BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 2.0

So when we said we'd be back next week, we obviously meant we'd be back next month! Oops, our bad. Now we are back in action with part two of Michael and Arik's wedding hints.

Why carry a poesy when you can carry a pinwheel? We decided that we wanted a fun, modern take on the traditional bouquet and boutonniere so we decided to use paper pinwheels that we are making ourselves to match our color scheme! The "grooms" maids will be wearing pinwheel fascinators and holding oversized pinwheels in place of bouquets. The groomsmen will be wearing pinwheel boutonnieres! Fun, right?! These pinwheels are easy to create using 12x12 scrapbooking paper, dowels, and some hardware. We will feature step-by-step instructions in a future post!

Centerpieces for Peanuts!

You don't have to spend a fortune to get professional looking centerpeices at your reception!

-Here are a few inexpensive ideas to add a reflective touch to your tables. Try running a "behind the door" mirror down the center of a long table to help anchor several smaller arrangements. Another great idea is to use blank CDs turned upside down for a cheap alternative to candle mirrors. Using mirrored surfaces can help you to "double" your flowers without doubling the price.

-Instead of vases try using a collection of teapots which you can arrange yourself with a few large blossoms and greenery.

-For an edgy, modern look try filling a cylinder vase with monochromatic stones and arrange an array of painted dowels to match your color scheme as you would flowers.

- Try making "birds nests" using small straw wreathes, moss, small branches, wooden eggs, and faux birds for a fun whimsical touch!

Is That A Lump In Your Throat or Are You Just Happy to See Me?

Are you afraid you are going to choke up as you walk down the aisle? We've got a tip for you! The lump is actually caused by your glottis (which is the opening in your throat that carries air to your lungs) which opens at the same time your air passage opens. This is simply triggered by your nervous system and what you are feeling is tension in your throat. Take deep breathes concentrating on relaxing your throat and try and think of "happy" thoughts!

Take A Break For Your Waistline's Sake

Need to shed a few pounds before your big day (or any reason for that matter)? Try this low effort idea. At lunch time, take a break away from your desk at work. Studies show that people who ate while using their computer ate twice as much as those who took a break. They also reported not feeling as full after eating and in some cases not remembering what they even ate!

::BIG ANNOUNCEMENT::

Celebrate The Date co-founder Michael M. is getting hitched!!! He is to wed is partner of 7 years, Arik on July 9th 2011! Congrats to them both!



This got us thinking about wedding tips. Check out some of our ideas below. More will come next week!

:: Must Ask Wedding Venue Questions::

01. Do you have a facility director? With they be there on my wedding day?
02. Do I have to be a member of the club where the reception is being held?
03. Will there be a shuttle between the ceremony and reception? Is it provided?
04. What is the back up plan?
05. What is the corkage fee if I bring my own wine?
06. What time must the guests leave the facility?
07. Is there a service charge on top of the bill?
08. Must I use the vendors of your choosing?
09. Are there any consequences for not meeting the food/beverage minimum?
10. Do you allow alcohol and open flames?
11. Will there be an open bar, a cash bar, or a combination of the two?
12. Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor? When will it be completed?
13. Will you rope off an area for parking?
14. How early can I get to the site to set up?
15. Are there any restrictions for the photographers?
16. Are there additional costs including cleaning fees, insurance fee waivers, etc?
17. How many weddings will be booked on the same day?

::Whimsical Wedding We-Purposing::

Here are just a few wonderful ideas we found to re-purpose everyday items into chic wedding decor!

-Check out your local box store or even discount store and look for a fun, counter top toothbrush holder (the kind that looks cup with holes in the top). Fill each hole with an array of flowers and greenery that matches your wedding color scheme. You can dress them up with ribbon or any other embellishments. Using the holder guarantees that your arrangements will be full and equally spaced without the expense of using a florist.



-Search local thrift shops, second hand stores, and even grandma's china cabinet for an array of vintage (or even modern) tea cups. They can hold Jordan almonds on each table, or you could even fill them with decorative sand and place table numbers on skewers on them.



-Swap out the boring trays that wait staff always use to distribute beverages with something a little more intimate. Pick out some favorite snapshots of the happy couple through the years (For example, a cute photo of the groom when he lost his first tooth would be super sweet). Next, enlarge the pictures to at least 16x20 and print them in black and white. Next, purchase a bunch of picture frames the size of the photos. Frame the photos and volia, you have a personalized photo serving tray! After drinks have been handed out, these "trays" can then be displayed on a gift table or even hung (consult your venue) to create a gallery of memories!



-Who said wine glasses (and other bar glasses) should only hold spirits? They can easily be filled with decorative sand or pebbles to create chic votive holders that can be used just about anywhere! They don't even have to match to make an impact!



Thanks to Real Simple Magazine (Http://www.realsimple.com) for many of these tips and their inspiration!