Friday, April 25, 2008

I’m completely obsessed with a new book on weddings, Style Your Dream Wedding. I am going to try my best to express what makes it amazing……but really, there are no words.

I am literally taking the book everywhere and showing it to everyone - from Stephanie and Rebecca of Relish Invitations to Mindy of Ever After Weddings. Yesterday, I hung out with Latr

ice of Bridal Opulence and couldn’t wait to show her. Verdict - everyone loves it too!

While this book has simply stunning photography (see above), what makes this book amazing is that it 1) it is comprehensive - it covers ideas for every category - wedding dresses, stationery, reception, etc. and 2) it is organized by bride style.

Bride style is really what makes this book spectacular. According to the author, Susie Coehl , there are 6 bride styles: Fanciful, Contemporary, Beach, Exotic, Classic and Countryside. Going forward, I’ll use her categories as I describe weddings, because it’s so accurate. (Thanks Susie!)

I think that everyone involved in weddings should have this book - from planners and brides to florists and photographers - everyone! It is a great book to have at every consultation with brides because it helps the bride determine her bride style, which can be referenced throughout the planning process. Every bride should buy (or at least borrow:) the book because you can take it to your consultations to help direct every vendor. Once they know your style, it’s easier to design your day.

To start, you should take a few minutes to determine your bride style by taking the quiz here. Once you know your style, you can flip through the book and find great ideas based on your style.

From the quiz, I learned that I was a fanciful bride with a small touch of contemporary. Once you learn your style, take the book to your appointments and use it as a guide and inspiration for every aspect of your big day. I promise, the book will help you organize your thoughts.

Oh - and when you buy the book, click here to do so - that way, I can make like 50 cents off your purchase. Hey - I’m promoting it, my time is worth something. No seriously, it is by far the best book i have ever seen in helping you think through your style and then getting visuals for each component of your day. I could probably blog about it everyday until July and still have plenty to cover. But, I won’t. Get yours and Enjoy!

I will be giving a copy of this amazing book to one lucky person at the Relish Launch Party. Plus, I will have one copy on hand for those who like to see/touch before they buy. If you are a bride interested in attending, contact me. Invited planners - be sure to rsvp.

Friday, April 18, 2008

I have been a fan of IKEA for over 10 years. Although Nashville doesn’t have a store (yet), I await the day that we do. Until then, I stock up whenever I visit an IKEA city.

What I love about IKEA is their modern style and fabuLESS prices. What makes them great is that IKEA is a lifestyle store - a place you can shop for any occasion - from college dorm, new home to new baby. They sell candles and hardwood flooring - who else can do that?

When I got married, of course, I visited the store for fab finds for my wedding. The result - dual purpose bridesmaid gifts. I bought amazing vases (2 feet tall) to decorate my tables and wrote messages in gold along the bottom of the vase for each maid. At the end of the night, I presented each maid with a vase.

Now, I love when I visit their homes and see how they have incorporated the vases into their home decor!

So, when I visited IKEA Atlanta last week, I simply had to take pics to share with you, since their website sucks and never does the store justice. (Note - shipping is a nightmare). From creative brides to wedding planners, IKEA is a great store for weddings! Plus, the goods are so reasonable (and quality) that you can own them versus rent them - give them away or sell on eBay. Love it!

Check out the slideshow and make sure you have extra space (and shopping time) whenever you’re in an IKEA city! Atlanta roadtrip anyone?

Make a photobook - it’s easy!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Maybe I am obsessed with cupcakes because they seem to be everywhere I look! Kat of Selah Style and Events and I were hanging out and found Gigi’s Cupcakes, a new cupcake bakery off West End in Nashville. I chatted with Gigi (owner) like 2 seconds because the line was out the door.

Kat loved her peanut butter cupcake; my milk chocolate was pretty good (but I am a tough critic:). I need a second visit before I add Gigi’s to my fave list. But, you have to admit that they look adorable. Give them a try and let me know what you think. They’d make awesome bridal shower treats.

Friday, April 4, 2008

When I got married, I searched everywhere for great gifts for my maids and guests. There are a million stores selling all types of wedding stuff but a lot of them have the same ole’, cheesy items.

So, I thought I would do a quick round-up of some of my fancy finds. Send me your favorite gift ideas, especially local finds, so I can highlight them too!

Nashville- area finds:

The Write Impression - I found this cute little store while shopping in Murfreesboro yesterday. Don’t you love the name! They carry presents, papers and party goodies. They had these adorable tote bags and I also like these bride/groom nametags. They are located at 120 South Maple Street / 615-217-2109.

Let’s Make It Personal/ ([email protected]) - I met Sandy at the Bluegrass bridal show on Sunday. I thought her custom, red totes were so cute. Sandy can make them in a variety of colors and can add monograms.

Online finds:

The favors featured below can be found at Favor Affair.

