Raleigh, NC Wedding Planner Blog :: Elite Bridal Concierge™

North Carolina Destination Weddings

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:58:00 +0000

I have mentioned previously that North Carolina has evolved into a popular destination wedding location for both stateside and out-of-state bridal couples. What attracts many brides and grooms to North Carolina is that we have the best of both worlds--majestic mountains and a beautiful coastline.

Hands down, North Carolina is home to some of the top beaches (and cleanest) on the eastern seaboard. We even have a couple treasures that are only accessible by air or water. In addition, North Carolina is the home of many historic venues, vineyards and wineries, and historic gardens and farms.

I was born here in Eastern North Carolina and through the years have grown to appreciate the beauty of my native, especially our beaches. Beginning this week, I will launch an new blog series where I will feature on a regular basis some great locations where you can host a destination wedding in North Carolina. If you are new to my blog, I would like to invite to subscribe to this blog, so that you can be notified of blog updates. Stay tuned!

Photo Credit: EW Photography, Inc.

Can I Return Duplicate Wedding Gifts?

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:15:00 +0000

If by chance you received two of the same items, it is okay to return or exchange one of them if they were both purchased from the store where you registered for gifts. If you can't determined whether or not they came from the store where you registered, then I think it's safe to recycle or donate the gift as long as it's a gift where extras would not come in hand. For example, you can never have enough bed linens and towels. Whereas you want need two of the newest George Foreman grilling machines. Lastly, you should not mention that you received duplicates to the givers, rather just proceed to send them a thank you note as you would for all others who gave you a gift (Forden and Finello, 2004:165).

Source: Forden, Diane and Kristen Finello. Bridal Guide Magazine's - New Etiquette for Today's Bride. New York: Warner Books. 2004.

Vintage Jewelry :: Bel Canto Designs

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:15:00 +0000

A couple of months back, we had the opportunity to interview one of our local wedding vendors Mari Palmer, the founder of Bel Canto Designs, a company that specializes in finding and restoring vintage jewelry. If you missed that interview, you can read about it here.

Today, I wanted to rave some more about Mari. She and I both attended a blogging workshop presented by Liene Stevens last month in Raleigh, NC. Since attending that workshop, Mari has revamped and launch an all new blog where she will share with you some of her most beautiful creations.

I invite your to check out her collection of vintage jewelry by visiting her store on Etsy. And don't forget to visit and subscribe to her blog.

Happy Hour :: Veev - Açai Spirit Cocktails

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

In yesterday's blog post, I introduce you to the eco-friendly spirit - Veev, which is the first liquor made from açai berries. Today, I wanted to share with you a couple signature cocktails that are made with Veev. They are as follows:

In case you are wondering where you can purchase Veev - Açai Spirit, you may do so online at Mel and Rose or at BevMo!

Hmmm, I think I just found another use for the sweet basil that's growing in my patio garden. I also think both of these cocktails would be a winner at your next dinner party. No? For more Veev cocktail recipes, you can visit their website. Or, if you considered yourself a mixologist, you can create your own signature concoction using Veev - Açai Spirit as your main ingredient, and then you can submit the recipe to them online if you want. If you do this, please make sure you are using all-natural and fresh ingredients. Get Inspired!

Eco-Friendly Spirits :: VeeV - Acai Spirit

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Veev is the world's first spirit made from açai berrys. If you are not familiar with açai berries, they are full of antioxidants more so than pomegranates and blueberries. Truly, it is one of the most powerful fruits you can eat. It's pretty hard to get actual açai berries because they are native to Brazil and do not do hold up well in transport, but you can get it in the form of pure juice or a powder from many health food stores. I drink an organic açai juice blend almost daily, which contains pure açai juice, blueberries, pomegranate, and blackberry nectar. The juice is not cheap, but it's very refreshing and has many health benefits. Considering that I am a fan of açai, I was excited to learn about Veev.

Veev fuses Açai with 100% all-natural ingredients including prickly pear, and acerola cherry (thought to have more Vitamin C than any fruit on the planet), coupled with hand-crafted, column distilled base wheat spirit. Striking the perfect balance between Açai, citrus and alcohol, Veev fulfills the desire to explore new and exciting ingredients that have never been prior introduced in distilled spirits.

