100 Days to plan a Wedding

Something Old...

2012-01-04T11:28:00.002-06:00

What is hot for 2012? Vintage Themes seem to be everywhere, why? It all starts with Hollywood. Most celebrities are embracing old-Hollywood style and that is crossing over to brides embracing vintage everything. Brides are bringing back just about everything from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s except the puffy sleeved wedding gown.

Start raiding your local Goodwill now! These are table setting, and decoration gold mines!!!! Start scanning your mother and Grandmothers wedding albums for inspiration. You can even incorporate these pictures into your wedding decor. :)

Go ahead Channel your inner Jackie O.!

Here is a fun speakeasy themed board: (click to enlarge)

source songketaffairs

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:51:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to the newly engaged! Congratulations on your engagement. There is really no other time like this in your life, so try not to let the pressures of an engagement steal the sweetness of the next several/few months.

Speaking of stress, have you started to budget for your big day? Daunting isn't it? Again, you can do this, and guess what you can do this on a BUDGET and still have a fabulous wedding. Make a list, what are the 3 things I absolutely will NOT compromise? Music, Caterer, photography, DJ, flowers, etc. Everyones list is different, that is why this is YOUR day. Best of luck, and please contact me if you would like help with your big day :)

Happy Planning...

Need a little budget inspiration? Check out this $2000 wedding from this beautiful bride.

12-12-12?

2011-12-06T21:18:00.000-06:00

Planning a 2012 wedding? Here are the "trendy" colors to keep a look out for :)

'Chute' me to the moon

2011-11-28T21:55:00.000-06:00

What an exciting weekend?!?! I ate more Turkey than one person should, and had my fare share of pie, and stuffing. Time to detox until Christmas. I also made it onto Pinterest this weekend, and I don't mean I got off the waiting list, I mean one of you savvy smart brides to be posted a picture from my wedding and I have had LOTS of inquires about the lovely parachute that was hung from the ceiling during our reception.

Good News: The Parachute, and black drapes are alive and well.
Bad News: You have to live, or want to get married near Springfield, TN. The venue we rented for our wedding owns the parachute, they are "The Center." They rent out all their items ala carte style, so the drapes and parachute were two items we took advantage of.

How can you get your hands on a parachute? You might try and see if your local Armory or Air National Guard have "retired" parachutes in storage you could rent or borrow. They hung the parachute with string on each line of the "chute" The venue was a gym before it was transformed into a wedding reception venue!

Please message me and let me know if I can help you plan your big day in any way. And keep checking my Wedding Board on Pinterest for more FUN Wedding finds :)

Jammy Grammy!

2011-10-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Do you have a grandmother or family relative that LOVES to make canned preserves? Bribe, and beg them into whipping up these cute little favors? You can even talk that girl friend with the 6 month old into saving all her baby food jars so you can use them!

Aren't these precious?!

Re-Vision

2011-09-20T22:29:00.002-05:00

I have become slightly obsessed with My Fair Wedding, David Tutera is a GENUS and I wish I had a pinkie nail of his creativity. Have you read his book? "The Big White Book of Weddings" Buy it here

Brides to be sign up HERE to be on the show and have an unforgettable day!

Davids Weddings are the grandest, and the most amazing look through his weddings HERE

Here is a Tip from David on how to give a Toast:

Who goes 1st?

1. Bride’s parents (typically, the father of the bride will give the toast)

2. Groom’s parents (note: if the groom’s parents are hosting, then they should go first)

3. Best man and maid of honor or matron of honor
4. Bride and groom

Remember: toasts do not equal speeches! Each toast should be kept short and sweet, preferably under three minutes and absolutely no more than five. ✽ The toasts themselves should include, in this order: a welcome, a thank-you, and a special heartfelt sentiment.

Pinterest helps you plan your wedding!

2011-08-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

Have you discovered Pinterest yet? I like to refer to it as a time warp. You will spent HOURS in there before you know it. What the heck is it?

from the website: Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

I have started a Pinterest site, and invite you to take a peek at my wedding board, I have crammed lots of great ideas for your big day on there! So sign up, log in, and ENJOY!

Country Royalty!

2011-07-20T12:31:00.003-05:00

Have you seen or heard of Fontanel? It is the 27,00 sqft Mansion formerly owned by Barbara Mandrell. It is located just north of Nashville and hides perfectly in the woods. You may have heard of Mansion tours and the Concert series, but did you know you can get married out there too?
They have Multiple rooms to choose from, they have the Mansion with various rooms, The Studio Gallery which is like a giant blank slate, and then they have the Woods Amphitheatre that they use for their outdoor concert series.

