Bliss Weddings Boston Blog

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2015-03-02T22:44:00.000-05:00

Want to get all of the latest blog posts from Bliss Weddings Boston? Please visit our new blog on Bliss Wedding's Boston's website!

Haley and Evan Marry at the Ames Free Library

2014-09-14T20:12:00.000-04:00

Haley and Evan were married on August 30, 2014 at the Ames Free Library in Easton, MA. The travel themed wedding included many personal touches rooted in the couple's love of spanning the globe.

Evan chose to propose to Haley while on vacation Buenos Aires and stealthily included a handwritten note (in 3 languages!) to tell immigration to "be discreet because he had an engagement ring for his girlfriend in his luggage." This note along with momentos from their journey together, airline itinerary style programs, a wine box ceremony, and bridal Chuck Taylors all made the event special and personalised.

Take a peek at all these adorable details and more with the video by Adam Quinlan.

Haley & Evan - August 30th, 2014 - Adam Quinlan - University Films from Adam Quinlan on Vimeo.

A Beginners Guide to Wedding Cake Tasting

2014-08-03T20:01:00.000-04:00

We recently went to sample wedding cakes over the weekend and were shocked at how overwhelming the experience was! The sales woman definitely does this every day so she fired questions at us quicker than we could have ever imagined.

Soon we found ourselves swimming in delightful cake slices, stress eating over whether we wanted rolled chocolate or buttercream, sugar flowers or none..... And then I thought, well this would just make a great blog article.

Here are some useful tips and tricks to make your wedding cake tasting a relaxing and delicious experience.

1. Determine your budget. Like everything else, do your research and formulate your budget based on that. Some bakeries will try and upsell you through the entire process, so be prepared.

2. Pick out designs you like before you go and bring them with you. These inspiration pieces can be elements of design such as color, patterns, flowers/embellishments,etc. Don't be afraid to mix different elements from different cakes. This will help give your sales person an idea of what you are looking for and can help them quote you more accurately.

3. Ask questions. Most of us aren't bakers so if you have questions about different frosting, flavors, etc just ask!

4. Ponder your options. Do you love three different types of cake? Think out of the box and ask the baker if you are able to choose different cake for each layer. Having different flavors gives you and your guests options.

5. Figure out the details. Will you have a cake topper or are you expecting them to make accommodations? How many people are you expecting to attend your wedding? This will help them gauge how large your cake will be. Do you or your guests have severe dietary restrictions that need to be kept in mind? Having these answers readily available are key.

6. Don't eat all the cake! This might be the hardest step so far, right? Try a bite or two of every cake before going back for seconds. Give them all a fair shot and take a nibble before jumping in with both feet.

Lauren and Marcy Marry In Cambridge, MA

2014-03-24T20:14:00.002-04:00

It is such an honour when a friend approaches you to ask for assistance in planning the biggest day of their life. Marcy and I have been friends for many years and I couldn't have been more excited when I got the phone call that she and her new fiance were going to plan a Boston destination wedding.

The two chose the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA set along the beautiful Charles River. The venue is sleek and sophisticated with a twist of bold prints and unexpected decor. The wedding was intimate with just 30 family and friends watching as the pair said "I do." Everything from the food, to the flowers, the music, and everything in between was simply amazing. Here are just a few of my favorite shots of the day. Thank you Marcy and Lauren for letting me share in your day!

...

Hair & Makeup: Make Me Up Bridal
Officiant: Michelle Lydon
Flowers: Petals By Patty
Venue: Hotel Marlowe
Cupcakes: Wicked Good Cupcakes

Those Who Can't Wed Plan

2014-02-17T20:29:00.004-05:00

To quote on of my favorite movies, "those who can't do, teach...those who can't wed, plan!) Luckily for me, I have found someone who wants to marry me and now I am on to the planning stages.

It’s a very interesting (and wonderful) predicament being a wedding planner who is getting married. As you can probably see, I don’t typically post about my personal life on here but it seems that my brides are interested in what wedding planning is like from my perspective!

