The Center of Attention

Posted on October 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

Brides frequently ask us about wedding centerpieces for their reception.

The list of options is long and varied but these are some of the most often used by brides.

If your florist is providing centerpieces for your reception, work closely with him/her to be sure that the theme or color you have chosen for your wedding continues to the reception area.  We have seen weddings where one theme dominates the ceremony and another is chosen for the reception.  If the two are complimentary, it is soothing.   If the choices are worlds apart, it can be jarring to move from one to another.  Complimentary themes are comfortable.

White peony wedding centerpiece

If you are handling reception centerpieces on your own, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

  • A centerpiece should never block a guest’s view.
  • If color has been a theme for your wedding celebration – introduced in the invitations and save the date cards – it should continue through the reception and any next day celebrations you plan.
  • For informal centerpieces arrange flowers to have a “just picked” look.  Use wild flowers or branches of seasonal flowers for an unusual impact.
  • Formal centerpieces are usually symmetrical in either a triangular, circular or rectangular shape.
  • Flowers may be used as a centerpiece and/or casually placed at each place setting.
  • Create a still life with fruits, flowers and vines arranged on a lovely tray.
  • Pitchers – used singly or in groups, make attractive containers.
  • Pretty baskets filled with blooming plants and tucked in with moss work well.
  • Arrange several crystal candlesticks on a mirror as a centerpiece.  Insert candles in your color theme or use creamy white.  Just remember that they should be tall enough to be above eye level or low enough so that the flame will not be annoying.
  • Also grouped on a mirror, consider using wine glasses each with a flower afloat.
  • If the facility can handle it, some centerpieces can be hung above the tables in special baskets.
Classic white rose wedding centerpiece

Eclectic red wedding centerpiece

Red harvest wedding centerpiece

Pink rose and ranunculus wedding centerpiece

Modern yellow wedding centerpiece

Remember that the size and shape of a centerpiece should be in proportion to the table, and flowers should never be so fragrant that they overpower the food served.

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Posted in Centerpieces, Flowers, Wedding Planning

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Men’s Wedding Attire

Posted on October 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

We know that many if not most men prefer casual clothing styles.  An amazing number of men spend some time “grousing” about getting “dressed up”.  But once in their tuxedos they seem to relax and notice how good they really look.

Double breasted tuxedo

Classic Peak Double Breasted Tuxedo

While traditional rules are used as guidelines, we feel there are many options to accommodate personal preference in the area of men’s formal wear.  One of the most noticeable influences is the increase in color as an accent.

Bride and groom in formal wear

Three button single-breasted tuxedo

Saville Tuxedo

Two-button, single breasted styling with side-vented back, satin peak lapel, and satin double besom pockets.

Today’s couples are getting married in a classic, yet contemporary style.  Choosing colored cummerbunds, ties and pocket squares to complement bridesmaid dresses provides a unique flair to the entire wedding party.  Designers continue to show updated silhouettes for the men in the party that offer both style and comfort.

Radnor tuxedo

Two-button, single breasted styling.

As a guideline, remember that medium or darker colors are fine anytime, but are more appropriate during the evening or in winter months.  Tails are proper anytime, but are most commonly worn by the groom only, rather than the entire wedding party.

Full dress/tailcoat tuxedo

As for guests who appear at your lovely wedding in casual clothes or worse, jeans, there is a way to spread the message about your expectations.  Never on the wedding invitation but on the reception card, just add the line “Black Tie Invited”.  This offers your guests a guideline as to what dress code is expected.  Some guests may indeed wear a tux, but this three-word addition is bound to generate more suits and less casual attire.

White tuxedo

Two-button white tuxedo with fashion trim diamond lapel.

Casual linen suit

Wedding Casuals two-button notch lapel linen suit.

Photos: Brides.com

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Posted in Advice, Attire, Bridal Party

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Halloween Inspiration

Posted on September 30, 2011 | Leave a comment

Are you a big fan of Halloween? Would you consider Halloween for your wedding? If so, then you’re going to love this inspiration board!

And what better place to consider having it than Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is particularly popular during October, with month-long Halloween celebrations featuring tours of haunted houses, a narrated stroll through Salem’s oldest graveyard, séances, costume balls and street fairs.

Click here for the Haunted Happenings Guide

You might want to consider having your wedding at The House of Seven Gables, located in Salem, Ma. It’s the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England, and was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables.” The mansion’s Seaside Lawn is a beautiful site for a wedding, wedding reception or both, and can accommodate 200 guests seated for dinner, including a dance floor.

Or how about the Salem Waterfront Hotel?

The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina is Salem’s newest boutique hotel with a nautical, contemporary decor.

They’re Wicked Night on the Wharf is an annual sell-out Halloween Costume Ball. This year, it will be on Saturday October 29.  Click here for more info.
No place in the world celebrates Halloween like Salem, Ma.!

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Posted in Inspiration, Miscellaneous, Wedding Planning

“Disinvited” Wedding Guests

Posted on September 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

Before Kim K. few ever used this word. The news said that she had to cut 50 of the previously invited wedding guests due to “space issues”. How is this possible? How awkward is this! But it’s happened to brides before, but it doesn’t usually happen that close to the event day. Kim K’s solution seems to have been to cut from her stepfather’s extended family and to review those now famous “plus ones”. (“Plus ones” refer to single guests who have been given the approval to bring a guest of choice unknown to the bride or groom.)

Someone in the wedding party who knows the guest(s) who are about to be “disinvited” should deliver the bad news. Making these calls to the guests involved is hard. Maybe the bride herself could do some, maybe her mother or the groom’s mother could call or even the maid of honor could make the calls on behalf of the bride.

