Icing Side Up

How To... Keep Balloons From Tangling

2008-05-23T09:38:00.010-06:00

Another vital series brought to you by Hunter Events…

How To. I know you’re on the edge of your seats. You want to learn how to do… everything. This is the first in a series of one million. Sure.

You’ve blown up your balloons or you’ve way overpaid for high float filled glimmering globes from the party store. You walk out the door and hear a dreadful and familiar sound. (you know if you’ve heard it) It sounds like boxing balloons on crack. You look up and your pricey bouquet is spiraling into a tight weave sweater of ribbons. “Great, that’s just how I wanted them to look.”

First of all you should always blow up balloons in the location they will be used if ever possible. Shiny latex balloons and wind and sun don’t mix. Your balloons will quickly resemble those droopy little hangers off real estate signs- dull, wrinkly and not celebratory.

Second of all you should know balloons take forever to fill and tie but lose luster after 3 hours. So if you have more important plans, hire someone else to do it.

You’ve made your calculations and it turns out you’ll have to trek outside. All is not lost. Your savior today…chip clips.

BUNDLE
1. You’ll need the smaller size (~3”) or your balloons will lie on the floor. You’ll need clips with grip that won’t cut ribbon. (test it on a scrap piece of ribbon). Small Bread clips also work.

2. Next divide your balloons into bunches. If they are going to be divided at the location, do it right now. You’ll have less work later. If you will keep hundreds together then divide them into manageable bunches (10-15).

3. Grip the bunch and pull the ribbons with the other hand until all
the balloons are touching your hand.

4. Attach your clip as close to the
balloons as possible. (less ribbon equals less movement.)

THE CAR- (This is where many people lose their hours of work by unintentional balloon releases and bursts on sharp garages.)

1.Back your car into the garage and open hatch/back.

2. Have one person sit in front seat and CLOSE THE DOOR. (or you’ll create a wind tunnel)

3. Carry up to 4 bundles at a time to back of car and hand ribbons to your front seat assistant.

4. Tell them not to let go ever! Or your balloons will be sucked out.

5. Close back & drive carefully. It’s hard to see.

6. When you arrive have your front seat assistant hold all ribbons before opening doors.

(The division of wildlife has asked and (banned in locations) the release of balloons. While it looks cool for 30 seconds, it’s shiny to animals and blocks their stomachs when swallowed. It’s gross I’ve seen pictures. http://www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/pollution/balloons )

Our Best Client

2008-05-17T18:35:00.004-06:00

Ever wonder what an Events Coordinators son’s birthday looks like?

-Whatever he imagines.

Our children are not spoiled. We work very hard to make sure they don’t get all the things their grandparents want them to have and nothing from the kids shopping network. But when it comes to birthdays, the Mom and Party Expert in me collide to create amazing things. I want my boys to remember their birthdays when they’re 30. It drives our friends mad.

These 2 crazy boys are my favorite clients. I love to spend weeks with them planning their parties.
This year David my 5 year old designed his own cake (and then supervised the implementation). He had very specific ideas about decorations, was very decisive and showed great imagination and foresight. He knew what he wanted and how it would look. Genetically, I’ve never been more proud. On a related note, Graham our other son punched a kid in soccer- my husband had never been so proud.

It's A Nice Day For A Black Wedding

2008-04-11T10:28:00.010-06:00

The black wedding dress!

Once again the Paris Runway is shocking the world. Paris the Fairy-Godmother of fashion has given you the OK to wear black. Maybe it’s symptomatic of our culture and maybe it’s just slimming.

I’m sure that when you read the headline you gasped and then when you saw the photos you paused. “Those are beautiful dresses. Can I really wear that?” I don’t know, can you? It is after all YOUR WEDDING. (Don’t tell your mom) You decide what to wear, and what to do.

As always you should consider your wedding style, your site and your juncture (time, date, season, etc.).
Black dresses are more suited to ultra-modern, formal, artsy celebrations. They are more suited to evening and they are more suited to winter. Think art gallery December not garden in April.