How is Veev an Eco-Friendly Spirit?

Well, they are the industry's first certified carbon neutral company, which means they offset their business carbon footprint through Climate Clean™, which is a company dedicated to eliminating and reducing all greenhouse gases presently affecting our climate change. Secondly, Veev's distillery is the only one in the United States that is powered by renewable wind energy, thereby using 200% less energy than traditional distilleries.

Lastly, the company donates one dollar per bottle sold to the Sambazon's Sustainable Açai Project to help ensure the sustainability of açai as well as protect the Brazillian Amazon Rainforest. All this said, if you are having a green wedding and plan to serve a couple signature cocktails, then this is a spirit you may wish to consider. Please join me back tomorrow as I feature a couple green signature cocktails that are made with Veev.

Disclaimer: Although, I believe this spirit is probably one of the best every made, I am in no way implying that Veev or any alcoholic beverage provides any health benefits. Always drink responsibly!!!

Vintage Inspired :: Clutches & Evening Handbags

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:54:00 +0000

1980s - Oyster Mesh Handbag from Glomesh Australia

I am really feeling vintage-inspired accessories these days, and many of you are hosting a vintage-inspired wedding or at least are incorporating vintage fashion into your bridal look. So, I thought I would share another fabulous company with you that offers unique and top-quality vintage handbags and accessories, Birdy Num Num Vintage, created by Lisa Saxena and Emma Amos.

1960s - black beaded evening bag

Birdy Num Num (love their company name) offers one of kind handbags, including top brand name vintage hangbags and purses by Gucci and Pierre Cardin. Featured in this post are just two of my favorites from their company's collection. I think vintage bags are some of the best quality handbags ever made. What do you like about vintage-inspired accessories.

Inspiration for Weddings :: Art Museums

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Artist: Leonid Afremov

Next on my list of things to do that are outside the box for wedding inspiration is to go spend a few hours in an art museum. For me, the idea of visiting an art museum for wedding inspiration is that it is a great way for your right-brain to do some creative exercising. Art museums often have a load of abstract paintings in their collection and many other unique pieces of artwork that in one form of another will get your creative juices flowing. I say this because some paintings are so abstract, that you have to think outside of the box to begin to see the artist's vision.

Van Gogh Painting; Bridal Gown - Carolina Herrera

One example of how artwork can be an inspiration for weddings is to look at fashion designer, Carolina Herrera's Spring 2010 bridal gown collection. Recently, I blogged about Herrera's newest bridal collection and in that post it was mentioned that all of the bridal gown designs were inspired by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh's sunflower painting (see photo above), Henri Matisse's famous paper cut outs, and Claude Monet's water lily paintings just to name a few.

In addition to forcing yourself to think creatively by visiting an art museum, many paintings just like fabrics, are also an excellent source of inspiration for "unique color palettes, textures, and even themes to incorporate into your event design." Get Inspired!

Inspiration for Weddings :: Flea Markets & Antique Shops

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

In yesterday's blog post, I mentioned that "if you really want to get creative and personalize your wedding, then you need to think outside of the box." What that means is that you need to look for unconventional sources of inspiration for your wedding.

Next on my list of things to do to get your creative juices flowing for your wedding design is to visit a few flea markets and antique shops. Whether you are looking for unique inspiration for your wedding ceremony, a themed cocktail hour, or your wedding reception, flea markets and antique shops are filled with quaint inspiration. Especially, if you are looking to host a country-style or southern wedding, a vintage inspired wedding, and even a green wedding.

Photo Sources: Mason jars with candles - Bridal Daze; Sterling Silver dinner accessories & colorful globes - Raleigh Flea Market; Wedding Mailbox Sign - The Everyday Bride; Phonograph - Athen Guide; Teapot centerpiece - Harmonious Palette;

Inspiration for Weddings :: Fabric Stores

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The source of inspiration for your wedding design can come from anywhere. Often times, wedding magazines are the first source brides think of when seeking inspiration for their wedding. Wedding magazines are great. However, if you really want to get creative and personalize your wedding, then you need to think outside of the box.

