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.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

When I got married, I reserved several hotels based on different budgets, for my out of town guests. I really appreciated the hotels that offered complimentary breakfast for my guests and affordable rooms for families.

In my search for great options for Nashville brides, I visited Kimberly of Courtyard Marriott to learn more about their guest rooms. Since I am a big trip advisor fan, I favor candid hotel pics, provided by travelers over pics provided by hotels:). So, after Kimberly provided me pics to place on the Courtyard’s listing in the vendor directory, I decided to go and view them myself…

Pleasantly surprised! The hotel looks just like the pics Kimberly sent me. She told me the hotel had been remodeled just a few years ago which is why the rooms look so new. (See candid pics below.)

Anyway, we chatted about guest accommodations in general and here’s what I learned.

What should brides know about this hotel?
This hotel boasts smartly appointed guest rooms, plush new bedding and furnishings ergonomic workspaces and free high-speed Internet. There’s a fitness center or outdoor pool for unwinding. A 24-hour market for sandwiches salads snacks and beverages. And each morning an affordable breakfast buffet in the Courtyard Cafe featuring eggs cooked to order. A business library is located by the lobby and offers high-speed Internet a computer printer work stations and informal meeting space.

This airport hotel in Nashville is also conveniently located 2 miles from the Nashville International Airport with free shuttle service available (contact hotel directly or use phone board at baggage claim).

Hotel Highlights:
- This hotel is nonsmoking
- Courtyard Nashville Airport has 145 spacious newly renovated guest rooms with upgraded bedding
- This airport hotel in Nashville is less than 2 miles from the airport with free shuttle service
- You’ll find Nashville’s famed attractions entertainment and sports near this Nashville TN hotel
- Complimentary on-site parking
- King rooms or dbl/dbl rooms for your wedding guests
- Outdoor pool and indoor hot tub

Do you offer a discount/complimentary room for bride/groom?
Yes, I can give the couple a discount with 10 paid guest rooms.

What’s required to reserve the room block?
Contract; Rooms will be held up to 2 weeks prior to date of arrival. At check-out, guests are billed for their rooms individually.

How do you handle welcome gifts, weekend agendas, directions?
We can give guests their welcome gifts upon arrival along with directions or any other items.

Can you coordinate transportation from your hotel to the bride’s wedding events?
Yes. We can work to arrange transportation for a fee.

What advice do you offer Nashville brides as they consider guest accommodations?
Consider families as they have special needs than couples/singles.

If you need guest accommodations, consider the Courtyard Marriott. Their rooms are nice and new and they are close to the airport, Opry Mills and Gaylord. Plus, Kimberly is offering a special rate ($89-99) and FREE breakfast (which I asked her to include:) if you mention ABF. The hotel is a great, clean and comfortable option for all budgets and family sizes.

Call Kimberly for all the details -615-493-2941.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Looking for Nashville things to do for your out-of-town wedding guests?

Tennessee Vacation is a great site that is sure to do the trick. It contains a Middle Tennessee event calendar plus listings of cool spots in the area. My description can’t do the site justice. So, check it and see for yourself!