What about etiquette? What will people say? What does it mean?
There is some etiquette that is timeless and some that should go. (Don’t ask “does anyone have reason that these two should not be married”, because you don’t really want your Aunt Milda to finally decide to tell you she doesn’t really approve.)

Grooms wear black. It’s timeless. It’s handsome. I always think a white tuxedo looks odd. Is it because I’m used to men wearing dark tuxedos? Maybe, and maybe black suits a body frame better and complements skin tone better. Although white doesn’t suit most skin tones, today’s wedding dress makers offer a variety of shades of white to suit your skin tone. Pick any color that suits you; champagne, white and pink (Gwen Stefani did), gold, black.

Traditionally brides have worn white because it has been a symbol of joyous celebration since early Roman times. At the beginning to the twentieth century, white stood for purity as well. Today, it holds it original meaning of happiness and joy.
Pick a dress you love. One you don’t want to take off. The store should have to tell you its closing time.
Pick a dress that screams joy. It should suit your occasion.

Worry less about what people think.

Some more resources:

Wedding DNAhas addressed your etiquette questions about the little black dress…
The Power of BlackThis is power of black. Black is independent, fearless of society's reprimands, grounded in a species of strength that may only come forth from within. And when is such strength more necessary for any woman than on the day of her wedding? Now that we have somewhat dispelled the ancient myths of black, let us consider the various possibilities of its use. A formal, floor length evening gown is always stunning in black. It may be a sleek, body-hugging silhouette of chiffon or silk, or a two piece princess gown, complete with ball gown skirt and strapless, beaded corset. This sort of dress is ideal for an after five event. However, if you wish to wear black to a daytime affair, lighten it up with a tea-length skirt and sash of baby pink or blue. Trim in this same pink or blue would also work, as would a touch of pale yellow here and there; a wide ribbon around waist, perhaps, or color in the form of flowers worn in the hair and across the line of the bust would do nicely.

Even Emily Post has new dress etiquette for guests attire

Old- Guests shouldn’t wear white or black to a wedding.

New- You can wear white as long as it doesn’t look like a wedding dress: it’s the bride’s day. If you wear black, it should look like you are attending wedding, not a funeral. Also consider: time of day, location, and any rules of attired specified by religion (for example, bare shoulders or too much cleavage or leg showing).

See the rest of the story here… or read more about Paris weddings at http://www.parisianevents.com/parisianparty/

Even Silver?

Your Millionaire Bachelorette Party

2008-04-07T17:49:00.009-06:00

Just in case you are in need of a lavish Bachelorette Party (Stag & Hen Weekend) Coleen McLoughlin has a great idea for you.

Seven Star (you didn't even know there was one did you) Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. (It's the one Roger Federer & Andre Agassi played tennis on top of). I doubt she'll be playing tennis. Soccer Star Wayne Rooney's fiance is planning a weekend get-a-way for girlfriends at the $2,000 a night hotel in Dubai. Wonder what a $200 massage is like? Keep wondering...

It the mean time- dream away and see how millionaires amuse themselves at http://www.burj-al-arab.com/

Wayne and pals are reported to be headed to the Bellagio in Las Vegas and Jeeping in the Nevada Desert.

Congratulations to Andy Roddick & Brooklyn Decker!

2008-04-01T15:47:00.013-06:00

Tennis superstar Andy Roddick
and
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Brooklyn Decker
have announced their engagement!

Brooklyn was born 1987 in Kettering, Ohio.
Andy was born 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Both have long since left their humble beginnings for the public stage.

A gorgeous wedding to be sure-

No wedding date has been set. (a.k.a. They don't want you to know)

Congrats to the beautiful couple!

Splurge! Your Event Dessert Buffet

2008-04-01T08:16:00.011-06:00

Not big on floured cakes?

Looking to make your event unique?