Over the next few days, I would like to share a few unique places and things to do that will help you get inspired for your wedding design. My first suggestion is that you visit some fabric stores.

Fabric stores are a magnificent source of inspiration for weddings, especially if you are looking for unique color palettes, textures, and even themes to incorporate into your event design. I highly recommend doing this first to going to your local Home Depot to look at paint color chips. Now, I am not opposed to doing this as I like to collect their free swatches whenever I am paying them a visit. But, fabric stores are a world of their own and are filled with loads of unique inspiration. You just never know what you will find. Get Inspired!

Personal Confession: I love, love, love fabric. I can and have literally spent many hours in both fabric and furniture stores with my mother. It's one of our favorite past times to do together. However, I cannot sew at least with a sewing a machine, but give me just a needle and thread to stitch something or a stable gun to upholster benches and headboards and I can go to town.

Photo Sources: 1502 Fabrics

Event Décor Ideas :: Wedding Cake Displays

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Considering that your wedding cake will be on display for the bulk of your wedding reception, it should be considered as part of your event design plan. In other words, your wedding cake should be thought of as one of the focal points of your reception.

There is nothing more beautiful and captivating than going over the top for your wedding cake display, especially if you want to add some oomph to your reception design. One of my favorite ways to display a wedding cake is to set it up under a wedding canopy that is draped with fabric. Have a look at the example featured below!

The cake setup above was created with a pipe and drape system. In addition, the cake table was lined and draped with a couple layers of fabric and decorated with a load of flowers. For more pizzazz, this designer added hanging strings of flowers. This is definitely a "WOW" factor.

What I love most about this cake display is that it is set up against a very beautifully design wall, which serves as a captivating backdrop for this cake display. The wall itself along with the lighting is bound to draw guests to the details of this display.

Finally, this wedding cake display is a great example of how a fabric backdrop and few uplights can go a long way. This design is rather simple and elegant, but full of drama as it makes a very powerful statement. Wouldn't you agree?

There are numerous ways you can display your wedding cake, so please feel free to be creative with your cake display, after all it is a focal point and your guests can ooh and ah over your design.

Photos Source: Project Wedding

31 Day Wedding Blog Challenge

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:47:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a blogging bootcamp for wedding professionals presented by Liene Stevens of Splendid Communications and one of the things that stood out to me from her presentation is that the more you blog and are consistent in doing it, the better you will become at writing blog posts.

Now, I am writer by nature. However, as any other wedding blogger will tell you, it is often a challenge coming up with original content to write about. Inspired by Liene Stevens, I asked one of my business accountability partners and dear friend, Shanika Butts of SJB Weddings and Events, if she would be up for a blogging challenge where we would hold each other accountable to blogging every day for a month.

Shanika's reply was "...let's do it! 30 day challenge starting July 1st. We must!!!!"

So Carolina brides and wedding professions, please subscribe to this blog as well as to Shanika's blog to get practical planning advice and wedding inspiration every day this month. In addition, we need your support and desire to interact with you daily on our blogs, so please leave comments on our blog posts.

Be blessed and keep evolving!

Average Cost of a Wedding in Raleigh, NC

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:53:00 +0000

One of the most common questions that I get asked and that often pops up in my blog's statistics is how much does a wedding cost. Following are a few statistics that may help you to set your wedding budget.

First, the national average cost of a wedding in the United States is $20,398 according to The Wedding Report, a wedding statistics and market research firm. "However, the majority of couples spend between $15,299 and $25,498 while their wedding budget is typically 50% less than the amount spent. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring."

In addition, it should be noted that the average cost of a wedding will vary depending on where you are located. For example, in our primary service area of Raleigh, NC, bridal couples spend between $20,959 and $34,932 on their wedding excluding all costs associated with going on a honeymoon, such as airfare and accommodations, etc.

If you would like to get an idea of the average cost of a wedding in your area, please visit Cost of Wedding, a website published by The Wedding Report, which will provide you with general statistics about wedding costs in your area. All you have to do is enter your zip code and it will generate the statistics for you. In addition, the website also provides a wedding cost estimator tool.