I have been planning weddings for over six years- I started by planning upscale weddings in Newport, RI with a different company before branching out and doing it on my own in Boston. I have experience the most beautiful weddings; from the simple and elegant to the over-the-top unbelievable, and I absolutely love them all! Now you can see my predicament right?

I got engaged to my amazing fiance in September and began planning in October. I am part way through the process now and this is what I can tell you so far:

The guest list formulation is NEVER going to be easy. Just expect it. Who gets a date? How much of my family do I have to invite? How much input do our parents have? There are so many questions and so many strong feelings about who will enjoy your special day with you. My advice, respect your family's wishes but find a compromise. Whether that is by giving them a certain number of people they can invite, or by having that awkward conversation about how it's "your" day- do whatever you need to do to be happy!

Determine what elements are the absolute must haves for your wedding day and what you can do without (or DIY!) In our case, we have chosen to have our bouquets professionally made but to DIY our own centerpieces. I estimate that this is going to save us about $40-80 per table! I also designed and printed our save-the-dates. This saved us about $70.

If you want to get married in a religious establishment, book early. Because I am planning a summer wedding, I had a very hard time finding a church. Most churches only took 2 weddings per day (and at really weird times!) so take that into account when beginning the planning process.

Keep an open mind through the planning process. Sometimes the elements of your wedding you love the most will be the ones that you never even expected to like.

Life will almost definitely get in the way. Things come up, wedding planning gets put to the side.

Be creative. You never know what deliciously beautiful things can happen.

Your own wedding is very different than any other wedding you will ever plan. Maybe you have helped a sibling, friend, or relative but I can guarantee it is such a different experience. Your wedding is a beautiful expression of you and your partner. It suddenly means so much more.

Don't forget, no matter how much stress it may cause or how many hours your will spend on those DIY projects...Enjoy every minute of the planning- after all, you only get to do this once! (and I am having a blast!)

Asian Wedding Inspiration

2014-01-30T19:52:00.000-05:00

With Chinese New Year upon us, I thought it only appropriate to bring to light some of the amazing Asian wedding inspiration. From color to flavor, there is something here for everyone. Here are some of our favorite ways to jazz up your nuptials with an Asian twist!

Food Inspiration offers beautiful flavors, vibrant colors, textures and the versatility of being transformed from a main course to a lovely finger food.

Colors: Who doesn't love vibrant reds, bold patterns, and gold as far as the eye can see? Use these beautiful silk patterned fabrics to add a twist to your table settings.

Lighting: Add some flair to your wedding reception with these soft, glowing lanterns suitable for both tents and brick and mortar venues.

Flavors: There are so many delicious ingredients and flavors that can be used to concoct a delicious cocktail. Next time you mix up a drink try infusing it with thai basil, lemongrass, ginger, or coconut! Need a recipe? Try this delightful Asian Pear Martini.

The Look for Less! Easy Floral Design that Packs a Punch

2014-01-02T19:19:00.000-05:00

We recently had some fun creating a tablescape for an intimate gathering last weekend. The wedding had less than 20 people but the bride and groom still wanted to create a beautiful room with a warm, holiday glow. That's where we came in! The Bliss team created a lovely tablescape and room decor that was beautiful and festive without the classic (and tempting!) Christmas feel. Each guest was seated by the glowing fireplace and even got a crystal ornament to take home as a keepsake from the night. Here's how we did it:

Candles from the Christmas Tree Shoppes: $2/piece
Various mercury glass candle holders from Marshalls: $40 total (4 pillar holders and 6 votive holders)
Ornaments: $20 for 20
Vases , cloth napkins, and lace: Free! We had them around the house from various other arts and crafts projects
Whole foods flowers: We chose to go with a soft, winter look so we bought tulips, hydrangeas, berries, eucalyptus berries, white roses and white calla lilies $80

That's just $150 for the entire room of decor!

Are you ready for the final product?

These are all all the flowers it took!

