2.25.2011

Crowning Inspiration: Escort Cards

Escort cards are one of the first things guests receive when they enter your wedding reception. Therefore they should make a statement!
Your statement doesn't have to be expensive. It can be creative with a DIY, easy project.

In order to create the perfect escort card, you need to know what it is. An escort card is a way of guiding your guests to their assigned table. It usually includes both couples names. For a formal event, it would include their proper titles:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Table Nine
 or
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kime
Table 9
For informal or casual settings, escort cards can be first and last names:
John and Kathy Smith
Table Nine
or
Ed and Liz Kime 
Table 9

If the couple is not married, you list the lady's name first, with the man's name below:
Ms. Kathryn LaPointe
Mr. John Smith
Table 9

All escort cards should have last names with a suffix, ("Jr.", "III", etc.) when necessary and be organized alphabetically.

If you are choosing to assign the seat of your guest at each table, then you will need a place card. The place card has one name per card, vs. the escort card has two names (or one name if attending solo). The place card can be on a menu, or tied to the napkin, placed on a glass, chair or above the plate. No matter where it is, it must be visible and easy to find to avoid confusion and delayed seating. If its too complicated it could delay the time your dinner is served, thus your food will be sitting under a warmer or in a
hot box continuing to cook and dry out.

One final tip: make a few extra "blanks" in case you need to change the seating arrangement, someone brings an unexpected guest, or you have a guest that didn't RSVP.

2.23.2011

Crowning & Cunning: The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner



Today I had the great pleasure of visiting my friend Stacy of The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor. Stacy is a Perrysburg native with experience in the bridal industry. She chose Ann Arbor for the location of her new store.


Its a fabulous space! The clean lines, high ceilings and tall windows let in soft light to highlight the luscious bridal fabrics. The beautiful crystal chandelier draws your eye to a table of sparkely jewelry pieces, sashes, hair accessories, head bands, clips, birdcage veils and shoes. The Shop's pallet of pink and black highlights the selection of white and off-white gowns along the wall.

Each consult is by appointment only. And the store offers exclusive and personal consultation, taking one appointment at the time. It's like being a celebrity: the store is closed for your private viewing and fitting of bridal gowns, veils, shoes and accessories. And it all looks so fun!

The Gown Shop carries designers Fancy New York, Carol Hannah, Amy Kruchel & Modern Trousseau, as well as shoes from Benjamin Adams, jewelry and accessories from Haute Bride and veils from Sara Gabriel. You can view these designers on The Gown Shop's website: http://thegownshopannarbor.com/









 {love these shoes!!!!!!!!}


If you are in the Ann Arbor area, or visiting the city, be sure to check out her window displays on Main Street. The gowns, which are changed weekly or even daily, are highlighted by crystal chandeliers and her signature stripe background.
 The Gown Shop is located at 122 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor
You can follow The Gown Shop-Ann Arbor on Facebook

2.21.2011

Crowning Inspiration: Black & Green Chic

Here's a little something I am working on for one of my June Brides, Emily.
She has chosen a black and green color scheme. We are going to play on this chic, elegant color tone and tie in elements of nature with some branching, curly willow and even some dramatic trees. Tables will be filled with candlelight to give the room a warm glow against the white and soft green hydrangeas.

2.16.2011

Crowning Celebration: Alison & Nathan

I love viewing wedding photos! {who doesn't?!}
I think I get just as excited to view photos as my clients do.
It was fun to find this picture of me with the bride and groom in the mix.
Great couple! So sweet!!! I was honored to help them with their special day.

And this one of the fabulous Sarah of Sarah J Photography {I took this one}.
She's so much fun and very talented! Check her out at www.sarahjphoto.net


2.05.2011

Crowning & Cunning: Charming Cookies

Happy Saturday!
It's snowing here {again} in Ohio. So if you are currled up and surfing the web for fun wedding ideas, be sure to check out these cute cookies from Eleni's. They make great bridal shower favors or treats for your welcome bags.
Here's the I DO collection:


Make it personal with these Valentine's Cookies
Write up to 3 different messages with up to 150 characters, and we'll screen your words onto our hand-iced sugar cookies.

Check out the love birds!


And take a bite out of your frog prince!