Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

 

It is more than acceptable to take your friends to lunch and ask them to be your bridesmaids. Or you can get crazy and whip up a fabulous little box full of goodies like this project I found! If some of your bridesmaids-to-be lived far away from you, you don't want to text them and ask them to play a major role in your wedding. Instead, give them something they will cherish forever for your special day.

Visit your local craft store (Hobby Lobby, Micheal's, or JoAnne's) and purchase some unfinished cigar boxes. You can buy these online as well. Paint the boxes with a pastel color or if you have chosen your wedding colors, those work great too. You may have to apply two to three coats to cover up the natural wood. Apply paint inside the box too. After this is dry, use a pencil and freehand the bracket on the inside lid. If you aren't comfortable free-handing, use a template and trace. 

You can use a few sets of playfully calligraphic adhesive letters, which can be picked up at your local craft store. Before filling it with goodies, apply one to two coats of satin varnish over the letters for protection.

Then it was time to tackle the contents. Line the bottom of the boxes with vintage handkerchiefs. It's a good idea to lay out all the details about the wedding as well. A delightful detail is to purchase scalloped postcards to print on. Lay out all of your information in a Word document, making sure each postcard is a different length, which allows you to cut, then bundle. 

In the boxes, place photos of an inspiration board and even paint chips to show your color scheme. Photos of you and each of your bridesmaids are a neat way to show a memory you had together as friends. This is such a fun and unique way to ask your favorite ladies to be part of your special day. A lot of work is involved, but your besties will love it!

We would love to know how you plan on asking your bridesmaids. Share the details with us by leaving a comment below.

Happy Planning!

Traditional and the Unexpected

Bridal showers are boring. You’ve been to one, you’ve been to them all, we know. You’re stressed and sick of planning everything from the dress to napkins, but don’t worry...we’re here to help you throw a shower that your friends will talk about for years — in a positive way.

The ability to throw an amazing event is an essential part of every public relations pro’s bag of tricks and that's where we step in! It’s like we always say, you can’t wait around for news to break, you’ve got to make it happen. Events are a great way to bring some positive press to your brand and give a fun reward to your customers — or in this case, your bridal shower guests.

The secret to success is the ability to merge the traditional and the unexpected.

Let’s start with the fun part, the unexpected. No bride wants to have the same boring shower as their friend. Come up with a fun theme, such as the 1920s. Beaded fringe and cigarette holders are a little more exciting than making a ribbon and bow bouquet. Include table decorations with artwork picturing flappers and Victorian-stye photographs.

The kicker for the unexpected...a D.I.Y. photo booth is a great surprise for your guests to take pictures; an activity to capture memories and a souvenir for guests to take home, all in one.

These unexpected touches can separate your shower from other showers. The elements that not only can make the party fun, but so much fun that the guests will actually say they've enjoyed when it's over. And that, ladies, is how you make PR success.

But you don’t want to get too unique or you’ll make your guest feel uncomfortable — especially when one of those guests is your 80-year-old Grandma. This is where the traditional comes into play. The traditional is what people relate to.

Traditions bring up memories and are basically responsible for a lot of the warm and fuzzy feelings you want your guest to have toward your event. It’s also what helps set their expectations. Start by serving traditional brunch fair and beverages, even if it doesn't pertain to your chosen theme. Danishes, bagels, fruits and veggies, or quiches are a light and airy treat for an early-in-the-day shower. Don't forget about the cake and punch! These traditions are what shower-goers look forward to, and removing them completely can be a mistake.

The traditional and the unexpected are the yin and yang of event planning. Too much of one and things get boring or repetitive. Together, "the party has been perfected" (Jubilation's motto), whether you’re planning a bridal shower, baby shower, or a bachelorette party. 
 

Tis the Seasons!

It's not too late to plan a DIY night with your favorite gals in time for fall and winter crafts! This is always my favorite time of year since there are so many ideas for projects. I always thought carving was the only way to decorate a pumpkin, but thanks to Pinterest, carving is becoming the least popular trend!

Searching through blogs and other DIY websites, I've found some neat options for the fall and winter seasons. I've also added some delicious treat and drink recipes for your next get together with the family or your group of friends!

{Fall/Autumn}

 

*Winter*

Happy crafting, DIY-er's!

{My Turn}

When I sit down to write my weekly blog, I occasionally find myself stuck. One thing that helps me with my writer's block, besides searching Pinterest for inspirations is I think of my own life - what my dreams are, how I picture my wedding day, what are my favorite colors, etc. I think I have it all planned out until the next wedding comes along and a new idea pops up. 

Every little girl dreams of the day she will get married. We tend to skip past the most important steps that lead us to marriage. We only envision ourselves standing at the altar in a white dress, next to the love of our lives (seems to be your first crush in the 3rd grade); I had these same dreams. Only problem is, guys came into my life just as quick as they exited my life. I'm only in my 20's but I was to the point that I wanted to give up on my fairytale and grew impatient. I graduated college, started working on my career, and was getting things straightened out in my life. I always wondered WHY my love life was non-existent. 

March, 3rd 2012 - the day that would change my outlook. 

I met some friends for a couple of adult beverages after I got done working an event. I was standing at the bar ordering my next drink (need I mention - going out was my "way" to find a guy or an excuse to forget my problems). Who knew the love of my life would be standing only two feet away from me. 

He smiled, I smiled, and we ended up finding ourselves in conversation. To this day, I couldn't tell you what we talked about because his charm had me lost after "my name is Tony". We exchanged numbers and met a few days later for convo and drinks. 

March 6 - our "first date".

We talked about each others' lives - where we grew up, went to school, our families, and everything else in between to prevent awkward silence. The hours flew by and before I knew it, it had been four hours since we sat down. I left that night knowing this was going to be the start of something good. He felt the same.

October 2 - Six months and 26 days later.

I will admit, Tony and I are in love with one another...crazy in love. I can't get enough of him. I've been in love before and thought I knew what the phrase 'butterflies in my tummy' meant - boy was I wrong! I still get this overwhelming, bubbly feeling when I knock on the door to his apartment or when I see his name show up on my cell phone.

Tony is not perfect but he's had his share of ups and downs in his life, which have only made him stronger. I've never met someone so caring, so affectionate, so grateful for the little things in life, and so true to himself...and to me. We adore each others company and we never take a day together for granted. We hug each other every time we see each other or when we have to say 'goodbye' for a couple of days. We kiss each other as much as we can - in public or in private. I've never felt more loved by someone so much.

The term wedding has been discussed for our future together. When you are a certain age and at a point in your life, you know when you've found the right person. I have no doubts I've found the right person. Tony will be my groom standing at the end of the aisle one day. I can't tell you when or how soon, but what I do know is we take each day step-by-step and learn as much about each other as possible. This will only make our relationship stronger and healthier. 

I'm not a love doctor and far from it but my only advice, even as a wedding planner, is do not give up on love. You will find love when you're not searching for it; love will come to you when you're ready; you will find your dream come true. I promise.

Happy Planning!

 - Ashley, Event and Marketing Manager