Have Oprah’s People Called Yet?

Many years ago, in the year 2000 to be exact, I received a call from InStyle magazine because they were interested in our favors for an upcoming bridal issue.  I sent them samples and lo and behold they chose something I designed, our “Perfect Pair” candle. 

 Of course, nowadays everyone has this theme in every configuration, but at that time, the concept was brand new.  Needless to say, I was thrilled when I was told we were going to be featured in their magazine.  This favor put us on the map.  We even had to move into a larger facility and hire more employees to keep up with the demand.  Shortly thereafter InStyle took the candle to the Today Show, and I’m sure you  can you imagine how exciting that was.  The following year InStyle featured us again with our Plantable Daisy Pods.

As exciting as all of this was, and it was VERY exciting, what I wanted most was to be called by Oprah’s people.  Not because of the financial gain we would get from that kind of exposure, but because it would just have been the most thrilling experience.  I thought they would love my story of how I started the business.  Every morning I would come in to the office and ask “Have Oprah’s  people called yet”?  The girls came to expect it when I arrived.  Well, years went by, and eventually I no longer worked in the office, but work from home,  so no one gets to hear that question anymore but it still lingers in my mind evey time I watch her.  Then….last week we got an order through a blog called Everything Oprah and there we were, featured in an article on Baby Showers using our baby shower favors titled “Planning A Baby Shower Like The Celebrities”.  Well, it’s not Oprah’s people calling….but to have Oprah’s name, even in a blog, connected with our favors, was a wonderful unexpected surprise. 

Now that she’s going off the air, my dream of having her people call will have to vanish, but at least I will always have the memory of being featured on a blog all about Oprah…I can live with that .

Fresh Ideas for Your Fall Wedding

We’re sure you agree: everybody loves gorgeous, colorful Autumn. That’s why many of your friends – and perhaps you and your groom-to-be – are planning a Fall wedding.

Given this, just how do you stand out from the crowd? Over the years, our readership has shown itself to be one creative bunch…so here’s to Fall brides and what they can do with their own creativity and a few great ideas. Here are a few we absolutely adore (and, psst—that are some of the most popular wedding favor ideas this season).

Favors That Double as Decorations

LOVE this idea. Pictured below is an example of an elegant, trendy Fall wedding favor that doubles as part of the reception place settings. It’s the “Turning Leaves” bookmark and it’s oh so elegant for Autumn…and for your special day.

Stylist: Sasha Souza; Photo By Damion Hamilton

Have the Turning Leaves Bookmark  hold the menu if you’re having a more formal affair, or attach it to your wedding programs. Or put one at the upper left of each place setting at the reception.

Other great ideas for favors that add Autumn atmosphere are candles in colorful holders, leaf-shaped place card holders or indulgent treats like spiced cider or gourmet cookie mixes. Yum!

Unique Centerpieces

Flowers are traditional, but why not add elegance (and a little bit of “you”) to your reception by choosing unique centerpieces? With a Fall wedding, you’re in luck; choose from Autumn’s bounty for a natural and very on-trend look to your reception tables.

Group Autumn fruits, such as apples, with a little Fall greenery. (See the example below, which is a real treat. Photo credit: Jennifer Wahlquist). Berries are Autumnal too, as are unshelled nuts tossed around the centerpiece for a natural yet very elegant feel.

Candles work well here too. Tip: If you’ll be placing lighted candles as part of your centerpiece, make sure they’re set well away from your guests’ plates (and reaching hands and elbows), while making sure the area just around the candle is clear of any hanging flammable greenery or other decorations.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your own beautiful wedding creations. And don’t forget to let us know what you’re planning for Fall wedding favors. We’re always glad to hear from you!

A Wedding Planner? Questions Answered

Many wonder if they need to have a Planner when they think they can just do everything themselves.  I can tell you after coordinating many weddings (and I’ve retired from that now)  you will be so glad you hired one.