Offer your guests a dessert buffet and great coffee.

They’ll be moaning praises.

One of our favorite Colorado spots to get your fix is
A Grand Finale-

Check out their aaaaamazing transformations of chocolate.

They’ll bake for 300 or a sampling for you. You should really do a taste test- tonight!

The Best Bridal Diet

2008-03-28T10:35:00.012-06:00

OK, we lied. No miracle weight-loss here.

The diet-industry is a thriving money making misconception. They know large percentages of people are emotionally distraught about our bodies- and they are willing ~~to capitalize on it~~ help. They also know that brides are prime targets. The most important day of your life is fast approaching and you want to look like a smoking hottie.

Maybe it’s those nagging 10lbs that have been plaguing you for years and maybe it’s much more. Dieting is NOT the avenue to success. We live in a society of immediate gratification and minimal effort. We want everything now and we don’t want to do anything for it. Weight-loss is no different.

So you’ve decided to do something about it. You’ve put off buying your wedding dress and desperately Googled weight loss. Hey, you’re in luck, the entire first page has miracle quick-fix promises. (Oh, and you can get rich quick from home too.) “Rapid weight loss,” “Drop pounds without exercise,” “Just eat our dinners and lose 30 lbs.” Magic. Magic. Magic. You’ve seen them all over your TV and in your email. Somewhere inside you there is an intelligent person, someone who knows better than to believe these empty promises. You’re not 5 and this is not abracadabra.

Yo-yo dieting is not only dangerous, it is counter-productive. After you come off that 6 month miracle rice-cake diet, you’ll gain even more weight back. Early married life is a whole new life to get used to. You don’t need to throw in weight gain too. So what can you do?

Weddings are stressful. Diets are stressful. This is not the time for a double whammy. Please spare your fiancé 6 months of cranky. “Oooh, oooh, I’m so glad I decided to marry this crabby woman.” It is too easy to focus your entire life on your one day vision. We know it’s the most important day of your life (it’s why we’re in business, to get you there in fabulous style). While you are planning your wedding you need to also focus on your life beyond. That’s what this is all about- a celebration of your new life together. Prepare for it too, not just for your bash.

If you want something, then go get it. Isn’t it much better to start your marriage as a healthy (albeit buff and hot) couple. It is much more beneficial to learn how to eat well and to introduce a healthy lifestyle. Do it together. You’ll keep each other accountable, you’ll stick with it and earn a hot husband too! Take up a sport together, go to the gym together, have weight lifting contests (muscles look hot and help you metabolize your food better), walk together, take a healthy cooking class (ahhh, a husband who can cook), register for healthy cookbooks from the American Heart Association and other sources (they will help you make healthy taste good). Also register for low-fat cooking items; non-stick pans, steamers, and grills (no deep fryers- it’s like ordering 10 extra pounds).

Don’t avoid food. Celebrations and our lives center on food. Everything in moderation. Don’t miss this amazing time. Celebrate it!

Resources:
American Heart Association Health
American Heart Association Cookbooks
Williams-Sonoma New Healthy Kitchen Series Cookbooks
Online Cookbook at Cooking Light
Web Md Health & Eating
Colorado Cooking Schools
Mise En Place- Denver
Cook Street- Denver
The Seasoned Chef-Denver
Come Back To The Table- Fort Collins

Make a vacation out of it
Conscious Gourmet- Across the United States
Cuisinart Resort- Anguilla

OK, now go for it. Call your fiancé and hatch a plan- then tell us about it in the comments.
We will publish your plan and your success along with wedding, honeymoon, and pictures of the two of you.
Come on, get ready to show off…

“A cake, Frank, is made of flour and water.”

2008-03-25T10:54:00.024-06:00

Often wedding clients feel like they are being taken advantage of by pricey cakes. Why are they so expensive? Are these cakes stuffed with a green paper filling?

Are these vendors making millions off my bliss?