Keepsake napkin rings made from Christmas ornaments

The tablescape

Isn't it pretty?

Pinecone Wedding Decor

2013-11-14T21:43:00.002-05:00

Are you planning a winter wedding? Pinecones are a great decorating tool that is not only earthy and beautiful but also free! And let's be honest, who doesn't love free? Please remember that because pinecones come from outside, it is in your best interest to make sure that they are insect-free before your begin to construct anything! Whether you choose to wash, heat, or dry your pinecones, here are some helpful pinecone cleaning methods.

Now on to the fun stuff. Here are some of our favorite DIY winter wedding crafts involving these little gems!

DIY pinecone garland. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial

Fill vases with pinecones for a dramatic statement piece

Create a votive holder

Pinecone kissing balls. Just glue pinecones to a styrofoam ball.
Dust with paint, glitter, or leave them au natural

Make a boutineer

Ross and Julia's Essex Resort & Conference Center Wedding

2013-11-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

Ross and Julia were married at the Essex Resort and Conference Center on August 31st. If you haven't had the pleasure of venturing up to see this place you are missing out! It is earthy and eclectic but also so welcoming; a kind of grown up summer camp. It just oozes fun, drinks by the fire and many memories!

Combine an awesome venue with even more awesome touches and what do you get? Perfection. Julia along with her mom, Peggy made the wedding truly personal and scattered these unique morsels throughout the day. They spent hours handcrafting fabric banners, crafting seating cards, table numbers, hand-painted bricks...need I go on? Together Julia and Ross created a perfect reflection of their bond: earthy, intellectual, and tons of fun! A special thanks to Nir Landau for snapping and sharing these incredible photos.

Rave Review of Wedding Planning Services

2013-10-17T22:58:00.001-04:00

It is always an honour to receive a review from a former client. I an a firm believer that reviews say it all. Whether you are looking for a new hair stylist, a new restaurant, or a wedding planner, there is nothing more imperative than to hear what clients have to say. I wanted to share this beautiful review with you because I think it perfectly sums up our brides' wedding planning experience is when they hire Bliss Weddings!

"You can stop your search for a wedding planner or day-of coordinator right now because you've found Melissa! I was fortunate enough to have found Melissa about 5 months into planning my Boston wedding from San Diego and can absolutely not imagine what I would have done without her. She was simply amazing - throughout every stage of the planning and every moment of our wedding day. I give her my highest recommendation without a shred of hesitation! My only regret is that I didn't hire Melissa the moment we began planning our wedding :)
I originally hired Melissa as our day-of coordinator because I needed someone to direct the overall flow of the day and keep things running on time, but she really did so, SO much more than just day-of coordination. She helped me research and negotiate with vendors, plan the schedule of the wedding day (and re-plan it when things changed), communicate with vendors regarding deliveries/set-up/pick up, troubleshoot countless mini-crises, set up tons of ceremony and reception details, and generally ensure that the wedding day went off smoothly. Melissa was also my go-to wedding etiquette expert, sounding board for DIY and decor ideas ("is it too crazy to make our cheese display in the shape of California?" yes, it would have been too crazy - thanks Melissa!), and my wedding cheerleader when I was feeling frustrated. She played an integral role in virtually every aspect of our planning and went above and beyond at absolutely every opportunity. Melissa was worth every penny we paid her and undoubtedly saved us at least hundreds by helping us comparison shop and talk with vendors.
In addition to providing the highest quality professional service, Melissa is creative, organized, calm and collected under pressure, and has fantastic communication skills (most weeks I was in touch with her by email almost daily). When asked for his favorite adjective to describe Melissa, my husband simply says "awesome!" She deserves way more than 5 stars!"

Wedding: 06/01/2013
Services Used: Wedding Planning

Want to see more of what our happy couples said? Check out our WeddingWire reviews!

Free Tool to Make Life as a Bride Easier

2013-10-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

As any bride will tell you, simply uttering the word wedding can add thousands onto your bill. From florists to event spaces, the price instantly skyrockets with that one little word. I am always on the hunt for tools and tricks that not only make brides' lives easier, but that also save them money.