Having a planner gives you peace of mind and helps keep you calm on a very happy but stressful day.  The following questions are often asked by those who are still vacillating, I hope the answers will help with your decision:

1) What will a planner do for me?

a)  Hold your hand through the whole process.  This is very comforting when last minute changes take place and quick decisions have to be made.

b)  He/she will negotiate the contracts with your vendors so all you have to do is tell your Planner what you like and, most importantly, what you don’t like, and he/she will make sure you get what you want.

c)  Help design the wedding to suit your style and personality.

2)  Should I hire my planner before booking the venue?

Whenever possible you should hire your planner as soon as you get engaged so they are there to help give you the vision you have for your special day.

3)  If my venue offers a coordinator do I still need a wedding planner?

A planner that you hire is always on your side.  If you use the coordinator of the venue, their job is to make sure you buy lots of food, beverages, etc.  However,  your planner can help you with your overall budget and will keep it in mind and also what’s most important to you.

4)  If I find vendors that I especially like on my own, say for example, a wedding favor company, is it okay to tell my Planner that I want this particular vendor?

This is your special day, and of course you can let your Planner know of any specific wishes you have, venues or vendors you especially want to use.  The Planner is there to carry out your wishes, and is happy to do so.

5)  Can I hire a Planner just for the wedding day?

Yes, you can hire a planner for the day diy wedding planningand he/she will execute all the plans you have made.  Of course,  this means you have to be extremely organized, have every detail planned and written down so they are able to do their job efficiently.  You’ll need to make lots of lists, have a vendor list with phone numbers and what you expect.  Getting cell phone numbers of the vendors is a very good idea in case they are stuck in traffic, etc. and the Planner needs to contact them.  Make sure you set aside time to go over all the details with the Planner if they are only going to be there the day of your wedding.

Winery Wedding A Wonderful Venue

Often life’s biggest celebrations involve wine.  Why not think of a winery for the  most important day of your life?  If you’re looking for a unique venue for your wedding, winery weddings are gaining popularity for many reasons:

1)  Wine & Champagne are synonymous with celebrations and more and more people are getting involved in wine tasting.

2)  Every bride wants their wedding to be special and unique so having it at a working winery makes that happen.

3)  The location is breathtaking for your ceremony and reception whether you’re outside in the lush green landscape or the inside amid the elegance of the wine cellar.

4)  Photo shoots amid the vineyards is enchanting.  You can include a private winery tour just for your wedding party.

Faulkner Winery ceremony

Faulkner Winery

Faulkner Winery photo op

Faulkner Winery Inside Reception

There are many favors that would be perfect for this venue, including stemless personalized wine glasses, personalized wine glasses, bottle stoppers, personalized wine bottles, etc.  and they can be seen in our wine theme favor section.  One of the most popular is our elegant, delectable brownie pop.

Vineyard Brownie Pop

Picturesque Beach Wedding

What can be more beautiful than a picturesque setting of the ocean with a beautiful sky as a backdrop as you walk down the aisle?   Few places are more romantic for a wedding than the beach.  Having your wedding on the beach is very relaxing and you can make it as casual as you like or as elegant as you want.

Doing your wedding at a hotel that has a beach front makes it comfortable for your guests to come in and enjoy the reception in one of the banquet halls.  Your theme is already set so your flowers and favors can be reflected in the design and makes it as stress free as possible.

Beach Theme Centerpiece

Flowers by Dellables

Beach Theme Centerpiece by Dellables

Do It Yourself Beach Theme Centerpiece

Using starfish, pearls, sandollars amidst orchids and other tropical fresh flowers can be incorporated in your chair decorations and on the aisle and arbor, as well as your wedding cake and centerpieces.

Your guests will not only enjoy sharing your special day in a beautiful setting, but may view it as a vacation and the fun begins as soon as they arrive.  Whether it’s an exotic beach your guest will travel to, or, if you’re fortunate to live in an area close to the ocean, and it’s a local wedding, either way your guests will feel like they’ve “been away” for the day.

Decor on the Beach

Your favors can tie in beautifully with your theme so your guests will have a wonderful rememberance of your wedding.