Wedding Bouquets - Need Inspiration?

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:24:00 +0000

I've got the answer!

Wedding Bouquets - Over 300 Designs for Every Bride is one of my favorite wedding books for inspiration. This book was first published in 2006 in Great Britain and features full-page photos of some 300 plus bridal bouquets that are very stylish, unique, and full of texture such as the one feature below.

I can't tell you how many times I have referred this book for inspiration and have shared it with my brides. I do not just refer to the book for bouquet ideas, rather for color palette inspiration and event design ideas in general. You should check it!

Can I Ask for Money Only Wedding Gifts?

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Absolutely not!

Asking for money-only wedding gifts is distasteful and just wrong. Even a great deal of your closest family and friends will be repulsed by such a demand.

That said, it is a huge violation of etiquette. Why?

The most logical explanation is that there is no way to ask for monetary wedding gifts without running the high-risk of offending your guests. Don't do it!

Spring 2010 Bridal Gowns :: Carolina Herrera

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Have a look at these elegant bridal gown designs by Carolina Herrera. What I love most about these wedding gowns is that they are not traditional in the least bit of ways.

Herrera paid homage to those artists whose work featured fashion prominently. The knife strokes in Vincent van Gogh's sunflowers were reincarnated as taffeta ruffles; Monet's brilliant watercolor water lillies were hand-painted onto white English tulle, and Matisse's paper cutouts were fashioned into duchess satin leaves embroidered onto a tulle column. Source: Maria Claire.

Featured below are a couple of my favorite designs from Herreras' Spring 2010 bridal collection.

The first bridal gown is inspired by artist Vincent van Gosh. The next one is inspired by Giovanni Boldini; and the last one by George Seurat. All three of these gowns would be great for a both an outdoor wedding and a destination wedding. In addition to the design of these gowns, I like the idea of wearing a bridal hat in lieu of the traditional veil. And you? Please comment below and let us know what you think about these whimsy bridal gowns!

Carolina Brides :: DIY Wedding Workshop

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Shanika Butts of SJB Weddings and Events will be hosting a do-it-yourself bridal workshop featuring the super-talented and creative genius, Khris Cochran of the award-winning DiyBride.com and author of The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-kind Wedding. The details are as follows:

Who: If you are interested in having a hands on learning experience on creating fabulous accessories and centerpieces for your wedding this is the workshop for you.

When: Saturday September 26, 2009 and Sunday September 27, 2009

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: Embassy Suites Charlotte, 4800 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217

Cost: $135 (Early Bird Registration by August 15, 2009)

Topics for the day include:

Introduction to DIY Bride: How to do it well, on a budget and with your sanity in tact.

Invitations 101: Invite basics and hands-on time creating rubber stamped invite set

Favors for under $1: Showcase favor ideas that can be made for under $1 + hands-on project time

Pimp My Wedding: Ideas for adding pizazz to basic wedding products. Learn how to embellish items such as shoes, gowns, favors, etc.

The $20 Veil: Learn to create a fabulous veil for $20

Creative Centerpieces: Showcase of inexpensive + creative centerpiece ideas

This workshop is designed to be fun and an open environment for questions for Khris as she shows you how to make beautiful items for your wedding day. You will come away with actual projects that you have made during class and the know how to create additonal items.

The workshop fee includes the hands on instruction by Khris Cochran, all class materials, hand-outs, takeaways and lunch. Please choose one of the two workshop dates that fit your schedule.

Please register here. If you have any questions please send an email to info{at}sjbweddingsandevents{dot}com.

NC Wedding Barns :: The Barn at Valhalla

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

As mentioned here, this week I wanted to feature a couple venues where you can host a barn wedding here in North Carolina.

Next on my list of North Carolina wedding barns is The Barn at Valhalla located in Chapel Hill, NC. This barn is truly a treasure and is set in a very natural and serene setting.

Featured below is a fall wedding that took at the Barn at Valhalla shot by Silvas Photo, an awesome photography and videography studio owned by husband and wife team, Honey and Briar. They are based out of Charleston, SC and serve bridal couples worldwide. Please be sure to check out their blog!

