Tiffany's Wedding & Event Planning..Tips, Ideas, Inspiration and Etc.

Let the Fall Planning Begin

2011-09-01T16:09:00.001-04:00

It's September 1st....just a few more days until it's officially Fall!! During this time of the year we start to see an influx of bridal shows, trunk show, bridal events, and etc. If you are looking for a bridal show in the Washington D.C. area to attend this month you are definetely in luck. Here is a listing of September bridal shows in the local area:

Sep 11 from 11:00a-5:00p--Washington Bridal Showcase--Washington D.C. Convention Center
Sep 11 from 12:00p-4:00p--Great Bridal Expo--Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center; Alexandria,VA
Sep 18 from 11:00a-5:00p--Washington Bridal Showcase--Patriot Center; Fairfax, VA

Sep 18 from 12:00p-4:00p--Bridal Show Extravaganza--Capital Clubhouse; Waldorf, MD

Sample Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids Dress Presentation

2011-06-08T14:11:00.006-04:00

Designer gowns all under $500.00 by Bari Jay, Liz Fields, Maggie Sottero, Allure, Impressions, and Alexia bridesmaids dresses. Reservations are required call 202-546-7682.

June 11, 2011 11:00am-4:00pm
Westin Hotel National Harbor, MD
171 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20744

http://www.itsallaboutthedressdc.com/

Real Weddings: Travis and Sharon

2010-09-23T14:26:00.009-04:00

We were the day of coordinator's for Travis and Sharon's beautiful July 31st wedding at St. Rita's Parrish located in Alexandria, VA. Travis and Sharon are such a loving and beautiful couple! Khanna Photography captured all of the special moments.

The reception took place on the Cherry Blossom Riverboat located in historic Old Town Alexandria.

Brunch Wedding Reception

2009-11-09T09:48:00.006-05:00

So you want to have a "big wedding", but your wallet isn't quite cooperating. The most easiest and obvious ways to save money is by trimming your guest list, but this doesn't always work. If you and your fiance have very large families this option won't work for you. Another suggestion is to have your wedding day begin mid-morning followed by a brunch reception. A brunch wedding reception is generally less expensive than a dinner reception and can be just as elegant. Omelet and waffle stations, fresh fruits, and pasties, cold cuts and various cheeses are great options for your brunch menu. Top theses off with mimosas and champagne and your guests will be sure to enjoy!

Inspirations for a Fall Wedding:

2009-10-19T10:04:00.005-04:00

Fall is a wonderful time of the year when the weather starts to get cool and the leaves change from vibrant hues of greens to various shades of red and orange. It is also a great time to incorporate these wonderful colors into your fall wedding. If you live in an area where the climate is still a bit warmer during the fall then you may be able to take advantage of the beautiful natural fall outdoor scenery as a ceremony backdrop.

Photo Credits: www.kamat.com ; blog.pinkcakebox.com www.superweddings.com www.indianweddings.wordpress.com

Real Weddings: Cherry and Marko

2009-09-29T12:50:00.010-04:00

(The lovely bride smiling just before she goes down the aisle with her brother.)

(Bridesmaid and groomsman ready to walk down the aisle.)

(Bride getting last minute directions from me before walking down the aisle.)

(Ensuring everyone is lined up in the correct order for the processional.)

On Saturday September 26, we had the pleasure of being apart of Cherry and Marko's wedding day at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria, VA. The bride looked absolutely gorgeous in her ivory retro wedding gown , birdcage veil, and long gloves. Her bouquet was stunning with accents of peacock feathers and diamonds.

The wedding party wore lapis (eggplant), black, and ivory. The reception room was decorated using eggplant as the primary color with accents of teal.

Honeymoon Gift Registry

2009-09-18T09:43:00.006-04:00

A honeymoon registry is a great alternative to the traditional wedding gift registry for those soon-to-marry couples. Most of the clients I work with already have the household necessities one might acquire through a traditional wedding gift registry, but still want to offer a way for their guests to provide them a gift. A honeymoon registry generally works by allowing a couple to select elements of their honeymoon that friends and family may buy as wedding gifts.

At http://www.marriottregistry.com/ engaged couples can register for a number of honeymoon items – hotel accommodations, spa services, romantic dinners and more. Gift values are accrued to one gift card, which the couple can then redeem at approximately 3,000 Marriott's either during the honeymoon or for future vacations. Additionally, Marriott will throw in a complimentary $100 when registry contributions reach $1,000 as well as rewarding guests with $50 Marriott Bonus Bucks for every $150 they give towards the registry.