Specs on the Mansion:

Can accommodate 120-136 guest for a seated dinner
Can accommodate 150 for a standing cocktail reception

Specs on the Studio Gallery:

Can accommodate 200 seated guest for dinner

Specs on the Woods (outdoor amphitheatre)

The sky's the limit on your guest count!

Breakdown: From what I can tell you can have access to their inventory of tables and chairs, on-site venue supervisor, housekeeping before and after the event, Parking Attendants or Valet Service for groups over 100 people, and on-site Shuttle Service from the parking area to and from the Mansion.
Catches: You have to use their caterer and other recommended vendors so you can spend $$$ quick
They have no prices listed on their website, but you can call 615-876-4636 for more info or email them at info@fontanelmansion.com

The very talent Joe Hendricks shot the photos above, and captured a wedding here recently check them/him out HERE

Do Over!

2011-07-17T15:53:00.002-05:00

I have been asked 100 times by other brides and curious people what I would change about my wedding day. To be honest, I loved my wedding, it was my perfect day that I put together in 100 days, but it was a HUGE affair, and I feel I short changed my guest by not speaking to half of them.

That being said, if I could do it all over again, I would elope, save the $ take a fabulous vacation and have a great party when I got back.

Feel like doing the same but are short on cash, You can do it right here in Nashville

The Rhinestone Wedding Chapel is in the heart of music row. It is all things Nashville and fabulous. Check them out ceremony's start at $200, you can even have Elvis as your officiant!!!

Day of Coordination!

2011-06-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

Still need a day of Coordinator for 2011? Fall dates are filling up quickly. If you are still looking for a Coordinator for the day of your wedding let me know ASAP.

Need a client testimony? Let me know and I can refer you to previous clients and Happy Brides!

email me at hoolihan04@Yahoo.com

Is that a fish?

2011-05-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

Someone shared these center pieces with me, and I did a little research and was blown away with how man LIVE FISH centerpieces are used. I hope they find a good home after the I Do's are over or PETA is going to be ticked! LOL

Need a Tea, Shower, Luncheon Venue?

2011-04-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine introduced me to this little gem in Gallatin, TN. It is called The Chocolate Covered Strawberry!!! Sounds good right? Of course anything with a name like that has to rock! I love supporting local business and they have special rooms for your Bridal Tea, Bridal Shower, Bridesmaid Luncheon, or Baby Shower. Take the short drive out to Gallatin and check them out Monday thru Saturday 11am-3pm!!!

So I had a baby this weekend...

2011-04-05T21:37:00.002-05:00

I may be a little MIA for a while, but I promise to come back with some new links, bloggy love, and frugal bride help! Until then, sleep for me :)

You're FIRED!

2011-03-30T14:24:00.002-05:00

Sooooo. Remember all those fabulous engagement, and wedding pictures my photographer took of our wedding? Yeah, I was one of the lucky few, who actually GOT their pictures. I have endorsed my vendor to NUMEROUS clients, and friends, and it makes me sick to endorse anyone who doesn't deliver. I feel I have failed them more than the vendor them self.

So, today, I take it back! I take back the nice things I said, the endorsement, and I now WARN other brides to RUN like the wind from this vendor.

Matthew Vietti at http://www.matthewmichaelphoto.com/ your pictures are great, but you can't take over $2,000 dollars from a bride, and only deliver a handful of engagement pictures, and NOT deliver a SINGLE wedding picture for a bride who's wedding was on AUGUST, 21, 2010, and had been paid in FULL!!!!! This is unprofessional, and absolutely unacceptable. You should be ashamed. There is too much talent in this town, and too much competition to run a business like this.

BRIDES if you need a wonderfully talented Photographer email me, I will give you the name of trust worthy photographers, but I don't want their name associated with this post!

RUMMY!

2011-03-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

Need those perfect vases? Picture frames? Old books? Center piece ideas? Let one mans trash be your treasure this weekend!!!

The Jr. League of Nashville has their annual Twice as Nice rummage sale THIS WEEKEND at the Tennessee Fair Grounds. Don't miss it, Friday and Saturday only!!!

I have a Dirty little secret!

2011-03-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

want to know what it is? Well, I have been married for 18 months, and I haven't cleaned or preserved my wedding gown.....There I said it out loud! I told my mother yesterday, I have to do this ASAP, this is ridiculous. Here I am 9.5 months pregnant with a daughter who may, or may not want to wear it someday and I haven't cleaned my dress or preserved it! OUCH, life gets in the way sometimes doesn't it?

