Thursday, April 5, 2012
Spring is here! We all know that when flowers bloom and the sun comes out, the wedding world thrives, bringing a warm joy amongst your guests as they look forward to your special day. I spoke with Rita from Down South Delights regarding reception menus to go along with this glorious weather. In our lovely conversation, she let me in on some trends and fun tips for brides to embrace with the sunshine!
Enjoy a southern-style brunch board! Yum! Perfect for a mid-morning wedding or late night snack.
What are fun menu ideas for a spring/summer wedding?
Rita of Down South Delights: People incorporate more fresh items for their spring/summer wedding receptions than they typically would during the colder months. We see a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, and salads as opposed to heavier selections. There’s also a trend of bright, colorful foods, as well!
Go Italian with tomatoes, cheese, and vinaigrette.
Are there ways a bride should incorporate her theme into her reception menu for spring/summer?
We usually avoid encouraging a bride to color coordinate her menu; it’s complicated to match food, and it’s not as big of a deal as other details, but bright colors for spring/summer are always a hit, along with lighter portion options. For instance, if you’re doing an outdoor reception, many people enjoy a modern, tea inspired vibe with selections like finger sandwiches and fruit.
Not your typical fruit skewers...Mix it up with strawberries and cheese or watermelon and scallop ceviche.
How is a menu for a spring/summer wedding influenced by the location?
If the wedding is outside, people typically stay away from heavy meals and choose light hors d'oeuvres instead, possibly as a brunch. We see things like colored lemonade and grilled meats—upscale picnic food that can fall under a backyard or garden theme. Indoor receptions, however, still maintain full meals as they do throughout the rest of the year.
Lots of drink choices: standard lemonade with fresh fruit (color it for more fun!), DSD's popular fruit tea, and more.
What do guests love to see on the menu for a spring/summer wedding?
People love homey foods that taste like a picnic—fried chicken, gourmet BBQ, pasta salad, fruits, fresh vegetables—things like that; people go for anything that makes them want to be outside!
Who can pass up corn on the cob?! It's the perfect picnic-style food choice.
Is there a difference in price of food during this season compared to the fall or winter months?
People usually spend a little more money in the spring because wedding dates are in the premium. They’re willing to pay more in order to claim what they want as soon as possible, since more people get married during the spring and summer.
Tea time smoked salmon canapes - you can be that fancy.
How can a bride have fun with her spring/summer reception menu?
I love to see people use selections from the Farmer’s Market that look fresh and pretty. The brightly colored food is always a hit with us because we’re able to embellish them in the table design more creativity. Also, we offer fun options like a watermelon bar, a create your own soda bar, and an ice cream sundae buffet—all perfect for a sunshine wedding reception!
All images courtesy of Down South Delights.
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I will admit this is a tough post to write as I don’t want to come across as tooting our own horns so-to-speak but I like to believe that we must be doing some things right now that Simply Stunning Events has been in business for almost 5 years, planned and coordinated over 60 weddings to date, and we still love it!
We work with all sorts of couples, some here in Nashville, some from out-of-state, some still in school, and some well into their busy careers, but we have noticed some trends regarding what is most important to our couples, i.e. what their wedding priorities are. For some wedding planning companies the look and feel of the wedding is a huge factor for brides and grooms, they want to wow their guests with amazing visual elements and unique details. However while the look and design of the wedding is certainly important to our clients, most of them place the experience of their guests as the highest priority. They want to be sure their guests have delicious food, an open bar, a great band or DJ to keep the party hopping, and make it easy for them to attend the wedding with logistical elements such as guest shuttles and comfortable hotels. Going along with this, they want to be sure that everything on the day of the wedding runs smoothly, and that’s where we come in!
We work with our couples to recommend the best possible vendors for their style, personality, and budget, and then put together a very detailed timeline that takes into consideration the right flow for the evening and the guest’s experience.
Photo by Phindy Studios
There are many different wedding planners out there with different areas of expertise and different personalities. Find the one that fits you best and shares your priorities! If design and details are your passion, find a planner that specializes in and shares that passion. If logistics and organization are largely important to you, find a planner who is a whiz at event logistics, detailed timelines, and checklists. And if you’re interested in Simply Stunning, we’d love to hear from you!
Photo by Phindy Studios
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Posted by Simply Stunning Events |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Purple and white are hot, hot, hot wedding colors for 2012! Red is always a favorite color too. If you are considering one of those colors for your wedding, you are in luck. The prolific team at The Enchanted Florist recently designed three stunning weddings that represent this year's popular color trends and we are happy to share them with you today.
Brilliant Purple
Purple has been a slightly underrated color when it comes to weddings and according to Enchanted Florist, this will be a huge color trend for weddings in 2012. If you love purple but aren't sure where to start or which shade to pick, Enchanted Florist has this advice to share, "Opt for a deep plums or eggplant purple if sexy drama is part of your wedding day vision. Brides wanting sweet and romantic should consider soft shades like lavender, perfect for a springtime garden wedding. And for those of you that simply can’t choose a favorite (like us!) don’t worry! We love mixing multiple shades or other popular colors (like pink or green) for a truly sophisticated effect!"
For more beautiful, purple inspiration, visit the original blog post here.
Purple inspiration photographs by Ace Photography and Andrea Hallgren Photography
Romantic Red
This wedding at Nashville City Club was gorgeous. Another vibrant choice of color, red is a classic, romantic color and when set against black becomes bold and elegant - really makes a statement. Red is the bride's favorite color and Enchanted Florist decorated with red to the nines, adding the bride's own butterfly twist. More from this post here.