To our valued readers we would like to hear about your dream honeymoon destination. We will select 2 winners who will receive $50.00 Bonus Bucks from the Marriott Hotel!! In the comments section simply state where you would like to go on your dream honeymoon and why. We will select 2 winners with the most unique honeymoon destination. Please be sure to leave your email address so we may contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Contest ends September 30, 2009.

Miss Teen Northern Virginia Pageant 2009

2009-09-17T12:01:00.002-04:00

We are so excited to announce that Elegant Events by Tiffany received a personal invitation to be a part of the judging panel for the Miss Teen Northern Virginia Pageant 2009 (http://www.nationalsincorporated.com/). This will be our first time judging a pageant and we consider it an honor. All of the other judges are just like us, members of the community, from the social service sector, business and professionals, and individuals representing the beauty or entertainment industry in one capacity or another. The pageant will take place on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 in Herndon and Woodbridge, Virginia. In addition to the grand prizes the winners will receive, we would like to offer to the winners and runners up a small prize as well.

To our readers please help us decide on a prize to offer:
A.) Simon Mall Gift Card;
B.) 1- year subscription to Teen Vogue Magazine;
C.) 1- year subscription to Seventeen Magazine;
D.) Spa service gift certificate

A Cancelled Wedding

2009-09-02T13:36:00.001-04:00

Elegant Events was working with a couple for over a year meticulously planning their Labor Day weekend wedding. To our dismay, the wedding was cancelled 5 days before the big event! I know a cancelled wedding would be a nightmare situation for all brides, but sometimes things happen that are not within our control. Other times a cancelled wedding may be a blessing in disguise.
One of the biggest issues with a cancelled wedding is the forfeiture of deposits. Some vendors and venues will require you to pay the entire contracted amount even in the event of a cancellation so it is imperative that you read your contracts carefully and feel comfortable with cancellation policies. Most couples don’t think they would ever need to cancel the wedding when they start the planning process, but anything can happen and you want to be sure the cancellation policy is fair and equitable.
So how do you break the news to your guests? First, you should make every effort to inform your guest as soon as possible. In this particular situation, the wedding was 5 days away; each guest should be notified of the cancellation by phone. Many guest may ask you why you are canceling, you are not obligated to explain. If pressed for a reason, you could say, "We made the mutual decision to not get married right now."

Hair Jewelry

2009-08-28T11:30:00.003-04:00

A Veil, Tiara, or Barrette ...Oh My! When selecting your hair accessory you should always consider the style of your dress and the formality of your ceremony. If your dress has detailed lace or beading you may prefer a small crystal hair comb or a pearl tiara comb. If your gown is simple and has very little or no detail, choose an exquisite eye-catching crystal tiara. If you want to go with the more traditional look a lovely veil will always work. When you consult with your hair stylist, you should bring photos of hair styles you like, a photo of your dress, and bring hair accessories you are contemplating wearing. This should help you find the style that best suits you and your dress.

(Photo Credit: http://www.headpieceheaven.com/)

Bridal Gowns & Cocktail Dresses Trunk Shows

2009-08-27T10:38:00.009-04:00

Hannelore's of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia has several designer trunk shows scheduled for the month of September. Hannelore's is located at 106 North Lee St. in Alexandria, VA. During these trunk shows brides can learn about the latest bridal fashion trends.

September 11-13: Designer:Nicole Miller--Bridal Gowns & Cocktail Dresses
September 11-13: Designer:Rivini-- Bridal Spring & Summer 2010 Collection
September 18-20: Designer: Anne Barge-- Bridal Spring & Summer 2010 Collection
September 25-28: Designer: Christina Garcia-- Headpieces, Veils, & Jewelry
September 25-28: Designer: Badgley Mischka-- Special Occasion Gowns & Cocktail Dresses

(PHOTO CREDITS: http://weddings.about.com/; http://www.allbridesbeautiful.com%20 http://www.weddingbells.ca/http://www.weddingbells.ca/ )

When a Friend Is Getting Married … and You're Not

2009-08-20T13:32:00.004-04:00

I read a very interesting article in the lifestyle section of MSN.com about how to cope with being single while your friend is planning her wedding. I can recall several years ago when one of my good friends announced that she was engaged. At the time, I was still single and looking for Mr. Right, and I experienced some of the emotions this article discusses especially jealousy. This is an issue that not a lot of women like to talk about because we really don’t ever want to admit that we are jealous. The article identified five ways on how to cope with the emotions:

1. Accept That Jealousy Is, Yep, Normal
2. Don't Fall into the Bash-Yourself Trap
3. Be Honest About Whether You're Ready for a Ring Right Now
4. Throw Yourself into Wedding

5. Confess Your Feelings

An Elegant Venue: Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, VA

2009-08-17T14:23:00.006-04:00

On Friday August 14 my client and I went on two venue visits in Old Town Alexandria, VA. The first venue we went to was La Bergerie. La Bergerie is an excellent choice for those couples who enjoy the unique style of French and Basque cuisine. The venue is absolutely gorgeous and the owner Laurent Janowsky responds to all inquires in a timely manner.

The second venue we visited was the Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel. The Morrison House is absolutely breathtaking! You and your guests will find yourselves surrounded by the classic warmth, sophistication and style for which this historic Old Town hotel is so well known. The Parlor and Library make a beautiful setting for ceremonies or cocktails for up to 50 guests. The Morrison House can also host elegant dinners for up to 72, or cocktail-style receptions for up to 100 guests that flow throughout the event space. Needless to say, my client decided to have her October 10 wedding ceremony and reception at the Morrison House.

Freebie Friday

2009-08-14T08:48:00.005-04:00

Planning a wedding is fun, exciting, and expensive. There are several ways newly engaged couples can help offset the expense of planning their big day. Vendors specializing in weddings often advertise contests and promotions and giveaways. Most of these promotions can be found by visiting their website or simply calling to ask if they are offering any specials or promotions. I took the liberty of compiling a short list of current giveaways and promotions:

David's Bridal: Win a free bridal gown or 5 bridal party dresses of your choice.
Sabel Studios: Win a Sabel Studios' Essentials Plus Package ($2,000 value), which will detail all the special moments of your day.Included in the package are:
Certified Photographer for 6 hours;Digital Negatives on DVD;Photo Site for 6 months to view & share; Up to 30 loose prints; Modern Album 9x12
Perfect Wedding Guide: $100,000 Fantasy Wedding Giveaway

For rules and additional information please click on the links above and visit the websites.

Just in case the free dress isn't exactly what you dreamed...have a backup plan. :-)

Expo Get Married in Cancun

2009-08-13T09:20:00.010-04:00

EXPO GET MARRIED IN CANCUN will be taking place at the Cancun Center Conventions & Exhibitions, Cancun, México on the 17th and 18th of October. EXPO GET MARRIED IN CANCUN joins the best providers of the Mexican Caribbean and different to other exhibitions it is not only focused on the local market, but invites every bride and groom of Mexico, USA and Canada who are interested in getting married in Cancun or Riviera Maya.

From the website: htttp://www.expogetmarriedincancun.com/pages/welcome.aspx

"Getting married close to a beach is something different and special. Cancun and Riviera Maya offer you a huge diversity of scenarios and options, which are suitable for every kind of wedding, elegant or casual, high participation or intimate, front of the ocean, at the beach or in a salon, or if you are looking for something more exotic even in a cenote, a pyramid or on a isle.

One of the special things about a beach-wedding is that the party lasts at least 3 days since the guests arrive two or three days before the reception or leave two or three days afterwards. Obviously the bride and groom as hosts have a very special time together with all their guests. "

The agony of being a plus-size bridesmaid

2009-08-11T13:47:00.008-04:00

I read an article on CNN.com today titled “The agony of being a plus-size bridesmaid”. The title alone drew me in to read the article in its entirety and after reading it I just had to blog about it. As a wedding planner, I always advice my brides to choose bridesmaid dresses that complement everyone’s figure. I could only imagine how a bridesmaid must feel when they are “forced” to wear a strapless form fitting gown that’s at least 1-2 sizes too small only because the bride insists that everyone wear a “cute” dress. “What looks pretty on a size 2 is not so pretty on a size 16.” You should want your entire bridal party to feel comfortable in their dress and their shoes. Please let’s not forget about the shoes; that’s an entirely different blog post itself. My advice is to get ALL the bridesmaids together for a professional fitting at a local bridal shop and allow everyone to have an input into the style dress they wear. Check out some of these hot picks available at www.Nordstroms.com for less than $200.00:

We're Hiring!!

