Always Fabulous Events - Philadelphia Area Party & Wedding Planner

2010 Trend #8: Letterpress Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Not really a new concept but more brides are realizing the benefit of having letterpress vs. inkjet or laser printed invitations. With the less expensive printing (commonly used for DIY invitations), you risk the chance of smearing and smudging.

Letterpress wedding invitations are always interesting and elegant. You actually see and feel the impression of the type into the paper.

This type of printing goes well with 100% cotton paper.

Photos from Felix Birr and Minted

2010 Trend #7: The Color Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:28:00 +0000

No... not the movie.

Purple is a rich and regal color. You can mix multiple shades of purple in your wedding design. Or select one shade of purple and accent it with a complimentary hue like apple green, banana yellow, or a fiery orange.

Photo Sources: (1) TV Guide, Collage (clockwise from left) (2) Wish Special Events (3) Events by Intrigue (4) Starwood Hotels (5) Eli Ross (6) Photocard Cafe (7) Special Flower Delivery

I Love You Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:17:00 +0000

While browsing my favorite florist's newly designed website and blog, I noticed my name in a post about all the things she is thankful for. So I just wanted to return the sentiment by telling you all that Tanti Lina of Papertini totally ROCKS! She is such a talented floral designer and her highly energetic spirit is very contagious.

MUCHOS SMOOCHES!!

PS: If you are in the Philadelphia area, Tanti is teaching a Holiday Wreath Workshop at the brand spanking new AC Moore in Willow Grove on December 11 @ 6:30 pm. Cost is $10 + supplies.

2010 Trend #6: Greener Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:55:00 +0000

It's not about making your wedding appear organic.

It is about making eco-friendly choices that your guests probably won't notice.

It is about choosing a caterer who uses locally-grown foods free of pesticides and preservatives.

It is about understanding how things are made, used, and disposed of.

Some ideas:

Wear a dress made of natural fabrics like cotton or silk.

Use mineral makeup. Conventional makeup contains potentially toxic chemicals that are introduced to your skin and into our water supply when washed off.

Tree-free invitations. They are made of cotton.

Replace traditional favors with a charitable donation or plant a tree on behalf of your guests. Check out services like Tree Instead

Donate your wedding flowers to a retirement home or local hospital.

Donate leftovers from your wedding reception. This may require a little research because most food banks will only accept nonperishables.

Photo Source: Claire Pettibone

2010 Trend #5: Weddings @ Home

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Backyard weddings tend to be more intimate events (unless your home can comfortably hold over 100 guests). This does not mean it can't be elegant, but at the same time, it can be as informal as you want it to be.

Instead of spending a lot on floral centerpieces, you can upgrade the landscape with bright flowers. Or use floral prints for your table linens and bridesmaids dresses.

Photos from (1) Always Fabulous Events 2007, (2) Better Homes & Gardens, (3) Mo Plants

2010 Trend #4: Birdcage Veils

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:10:00 +0000

They've been seen on the red carpet and on the white aisle runner. Combined with a feathers or a blinging jewels, the birdcage veil is for the modern fashionista bride. This trend first caught my attention on newlywed Kellie Williams (best known as Laura Winslow of "Family Matters").

Photo source: (1) Becky's Little Blog, (2) Cloths World

2010 Trend #3: Red Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Make sure you pick the right red for our complexion.

- Blue undertones > Cherry Red

- Yellow undertones > Poppy Red

Matte is more wearable than gloss.

Photos: (1) Rock n Roll Bride and (2) Elegance & Simplicity

2010 Trend #2: Lotsa Lace

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

All gowns by Sottero and Midgley

2010 Trend #1: Jeweled Neckline

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Photos: (1&2) Justin Alexander, (3) Monique Lhuillier, (4) Navy & Lavender

That's Hot!

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:36:00 +0000

Everybody wants their wedding or special event to be the hottest of the year. For this reason, it is important to know what trends are hot and what is not. We will review the trends that have been forecasted by several wedding, special event, and fashion sources. I hope to inspire a few upgrades and changes to your event design and party attire... all for the better of course.

Stay tuned...

The Wedding Bootcamp in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:48:00 +0000

You are Cordially Invited to

The Wedding Bootcamp

At Casa Casuarina

Discover the latest trends from Miami’s top bridal experts!

Learn how to plan your dream wedding,
cut costs and make your special day flawless!

Monday, November 16, 2009
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Casa Casuarina
1116 Ocean Drive
Miami, Florida
Cocktails, Hors d’ Oeuvres and Gift Bags!

For Tickets Please Visit www.weddingsalon.com ,
Email info@weddingsalon.com or Call 212.631.7777

Fabulous Feather Flair

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Stardust Event Planners

How to Have a "Platinum Baby" Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:20:00 +0000

If you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, than you already know that I was up late last night watching the new show on WE called Platinum Babies. If you think Platinum Weddings is extravagant, then one episode of this show will push you over the top.

