How to Address your Invitations

In planning my great-grandmother’s 100th Birthday, the one thing she told me that she wanted was a party that was classy and proper. From the tables, to the food… everything was to be (and was) top of the notch, full out class. (She is a 100 year old society woman!) When it came time to send out invitations, we did a single sheeted, silver embossed, invite with a piece of vellum laid over the top, printed with a baby picture of her transitioning to a picture of her from her 99th birthday, then tied with ribbon at the top. They looked fabulous! My grandfather, her son, being the “do it yourself” kinda guy, insisted on printing all the mailing labels. At first this seemed like the simplest and quickest solution… however, Mimi did not like that idea whatsoever! She insisted each invitation be hand written… in calligraphy!

The more I thought about this, after getting over the idea of hand addressing 130 invitations, I thought she’s so right! This IS the appropriate way to send a formal invitation!

Most couples planning a wedding aren’t sure of what ‘Proper Wedding Etiquette’ is. Things like, who pays for what? Responsibilities of the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. The invitations, the Engagement Party, the Groom’s Cake, and so on and so forth. We’ve found an awesome site that offers an outline of all the above and what ‘Proper Etiquette’ is for each. Feel free to check it out at: http://www.ourmarriage.com/html/wedding_etiquette.html .

2008 Hair Trends!

Although there are many great ways to style your hair for your wedding, if you’re looking for something sleek and chic then there’s only one answer… the bun. Either classic and calm, twisted and twirled, sleek and simple, or short and sassy…. we’re seeing every possible variation hit the runway. J Bogatti, a fabulous French hair stylist, has pinned up some fabulous do’s which are sure to turn heads. His multi-twisted updo which is also knotted with satin ribbons is the most modern, chic, and elegant updo I think I’ve ever seen! He has also created some fabulous classic looking down-do’s that look as if they belong in the 50’s or 60’s.

Accent your beautiful hairstyle with woven in ribbon, a flower, or even a tiara. But ladies please, leave out the glitter and clips! No matter what you decide for your hairstyle on your wedding day, be sure that it fits you!

J Bogatti’s Twisted Chignon

Don’t be fooled by your Photographer!

A common misconception is that the photographs hanging in a photographer’s studio are all their own work. However, most photographers purchase art from a wholesale supplier to furnish their studio’s, especially in the early stages of business. Although its not something most people think to do, you should always ask the photographer if the work in the studio his his or hers. Most people are a little wary in asking a professional, so- is this your work?, but the truth is… you need to! Be sure that you see examples of their portfolio’s, which should be a collection of all the photographs from a specific wedding. You should also ask for the names and phone numbers of the people in the pictures. Just like being hired for a business style job, you should always ask for reference… and CHECK those references! Most couples who’ve used a specific photographer will jump at the chance to tell you how their wedding was, so don’t be scared to make the calls. Over all, checking your photographers work and references is the surest way to get quality work!

Good luck!

Anyone catch Rachel Ray yesterday?

I happened to be home sick yesterday and flipped on the t.v. in the morning to catch my first ever Rachel Ray show… and boy I’m so glad I did!

Among visiting with Enrique Iglesias and Dancing with the Star’s Helio Castroneves, Rachel Ray featured a product I fell in love with! It’s called Gyrotonic and is a new work out system sweeping the nation.

The Gyrotonic methodology allows users to stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints of the body. Using parent techniques such as pilates and weight lifting, Juliu Horvath (founder and creator) invented a system using pulley’s and weights to create fluid, circular movement. Rachel herself said, “This was a blast, it really was fun!” A fun workout? You’ve got me sold.

To see the clip from yesterdays show, click here!

To see the clip (and my personal favorite) from the Gyrotonic website, including clips from The View, Extra, and the WB, click here!

To visit the Gyrotonic website and search for a studio in your area, click here!

Cake Topper Tips

Picking out a cake topper can be either very simple or very difficult, depending on who you’re working with! Cake toppers can range from traditional, unique, to ethnic and comical. You’ll need to get some ideas of the styles you like, as well as taking into consideration the feel of how you want your wedding to go, then take them to your fiancee and let him or her help you pick out your topper.

As the fad’s change, we’re finding more and more couples opting for funny toppers or even one’s as simple as the first letter of your last name (or soon-to-be last name) instead of the old fashion figurines. We’ve found a website called MicroDwarf.com that uses your own photos to sculpt caricature like figurines made to look like you and your mate. They’re hand made and come from polymer clay and stand around 6-7 inches tall. (see picture below)

When looking for that perfect piece to adorn you cake with, be sure that it goes with the theme of your wedding. But then again, don’t stress over it too much, whatever you chose will be perfect!

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