2009-08-05T15:08:00.003-04:00

This year has been a phenomenal one for us! We have grown in both wedding planning as well as our invitation and decor services. We are looking to hire one or two part time assistants. If you are interested in the wedding and event planning business this could be the perfect opportunity for you. All interested applicants should send us an email (info@eleganteventsbytiffany.com) about why you would be the best candidate for the job.

Running of the Brides®

2009-07-31T08:58:00.008-04:00

Today is the day to get your dream wedding gown at a bargain price. Fileens Basement is holding its annual “Running of the Brides®.” today at Mazza Gallerie: 5300 Wisconsin Ave. Washington DC. The event is from 8:00am-9:00pm. There will be between 1500-3000 designer gowns to choose from and the cost is anywhere between $249 and $699. The original prices of some of these gowns ranges from $900-$9000!

From its website: " The sale is held in selected Filene’s Basement stores once a year (twice a year in Boston). News reports so often compare it to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain that the event is now officially called the “Running of the Brides®.”
The day of the sale, brides-to-be and their helpers line up early. When the doors open, they run full speed towards the racks. In less than 60 seconds, the racks are stripped bare (store employees have to hold on to the fixtures so they don’t topple). The women grab whatever gowns they can, haul them off to a corner, strip down to their underwear and start trying on dresses. Minutes later the trading begins. Every dress, no matter what size, style or color, gets bartered for another, as each bride tries to find the gown of her dreams at a cut-rate price."

The Association of Wedding Professionals: Wine Event

2009-07-30T09:23:00.012-04:00

(Custom Wine Labels)

On Tuesday July 28 I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous wine tasting event at Carafe Wine Makers in Old Town Alexandria, VA . The event was hosted by The Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP). I recently joined this professional association and this event was my first time meeting the members. The Association of Wedding Professionals is for those professionals particularly in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, who are looking to set high standards of professional conduct, and who wish to improve their business reputation, image, and performance. All AWP members subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics set forth by the Association assuring the highest level of integrity within the wedding industry. I look forward to referring brides and grooms to Carafe Wine Makers as a unique location to host an engagement party or bridal shower. Carafe Wine Makers also specializes in creating custom wines with your own private labels. You can use your special wine to serve or as an elegant keepsake for your guests.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-02T10:51:00.002-04:00

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.

Carine's Bridal: Summer Sample Sale

2009-06-17T10:38:00.009-04:00

On Sunday June 21, 2009, Carine's Bridal Atelier is holding a 1-day summer sample sale event. Sample gowns will be discounted 30%-75% off!! Sample gowns are sizes 8 and 10, but can be altered down to a smaller size. Sample designers include: Rosa Clara, Melissa Sweet, Reem Acra, Platinum Collection and more! This one day event is being held from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Westin City Center, 1400 M St. NW, Washington DC. For more information visit their website: www.carinesbridal.com or call (202) 965-4696.

The Birdcage Veil

2009-06-16T09:19:00.007-04:00

One of our brides has decided to wear a fabulous birdcage veil with her form fitting A-line wedding dress. I love birdcage veils and I can't wait to see how the talented Monica of "I Do Creations" designs the veil to complement my clients dress. Here are a few photos of popular birdcage veil styles.

Cage Veil with Pearl Accents

Asymmetrical French Net Veil

(photo credit: http://www.veilubridal.com/)

Fall Wedding Palette

2009-06-15T12:27:00.008-04:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure to hold a consultation with a lovely couple from Jacksonville, Florida who are planning to tie the knot in Southern Maryland. The couple are anticipating an October 2010 wedding with lovely fall color palettes of gold, cherry red, and orange. If you are considering similar colors take a look at some of these decor and floral inspirations using a similar palette. Remember that adding uplighting to your reception room can make a huge difference in the overall ambiance of the room.

Invitation of the Week

2009-06-10T15:37:00.003-04:00

I decided to go with the Green and White Flowers by Chloe B for my favorite invitation. This bright white, shimmering tea-length invitation card features a shimmery back pocket with a floral flourish design.

Invitation of the Week

2009-06-02T20:20:00.008-04:00

Your wedding invitation is the first element of your wedding day and it should reflect the theme of your big day. If you are having an upscale and elegant wedding then your invitations need to have a certain WOW factor when your guests open their envelope. Conversely, if you are having a more casual wedding then your invitations should scream FUN when your guests open their envelope.

We are launching a new weekly series titled "Invitation of the Week". During this weekly series a favorite invitation will be showcased on our blog and we will offer a 10% discount on all invitation orders.

