flowers. I grabbed a bundle and created a bouquet while watching their DVD. I encourage any bride-to-be who is considering doing any of their wedding flowers themselves to contact Kit and Casey and get a copy of this fun DVD themselves.

Reception centerpieces and bridal party flowers are much more involved projects. Where will you house 15-20 floral centerpieces? Where will you cool 10 bouquets and 15 boutonnieres? Yes, they need to be in a cooler. Having them sit in water in various locations around your house is not enough to keep them lively until the party starts. Let's say you have a small wedding party of adults only. For this example we will use five bridesmaids, four groomsmen, one bride and one groom. That makes six bouquets and five boutonnieres you have to make. Most bouquets are eight to ten inches tall. You will have to remove a shelf or two from your refrigerator so the flowers will stand in a vase without being crushed. You will also need to remove all the food from your refrigerator so the flowers do not absorb the smell from the foods. Who wants peonies that smell like cheese? Now that all the food is out of the frig, what will you eat? For me, that would be too many factors to be concerned with the week of my wedding.

Below, I have created a mosaic of arrangements that are not as time consuming. These arrangements can be created for the peripheral parties of your wedding. Stay tuned for Hailey's series on those events. I also have a mosaic of arrangements that you simply should not try at home.

Be a bride. Be a groom. Be a mother-of-the-bride and groom. And let the professionals take good care of you all.

Try At Home

Photo Credits 

Wedding Chicks, It's A Jaime Thing; Style Me Pretty; Hostess With The Mostess

Do Not Try This At Home

Photo Credits

Top Image and Bottom Right Image The Brides Cafe; Bottom Left Image Polka Dot Bride

AND THE WINNER IS...

going to be announced on Monday, January 19, 2009 at Noon! How will we announce the winner? When you log on to The Planner Pages Monday, you will see the photo of the winner. I will then need that bride-to-be to email me at andria {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com to claim her prize. If we do not hear from the winner within 24 hours, the person with the second most votes will be contacted, and so on.

Thank you all for participating in our giveaway. There have been over 80 votes cast just this morning! We are so excited that you all had so much fun with us. 

All of the brides-to-be are deserving and we wish we could work with you all.


Log on to The Planner Pages next week to see if your pick won the giveaway. I have not counted any votes to date. I want to be surprised, too! Although, I will know within the next few hours who our winner is, I will be on pins and needles waiting to let all of you in on the secret.

Stay tuned...

FREE MONTH-OF-COORDINATION VOTING COUNTDOWN

WOW! WOW! WOW! We are so thrilled at the response we are getting to our giveaway. You all are really making this a competition! I've seen voting from Singapore, Hungary and Australia. These brides are pulling out all the stops.


Voting ends tomorrow, January 16, 2009 at Noon. Any consecutive votes from the same IP address, votes without the corresponding number and votes not made under the giveaway post will not be counted. Entered brides may want to check other post comments to make sure your team hasn't voted outside of the block.


We will post votes through 8:00 a.m. on the day of final voting. After that, the remaining votes will not be shown. After all, we want it to be a surprise to the winner!


VOTE ON! CLICK HERE.

PREMIER BRIDE SHOW RECAP

This is not a long post. I want to share a few images of our booth and tablescape with you. These were taken with my trusty, dusty Blackberry. So, you will have to click on the image to enlarge it. There will be professional images posted soon. But, I found out last night that the photog who shot them for us, Donny of Creation Studios, is holding them hostage until we all get to sit down and have coffee. Thanks, Donny! We'll see you soon!

WELCOME HAILEY!

Several weeks ago I received one of the most eclectic resumes I've seen in a while. Something about it jumped out at me. After talking to the lady on the other side of the resume, I decided to bring her on as the newest team member to Andria Lewis Events. I bring to you Hailey Giles. In the short time she has been with us, Hailey and I have traveled out of state to meet with a client, participated in a successful bridal show and attended an awesome NACE meeting. She seems to be handling it all very well.


Hailey will serve as one of our Event Coordinators. She is open for DOC services for our wedding couples. She also will be our Wednesday blogger. Today, she started her series on Party Peripherals. In case you missed it, click here to catch up. Also, be sure to subscribe to The Planner Pages to be in the know about all we dish out on wedding planning.


Okay, everyone, say hello to Hailey! This was taken on-the-fly as we were setting up for our bridal show. We'll take more fun pictures in the Spring as a team.

PARTY PERIPHERALS

Everyone knows a Bride's wedding day is one of the most important days of her life. So much time, effort, and portion of the paycheck go into the planning and execution of the event. Advice is obviously sought to ensure the perfect day, which is why most of you find yourself reading The Planner Pages at this very moment! But what about all those events that lead up to and follow that most significant occasion of matrimonial bliss?