To that, my mom told me a HORROR story this weekend about a customer of hers whose daughter took her dress to a cleaners and they RUINED IT. Can you imagine? To add insult to injury, this was not a budget bride, this was a $5K and up dress, that was RUINED, it was a one of a kind, gone, poof just like that. I tell you this not to scare you, but so you ask for a reference before you go through with it. Ask friends who they trusted their dress to and ask LOTS of questions.

Here is how the cleaning and preservation process work:

Find a dry cleaner that advertises expert cleaning of wedding gowns. Ask the cleaner if he/she uses different solvents on gowns than on regular clothing. Standard solvents are too harsh for wedding gowns. These gowns must be cleaned with the gentlest cleaners in an acid-free environment.
Ask if you can see the dress before it is packed. That way, you can see for yourself if all visible stains have been removed prior to storage.
Wedding gowns should be stuffed with clean, acid free tissue. Acid-free tissue placed between the folds of the dress and stuffed in the bodice will prevent permanent wrinkles and folds as well as help stabilize the environment of the box.

All shoulder pads, perspiration shields, and anything else made of foam should be removed from the gown. These materials don't have a good shelf life, and when they deteriorate, they can ruin the material next to them.
Also, avoid packing your gown with plastic or metal buttons, pins or buckles. You should NEVER keep mothballs or crystals near your gown, since the chemicals in these products can ruin the fabric over time. The gown may be wrapped in muslin and folded neatly into a cardboard box.
Never hang your wedding gown for long-term storage and never seal the box completely. The gown will need proper air circulation. Once your gown is cleaned and boxed, store it in a closet or under a bed.
Don't put the gown in a hot attic or a cold basement. Extreme temperature changes can also damage your gown.
Don't be afraid to take your gown out of the box and look at it from time to time. That way, you'll be sure the most important dress of your life is successfully standing the test of time. The gown should be refolded to prevent permanent creases and white cotton gloves should be worn while handling the gown to prevent oily fingers from making contact with the fabric.
The cost of professionally cleaning and storing your dress can range from $75 - $600, depending on its size, fabric and detailing.

No other garment will ever mean more to you than your wedding gown. Whether you choose to pass it on to your daughter or simply keep it as a permanent record of your wedding day, your gown deserves special attention. By cleaning and storing it properly, you will have a lasting and well-preserved memento that you can treasure forever.

Ripped from the Headlines!

2011-03-18T10:24:00.002-05:00

Goodwill plans second annual wedding gala!!!

The event will be held Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Goodwill store in Rivergate.

The Wedding Gala is a fun event and an opportunity for brides with varying budgets to find the gown of their dreams for a fraction of the cost. In addition to wedding gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses and even prom gowns will be for sale. All of the gowns, most of which have been donated by bridal salons throughout middle and west Tennessee, will be priced under $400.

Street Tuxedo has also donated tuxedos for this year's event. Last year, more than 500 people attended the event in its inaugural year, some traveling from as far away as Missouri. To see some of the dresses and tuxedos that will part of Saturday's sale, visit Goodwill's Wedding Gala Look Book

Hot Hair!

2011-03-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Have everything planned? Good, have you scheduled your run through for your hair yet? NO? Good, here are a few trends in 2011 Wedding Hair.

There are no clear trends in hair styles, although wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely pulled back are popular choices for brides with long hair. Hair ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, and hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and/or silk flowers are also popular.
Beautiful tiaras and combs made with either rhinestones, crystals, or pearls have been the trend for many seasons and seem to be getting smaller as more crystal-embellished dress styles take center-stage. Some brides are placing their veils directly on their hair or using a single silk flower for a simple, classic look. Visit this hair gallery for hundreds of hairstyle ideas.

FREE photos!!! No for real FREE!

2011-03-10T10:39:00.000-06:00

Do you want FREE photo's at your wedding rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, or maybe your Photo Booth? Yes! you say? How you ask? Well my good friend, Nashville's own, Whitney Walter is your woman! She is kicking off her photography business and wants you to be her subject!!

Give her a holler today @ whitney.mclure@gmail.com

P.S. She can even hook you up with a great deal on centerpieces using 100's of glass vases and flowers.

Spring Brides, take it from her!

2011-03-09T09:57:00.000-06:00

My friend Stephanie is not only stunningly beautiful but she is brave! She braved the Tennessee Spring elements and created a beautiful back yard wedding, with all the eloquence of country club wedding. Read her story here to see how she coped with tornado sirens, heavy rains, and MUD, all while wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown!