This weeks invitation of the week is "Brilliance". This invitation is absolutely gorgeous! A symbol of beauty, the peacock inspired this ecru, tea-length card invitation. Two peacock feathers, in ocean-side blue and espresso, encase the wording of your invitation to add a sophisticated touch.

Visit our online invitation boutique: http://eleganteventsbytiffany.cceasy.com/

Real Weddings: Rodneikka & Melvin

2009-05-27T09:14:00.013-04:00

On Saturday May 23, 2009 my clients Rodneikka and Melvin Scott wed at Andrews Air Force Base. The talented Brian Nemiroff of Photographic Utopia (www.photographicutopia.com) was gracious enough to provide us with a few photos of the couples lovely wedding day.

Love Cafe Wedding Seminar and Tasting

2009-05-26T11:00:00.004-04:00

CakeLove offers free tasting and information sessions at both the DC and Maryland locations. The 60 minute sessions are limited to participants who pre-register. You must call to sign-up. Next months dates are June 2, 3, 16, and 19. The June 19th tasting will be held at the Shirlington location from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm.

In Washington, DC:
Place: Love Café (202) 588-7100Address: 1501 U Street, NW Washington, DCDate: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every monthTime: 7pm

In Maryland:
Place: CakeLove Silver Spring (301) 565-2253Address: 935 Ellsworth Drive. Silver Spring, MDDate: 2nd Wednesday of every month.Time: 7pm

In Virginia:
Place: CakeLove Shirlington (703) 933-0099Address: 4150 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VADate: 2nd Friday of every monthTime: 6:30pm

A Memorial Weekend Wedding

2009-05-18T16:25:00.001-04:00

It’s been a while, but we are back in action. Business has been BOOMING lately and I’ve failed to maintain our blog. This Saturday we will be coordinating a wedding at Andrews Air Force Base. Stay tuned for pictures and details….

Andrews AFB Bridal Expo

2009-03-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

On Sunday March 15, Andrews Air Force Base held their 2nd annual Bridal Expo. I exhibited a simple yet elegant tablescape idea along with a miniature dessert buffet and all our Carlson Craft stationery products. For the table décor, I used an 18” glass cylinder vase, 31” white calla lilies, curly willow branches, pedestal tea light holders, and diamond-like accent confetti. To make the table a bit unique, I displayed a solid milk chocolate menu. The chocolate menu was a big hit and most of the brides loved the idea of having an edible menu that could also be given to their guests as a favor. The expo was small and intimate, but we were able to book several consultations. We look forward to next year’s expo.

Lighting Up Your Centerpiece

2009-03-13T10:04:00.005-04:00

Your centerpieces are the cornerstone of your wedding reception. They set the overall tone and theme of your reception. For an elegant and unique look, adding a little floral lighting to your centerpiece will have a dramatic and bold effect. In a dimly lit room, these FloraLytes will make your centerpieces standout and your guests will rave about them. They are extremely affordable around $3.00 each and the average centerpiece will require 2-4. FloraLytes are a cost effective way to enhance any décor. These little bright lights are fully submersible and can be used in a variety of ways. Try placing them in the bottom of a vase facing upward and they will illuminate the entire vase or place them on the edge of the vase and they will illuminate the flowers or water. FloraLytes come in the following colors: blue, amber, green, orange, pink, purple, red, teal and white. With so many colors to choose from, one is sure to complement your wedding.
(photocredit: http://www.littlebrightlights.com)

A PreOwned Designer Wedding Dress

2009-03-04T15:58:00.011-05:00

Are you dreaming of walking down the aisle wearing an exquisite designer gown by Monique Lhuillier, Maggie Sottero, Amsale, etc., but the designer price tag is preventing your dream from coming to fruition? With the majority of brides wanting to spend around $500.00 - $1000.00 on their wedding gown, having that designer name tag may not be something within your budget.

If you are a budget savvy bride who doesn’t mind wearing a preowned designer wedding gown and saving 40-50% off the original retail price, then PreOwnedweddingdresses.com may be the perfect website to find your designer wedding gown. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is a listing service designed to connect buyers and sellers of new, sample and used designer wedding dresses. PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com has been featured in Cosmo Magazine, InStyle Weddings, Wedding Essentials Magazine, The Washington Post, and several other national publications.