Today's trick has undoubtably been right under your nose the entire time! Google Docs in one of the single most important tools I can suggest to any bride. From creating an inspiration board for your wedding look, to mapping out a seating chart, to creating a timeline for all your guests and vendors- Google Docs does it all. Possibly one of my favorite features of the software is the ability to share ese documents with important decision makers. Once invited, you and your decision makers can easily edit documents real time, without worrying about attachments or version575 of that excel seating chart you can never find! Once saved in your Drive, these documents can be accessed anywhere from your smartphone.

Though it seems like a simple concept, so many people neglect to use this tool! Are you a current bride using this for something? Let us know what! Haven't tried it yet...well what are you waiting for?

5 Ideas for Your Fall Wedding

2013-10-02T22:26:00.000-04:00

With fall in full swing, we thought it would be nice to give you our top 5 fall wedding picks for 2013. Sure, there are always pumpkins and burnt orange, but let's think outside the box! With so many awesome textures and rich colors, fall is a perfect time of year to hold your creative and unique wedding.

1. Natural Wood
Skip the full length linens and opt for a beautiful farm table. Compliment it with mismatched chairs in different colors, and viola, instant chic.

2. Muted Colors & Neutrals
Skip the jewel tones as a main focus and move in a more neutral direction. This helps to create a softer look that can be accented by a pop of a bold color.

3. Go Wild!
Resist the urge to choose homogeneous bouquets. Instead, speak with your florist about interesting additions like succulents, honeycomb, berries, thistle.

4. Use Seasonal Ingredients in Unexpected Ways

Using seasonal ingredients is not only budget friendly, but it is always more delicious Think outside the box and research some interesting uses for these ingredients. How cute are these apple cups?

5. Embrace the Tweed

It's not just for grandpa anymore! It's interesting texture and color can spice up any man's look on his big day.

5 Wedding Updo's we Love

2013-08-25T19:24:00.004-04:00

The scene: you are at your friends' wedding and the DJ has just begun to play some great dance music. You hit the dance floor and begin to bust a move with all of your friends. Within moments, you begin to sweat. Soon your hair begins to stick to your neck and your curls slowly begin to fall. It isn't until the next day when the photos appear on Facebook, however that you say to yourself, "Geez, I wish I wore my hair up!" Sound familiar? I have definitely been there and I bet you have, too. For your next wedding, try one of these great updo's and skip the frizzy, flat, I wish I had John Frieda hair.

DIY do

Add a little something extra with a headband

Preppy

The "I didn't try too hard, look"

Sleek and Sophisticated meets edgy

Nikki and Dave Part 2

2013-08-18T21:12:00.000-04:00

The pictures are in and I cannot wait to share with you more of Nikki and Dave's wedding day. A special thanks to Shane Godfrey Photography for these beautiful images. If you missed our last post, here's the low down. The couple met and fell in love at Tufts, and thus they found it only fitting to celebrate their wedding there. The day was tons of fun incorporating friends and family from around the country, different religions, and lots of other fun little Tufts things! The ceremony was held on the Tisch Library rooftop, followed by a reception at 51 Winthrop. Take a peek at this beautiful affair!

The view from the roof

Nikki's beautiful lace dress

LOVE theses shoes

The girls

The guys

The beautiful huppa made by Nikki's mom

Hooray, they're married. Best part? It's totally legal to paint the cannon!

How stunning is she?

No Tufts wedding is complete without a photo with Jumbo

Personalized table numbers and soft centerpieces added the perfect
touch of personalization

Time for the Hora

The architecture of this room is phenomenal.