Natalie Klien, baby planner @ Hot Moms Club, shares a few tips on how to "Create Your Own Star Shower". Some of the highlights include (with my 2 cents added in italics):

Tell your friends that you want to help plan your shower. After all, who knows what you want better than you.

Help your guests feel like celebs. Roll out a red carpet (literally) and appoint a friend to take lots of photos of the guests as they arrive. Treat your friends to a spa suite (it can be as simple as hand treatments and nail polish or as extravagant as body shaping treatments).

Register like a movie star. Giggle.com has a wide price range for every guest's budget.

Bite-size food and fruity drinks. Serve signature non-alcoholic drinks like a Preggatini (TM). These are all the rage in Hollywood and you can spike them for the guests. Serve mini foods like sliders and cupcakes.

Send them home with swag. A swag bag is not your usual party favor but you don't have to spend your life savings on them either. For a budget-friendly swag bag that your guests will still love, include pregnancy-safe nail polish by Zoya, ChicBuds earphones, and Boogie Wipes in an eco-friendly reusable bag (like the Ecologie Bag from Olive Barn).

Another important detail to nail down early in the planning process is the location. Make sure it matches your vision for the rest of the party and the time of year. Also make sure there is ample parking available for your guests.

Platinum Babies airs on Fridays @ 9pm ET.

This Card Box is So Fabuluxe!

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:23:00 +0000

This couture keepsake card box from So Fabuluxe! is a handmade treasure for a fashionista bride or diva-licious debutante. It is absolutely a conversation starter.

DIY Do's and Don'ts

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Photo from www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com

For the past several weeks, I have been presenting the Do's and Don'ts of Do It Yourself weddings at the Bridal Event by Bouche Productions. A few things to keep in mind:

"Do It Yourself" does not mean "Do It BY Yourself" - enlist help with your projects
DON'T rely solely on the internet to buy items for your wedding. You can't match colors properly if you can't hold the items in your hands.
DO remain consistent with the overall vibe you are trying to create for your wedding day.
DON'T use artificial flowers for your bouquets or boutonnieres.
DON'T make your own wedding cake. One of the benefits of hiring a professional baker/cake designer is that they deliver the cake and make sure it is perfectly placed at your venue. What would you do if the cake you made was dropped before your wedding?

If you are planning to do your own wedding favors, centerpieces, and/or decorations, and you live in the Philadelphia Metro area, then you should check out our DIY Wedding Workshop on December 5. Check out the details here.

Sandals WeddingMoon

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:55:00 +0000

What is a WeddingMoon?

A WeddingMoon is Sandals' signature destination wedding plus your honeymoon. You pay for the honeymoon and the wedding is on the house (or in this case, the resort).

Find out more about Sandals WeddingMoon packages at www.sandals.com or call 877-SANDALS.

DIY Wedding Workshop 12/5/09

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:26:00 +0000

"Do It Yourself does not mean Do It BY Yourself"
Get expert advice about your DIY wedding projects so they are as fabulous as you are.

Saturday, December 5, 2009
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Brossman Center @ LTSP
7301 Germantown Av
Philadelphia, PA 19119

For complete details, visit http://diywedding.eventbrite.com/

Damask

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Photo from Etsy

In case you can't tell, I happen to like damask. It is a classy trend that adds more dimension to event decor than solid colors.

Here are several ways to incorporate the damask pattern:

Square Labels 78 cents each @ Wedding Things

Favor Boxes $19.49 for 25 @ Bliss Weddings Market

Damask Runner (photo from PriceScope.com)

People Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

People magazine is looking for brides-to-be (in the U.S) who want to lose 50+ pounds starting in January for their fall wedding in 2010. They will help you with your goals (provide trainer and nutritionist) as long as you agree to be featured in People (before/after photos and story) and agree to be in an hour long national TV segment.

If you are interested please email info@forblackweddings.com
The email must include:
-Date of the wedding
-Weight loss goal and if you have tried any diets/workouts yet
-a close up picture
-a full body picture
-a picture of bride with fiance
-and a couple of paragraphs on how you met and how you got engaged.

Hyacinth

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:26:00 +0000

White Hyacinth = Loveliness
Pink Hyacinth = Playfulness, Joy

Hyacinths are highly scented with a comforting fragrance. The scent of Hyacinth is said to be useful to calm nerves, which makes it an ideal choice for nervous brides.

Hyacinths bloom in spring.

Take Me Away Tuesday: Eau Spa @ The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Opened in March 2009, Eau Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach offers the ultimate in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with a menu of luxe facials, invigorating scrubs and sensuous massages. With the introduction of the spa’s Wedding Collection, brides, grooms and the entire wedding party now have a dedicated treatment menu from which to pamper and prepare for the magical day.