(Photo Credits: photos are of real brides wearing their designer gown on their wedding day; photos posted on www.preownedweddingdresses.com)

I Do For Brides- New Website Launch

2009-02-27T10:54:00.007-05:00

I Do For Brides has just launched their redesigned website. It's chic and extremely user friendly. If you haven't visited the website lately check it out at www.idoforbrides.com. Don't forget to visit their blog where I will be periodically guest blogging.

Washington, DC Winter Restaurant Week

2009-02-19T12:02:00.003-05:00

The week of February 16-22, 2009 is celebrated as "DC Winter Restaurant Week". Nearly 180 DC metropolitan area restaurants offer multi-course meals prepared especially for this gourmet event. At $20.09 for a three-course lunch meal and $35.09 for dinner, it's a delightful bargain you can't pass up. For a complete listing of participating restaurants and to make reservations visit http://www.washington.org/restaurantwk/ .

YourCover: Personalized Magazine Cover

2009-02-18T12:57:00.008-05:00

Are you looking for a wedding favor that’s truly unique and specially made for YOUR wedding day? Look no further …YourCover offers personalized photo magazine covers. You create your magazine cover yourself online using their step by step tutorial system. You can use your favorite photo from your engagement portrait session as your cover and on the back of the magazine you have the option of uploading 5 or more additional photos. No need to be nervous about your writing ability since YourCover provides you with suggested text, headlines, and examples. Your magazine cover is printed on heavy glossy borderless paper so that it has the same look as a real magazine cover. Your guests will be amazed with the quality and will be sure to show it off to their friends.

(Photo Credit: www.yourcover.com, YourCover Personalized Magazine Covers)

A Cute Way To "Save-The-Date"

2009-02-12T23:09:00.010-05:00

A unique and inexpensive way to let your family and friends know to mark their calendars for your big day is with magnet Save-The-Dates. Let's face it, most of the time when you receive an invitation in the mail you end up tossing it in the trash and then forget about the event. With magnet Save-The-Dates your guests would be more likely to place it on their refrigerator because it's convenient and it serves as a constant reminder. Magnet Street Weddings offers several unique and trendy designs for their Save-The-Dates. The prices are reasonable and you can even customize them with your personal photos. My favorite design is the Photo Booth.

A Valentine's Day Wedding

2009-02-10T15:18:00.007-05:00

This year Valentines Day falls on a Saturday and as luck would have it, Saturday is also the most popular day for weddings. For those brides and grooms who want to have a truly momentous day to cherish as their anniversary, Valentines 2009 is the perfect day to say, “I DO”. For colors, incorporate various shades of reds, pinks, and white. Roses are the most popular flower associated with Valentines Day, but will be significantly more expensive, opt for tulips, orchids, and carnations instead. For your bridal party have your bridesmaids wear red and the groomsmen in winter white tuxes with red ties and boutonnières. For your grand walk down the aisle, use a beautiful white monogrammed aisle runner lined with red rose petals and candles. For the reception, go with white floor length table linen, red overlays, and white chair covers with a red sash. As a centerpiece, incorporate various shades of pink, white and red flowers and again use lots of candles to give it that romantic touch and feel. A beautiful white cake accented with red flowers and a signature red or pink martini is something your guests will be sure to enjoy. One of the most important details that shouldn’t be overlooked is your candy or dessert bar! How can you have a Valentine’s Day wedding without allowing your guests to indulge themselves with various pink, white, and red desserts that will be sure to keep their attention? With all the love and whimsical romance associated with Valentines Day not only will you enjoy your wedding day, but your guests will too.

(Photo Credits: www.beyondelegance.com and http://www.projectwedding.com/)

Update: Bridal Show

2009-01-30T12:23:00.013-05:00

As some of you may know, I exhibited at the Washington Bridal Show on Sunday January 25. The show was really nice and I meet other great quality vendors. I also had the opportunity to meet with several "bride-to-be's" and scheduled a few consultations. My lime green and black and white damask design theme was a huge hit!! The most popular item at my booth was my handmade crystal tree. At Elegant Events by Tiffany we are aiming to make 2009 one of our best years!!!

Black and White Damask and Lime Green Accents

2009-01-23T00:06:00.000-05:00

The bridal show is 3 days away and I've been playing around with one of my dispay setups. I'm using a 6 ft. banquet table and a 3ft. square table to exhibit all the wonderful damask theme items such as menues, place cards, programs, and etc. My centerpiece on the 3 ft. square table is a crystal tree I handmade. It took several hours to create the tree, but the finished product is beautiful. Stay tuned for the final pictures......