Photographs by Andrea Hallgren
Elegant White
Another classic wedding look is using and really going with the monochromatic look of white florals. "2012 promises more white weddings," said Enchanted Florist on their blog. "Keep your venue and style of wedding in mind when putting together your all-white color palette… with so many shades of white and great matching neutrals (like silver or beige) to tie everything together the options are endless and can have very different results."
Photographs by Phindy Studios, Adele Reding, Divine Images, The Collection and Image Trick
White can also be really edgy and contemporary as seen from Enchanted Florist's booth at the recent Pink Bride Show. For more ideas for white wedding flowers click here.
This beautiful, white wedding at the Loveless Barn is not to be missed. More pictures here.
Photographs by Angela Disrud Photography
There's so much inspiration you can find on Enchanted Florist's site and blog. With years of experience decorating some of the most beautiful weddings Nashville has ever seen, they're a great vendor to work with if you haven't already hired your florist. Definitely contact them and be sure to tell them you heard about them from us!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Inspiration & Trends
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Monday, April 2, 2012
We have had such a great experience with knowing and working with very knowledgable vendors, the best part is that we can take their knowledge and share it with you! We love keeping brides informed! So we went to Brent Cantrell of Cosmo Creations and asked him what questions brides should ask a DJ before booking them, and what questions he is commonly asked.
Stay informed and read on to find out what you should expect and know about your wedding DJ!
Photo by K.G. Photography
Top 3 questions you should ask your potential wedding DJ:
1. Do you have liability insurance?
2. Do you have professional equipment and back-up equipment (and a back-up DJ)?
3. Will you be my DJ on the day of my wedding or will I get someone else?
Photos by David & Tammy Wedding Photographers
What are brides' most frequently asked questions when they contact Cosmo Creations?
"Have you ever DJed a wedding before?"
Great question! Some disc jockeys (DJs) specialize in school events, car shows, proms, fraternity formals, etc. Make sure they have several weddings in their mix of events.
"What would you say your style is on the microphone?"
You need to communicate your expectations with your potential DJ. Asking “What style DJ are you?” is a great way to find out if you’re talking to someone that’s going to be over-the-top or laid back. And depending on the type of wedding you are planning, that can make a huge difference.
A good DJ will result in everyone on the dance floor having a good time. Photos by Evan Baines Photography
"Where can I find reference and reviews on your company?"
Anyone can brag on themselves. You need to hear from past brides and other wedding vendors before you make your final decision.
"Do you belong to any disc jockey associations or networks?"
Disc jockey networking is a great way for DJs to stay on top of the latest wedding trends, newest technology, and also learn from each others personal successes and mistakes in the wedding entertainment industry. Check out http://www.TNDJN.com.
"Do you offer a contract?"
In Middle Tennessee you never know what the most popular wedding date will be, so lock in a contract with your wedding vendors ASAP. Also, if you’re using a family member or “friend of a friend” make sure you have them sign a contract too (You want the person in charge of your wedding music to feel obligated to be at your wedding).
A DJ is also your emcee and will introduce the bridal party! Photos by Zach and Jody - Gray Photography
ABG Notes: Make sure to ask your DJ if they offer additional services, such as lighting. And you might be surprised! Cosmo Creations now offers some lighting options and a photo booth! (One service provider for multiple services can sometimes save you time and/or money.)
Photo from the Cosmo Creations Photo Booth - their photo booth shots are so clear!
Make sure to mention ABG when you call and check out Cosmo Creations!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Music, Lighting + Transportation, Reception Entertainment, Photo Booths
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Friday, March 30, 2012
Today is Part 2 of Jessica and Gordie's wedding coverage - we're focusing on the photo booth aspect of their reception!
According to Elaine of Picture This Nashville, Jessica played a big role in customizing her Picture This guest book and as a result, "It's amazing." We agree! Because her guest book turned out so great and everyone enjoyed the photo booth aspect, we wanted to share more photos of just that. Now, you can get a feel for what Picture This Nashville offers.
Why did you decide to hire a photo booth? Did it add to the reception atmosphere?
Picture This Nashville was part of a wedding contest we won – and it was INCREDIBLE! Gordie and I love taking photos and thought it would be a cool touch to the wedding – and it was!
See the Picture This Nashville booth set up right behind the bride and groom.
What does a typical Picture This printout look like?
Below are photos from Jessica and Gordie's own photo booth, with simple photos pages. Of course, the backdrop varies according to the brides choice to where she chooses to place the Picture This computer/camera. Part of the Picture This bonus is being able to place it wherever you want (providing there's an electrical outlet!).
Beyond winning a photo booth with printouts, you were also given options to upgrade your Picture This package?
Yes! And we chose one of their upgrade options to incorporate the photo booth as our guest book and we are so happy we did. Not only do we get a cool message from our family / friends, we also get a photo of them on our day.
We saw everyone from my grandmother to nieces/nephews in the booth enjoying themselves. I think it gave ‘something different’ for our guests to do in-between eating, drinking and dancing.
ABG Notes: Besides capturing fun moments with their guests in Jess and Gordie's guest book, Picture This Nashville also included photos of key moments to make it a true wedding photo album.
All photo booth photos by Picture This Nashville. All other photos by Jonathon Campbell Photography.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Reception Entertainment, Photo Booths
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