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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

So, Ray (finace) and I are full-on into registry mode! I didn’t realize so many people would be asking about it so soon, so we are getting at it as fast as we can!

We’re already totally set on Bed, Bath & Beyond and getting everything we can there! So far we’ve nailed down our bedroom linens, bathroom stuff, china, and lots of kitchen gadgets. We haven’t chosen lots of decorative stuff, or any basic kitchen theme stuff- pot holders, dish towels, everyday dishes, etc. I wasn’t crazy about any of what they have, so I thought we’d do Target. However, in talking to several recent brides, I’ve hardly heard one good thing about their return policies and their registry updates! In the store they even tell you it takes up to 3 hrs for it to update online. Every thing at BB&B is real time updates, they have NO problems with exchanges even without receipts, and they even give cash for returned items. I’ve heard nothing but good about that store!

or or neither??

I have had hassles in the past with returning stuff at Target. They only allow you two returns a year without a receipt- even when you are just getting store credit! And I tend to get lots of gifts from there! I looooooove the store! I’ve mentioned lots of good stuff I’ve found there on my blog already! But I do hate their return policy! I’ve been stuck with two pairs of the same shoes from another wedding, well since last summer!! They still have them, still regular price and they’ve never been worn and I can’t return them!! Keep meaning to get Ray to do it for me, but until then, they sit in my trunk!

I know that Walmart is getting tougher on returns, but I’m just wondering about their wedding gift return policy and how good their registry is. I did think it was kinda ghetto to register at Walmart, but hey-that’s where I do a lot of my shopping on a regular basis. They are getting much cuter stuff in the home sections, and some of the stuff I actually like better than Target! And I’ve heard lots of people say lately that they WISH they’d registered at Walmart- at least just to get the gift cards!

So, what’s a girl to do?! I do have several things on my Target registry, but the only thing I just can’t do without from there are these picture frames….

(plus a few more!)

which go oooooh so well with our Nautica bedspread we picked out (Ray’s favorite thing of ALL! He loves Nautica like I love Roxy!)

(believe me, I will totally girlie this up!! :o) )

Do I stick with Target? Or drop it for Walmart? I’d like to give people more choices than just BB&B, and I’m not too fond of registering at any department stores, which I never shop at otherwise!

Help!!

Ashley Adds:

I totally know how you feel. I registered at BBB, Target, Linens and Things (for stuff that neither had). I didn’t register at Walmart. I found Target to be HORRIBLE because of their awful return policy.

I love Target when I am shopping for myself but don’t like it for registries. They expect folks to give you gift receipts, which is so unlikely. BBB on the other hand was FANTASTIC. However, I’ve heard that their return policy may have changed since I got married. But, I was able to return so many things for cash or for exchange with no questions asked. They were amazing. But, double check to make sure you know their new policy. Again, not familiar with Walmart but I know in general they are pretty good about returns and give a gift card without a receipt. Who can’t use a Walmart gift card:)?

Come on Fab, I say keep it real with your wedding - if you shop at Walmart regularly (like millions of Americans do whether they admit it or not:) then register there. My mom kept telling me that I needed to register at Macy’s or a department store for China. Well, China I will NEVER use and I never shop at Macys. So, I registered at Pottery Barn (not the greatest return policy either) for these monogrammed, everyday whites and my guests purchased many items from there. I did a small registry at Macys (for mom) and got like 1 item from there. Bottom line, do you!

Based on your choices, I personally would do Walmart and BBB. If those Target frames are a must-have, get them with the cash from BBB:) Just my two cents.

ABG readers - feel free to comment.

Find more from Fabuless at Daisy’s Favorite Things.

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.

Beverage Bar Favors

Love the candy bar? What about a beverage bar or beverages as your wedding favor? Kat of Selah Style is using Jones Soda for an upcoming wedding. Jones allows you to brand your beverage, which I love!

Here’s another happenin’ drink. Check out these super chic Metromint drinks, made of mint, water and tons of style. Both Jones and Metromint come in a range of colors sure to match your wedding color palette.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

A couple of weeks ago, I met with Rhonda of Rhonda Patton Weddings (event floral designer). She is simply amazing and is super creative. When we met, we discussed some neat elements for weddings and one thing most people overlook - the kids!

Now, I know that some of you are having adult only weddings which is totally cool and something I considered at one point. But, my hubby and I have way too many nieces, cousins and god kids to have excluded kids. So, we made sure we included them in our big day.

Here are some of the ways we incorporated or entertained kids…

5 flowergirls + 1 ring bearer + 1 bell ringer + 1 bible bearer = a whole lot of cute kids

I wrote a poem and mailed it to each flowergirl asking them to be in our wedding. They felt sooo special getting mail (you remember that feeling) and a special invitation to be in our wedding. I printed my poem on hot pink and green adorable paper. Click here to view/reuse my flowergirl letter.