How beautiful is that walkway!

What I love most about this venue is this gorgeous outdoor fireplace. It is the perfect focal point for an outdoor wedding and it's very warm and inviting. Wouldn't you agree?

Finally, this is a photo of the inside of the barn. The Barn at Valhalla is a great wedding venue to host a green wedding, outdoor wedding, fall wedding, or a combination of them all.

NC Barn Weddings :: The Fearrington Barn

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Rustic barn wedding are becoming an increasingly popular wedding venue option for many bridal couples. Especially for couples who are planning a green wedding and for those that desire to have a classic southern style wedding or an authentic fall inspired wedding. So, this week I thought it would great to feature a few places where you can host a barn wedding here in North Carolina.

My first featured barn wedding venue is located on a histroric diary farm in Pittsboro, NC (just outside of Chapel Hill, NC). This historic barn at the Fearrington is ideal for bridal couples hosting a wedding for 150 to 300 guests. It is a great place to host both a formal and an informal southern wedding. So, if you are planning to have southern destination wedding here in the Tarheel state, then you must check out the many venue options that are available at The Fearrington Place. Stay tuned for more!

Photo Source: The Fearrington Place

Raleigh, NC - Blogging Workshop for Wedding Professionals

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:44:00 +0000

As mentioned to you previously, Liene Stevens, an online media expert and founder of The Smart Planner, will be presenting what is "the best and most comprehensive workshop on social media for wedding professionals on the market" in Raleigh, NC.

Since April, Liene has been traveling all over the country each week to present her blogging workshops. You can read some raving reviews from attendants here and here. If you are a wedding professional, you absolutely cannot afford to miss this workshop. The details are as follows:

Who: Any wedding professional who wants to effectively leverage online media to grow their business

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Time: 9 am - 4 pm

Where: The Mitch Leonard Conference Room

Cost: $175 per person

Since the launch of the Blue Orchid Blog in 2006, it has grown to include over 3000 unique daily visitors and has generated over $18 million for the Phoenix area. It is also partially to credit for the launch of two new Blue Orchid Designs offices on the East Coast.

In the Blogging Bootcamp, Liene will share specific strategies and techniques she has personally used to grow the Blue Orchid Designs blog to where it is today.

This workshop is open to all wedding professionals, not just wedding planners. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis so reserve your spot now! Laptops are optional and lunch will be provided.

Topics covered will include:

How to discover and leverage your blogging voice

How to maximize your blogging ROI

How to develop killer content - consistently

How to set short term and long term goals for your blog

How to effectively analyze your stats and blog traffic

How to increase your readership and keep them coming back for more

Specific strategies and techniques to use your blog to improve your main website's SEO or "findability" on Google

How to promote your brand through your blog's design and content

Maintaining professional boundaries while still being personable

And more!

The Blogging Bootcamp will not be a class on blogging philosophy. You already know that blogging is a good idea. We'll be showing you how to do it so that it is worth your time. No topic will be off the table, and any questions you may have will be fair game.

Questions? Please send an email to workshops{at}thesmartplanner.com. Otherwise, click here to register.

Vintage-Inspired :: Bridal Hair Accessories

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

I first blogged about birdcage veils here and couture hair accessories here. Well I just stumbled upon more unique bridal hair accessories designed by Artikal Handcrafted Millinery. These modern styled veils are vintage-inspired, but with a modern twist. I, especially love the texture of and little details that went into these designs. Don't you?

Photo 1 - photographed by Alison Mayfield Photography; makeup by Catherine Solomon;

Photo 2 - photographed by Simon Lo Photography; makeup by Katherine Soto.

Photographed by Marie Labbancz; makeup by Claudia Seyler;

Photo 1 - photographed by Marie Labbancz; makeup by Claudia Seyler;

Photo 2 - photography by Erica Lynn photography; Makeup by Michelle;

Vintage-Inspired :: Bridal Lingerie

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

If you are anything like me, then your style for lingerie would be what I call "soft sexy" and La Magia offers just that. Lingerie that "...is flirtatious and playful, sophisticated and sensual, bold and stylish, seductive and glamorous." Very classy!