Wedding cake with fresh cut orchids and roses

Happily ever after

Photographer: Shane Godfrey Photography
Florist: Blooms of Hope
Food: Tufts Catering
Music: TSG Weddings
Hair/Makeup: From Hair to Eternity
Limo: JB Livery
Rentals: AA Rentals
Shuttle Bus: Able Limosine Inc.
Musician: Adam Rice
Desserts & Cake: Flour Bakery
Officiants: Reverend Lauren Lorincz & Rabbi Devon Lerner

Dress Up Your Wedding Decor with Silverware

2013-08-04T21:34:00.001-04:00

Are you hosting a small wedding and are not wanting to spend the money in rentals? One way to dress up your tablescape and save money is by using mismatched silverware at your place settings. From vintage to modern and everything in between, silverware can really make an otherwise ordinary setting pop. Look at some of the awesome DIY ideas!

vintage engraved silverware

painted silverware

mismatched silverware for those who love to do something a little different

wrapped silverware for the crafty couple

bride and groom silverware

For the outdoorsy types

Light up your Reception with Lanterns!

2013-07-21T21:20:00.001-04:00

Lanterns are a great way to spice up your reception area with color and visual interest without breaking the bank. Whether you desire individuals bobbles or a string of interesting decor, colored or simple white, round or otherwise, there is something for everyone. Here are a few tips and tricks to find the perfect look for your perfect day.

1. Don't be afraid to shop around. While there may be some obvious places to go to purchase these lanterns, be sure to think outside the box. I have done many weddings where my bride has agreed to leave her lanterns up and sell them to the incoming bride for the next weekend, or where my brides have purchased second hand lanterns from Craigslist, Tradesy or the Knot.

Add white Christmas lights for a celestial glow

2. Allocate plenty of time for hanging. These may look very simple to hang, and sometimes they are, but they are also ALOT of work. Many times lanterns require a ladder to reach their required height, so be vigilant that you will be getting the day's workout!

3. Get the goods. Lanterns hang beautifully with clear fishing twine. Fill your basket with scissors and clear tape just incase.

Here is some lantern inspiration!

Be colorful

Try different shapes!

Add the extra wow factor by placing over-sized lanterns near a point of interest such as the cake or guest book

Jam jar lanterns

Beauty in the Details: Nikki and Dave

2013-07-11T20:43:00.001-04:00

At Bliss Weddings Boston we firmly believe that details are what truly make a your wedding perfect. Whether your budget is large or small, your personal touches are what matter the most! Last month, we had the honor of celebrating Nikki and Dave's wedding at Tufts University in Medford, MA. The two met and fell in love there and decided it was the perfect place to celebrate their nuptials. Nikki was a bride who was incredibly detail oriented- and boy, did her hard work pay off! Look at these adorable little details that made their wedding just right! A special thanks to Shane Godfrey Photography for these awesome images.

Tufts has this awesome tradition. If you paint that cannon overnight and and guard it until
the sunrise, it's yours for the keeping!

Nikki's powder blue shoes. Also one of Tuft's colors!

Table cards with a Chinese symbol (a tribute to Dave's Chinese heritage" and
elephant card holders, Tuft's mascot

The couple's Ketubah, or Jewish wedding contract

The beautiful table settings complete with photos of the couple
on the back of every table number

Stay tuned for some more beautiful images of this wedding coming soon!

July Weddings

2013-06-30T21:41:00.002-04:00

Ever wonder what the pros and cons are of planning a wedding in the summer? I thought since we are approaching a new month, I would give it a go and share with you my thoughts on July weddings.

Pros:

- The weather in New England in July is beautiful. Yes, it is most definitely hot but it is reliable. With the exception of an occasional thunderstorm, July is one of the driest months in this area.

- Popularity. Though the summer in general is a popular month to get married, there are many other months such as October and May that are far busier.

- Venue choices. As many of you know, Massachusetts has some pretty harsh winter weather. When summer rolls around, however there is a variety of different outdoor venues including ballparks, gardens, beaches, etc to choose from.

- Free entertainment: Who doesn't love fireworks? Many cities and towns in the area have varying dates for fireworks displays. Plan ahead and treat your guests to an extra little suprise!