A few folks thought we were crazy for including so many kids in our wedding ceremony. We thought they would be adorable and they were. Now, I will say that the kids in our circle are amazingly well behaved so I knew they would not pose a problem. Plus, we didn’t have any kids in our ceremony under the age of 5 (which was a big help!).

Honestly, if we could do it all again, I would probably have a kid-only ceremony as they were the EASIEST aspect to coordinate. The kids are simple - little girls’ dresses don’t need altering, their weight doesn’t fluctuate as much as adults (they don’t diet for special occasions) and they usually don’t care about their hair because they are accustomed to not really having much say so anyway:). The boys were even easier!

The wedding reception

We had the kids sit with their parents but we did provide each with custom M&Ms, a custom wedding coloring book (with our names) and crayons.

The neatest part of the reception, loved by parents and kids, was their favor. We invited all of the kids in the wedding party to have their photo sketched by a professional caricaturist. We hired a guy through The Nose (spent like $350 but money well spent). They had great customer service. In fact, the week before our event, our hired caricaturist was sick or something and wasnt going to be able to make it. The owner of The Nose contacted me, offered a refund or another artist. We went with another artist, who showed up on time, dressed appropriately and drew the most fun pics! He asked each kid what they wanted to be when they grew up and drew them in their chosen profession (similar to the one attached by Marlee, one of the artists). What a neat touch!

The kids loved their pictures and framed them for years to come. John and I were drawn too (which was a great memento but it took 20 minutes of our time at the reception, keeping us from our guests). After our wedding party kids were sketched, we invited other kids at the reception to have their pics drawn too.

After sharing my story with Rhonda, she shared a kids table that she recently created for a bride. Again, as an event floral designer, she does more than just flowers.

Here’s the scoop from Rhonda…

My bride wanted to honor her daughter and daughter’s friends by having a special table for the tweens (ages 8-12). The bride’s daughter’s favorite color was purple therefore the bride specifically requested the table to be purple.

Rhonda’s recipe for the purple passion inspired table:

Purple Linens

Mini Candy Bar which also served as the centerpiece. Sweet treats such as (M&Ms, Skittles, Bubble Gum, Hershey Kisses, Jolly Ranchers, Nerds and Pop & Rocks)

Purple polka-dot take away pails

For brain teasers, we added soduku, cross word puzzles, seek n finds, with girly-girl ink pens, journals, coloring books and crayons

For some night fun, we added glow in the dark bracelets and necklaces

For safety, we used battery operated candles

Not only did the tweens adore this table but the adult guest absolutely thought the idea was brilliant because it kept the tweens entertained the entire night. Even the guest were dabbling into the candy bar. This is a great way to recognize the kids/youth at your wedding.

It was a huge success and the tweens had a blast filing their candy pails. And most of all… these things can be purchased inexpensively and the dollar tree, Walmart, etc.

Contact Rhonda Patton Weddings for DIY wedding ideas or help with your wedding decor/flowers.

Hot Wedding/Newlywed Gift!

There’s is NOTHING hotter than a home-cooked meal that you don’t have to make! If you are a non-cook like me, you will appreciate this fantastic find. Supper Wizard is based right here in Nashville and as I am told, Larry, the personal chef, will come to your home and prepare dinner and leave you with several meals for the week. He also offers couple cooking classes so tell your wedding guests to call Larry and hook you up with a gift that you can really use. What good is china if you’re eating popcorn for dinner?

When John and I got married, we signed up for classes at the Viking Store in Franklin, TN. It was an awesome couple activity (pricey but worth every second). We had a great time and learned how to…well, we had some great meals.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

For inquiring minds…I am announcing the winner of my Nashville bridal show booth giveaway on Monday by 11am. The winner will be notified on the site and will have 24 hours to respond to post. So if you entered, stay tuned…

Selah Style and Events has launched an online bridal boutique for Nashville brides . I asked Kat (owner and wedding planner) why she decided to offer a bridal attire line and she said “I found that when working with brides often they would come to me and say they were having a difficult time finding cute, usable gifts for their party without spending an arm and leg for them! The thing I love about the lines I carry is that all of them are quality, well made products that are still affordable and super cute!

I agree! Selahstyle.com is a great place for bridal gifts for yourself or your bridesmaids. While the business is based in the Nashville-area, you can buy everything online, 24/7. If you need some hand holding, you have a local contact:) She’s adding items all the time so be sure to check often.

Anyway, I’m lovin’ my cute tote bag from the line - see mine below.

Enter ABG at checkout to receive a 15% discount! (Wedding planners - this line would make great gifts for your clients:)