It’s true, wedding desires often cost much more than you want them to. If you understand what goes into each item and the demand for them, it will make much more sense.

This Behind the Scenes look at Cakes is the first in our series of many Behind the Scenes posts.

Why do wedding cakes cost $6 a serving and up? (Keep in mind this is a mid-west estimate and you’ll pay more in New York, California, Napa, etc.)

Wedding cakes involve structure. This is not your 5th birthday cake. It’s 5 of those piled on top of each other. It involves PVC, dowels and very precise leveling. Sometimes brides wonder if they can make their own tiered cake. A fraction of brides have the baking skills to construct such a cake well. Even if you are one of them, I still do not recommend that you make the cake for your own wedding. You should spend your morning having your hair done, getting dressed, enjoying your family and friends. Stressed out brides are often those who try too much and then are panicked at the last minute. I’m sure you’re very talented, but you don’t want to test it today and be heart broken about the most important day of your life.

Wedding cakes should taste amazing. It’s really easy for a cake to be too dry or for the filling to be too soft and compromise the structure. Bakers have honed their skills for years, making many cakes each week. You may go and taste all their wonderful flavors and even challenge them to recreate one of your favorites in the months prior to your event. They have tested the science of the recipes to ensure they taste best and look great- no gloppy cake please.

Your wedding cake should look like a tower of art, not like a 3rd grade Home Economics project. Be inspired, go to the knot and see hundreds of gorgeous cakes that will call out to you and your wallet. Then go to your local bakeries’ websites and see who best fits your style. You do not need to see your exact cake but the cakes should have a similar feel and construction style. Don’t hire a baker who rarely works with fondant icing if that is what your heart desires. Make it yourself and you could be crying over orange fingers and slimy fondant. Pick a stunning cake and an artist to make it. Don’t believe the propaganda, this is the one time you should expect to have your cake and eat it too.

Finally, while we don’t suggest you make your own cake, we always suggest you be original. If there’s a traditional item you don’t want for your wedding, skip it and come up with your own idea. Guests often attend 5 weddings a summer. It’s refreshing to attend one that has been given attention to detail and is not the same as all the others. (Yes those floating candles are cool looking, but they were cool in 1990 as well.) Don’t want a pricey, tiered cake? Order 200 orange cupcakes from your grocer and shave chocolate over them. (Use a rotary cheese grater and chocolate chips). Or sprinkle silver dragées over ganache cupcakes.

One of my favorite weddings was in a wildflower field in Carbondale, CO. We rented large white tents, bright blue table cloths and ordered large fruit tarts. It was spectacular, and simple (shhhh- don’t tell.) These are some great ways to save with alternatives.

Still want that skyscraper art piece. (I know you do) Give the bakers a break. Tiered fondant cakes require a lot of labor and a lot of skill, and they make for a jaw dropping centerpiece for your reception.

Wedding Cake Time-Lapse

2008-03-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

Sweets For Your Sweet.

2008-03-19T14:24:00.004-06:00

Often when we ask clients to make a decision, we get a very blank look until we begin to look at pictures.

In that vein, we bring you another installment of... Just To Inspire!

Today's Inspiration: Placecards

Personalize your nametags.

Think outside the tentcard.

Don't be intimidated by protocol.

Be original!

New Colorado Site!

2007-10-19T15:34:00.000-06:00

Denver Botanic Gardens

at Chatfield

Open House

The Fabulous Denver Botanic Gardens has a new undertaking. A quiet little (ok the preserve is 700 acres in total...so not small) farm right off C-470 and Wadsworth. It's like a time jump- off the highway and into calm, into peace, into a longstanding (19th century) ranch & schoolhouse. You can faintly see cars going by in the distance- you just can't hear them.

Your drive in is a picturesque view of a red barn with natural gardens all around.

But when you enter the barn, it's not so 'farm'- no dusty shoes here, no animal smell, no horse tack- just brand new gorgeous wood walls and beams and concrete floor. Even an indoor real bathroom.