The five-hour “Here Comes the Bride” treatment features a Ruby and Sapphire Massage, Classical Manicure and Pedicure, hair, make-up and eyelash enhancements. For even more indulgence, “Bejewel the Bride” lasts 6.5 hours and includes a Ruby and Sapphire Massage, as well as a Platinum Facial, Platinum Chakra Cleansing, Diamonds-in-the-palm-of-her-hands Manicure, Diamond-on-the-soles-of-her-feet Pedicure, hair, make-up, eyelash enhancements and a healthy Eau Spa lunch.

Fine beauty and grooming services are available for bridesmaids with the “Bridal Party” treatment, which lasts 4.5 hours and includes an Eau Spa lunch, Eau De Massage, Classical Manicure and Pedicure, hair, make-up and a glass of champagne to top it all off, leaving the ladies in waiting feeling as special as the bride. “All the Groom’s Men” helps the gentlemen prepare, as well, with an Eau De Massage, haircut, express shave and blow-dry, finished off with a sip of the spa’s famed Diamond-infused elixir.

Eau Spa features 19 Spa Villas, including three spacious Couples’ Spa Villas, providing an intimate experience far beyond treatments, with lavish outdoor garden enclaves, oversized soaking tubs and al fresco rainfall showers for an open-air spa experience and ultimate relaxation either before or after the big day. Adjoining Spa Villas are also available and ideal for large groups and wedding parties.

Eau Spa is just the beginning when it comes to Ritz-Carlton wedding specialties. The beachside resort is home to four sophisticated wedding locales; couples can say their vows in the outdoor Courtyard, with an infinity pool and Atlantic Ocean as the romantic backdrop or one of the three ballrooms – Ocean, Plaza and Ritz-Carlton – adorned with decadent silk and chandeliers and spacious enough for any size gathering. For a more intimate wedding ceremony, couples can invite their closest friends and family to witness the exchange of vows in a fanciful oceanfront cabana. No matter which venue is chosen, the surf, sand and sunsets of Palm Beach are sure to imbue the day with tranquility and natural beauty.

Daisy

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Daisy means Innocence and Loyal Love

You can use daisies for a fresh outdoor wedding bouquet or pop the heads off and float them in a glass bowl with a few candles for an easy, colorful centerpiece. Use daisy heads to top your favor boxes instead of bows.

There are 4 main types of daisies used for bridal bouquets:

Daisy Pom: round and furry (like a pom pom) - most common in spring or early summer
Shasta Daisy: hybrid of daisy & chrysanthemum - most common in summer
Gerbera Daisy (aka Gerber): largest bloom of all daisy species - available year-round in tropical climates
African Daisy: exotic appearance, most expensive of all daisy species (another photo)

Photo Source

Calla Lily

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Calla Lily means Magnificent Beauty

Calla lilies come in many colors such as white, green ("Green Goddess"), white with purple highlights ("Diva Maria"), white with pink blush, cream ("Black-eyed Beauty"), yellow, orange, pink, red, peach, passionfruit, and deep dark purple.

The calla lily is a common theme for weddings. The calla lily motif can be found on invitations, favors, and in the cake design.

When arranging calla lilies in a bridal or bridesmaid bouquet, keep in mind that the flower stems can drip, leaving stains or marks on dresses or other material. To avoid this, let the flowers stay at least 30 minutes out of water before holding close to fabric.

Extra Tip: Carefully dipping the ends of the stems in melted wax and allowing to dry will seal the ends of the flowers and prevent any drips!

Photo Source

High-End Customer Service for Cost-Conscious Brides

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:08:00 +0000

The Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston ranges from $1200 - $2800

You still get the high-end customer service Priscilla of Boston is known for. Visit any of their signature salons and you will enjoy highly personalized attention in a relaxed, intimate setting. If you see a Priscilla of Boston dress in a magazine or on their website and it's not at your location, they will fly it in for you.

Attention Philadelphia-area Brides: Priscilla of Boston is moving from their Wynnewood location to Suburban Square in Ardmore. Be sure to verify the address when you schedule an appointment.

Bachelor Party Idea: Casino Night

noreply@blogger.com (Always Fabulous Events) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Whether you choose to go to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Orleans, or Monaco, a casino night is a great time for the bachelor and his boys. Try your luck at roulette and craps or a hand of blackjack. (Note to the groom: Only bet what you can afford to lose.) Take in some drinks and have a few laughs during a comedy show. Most have nice restaurants but, if you prefer something a little less stuffy, find the nearest Hooters.

Don't expect to drive home the same night. Check in to a hotel for at least one night.

(Girls, you can do this for your bachelorette party too.)