Trimming the Guest List…Wedding Day Budget Saving Options

2009-01-22T08:13:00.006-05:00

With the troubled economy some brides are opting to have intimate weddings with a guests list as small as 50. This option can be a huge budget saver for those brides and grooms who still want the glitz and glam of a traditional 150+ guest list wedding, but at half the cost. If you have a small budget i.e., $10,000 or less, with a guest list of 50 or fewer you could opt for the top shelf bar service and the four-course sit down dinner in the beautiful ballroom, with elegant breathtaking décor you have always dreamed.

The downside of an intimate ceremony is the obvious guest list restriction. Often times you may have to exclude those friends or distant relatives who you would have normally invited if you were having a larger ceremony. This can be a difficult decision for brides and grooms, but it’s something you both should do together. If other people are making financial contributions toward the wedding, it is also a good idea to run the guest list by them, as well. At a later date, you can host a “get-together” or an open house and invite everyone who you couldn’t invite to the wedding.

Don’t let a slowing economy or small budget prevent you from having the elegant and unforgettable wedding ceremony you have always dreamed and deserve. With a few adjustments to your guest list and selecting the best vendors within your budget, your wedding day will still be fabulous without looking economical.

Free Wedding Dress, Shoes, and Veil

2009-01-14T10:18:00.008-05:00

(Photo Credits: House of Brides Couture Wedding Dress Designer: Bonny and shoes by Colorifics)

Who wouldn’t want to win a free designer wedding dress? How about a free bridal veil value at $120.00 or bridal shoes valued at $50.00? The House of Brides is currently running a contest to win a free wedding. They are also offering free bridal veils and shoes with the purchase of select designer wedding dresses. The House of Brides is the oldest bridal name in America. They offer thousands of designer wedding dresses and accessories at 30%-40% off retail prices. In addition, they also offer free shipping on most items and no sales tax! Follow the links below below for these special offers.

Free Bridal Veil and Shoes
Win a Free Wedding Dress

Sweet 16

2009-01-11T20:47:00.011-05:00

On December 19, 2009 I had the pleasure of planning a Sweet 16 party. The party was really small and there were only about 20 guests. It was held at The Lexington Hotel in Oxon Hill Maryland. I secured the services of a DJ through Imani Entertainment Service and a stretch limo for the V.I.P girls through Sharper Image. The DJ and limo service was excellent and the service staff at the hotel was great. The birthday girl and her friends had a wonderful time. After the party the limo drove them to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the National Harbor where they enjoyed an old fashioned sleepover.

Preparing for my 1st Bridal Show of "09

2009-01-11T19:52:00.007-05:00

I will be a featured exhibitor at the Washington Bridal Showcase on January 25 at the Bethesda Marriott. After much debating on a color scheme or theme for my display I finally decided to go with black and white Damask and lime green. I wanted to go with something that was realistic, but also had that "WOW' factor. I'm renting my 90"x132" and 90"x90" lime green table linen from a company called Bright Settings. I'm also renting my black chair covers and lime green chair sashes from them. While surfing the net looking for accent items to decorate my tables I found several talented ladies on http://www.etsy.com/ who sell custom damask items. I purchased my display invitations, table number, and menu cards from invitesbyjen. I also purchased a black and white damask table runner and underlay from two sellers firstcomeslove and DarlingDamask. I had another fabulous seller abbeyandizziedesigns donate custom made wedding favor bags. For my main centerpiece I created a crystal tree. The crystal tree was a lot of hard work and I can't wait to post the final photos.

(photo credit:invitesbyjen firstcomeslove abbeyandizziedesigns)

2009 Resolution: Weight Loss for My Wedding

2008-12-30T18:48:00.004-05:00

In 24 hours many newly engaged women will pledge their new years resolution of losing weight for their big day. Some will stick to their weight loss regime while others may just give up or never even start. As a newlywed myself, I've been down this road and it's no fun. I set a goal to lose 15-20 lbs. before my April 2007 destination wedding. In the 4 months leading up to my big day, I tried and failed at 2 weight loss programs. The first program I tried was Nutri System. While, I did lose about 7lbs the first month; I got bored with the food. The next program I tried was Jenny Craig, I must say the food was absolutely delicious, but spending over $100.00 a week on food for one person was just too much for me. I'm not endorsing or bashing either program, but I do highly recommend doing a lot of research before you commit to any program. In the end, I did lose about 10lbs. for my wedding day and I felt wonderful and looked amazing. My advice for brides wanting to drop a few pre-wedding pounds is to set realistic goals, consult a physician before starting any program, and join a support network or online forum. Weight loss shouldn't be looked at as something to do for a special occasion it should be a lifestyle change you commit to just as you are committing yourself to your future spouse. Good luck and be safe and healthily!!

