Crowning Inspiration: Welcome Bags

Here are some helpful tips to make your out-of-town guests feel right at home with creative and easy welcome bags.

Containers:
Use bags, foldable baskets or totes. If you are beachside, be sure to use something guests can take down to the pool or beach. But remember that guests only have their suitcase to get the container home. So make sure it’s collapsible and easy to fit in their suitcase.
- L.L. Bean Totes
- Container Store
- Beau Coup
- Bags and Bows

Goodies:
Share your hometown or destination favorites. From snacks, to desserts and drinks, include regional delights or childhood favorites. For my Toledo brides I recommend:
- Tony Packo’s http://www.tonypacko.com/products.php  
- Collingwood Water (which can be adorned with a custom label) http://www.collingwood-water.com/weddings.html
- Christie’s Homemade Candies and Mints (419) 535-0608
- Hickory Farms nuts and dried fruits http://www.hickoryfarms.com  
- Pillsbury Cupcakes – these cake mixes and frostings are manufactured in Toledo. Bake up these delicious
little cakes and frost them in your wedding colors. Package them in easy cups and dome lids from GFS
- Marsha’s Buckeyes http://marshashomemadebuckeyes.com  
- Country Grains Bread and Cookies (419) 469-8896
- Wonder Bread/ Hostess Cakes Outlet (419) 536-5160

Info:
- Contact the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and get doToledo packages for guests, which include maps, doToledo cards, and other promotional materials.
- List the weekends activities with times, attire and transportation.

Tag & Label:
- Create little tags in your wedding colors with guest’s names so that hotels and accommodations can properly distribute them.
- Accent the tags with your monogram or symbol.
- Tie them on the bags with raffia or ribbon. For paper bags, you can create a sticky-label and apply that to the front.

Eventista: Going Green

Say ‘I do’ to being green
Written by Brittany Craig

Brides and grooms are pledging their love to one another and they are making a commitment to the Earth by planning and hosting a “green” wedding. Here are a few simple steps that can make a huge impact on the environment.
The Fifth C
Cut, color, clarity, carat and conflict-free. As you are in search for the perfect ring, be sure to check if the diamonds are lab-created and not conflict-free.
Otherwise known as blood diamonds, these precious stones are mined in war zones, where miners are subject to human rights abuses. Make the ring even more meaningful by recycling gold or other metals.
Or go vintage altogether with Grandma’s heirloom or a unique find.
Support local farmers
Dazzle your guests with earth-friendly papers and invitations. Choose non-chlorinated papers with 30 percent post-consumer waste and print with vegetable based ink.
Greg Shapiro, president of Toledo-based printing and graphics company, H.O.T. Printing & Graphics said, “Being green has just as much to do with the papers as its does the inks.” In fueling the demand to be green and support the U.S. farming economy, Shapiro said, “We have converted to 100 percent soy based inks.” H.O.T. Graphics uses a non-toxic soy bean ink made from soy bean oil, which is commonly found foods such as salad dressing.
Recycled retail
For your “something barrowed” and “something old” wear a vintage gown, or ask to wear your sister’s dress. If their style doesn’t suit you, there are many resources to buy gently used designer gowns online and at local resale shops like Dream Designs Bridal Outlet in Sylvania. But if you do go for “something new,” consider earth conscious fabrics such as hemp silk, peace-silk organza, and satin-face cotton from designers like Wai-Ching and Annatarian Eco-Couture.
Shorten the commute
Keep transportation to a minimum by having your wedding ceremony and reception within walking distance or at the same location. Use local caterers, florists, entertainment and rental companies to cut back on delivery time and expenses.
Homegrown goodness
Choose a menu with organic, locally grown produce, which is most flavorful in season, along with cruelty-free meats and poultry. Accompany your meal with some fantastic regional wines. Try selections from Tabor Hill and St. Julian.
Regional beauties
Look to local flower farms like Buckeye Blooms in Elida, Ohio, for chemical-free flowers. These beautiful blooms can be purchased by your florist for your arrangements, or handpicked by your wedding party and carried as lovely little bouquets. Adorn your tables with potted plants and herbs, which can be doubled as favors for guests to take home and enjoy. Dress your tables in earth-friendly fabrics such as cotton tablecloths and napkins. Use re-usable dinnerware by renting china, glasses and flatware.
Recycle and share
Even after the last dance, keepup the good work by recycling bottles from your bar service, and composting leftover food. Donate uneaten delectables to a local shelter.
One of the easiest ways to be green is to cut the guest list. By inviting fewer guests, your costs will go down, along with your wedding’s “carbon footprint.” Like your marriage, may your commitment to a more beautiful earth grow stronger with each day. Here’s to a beautiful tomorrow!

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2010/04/20/say-%e2%80%98i-do%e2%80%99-to-being-green/

Vera Says I DO to....

Vera Wang says I DO to David's Bridal!

The Spring 2011 Collection of 20 styles in sizes 2-30 will range in cost from $600 to $1,500.

With a the new fad of being cheap and chic,

this is sure to make designer looks very affordable for many brides.

Read more from New York Fashion Mag

Crowning Fasion - Bridal Fashion Week 2010

It's Bridal Fashion Week! Here's a sneak peak at

PLATINUM for Priscilla of Boston's Spring 2011 line.

Keep your eye out for long white gloves, sweetheart necklines and defined waistlines.

For more Priscilla of Boston go to TheKnot

Crowning Inspiration

My peonies are peeking up in the Spring sun and it inspired this board. Happy Spring!