A quaint little room. Really ready to be dressed up.

No adding

"please wear appropriate attire"

(read flat shoes and nothing angered by dirt) on your invitation.

See more Details Here

$600 for 4 hour rental $900 for 8 hour rental

seating indoor ~120 guests-150 guests

When entering the barn... an amazing smell! (ok, that's extra) If you're interested in this 'add on' call

Rocky Mountain Catering

303-216-0553

In order...

1- Great Smell

2- Great Display

3- Great Food

-The most upscale toast points, fresh salsa, we've ever seen. These people can make even the simplest look and taste amazing.

-Crusted Beef Tenderloin served with smooth, unique and very well made sauces.

-Fresh Spinach Salad with blue-cheese, walnuts and raspberries.

-Bite size chocolate pastries

These people are a world away from their bbq roots (which they still do if you'd like- and they are great at it)

Thanks Rocky Mountain, you can make me dinner anytime.

thanks also to County Line Liquor.

Also available at Chatfield: Deer Creek Schoolhouse

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2007-09-21T17:07:00.000-06:00

Take a break from wedding planning this weekend and invest in your relationship.

Make what's important to him- important to you. You will forever be rewarded for it. Show you're interested in him and what he cares about- and he'll do the same.

#1) Look his team kick off up at http://www.nfl.com/schedules and tell him that you're looking forward to the game!

#2) Make the two of you-
Franks Hot Sauce Chicken Dip

Layer:
-One 8oz pkg. Cream Cheese
-1/2 Cup Ranch or Blue Cheese Salad Dressing
-1/2 Cup Franks Hot Sauce
-2 Cups Shredded Chicken Boiled in Chicken Broth
-1/2 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese bubbles.

#3) Serve it with
Pita Chips or Tostitos Scoops
and
Ice Cold Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat

#4) Cuddle Up! Enjoy the fall weather & football.

A great start to your marriage- We Promise!

Your Vendor's Idea of Service

2007-09-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we are really appalled at the level of service of some vendors.
(it should be noted that most go out of their way to offer you great service- but that's not note-worthy)

You would think in the millions of dollars to be had in the wedding industry, that vendors would really consider the stress causing affects of their everyday demands.

What you do not want to do before and after your wedding. (Ya, we don't want to do it either!)

Before Your Wedding:

-Get initial fitting for tux

-Call tux shop to fix order

-Drive an hour to pick up altered dress from seamstress because it was the only option.

-Return to tux shop to remeasure

-Go to pick up tux on Thursday

-Go back Friday to get tux coat and realize they didn't order it

-Go back morning of wedding to get coat (we've now been to the tux shop more than their UPS man)

After Your Wedding:

-Return cake plates (seriously? they must cost like $10)

-Return tuxes (they can't order them right, but you'd better return them the next morning!)

-Return vases (They're huge, don't crack them!)

We would like to suggest vendors offer 'Stress-Free Perks'
You could sell our Brides on these little seemingly insignificant savers- we'd book you for it!

Just To Inspire

2007-09-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

Pick a few well placed really impressive focal points for your event deco.

Grand Floridian

2007-08-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

This fabulous honeymoon idea brought to you by:
The Ramblings of My Mind

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Fitch!

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Discover the crown jewel of Walt Disney World® Resort at this Victorian-inspired Resort reminiscent of Florida's golden era.

go see it at... Disneyworld's website.

Honoring 30 Year Boulder School Teacher

2007-08-20T14:25:00.000-06:00

A fitting retirement celebration

Congratulations Tracy Tuttle

&

Thank You for the love and energy
you've poured into Boulder County's 1st graders.

Thanks to Sunshine Cemetery Committee for allowing us to use this fabulous site.