2009 Bridal Shows and Expos

2008-12-30T14:38:00.009-05:00

2009 is fast approaching and it's that time of the year for the start of the bridal show and expo season. If you are newly engaged, this can be one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your wedding. For Washington DC area brides and grooms, they have a huge advantage because they area so close to DC, MD, and VA that they could attend a different bridal show once or twice a month! There are more than enough bridal shows in this area for every budget and style. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to win great prizes and discounts towards your wedding day and also get fabulous decor ideas and tips.

Some brides wonder how to choose the right show or the "best show". My advice on selecting which shows to attend really depends on the bride and groom. If you are just looking to get as much free stuff as possible, then you should attend every show and sign up for every freebie and discount. On a side note, you run the risk of being constantly contacted by the vendors at the shows via email/phone calls because most shows require you to register (with a valid email/phone number). If you are truly shopping around for the best vendors, then you need to do some research on each show you plan to attend. Look at the history of the show, the organization sponsoring it, the show location, the number of vendors exhibiting, what is their"grand prize", and the price of admission (if any).

Just keep in mind that bigger isn't always better. Don't "sleep on" the smaller bridal shows! Often times these shows feature talented up and coming photographers, wedding planners, musicians, etc. who are willing to work extra hard to earn your business and make you happy. If you are planning a 2009 wedding in the Washington, D.C. area it's to your advantage to attend a few of the areas bridal shows. I will be exhibiting at the January 25, 2009 Washington Bridal Showcase in Bethesda, Maryland at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. I still have a few complimentary tickets so send me an email if you'd like one.

Upcoming Bridals Shows for Maryland and Virginia:

Maryland:

January 10-- 11:00 am-5:00 pm- Timonium Bridal Expo- Timonium Fair Grounds

January 25-- 11:00am-5:00pm- Washington Bridal Showcase- Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

February 15-- 11:00 am-3:00 pm- Washington Wedding Show- Greenbelt Marriott

April 19-- 2:00 pm-5:30 pm- Historic Oakland Bridal Showcase- Columbia, MD

Virginia:

January 11-- 11:00 am-3:00 pm- Washington Wedding Show- Waterford at Springfield,VA

February 1-- Washington Bridal Showcase- Dulles Expo Center- Chantilly, VA

March 29-- Washington Bridal Showcase- Patriot Center George Mason University- Fairfax, VA

Personal Wedding Websites

2008-12-30T14:32:00.007-05:00

A personal wedding website is one of the most convenient and economical ways to keep all your guests informed about your wedding. There are numerous websites available that offer free website hosting for your wedding website. You don't have to be an expert at HTML code to create one. These websites offer convenient pre-formatted templates for you to choose from. It's as simple: create an account on their website, select a template, choose the colors, upload photos, and enter your wedding information, save it and publish it to the internet. I recommend to all my clients to create one of these free websites. On your website you should include at minimum the following information: Bride/Groom names (Duh), wedding date (if you've chosen one), bridal party names, ceremony and reception hours, venue, driving directions,reception theme/colors, hotel information for "blocked rooms" and any special instructions. Additionally, you can talk about how you met, the proposal, registry information, local area attractions, and local area lodging and public transportation information. If you are looking to go paperless, have your guests RSVP through your website. After the ceremony you can upload your professional wedding photos or have your guests email you photos they took and you can upload them. Here is a list of free wedding websites:

http://www.weddingwindow.com/
http://www.momentville.com/
http://www.ewedding.com/
http://www.mywedding.com/
http://weddingannouncer.com/

Asian Inspired Wedding Favors

2008-12-30T14:25:00.008-05:00

Asian themes are popular for weddings. Beautiful sandalwood hand fans are wonderful for outdoor, summer weddings. Asian themed wedding favors commonly feature bright colors and nature motifs. Frosted Chinese takeout boxes can be used with you custom fortune cookies or your guests can fill them with candy from your custom candy station. Round paper lanterns can be strung outdoors for a night reception or indoors in a dimly light room to give a more intimate feel. Asian cultures are rich with symbols, legends and traditions. Asian themed wedding favors commonly feature bright colors and nature motifs. Red and gold are celebratory colors in many Asian cultures, representing happiness and prosperity.