“We Clicked” Mouse Pads - Yes, I love “chic-geek” so I am partial to these mousepad favors.

“Love…Let Me Count the Ways” Heart-Shaped Calculator

The Bridesmaids Brag Bag with Silver Heart Charm

“Pucker Up!” Personalized Lip Balm (Set of 12)

Collapsible CarryOn - Personalized Chocolate Stripe Tote Bag - Don’t you just LOVE the color!

Mini Classic Gumball Dispenser - You can

Well, I am signing off - heading to a wedding on Saturday - imagine that - and to Atlanta for the Jay Z concert. I can’t wait to see if he and Beyonce get married on today, which is the rumor. I hope they do and I hope that she joins him in concert. Hey - it could happen.

Friday, March 28, 2008

This week, I was a lucky enough to be invited to an Open House hosted by Classic Party Rentals. Ashley (of Classic Party) joined the ABG family a few months ago, contributes regularly to our message board and shares great website finds every so often. (Thanks Ash!)

Fast forward…a few weeks ago, she informed me that Classic had received some great new inventory and invited me to their open house to check it out for myself.

(Some items from their new line)

So, I was expecting to see some of these great items but nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for the party that was in store.

Classic partnered with some of Nashville’s top wedding professionals to ensure their guests had a great time. There were more wedding/event caterers showcasing their tasty treats at this party than ANY bridal show I’ve ever attended. From banana pudding and carrot cake shooters to spinach dip and raspberry brownies (funny how I always come back to dessert), my palette was happy, happy.

Now that I think about it, all 5 senses were tantalized - Classic Party Rental, Fabu and A Delightful Day worked together to make sure the visuals were eye popping, the caterers - including Monell’s, A Catered Affair and Chef’s Market - appealed to the taste/smell, Wedding Musicians Chamber provided a sweet trio while an incredible band jammed all night long! And touch? The super soft suede loveseats!!

Speaking of the loveseats…If you don’t read anything else - know that Classic Party is one amazingly unique company. They have a wonderful assortment of inventory that ranges from classic and rustic to modern and funky. Anything you can imagine, they rent (probably). Their new modern collection, which is ultra-modern, has my name written all over it. (Beth - this line would be great for your modern minimalist wedding.)

I’ll let the pics speak for themselves. First check out their new line of wedding rental items. Then, see some of my amateur party pics, featuring their line. Keep in mind that this is a warehouse! They converted their warehouse into party space - unbelievable - they added a clear tent, draped the entire area and changed the ambiance from industrial to Hollywood Glam.

(1 - Hollywood, red-carpet entrance, 2 - Comfortable lounge (suede loveseats) enjoyed by A Magical Affair and Selah Style), 3 - Covered, leather ottomans, 4 - Warehouse draped in black/white with leather daybeds, 5 - More elaborate red draping, 6 - Tented area, draped and fitted with plasma tvs and more.)

Oh - here’s the best part. I surveyed a few wedding planners who attended the event and they LOVE Classic! Word on the street is that no rental company compares in terms of service and price. One planner told me that she trusts Classic 100% to deliver as promised, which saves her and her bride lots of stress. Another planner told me that she requested quotes from several other rental companies and found Classic most affordable.

So there you have it…amazing rental items…super service…without paying a huge premium.

I haven’t worked with Classic but they have lots of fans. If you’ve worked with them, let me know about your experience.

In the meantime, whether you are planning your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception - these fabulous finds will turn any space into the soirée of a lifetime. Contact Classic to learn more.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Before Swoozie’s opened in Nashville’s Green Hills area, we couldn’t wait. We wouldn’t be jealous of Atlanta much longer, Swoozie’s was finally coming to Nashville! Fast forward, Swoozie’s has been here for 6 months or so and…we’re still loving it! This love is proving to be no temporary crush.

I’ll admit, I’ve visited several times and have been way to excited to chronicle for ABG readers. It really is like a Candyland for big girls…I wanted to shop and see, not take pictures and notes. But luckily, the ABG community always has my back.

Latrice has written a blog on Swoozie’s that I have been following. Now that her three-part series has ended, she’s letting me “borrow” it so I can share all of the goodies with you. I’ve mentioned Latrice before, she’s amazing. She is a shopper like I’ve never seen. Tons of style and always found at the neatest Nashville boutiques, but I’ll spare you more of my blah, blah, blah…enjoy this Friday Find.

Guest Post: Latrice of Bridal Opulence, a Nashville wedding planner

Swooning over Swoozie’s!

Nashville has some of the greatest places to shop, by far. Just recently in the Green Hills area the brand new Hills Center opened with all the latest trendy boutique like stores. One of my all time favorite specialty stores in the center is called Swoozie’s!!

This hip little happening spot is the best place for anything gift related or paper/stationery related. I am a huge fan of paper products so every time I go in the store I stay for at least an hour.