Cons

Floral: Flowers are very expensive in July, so make sure that you budget extra! They also need some extra TLC on your wedding day. Try to find flowers that are in season such as:

Delphimium

Dalias

Gerber Daisies

Freesia

More here

Also, be sure that you keep them in water for as long as possible so they do not wilt. Some florists can even put tiny water holders inside your hand-tied bouquet to help your flowers last longer.

Heat: The heat of July is not for the faint of heart. It often rules out outdoor day weddings and may even cause a couple extra applications of sunscreen. Want a tent wedding? No problem! Just make sure you do your research and look into some air conditioners.

Guest Schedules: Most people tend to take vacation in the summer. Make sure you let people know far enough in advance so that they can plan for your special day!

Creative Wedding Seat Marker Ideas for the Couple

2013-06-16T21:09:00.001-04:00

It is super trendy to stand out just a little bit more at your wedding by having your chairs marked. This makes for a little extra something in pictures and it just an overall cute touch. From sporty to rustic and everything in between-here are some of our favorite, out of the box ideas!

Chalkboard or slate tiles that you can customize to say whatever your little heart desires!

Source: pearleventsaustin.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Cameo chair markers

Source: img1.etsystatic.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Kissing birdies!

Source: img0.etsystatic.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I do! Me too!

Source: img0.etsystatic.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Bride and Groom with Ribbons. Such a fun and inexpensive addition

Source: tipjunkie.com via Melissa on Pinterest

For the sporty couple. Could be done for a variety of different games

Source: cache.elizabethannedesigns.com via Melissa on Pinterest

New Addition to the Bliss Family

2013-05-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

We would like to take a moment to give our newest Bliss couple a warm welcome! Julia and Robert are getting married at the Overbrook House in Bourne next June. Overbrook is nestled in the woods just minutes from the Cape Cod Canal. The venue offers an organic farm, a dance hall, an 8 bedroom home and a series of cottages which makes it great for visitors from near and far. Julia and Robert, we are so looking forward to working with this couple as they take a fresh, beautiful and slightly artsy approach to the venue. Welcome guys!

Rival Cake Toppers

2013-05-15T21:25:00.001-04:00

I guess sometimes they sayings are right-especially the one that says you can't help who you fall in love with. Whether it be someone from around the world, your own back yard, or even the evil empire, these wedding cake toppers have it covered. Did I mention they are also super cute?

Source: thestarryeyedbride.tumblr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Boston Wedding Inspiration

2013-04-21T18:59:00.001-04:00

I am a Boston girl, born and bred. As you can imagine, the marathon tragedy of last week rocked our city and inflicted terror on Boston. Yet despite the happenings of last week, Boston is arguable one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Its classic architecture, European infusion and breathtaking ocean views make it an awesome choice for your upcoming nuptuals. Here is some more inspiration!

When life gives you rain...

2013-04-12T16:39:00.001-04:00

Take amazing wedding photos. It is a nasty, cold, dreary day here in Boston so to cheer you up, I thought I would share some more beautiful rainy day wedding photos.

Source: scottkelby.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: burnettsboards.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: donebrilliantly.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Melissa on Pinterest

A Very Lilly Wedding

2013-04-09T16:33:00.003-04:00

What better way to start off the warm weather and celebrate the life of Lilly Pulitzer than to use her prints in your wedding? Lilly noticed a need for her iconic patterns while working in her new husband's citrus groves. She designed her color splashed attire because she was looking for a way to disguise her citrus stained clothing!

Look at how great and colorful are these weddings?

Give me your prints!

2013-03-19T09:27:00.001-04:00

No, this isn't followed by a mug shot! More and more, couples are moving away from traditional guest books in the hopes of having something that they can display throughout the home. One cute and simple way to do this is by having a fingerprint map for your guests. After your wedding they can be mounted and displayed in your home as an everlasting reminder of your special day! One tip: be sure that there are wet wipes or towels close by- you don't want your guests to ruin their outfits with ink!

Source: blogcherriesandberries.wordpress.com via Melissa on Pinterest