I do take two?

2011-03-03T11:14:00.000-06:00

Thinking about renewing your vows? Or having that wedding you never had? Here are a few etiquette rules you should read up on from I DO! Take two!

Vow Renewals are not second weddings.

This an opportunity to reaffirm your marriage vows and love of one another, or perhaps a chance to have your marriage blessed by the church.

Bachelor / bachelorette parties?

These parties are typically thought of as your “last night out as a single person”, so, as tempting as it may sound, the fact is that the last hurrah ship sailed a long time ago. You are a married couple.

Shower with love, not with gifts.

When it comes to vow renewals, encourage friends and family to shower you with love and support, rather than gifts.

Let your hair down.

The renewal ceremony is more of a simple, understated, private affair. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you are recreating your original wedding ceremony, all bets are off.

Attendants become attendees.

Did you realize that attendants are basically witnesses? it is better to simply invite them as guests.

The only thing given away is your love.

Fathers typically walk the bride down the aisle during weddings, this doesn't seem appropriate for vow renewals because the couple is already married. When it comes to reaffirmation ceremonies, the husband and wife could walk the aisle together or she should walk alone. While the couple’s children and grandchildren accompany her down the aisle, a procession is not necessary for this ceremony.

The traditional reception dances will be different.

The father/daughter dance just doesn't seem right, does it? After all, the wife has been living with her husband for some time. So, while you many not want to include all those traditional dances as part of your reception, you could still dance a couple’s first dance which will signify the first dance of the next phase of their life together.

Not so much a wedding cake as an “anniversary’ type cake.

The reaffirmation cake is sometimes recreated from the couple’s wedding, including the topper. However, this should be more of an 'anniversary' type cake. So, including writing on the cake would be appropriate.

Toss out the garter and bouquet toss.

You’re not alone if you find these traditions more than just a bit silly for a married couple. Would you believe that both of these customs began as a way to keep wedding guests from tearing the bride’s clothes?! It was viewed as good luck to snatch a piece of her clothing. Perhaps you can create a new tradition of your own, instead.

***Read up on your renewal, or second wedding before you start planning, you may be budgeting for things you just don't need!

Boro Bridal Ball!!

2011-02-24T11:16:00.000-06:00

Do you read Ms. Cheap? You should! She is a lover of weddings, I have sang in both her daughters weddings with the Concert Choral of Nashville, and she looooves to promote FREE events for brides.

Yesterday she posted:

Stones River Country Club and I Do Weddings are hosting the second annual Boro Bridal Ball Saturday, February 26 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will feature some of Middle Tennessee’s premier wedding and event vendors. For more information see www.theborobridalball.com.

PSA

2011-02-23T11:21:00.000-06:00

Warning PSA post!

Do you live in Nashville? Have you seen the folks on the street that are selling newspapers? The paper is called the Contributor. What you may not know is these folks are NOT homeless, they used to be. They are not selling free papers, they had to purchase them for .25 cents and they sell them for $1.00 and the profit is theirs to keep.

Here are a few more things you may not know about these folks:

The Contributor is sold for $1.00 and they can not solicit tips, or solicit donations for The Contributor by any other means.
They can not SELL THE CONTRIBUTOR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL.
They agree to stay off private property without permission
Their badge, sign, and official contributor gear (bags, aprons, shirts etc.) are the property of The Contributor and must be worn at all times.
The Contributor strives to be a paper that covers issues surrounding homelessness and poverty – while providing a source of income for homeless and formerly homeless individuals.
While vending, they agree not to sell any other goods, services, or products

So, next time you see one someone selling these papers, think twice about that moring latte and help put a smile on their face!

No flowers? NO Problem!

2011-02-18T10:22:00.001-06:00

Want to shave a few THOUSAND dollars off your budget? Then knock flowers off your list. Now, you will still need a bouquet, corsages, and boutonnieres, but save THOUSANDS off your budget when you for go flowers in your centerpieces.

Also, some centerpieces can even double as favors. Rummage through goodwill's tea cups, and plant your own home grown centerpieces today!!!!

Here are a few ideas: (PS i love the birds nest)

Google your wedding!

2011-02-15T13:37:00.000-06:00

I mean you have 'googled' youself, your fiance, his family, your family, etc. Why not google your wedding? Google has broken into the wedding world, they just do it all! Their website has lots of tool to help you save time, stay organized, and plan your big day.