Sand Castle Favor

Hello Kitty Is All Grown Up

Hello Kitty is an icon that has now made it to the bottles of white wine and perfect for a party or wedding reception.  What a whimsical, wonderful idea.  How fun!!!!

Here are some tasting notes for the four types:

Hello Kitty Sparkling Brut Rosé – A deep reddish pink sparkling rose made from 100% Pinot Noir that has a frothy mousse as well as a pretty nose of rose petal and red currant scents.

Hello Kitty Sparkling “Sweet Pink” (Half Size) – This semi-sweet sparkler sports a pale pink hue and has very delicate bubbles.

2008 Hello Kitty Angel White – This is a fresh, very “blanc” white wine made entirely from Pinot Noir free run juice.

2006 Hello Kitty Devil Red – Garnet red with brickish highlights, this is a classically rendered Pinot Noir that presents a seductive bouquet of wild flowers and forest aromas.

Complete tasting and technical notes for each wine type at HelloKittyWine.com.

Thank you Simply Natural Events for doing an article about  this on your blog.  Love it!

Informal Wedding Decorating Ideas

Summer is the perfect time for an informal wedding outdoors .  Another  popular trend is to have your wedding in a barn.  To keep the wedding elegant yet informal,  I have some beautiful pictures to help you see this can be achieved.

1)  First choose your colors.  What color makes you feel good?  Orange or yellow?  Pinks and lavender?  Red and white?  All these colors would work beautifully for a summer wedding.

2)   The flowers are also expressing your informal look.  You can achieve this by the style of container they are placed in and, in some cases, by the flowers themselves, such as Sunflowers, Daisies, and for a little more formality, Roses and Hydrangeas.  Clay pots filled with Hydrangeas make a wonderful summer centerpiece.  I’ve even spray painted the clay pots when I wanted to use them in white…you can make them any color you like to coordinate with your theme.

3)  Lots of twigs, branches and moss can add ambiance.  I’m also a big fan of the LED candles that are available now so you don’t have to worry about them blowing out if you’re outdoors.

Barn Wedding by Jennifer Whalquist

Flower Decorations

Country Centerpiece Idea

Garden Wedding Centerpiece

Buffet Tablescape

Your wedding favors should also express your informal country look.  Succulents are very popular in flower arrangements this time of year, and these succulent style candles are the perfect favor to tie in with your theme.

Candle in Clay Pot

Breakfast At Tiffany Fashionable Stationery

Something blue  that never goes out of style  is found at  the world famous store Tiffany.  Many brides use the inspiration they get from Audrey Hepburn in the classic movie Breakfast At Tiffany for their bridal shower theme, and it couldn’t be more fun to decorate, and to get your guests anxious for the festivities when they receive their invitation.

I always enjoy bringing new artists to your attention, and I’m sure you’ll agree, “getting your party started” with these gorgeous invitations will set the tone for your beautiful bridal shower.  Elaine Biss designed this invitation, and there are many more delightful designs to choose from.

Courtesy of Elaine Biss

Every girl needs their “Little Black Dress” and this would also be a perfect design for your Breakfast At Tiffany party.

Courtesy of Elaine Biss

If you’re known for having a pair of shoes and purse for every outfit,  this design would be perfect.  I think going to a thrift store, buying purses you love and using them as a “container” for your centerpieces would be fabulous.

Courtesy of Elaine Biss

Don’t forget to send your bridesmaid’s an invitation to be in your wedding party.  A perfect way of doing this would be a Tiffany blue box with a  diamond paperweight (how appropriate for a Tiffany theme).

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

For other decorating ideas visit my bridal shower section and scroll down until you come to the article on Breakfast At Tiffany Bridal Showers.

Let Them Eat Cupcakes

While wedding cakes are still one of the most beautiful features of your reception, cupcakes are holding their own as a popular trend in 2010.  If you were concerned they wouldn’t be elegant enough, look at  what some decorators are doing with them to enhance their beauty and make them fit your reception decor, including a cake at the top of the display for tradition.