Family members – extended or not – can usually be counted on to be the most
understanding and accommodating. Guests to whom a “plus one” has been extended may find it a bit awkward.

This situation can be complicated when brides enthusiastically order lots of “save the date” cards as soon as they get engaged and set a date before they have done any serious thinking about venues or budgets. Save the date cards imply that an invitation will follow as the date gets closer, so many guests begin to think of them as “mini invites”. We recommend that key decisions be made before the cards are sent out and that a preliminary guest list or at least a rough estimate of guest counts be set prior to sending out these cards. We also recommend that the bride send save the date cards only to those persons who may have to travel to attend, and they know they must have at their wedding and reception. They really shouldn’t be used as excited “I got engaged and need to tell the world” cards.

If you have questions regarding invitations and all they imply, please let us know. We can help you avoid lots of awkward moments.

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Posted in Advice, Invitations, Miscellaneous, Wedding Planning

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Wedding Planning 101 – Stress Prevention

Posted on September 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

With all the planning that must happen, and all the details of a wedding to consider, taking pains to keep the process flowing and your planning more joyful, we  advise brides to consider the following:

1. Make realistic plans at the start. While you might dream of a celebrity style wedding, be realistic. “ Design a day that allows you to reach your goal of marriage without undue stress and complications,” (Wedding Planner Jacqueline Smith). This is accomplished by looking at who you are as a couple, how much time you have to plan and how much money you’ll have for this wedding. Advise from a certified wedding planner can be a valuable up front investment.

2. Be organized and disciplined. With plans in place, stay focused on your objective and you’ll avoid wasting time, energy and resources. Pay attention to the details. Frequently it’s the little things that get overlooked. Deal with them early and keep them from becoming major problems later on.

3. Keep a positive outlook. Brides who are positive and joyful at the prospect of their wedding day are pleasant to be around. They remember what this day is really about and make being in love and making a life commitment to each other the true focus. All of the rest of the activity is to support this. Don’t let yourself get sidetracked by meaningless issues. Be thankful for, and happy with, the help others offer to give you. Remember that you are part of a couple. Share the joy and include the groom on plans and decisions. He may be more interested than you think!

4. Trust your intuition when making decisions. Know that this is a milestone event in your life and it requires a myriad of decisions to be made on a wide range of issues – picking the right location, a great photographer,  the perfect cake and invitation, and so on. Trust your instincts on many of those decisions, confer when necessary, seek advice on the most difficult, decide and move on to the next item on the list.

5. Be flexible. Remember Murphy? Uninvited, Murphy and his “law” usually attend most weddings. Just be prepared to make changes when needed. Don’t let problems throw you over the edge. Know that even the best plans have ways of coming unglued so be prepared to deal with them as a creative challenge. Let yourself be flexible enough to adjust when faced with the obvious. This is much easier if you have a “plan B” tucked away “just in case”.

For help with your wedding plans, contact us for a complimentary consultation to talk over your wedding ideas and dreams and how we can be of assistance. We’re here to help you have the memorable wedding you want!

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Need a Halloween outfit for the “Little Loves” in Your Life?

Posted on September 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

Did you know that along with our wedding products we also offer some adorable things for the sweet babies in your life?

With Halloween on the way, we thought we’d share these adorable, fun outfits. All are in size 0-6 months.

Just click on a photo for more info!

Complete with a toasty-warm surgical cap and “hospital booties”, this soft, green sleeper sports a stethoscope graphic casually slung around the neck, and an embroidered pocket with pen to write those teeny-tiny prescriptions!

Your new little lady will sleep safe and sound in our “Snug as a Bug” Snuggle Sack, and she’ll look adorable doing it!

You just never know! Maybe someday she’ll grace center stage, so dress her for her big debut in this delightfully pink confection from Baby Aspen.

Cover all the bases—quality, practicality, comfort and cuteness—with a baby gift destined to become a hit.

Whether he just plays with toy soldiers or he’s going to love a good hunt with his Dad, dress your Little Trooper in this preciously comfortable Camo Baby sleeper from Baby Aspen.

Mix sweetness and style, add a dash of adorable and serve baby this unique “Big Dreamzzz” Baby Chef Three-Piece Layette Set with a side of love! 

See more at www.plannewwithlovefavors.theaspenshops.com

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Posted in "Little Loves"

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Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Posted on September 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

bride and bridesmaids

Seems like a simple question, right? But do you know what the role of a bridesmaid entails? Or where the tradition of bridesmaids came from? There are all sorts of resources that discuss the history of bridesmaids, but here are 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. Accepting to be a bridesmaid means far more than buying a dress and showing up at the ceremony on time. Exactly how much you expect from your bridesmaids is a highly personal choice, but whatever you expect from them, you should let them know before you ask them to be in your wedding party.

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 pre-wedding details if the bride needs her.
  • She will help the maid/matron of honor plan, host, and help pay for the bridal shower and maybe a bachelorette party, along with the other bridesmaids, and attend any other pre-wedding parties, if she can. 
  • She will offer assistance, as needed, with various projects like helping to address invitations, assemble favors, assist with seating plans, etc.
  • She will help select the bridesmaid dresses, be cooperative in the choice, and be prepared to pay for her own gown unless the bride offers to do so.
  • She will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and be a cooperative participant. On the wedding day, she will be on time, help the bride get dressed, and will stand in the receiving line, if asked. If she is not in the receiving line, she may assist guests by showing them where the bar and restrooms are located, and inviting them to sign the guestbook.
  • If there is dancing, she should dance with groomsmen during formal first dance, and be on the lookout for any guests in need of a dance partner.

I guess, in a way, bridesmaids are still helping to ward off the “evil spirits” of stress and strain that may rob the bride of joy at her wedding!


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Posted in Advice, Bridal Party

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