These parties and special gatherings deserve a spotlight of their own, which is why for the next few weeks, each Wednesday will feature tips on planning the functions that relate to weddings. Bridal Showers, Engagement Parties, Weekend Getaways, Rehearsal Dinners, Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties, Day-After Brunches, and Bridal Luncheons are just a few of the topics I'll address. No stone will be left unturned, and by the end of the series, you'll feel fully equipped to take on your wedding: one peripheral party at a time.

ePLANNING NOW AVAILABLE

Andria Lewis Events has developed ePlanning to keep brides from spinning their wheels. Getting advice from family and friends is pretty good. But, having a professional, knowledgeable planner with first-hand knowledge is invaluable. With a $415 retainer, you will secure a professional, knowledgable wedding coordinator with first-hand information on local vendors, venues and traditions. The coordinator will be on hand to answer an unlimited number of questions via email throughout your planning process.

ePlanning service provides advice on topics including, but not limited to:

*Inspiration and Ideas
*Budget
*Timeline development
*Etiquette
*Advice on local vendors

ePlanning does not include:

*Phone consultations or in-person meetings
*Representation of or contact with any vendors
*Scheduling or attending appointments
*Contract review or negotiation
*Coordination of rehearsal or wedding

For information on how to get started with ePlanning, email us at consult {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com.

DIY BRIDES :: DON'T OVER DO-IT-YOURSELF IT :: INVITATIONS, PART II

I would be remiss if I did not discuss the all-important element of paper when it comes to DIY Invitations. You can design the most beautiful piece; but put it on a piece of copy paper you took from the ream in your mom's office and your hard work will fall flat.

Shara Danzinger, owner and operator of Shara's Papiere in Memphis, Tennessee shared her thoughts on choosing paper and producing at-home invitations. Shara knows her stuff. She has been featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Ines del Mar Weddings and the Fall 2008 issue of Bride and Bloom magazines.

• use the heaviest stock that your at home printer is recommended for
• before designing your invitations make sure that you can easily find envelopes that will work
• keep your design simple and clean
• run a test run on dummy stock to make sure that you understand how your printer will print your design…especially if you are printing on an odd size
• if you are printing in color ink, again do a test run on dummy stock…the color that you see on your monitor may or may not look the same on paper
• measure and print twice, cut once
• always have someone else proofread all the pieces of your invitation before printing
• take your invitations to the post office to have them weighed before you purchase postage

If you plan to create your own invitations, and you are not a graphic designer by trade, take your time. Most projects can be taken on successfully with love and care.


Next week I will post about DIY Centerpieces. Will I give it a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down?


Stay tuned for what we have {in the plans}

DIY BRIDES :: DON'T OVER DO-IT-YOURSELF IT :: INVITATIONS, PART I

Today's project is DIY Invitations. Most DIY projects are taken on to cut the wedding budget. I am all for that! However, what you do not want to do is sacrifice quality. Of course, a stationer is going to cost more, they are professionals at what they do. You expect to be paid what you are worth at your job and so do they.


Invitations. Sounds simple enough. I have seen brides take on this project and do a wonderful job at it. I have also seen brides take on this project and crash and burn. Overall, I would give a thumbs-up to doing your own invitations. As long as you start with the right tools, you can set yourself up for success.


TOOLS
A good printer
Brand, spanking new ink cartridges
A good quality scorer or cutter with a new blade
A sense of creativity and artistic style
Plenty of patience


Stationery is the first glimpse your guests have of your wedding. Do you really want it to be sloppy? Thin paper and streaked ink are not the way to go. Neither is a blurry uploaded photo of you and your beloved.


Let's start with design. Microsoft Publisher (MP), Adobe Photoshop (AP) and Adobe Illustrator (AI) are design tools that can be used for this type of project. Keep in mind that AP and AI are not inexpensive products. If you do not already own them, purchasing them to create your stationery will defeat the purpose of savings. If savings is not your purpose, if you simply want to see your own work product at your wedding, then perhaps these projects are for you. If you can navigate the user-friendly MP (that comes with most Microsoft suites) you can create a well-received invitation. There is a gadget called a Gocco that can be used to create invitations. I will do a separate post on it at a later time.


No matter the design tool you use, when using images, be sure to use uploaded images directly from the source. If you received images from your photographer from your bridal or engagement session, upload them as he sent them to you. If you do not have a way to upload them, ask him to email the image to you. Scanned images will never produce a good look. Most Microsoft suites come with both Publisher and a photo editing tool called Microsoft Office Picture Manager (PM). With PM, you can resize and crop your images as needed in a clean way so as not to end up with jagged edges and obvious pieces missing from the image.

With copy (that's industry talk for the wording you will use), you want to ensure that your readers can actually read it. Stationery in all-script is never a good idea. You must keep in mind that your readers are not all twenty-somethings with perfect eyesight. If you must present your copy with some script, keep it balanced. All script fonts do not match all block fonts. It may take some playing around with them to find the combination that matches your taste, but it can be done. Dafont is a great resource for additional fonts that do not come with your computer's software. There are wonderful new fonts that mirror calligraphy. A great choice when you want a formal look. I have given an example below of good font combination v. not-so-good font combination.