I love the fact that they included a crystal monogram on the top of the cake and for added elegance, they have the crystal trim surrounding each layer.

Courtesy of cupcakecollection.com

Black and White is still a very popular color scheme for weddings, and this display of cupcakes looks gorgeous.  There are also black and white cupcake wrappers if you’re doing it yourself,  that will enhance even store bought cupcakes.

Courtesy of vanillabakeshop.com

Courtesy of The Cakery

The Cakery’s display, above, uses Filagree Cupcake wrappers on some of the tiers.  Notice they also have a cake at the top, which is a touch I really like.  Since the Filigree wrappers come in black and white, I can see alternating them on each tier for a black and white color scheme wedding.

These cupcakes by Blue Cupcake  represent a wonderful Summer or Springtime wedding.  A lovey cake at the top, and the cupcakes bring a smile to my face as they are still very elegant, yet suitable for an outside garden wedding.

Courtesy of bluecupcake.com

Courtesy of bluecupcake.com

If vivid colors (a big trend for 2010) is your fav, look at the above cupcakes by Blue Cupcake, for inspiration.

I enjoy the fact that you have so many options available to you to suit any budget.  You can have one of these wonderful bakeries do them for you.  You can bake your own and have fun decorating them yourself.  You can pick up cupcakes from your local bakery or even supermarket and use the gorgeous new cupcake wrappers that come in a wide variety of designs and colors to enhance them.  It’s great when there are so many choices.

Flower Inspirations For Your Wedding

Flowers are synonymous with weddings.  This is one time we can be a little extravagant.  They give your reception that  ahhh moment we all dream about.  There are many ways to decorate a wedding, but most will  agree flowers are the principal way.

Florists are no longer limited to what is growing seasonally in your region, but can buy flowers from all over the world. Of course, the cost will be higher for flowers that are not seasonal, but this is your chance to be luxurious if you see an arrangement you love with your favorite flowers.

A number of years ago I visited a very high end hotel in Las Vegas and was blown away by the flower arrangements there.  Very simple, yet a new, totally fresh approach and I could envision a bride and her “worker bees” able to capture this look if she was having a DIY wedding.  Recently, I found the floral designer who came up with the look, Jeff Lautham and thought you would want to see his incredible work.  Whether you call Jeff,  try this yourself, or give the pictures to your florist for inspiration, this will be a feast for your eyes.

1- Using lots of risers/pedestals  Jeff fills a room with pink hydrangeas, which are a perfect flower for lots of volume.  Notice he keeps it monochromatic for impact as well.

Image courtesy of Jeff Lautham

2- If you are using long banquet tables at your reception, this is a beautiful centerpiece idea.  You can use flower petals in abundance (as seen here) or you  can even use flowering plants if you’re flower arrangement challenged.  Lots of votives give the table a very romantic look.  Nowadays the battery operated votives are a life saver for reception halls that don’t allow open flames.  Again, notice the big splash of monochromatic color.

Image Courtesy of: Jeff Leatham

3- I think this is brilliant!  You can always have a round rose bowl with submerged flowers or an arrangement coming out from the top, but this is so interesting, isn’t it?  For safety sake, I would use a wax like product they use to hold candles in a candle holder, or that can be purchased in a home improvement center made for protecting items from falling off shelves in an earthquake (tell them what you need to do, they will figure it out) to temporarily secure the top bowl to the bottom.

Image Courtesy of Jeff Leatham

4- I guess what I love about Jeff’s work is that he thinks outside the box.  Making a “bouquet” of any kind of flower, keeping it monotone, and “leaning” it in a very tall container is his signature look.  It’s what first caught my eye at the hotel I mentioned at the beginning of this post.  Check out your local party rental store, or search online to see where you can rent containers like this.  Again, hydrangeas are an easy flower to work with and  because the heads are so large, you don’t need as many flowers,  Calla Lily’s work wonderfully as well, and they come in all colors.

Image: Jeff Leatham

Image: Jeff Leatham