Featured above are a few pieces that I think are just fabulous from their lingerie collections. If you are bride having a vintage-inspired wedding, you might as well carry that theme over to your wedding night with a vintage-inspired piece of lingerie. Right?

Please be sure to view their collections as well as check out their blog!

Seating Logistics :: Accessibility, Noise Levels & Family Dynamics

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:38:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the benefits of creating a floor plan. Today, I would like to remind you to please consider the following when assigning your guests to tables:

Accessibility – Are there any guests that are physically disabled? If so, assign them to a table that is close to an entrance/exit point. For example, if your grandmother uses a walker to balance so that she can walk without falling, then you do not want to assign her to a table that’s on the opposite side of an entrance, nor do you want to place any disabled guests in an area where they may have a difficult time getting around the room or to their assigned table.

Noise Level – One of the key things I pointed out when I discussed the benefits of creating a floor plan, was that by creating a floor plan you will have a visual of the room’s layout including a designated area to where the band or DJ will be located. Obviously, this is important because you will want to avoid assigning any guests to tables near the band if you suspect they may may get annoyed with the noise level of the band, for example, any elderly guests and even guests who may bring their infants.

Family Dynamics - Simply put, are there any members of your family who have a difficult time getting along or being cordial with each other? If so, please do not seat them with or near each other. Sure your wedding is a time to bring people together, but not at the expense of your wedding day turning sour. Sometimes we like to think people will put their differences aside for such a special occasion, but I can tell you that it doesn't always work out that way.

Wedding Inspiration :: Orange, Aqua & Brown

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:15:00 +0000

The inspiration for this board is the Kate Spade 'idiom' wide enamel bangle (featured in the bottom left), that I blogged about a couple of days ago in our 'chic summer accessories' blog post. As I mentioned to you then, I was so inspired by Kate Spade's summer jewelry designs that I decided to create an inspiration board from one of her fabulous bangle designs. I chosed to use the "multi-stripe" bangle because of the colors: orange, aqua and brown. The colors are bold and beautiful, and I must admit that the color combination is ideal for a modern bride who is looking for something unique and fierce. Certainly, I love the color scheme and I hope that you find some inspiration from this mood board. Get Inspired!

Photo Sources: Jim's Formal Wear - Chocolate Parisian Tuxedo; Nordstrom - Kate Spade "Idiom" Bangle; Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Silk Stretch Satin Dress; Shijo Decor - Paper Laterns; Dochelle Designs - Invitation;

Chic Summer Accessories :: Kate Spade Bangles

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0000

kate spade 'junebug' bangle

By far, my favorite fashion accessory are bangles and cuffs. I just love them and they are a great summer accessory. I was doing a some of online window shopping and stumbled upon these hot bangles by Kate Spade over at Nordstroms. Aren't they gorgeous?

kate spade 'idiom' wide enamel bangle

Not only do I want these stylish bangles, but they have inspired me to create an inspiration board, so please check back later on this week to get inspired for your next social event.

Seating Logistics :: Benefits of Creating a Floor Plan

blog@elitebridalconcierge.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Destination Wedding Planner) — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 +0000

As part of our wedding planning services including wedding day management, we create a custom seating and floor plan design for each of our clients. The two primary reasons why we include this in our planning and coordination services is that it keeps us sane, especially when getting 300 plus guests seated quickly as we transition from cocktail hour to the wedding reception.

Secondly, by creating a custom floor plan design ahead of time, it provides our clients with a visual of their tables as they will be on their wedding day and this helps them with assigning their guests to tables. Please have a look at the floor plan design below.

This floor plan was made to accommodate a 180 guests including the bridal party. Although, it is difficult to read here, each of the guest tables contain a number and I have placed boxes to note where the entrances and windows are in the room as well as assigned a location for the gift table and bar area.

As you can see from looking at this floor plan, you know where everything is and will be on the wedding day from the main entrances to where the band will be set up. Once you have your event's floor plan, you can start on the seating plan. The way we do this is by giving our clients a seating plan worksheet (see sample) along with their floor plan design. Once they have grouped their guests together, it's just a matter of them assigning them to a table that corresponds to the numbers on the floor plan.