Good Combo                     Not-So-Good Combo

MEMPHIS PREMIER BRIDE SHOW :: BRIDE WARS TICKET WINNER

Click on image to enlarge

Congratulations to K. Sebren! She is the winner of our movie ticket giveaway today to Bride Wars. The winner was chosen at random using an integer generator at Random.org. Thanks for contacting us so quickly, K. Your tickets will be mailed to you tomorrow.

Thank all you ladies for entering. Do not despair, there is still a chance for you to be a winner this week. If you entered our second giveaway for Month-of-Coordination, log in each day this week and have your friends and family vote for you daily. Photos and information will post tomorrow, Monday, January 12, 2009 at Noon.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog by clicking on the drop-down box on the right sidebar ---->. Click the subscribe button and add The Planner Pages to your favorite reader.


If you have any issues, you can email us at blog {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com


See you soon!

AMSALE FALL 2009 COLLECTION

When you're in the wedding industry, you are also essentially in the fashion business. Wedding trends follow fashion trends. Colors. Design. Fabrics. They come from fashion first. As wedding planners, you have to be ahead of the curve to be current. As I like to say :: Early is on time and on time is late.

I am so pleased to share with you the newest collection from the brilliant Amsale. I love her designs. She has a way of merging tradition with contemporary that I simply adore! I share with you now her Fall 2009 line. Yes, in early January! I am absolutely in love with her LWD (Little White Dresses). Perfect for those who plan to change from your gown for the reception. Equally as perfect for your Day After Session with your photog!

For those of you having fall weddings, these creations can help you in determining your color palette. Although this is her Fall 2009 line, there is plenty, plenty of color represented. There are pieces that are done wonderfully in greys and blacks; but, that leaves ample room for a most colorful bouquet. Amsale's lines are fluid and maintain the femininity she is known for. It is all about comfort. But, isn't that how you should feel on one of the most important days of your life?

Enjoy the indulgence...

Click image to enlarge

PREMIER BRIDE SHOW :: JANUARY 11, 2009 :: MEMPHIS HILTON

Come by and see us this Sunday at the Premier Bride show at Hilton Hotel. We are so excited to meet our readers and all newly engaged ladies and gents. Click here for a coupon for $2 off your ticket cost for the show.


See you Sunday!

SOUTHERN WEDDINGS MAGAZINE LAUNCH

The hard-working ladies at Southern Weddings Magazine have given birth to their newest wedding baby. The premier issue of the magazine goes on the newsstands today. How exciting! I am checking my mail religiously, awaiting my preview copy. Lara, Laura, Kirsten, Rachel and Leah have produced one of the juiciest, comprehensive wedding mags out there. And this publication focuses on weddings in the South, our home.


We were just as excited last week when the ladies chose Andria Lewis Events couple Melissa + Dan to feature as Southern Wedding of the Week. You can read that feature here and here.


If you are a Southern bride, run out and pick up your copy of Southern Weddings Magazine today. Then, run back home and give Andria Lewis Events a call to help you plan! You can also email us at consult {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com.

DIY BRIDES :: DON'T OVER DO-IT-YOURSELF IT

I am a wedding planner. That's what I do. I plan weddings. That means that I see and hear a lot more about weddings and the stresses and successes and failures that come along with it. That's why brides hire me. For my expertise and guidance. It is because of my knowledge and my desire for all brides to have a wonderful planning experience that I feel it is necessary to embark on a new series, DIY Brides :: Don't Over Do-It-Yourself It.


Beginning Monday, January 12, 2009, I will explore one topic weekly that I will either give a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down to. Magazines, blogs, websites and other brides would have you believe that it is now blasphemous to (gasp) actually have a professional perform a service for your wedding. I'm going to let you know that it is okay to relax and enjoy your planning time without feeling the need to do everything yourself.


Keep in mind, these are my recommendations/suggestions. Each bride has different talents, free-time, artistic ability and tastes. So, I encourage you to use this series as a starting point of realization, if you will. Ask yourself what you can realistically take on. I'm thinking, when you create a DIY project, you want it to look presentable and, most importantly, you want to get compliments on it. You want it to enhance your day. 


Be sure to subscribe to our blog by using the drop-down box located on the left sidebar. <<<<----- Join me on The Planner Pages beginning next week for a series that just may save you some blood, sweat and tears.



Stay tuned for what we have {in the plans}.

MARRIED IN MEMPHIS :: SONYA + ELVIS

Yes, my groom's name was Elvis and they were married in Memphis. We have recognized the irony. And, okay, technically they were married in Grenada, Mississippi; which is an hour and a half outside Memphis. But they live in Memphis. Okay, she works in Memphis. Anyway...


Sonya came to me a few months before her big day. We set catering, lighting, linen and flowers together to create a romantic and elegant wedding and reception. I must say, we succeeded.


These are just a few images from her photographer Sterling Photography of Jackson, Mississippi (which is located another hour and a half on the other side of Grenada). I must say a thank you to all her vendors for making the drive to the location. Sonya had no vendors that were from her hometown so we all packed up and made the drive. It was a long, but fun day and we were happy to be a part of it.