There so many gift-y books & journals for the newly engaged bride-to-be. This table in the picture carries a Tiffany blue & chocolate theme, which is a really happening color for weddings this season. There were cute little notepads, books, etc that range in price of $12.95 & up. They also offer a printing service at the store and will personalize your items for a small fee, making everything so special. One of the cutest items by far was the “Wedding day survival” kit, which is priced at $34.95

Swoozie’s also carries the most creative paperware - that includes plates, beverage napkins & cups - great for that bridal shower, engagement party, etc.

Check out this “Because I’m The Bride, That’s Why!” foam cup ($6.95) and the “Tie the Knot Bride” beverage napkins ($4.95).

Stationery is another reason that Swoozie’s has such a huge following of loyal customers. The stationery by far is the cutest I’ve ever seen, and would make your bridal shower invites, save the date cards & also wedding invitations truly stand out. This is the place for those DIY Brides!! The average price for this category starts at $8.95 & up.

So if you are a DIY bride and have a love for stationery…..Swoozie’s is the place to be!

Selecting the right bridal party gifts can be a huge task if you don’t have anything in mind. Luckily, Swoozie’s has gifts for both your bridesmaids & groomsmen.

Selecting the perfect gift for the men in your party can be intimidating. Swoozie’s has the most perfect set of gifts for that hard-to-shop-for man & they also can do monogramming & engraving. I am all about personalization!!!

The crocodile leather black flask are a perfect “manly gift”!!! They have “groomsman” engraved on the silver hardware, it looks great. Also, the picture would be a nice added touch that could be given and either place a picture from the bachelor party or your actual ceremony as a thank you gift. Swoozie’s also carries a wide array of koozies, which you can never have too many of those. The pictured wedding frame “The Guys” retails at $19.95, this frame is also available in “The Girls” & also “Mother & Father of the Bride”

Swoozie’s makes it so easy to shop for your bridesmaids & also for your flower girl. There are so many unique and fun gifts to choose from in the store & also on line.

We will start with your bridesmaids: in the picture below the black & white motif is amazing! With this collection comes notecards with can be personalized for an additional $5; cute wine bags, coasters etc.

Notecards are a favorite of mine. In this age of emailing, a hand written note is always top on list. It’s also an etiquette thing as well. So you can never go wrong in getting personalized stationery for yourself or your party. Other ideas that you can pick up at Swoozie’s are personalized soaps, carry all bags, burlap initial wine bags & also initial wine stoppers.

Wine stoppers start at $14.95

Initial soaps start at $11.00 & Carry all bags start at $19.95 & up

Market Tote - Turquoise with Brown Trim Price: $19.95

Perfect little gift for your flower girl!

For your bachelorette party, girls night out, Swoozie’s can personalize a sash for you to wear so everyone will know it’s your special night.

Swoozie’s…your one stop shop for bridal party gifts with a personal touch!!

They also carry the cutest selection of table decor.

Currently they have 3 that really struck my fancy & I would like to share them with you.

This black & white table setting could be the theme for a very chic bridal shower. Incorporating a Tiffany blue, pink or red to the color scheme would definitely make the color pop!!! Also you could request that your guest wear colors that coordinate with your color scheme. This would create really super cute pictures.

For a Nautical or Beach theme:

This is so adorable and with a little creativity, you could incorporate sand to your table center pieces for an added effect.

Bachelor Cook out: All American Theme

This table decor would make for a great afternoon Bachelor cook out with the fellas. You could carry this theme out and incorporate all things baseball. What a fun cookout this would be & I would even suggest renting a cute little old fashion popcorn popper for your guest.

Friday, March 14, 2008

I work from home, I recycle, I turn off lights when I leave the room, I carpool to wedding events…I’m getting there. Once I sell my SUV (they’re oh-so 90s) for a mini-cooper like Kat’s (of Selah Style), I’ll be a bona-fide green thumb.

Unfortunately, I didn’t think to have a green wedding (although green was my primary color - does that count?).

So, as I plan weddings vicariously through you, I wanted to make sure my green brides didn’t feel left out.

Portovert is a website that I love, devoted to green weddings.

As you spend a few weeks enjoying this new site, I’m inviting Nashville’s wedding experts to send in pics of their green weddings, eco-friendly inspiration boards, green goodies, and more.

In the meantime, here are my fave goodies from Portovert.

Chic and eco-friendly dress by Deborah Lindquist - gorgeous attire that’s also easy on the environment.

These matchsticks are actually plantable seeds from Matchstick Garden.

A year ago, we gave away these National Arbor Day Foundation trees, branded with my previous employer’s name. People loved them! In fact, they were great conversation starters.

Yummy, yummy, yummy and good for Mother Earth. These cupcakes are made by Miette Cakes. They don’t deliver the yum to Nashville but contact our Nashville cake designers to have them recreate this organic treat.

For more green goodies, visit Portovert or google green weddings and let me know your fave wedding green sites.