A little about this historic 1 room school house...
Sunshine School (added 1989 - Building - #89000982) Boulder County - 355 Co. Rd. 83, Sunshine (less then 1 acres, 1 building)
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Area of Significance: Architecture, Exploration/Settlement
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Education

Thanks to Carol & Kerry Walsh from

Kacee's Wine & Spirits

for a great wine tasting!

http://www.kaceeswineandspirits.com/

Boulder County Kids...

Be on the lookout for a mysterious substitute teacher.

BRIGHT!

2007-07-24T13:26:00.000-06:00

Just to inspire- Bright

Don't be afraid of color.

It makes a real difference

Nevermind, Just Send Gifts.

2007-07-16T12:45:00.000-06:00

Former UCLA Basketball Coach Steve Lavin is getting married to actress Mary Jarou.
They have some great ideas for your wedding!

1. Pick a drop dead gorgeous resort location.
2. Invite everyone you ever met with an engraved invite.
3. Register at Tiffanys and Lexus.
4.send an email and let them all know you changed your mind and you don’t want them to come.
(Be sure to include an address to mail your gifts to you at.)

You think we’re kidding?

Following is their actual email.
I don’t believe in Karma but this must have serious repercussions.
~
Update from the Jarou/Lavin wedding headquarters in Newport Beach. Unexpectedly we have received a stunning 95% RSVP on sent out wedding invitations. As a result, our wedding guest list has far exceeded the maximum capacity for a traditional ceremony and reception at The Montage Resort. After giving serious consideration to alternative plans we have decided the best option at this late stage is to head to Europe to create a magical wedding day. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconveniences this change in our wedding plans may have caused you. We are sorry that we will not be able to share our big day with family and friends. We will be sure to send you photos of our wedding upon our return from Europe. Please confirm that you received this email. Thanks in advance for your understanding. Warm regards, Steve & Mary
~

To translate…
“I wanted you all to know about the hottie I’m marrying and wanted you to send us a fab gift, didn’t think you’d really spring for it, oops.”

We have some more ideas for the etiquette challenged.

go to the resorts web page and send an e-card http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/newepostcards/ecard.php?clear=1

Send them a gift card (http://www.montageshops.com/giftcards.php) and tell them "Here hope this pays the taxes on your room you already booked."

Just stick a post-it note to their office door “Hey, the bash is off, Steve”

These people are idiots.
Emily Post is rolling in her grave as we speak.

thanks to the following for finding the story first.
http://www.bruinsnation.com/story/2007/7/9/154310/7296
http://www.withleather.com/post.phtml?pk=3318

by the way… if you like the pictures goto http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/index.html and book yourself a room, I hear they have openings.

Your Mom's Big Day

2007-07-11T12:32:00.000-06:00

To our beloved bride: sorry it’s not really about what YOU want!

You dreamed it, you got a rock, you were locked to a budget and then you realized…

It didn’t matter what you wanted after all. There's a reason that we abbreviate Mother Of the Bride as MOB. The Mob always get what they want and if you get in the way you and your loved ones end up hurt or missing and the Mafia is no different.

I'm sorry to be the one to inform you, but…

You are having your rehearsal at the Steak Pit because your in-laws are not going to pay more than $7.50 pp, what were you thinking?!

Your Dad’s ex-wife’s step-mom has to be seated in the processional after all the other grandparents- and she wants to sit on the front row.

Your mother doesn’t care that you want your grandma to sit with you, she can sit upstairs, she’s been creating a rift for years.

Your parents have to invite their college room-mates. No they can’t sit upstairs. No they’re not increasing the budget.

You cannot have a martini bar, what would your Great Aunt Baptist think?

Yes you will have your cousin as a bridesmaid and you cannot pick that sexy black dress for the girls, what would her mother think?!

You may not like bows as decorations but they are traditional and the mother of the groom wants them.

You didn't want the orange unity candle that your mom saved from her marriage to your step-dad? Well maybe she needs to remind you again just who is paying for this shin dig young lady. Or perhaps you'd like to do it your way on your dime?

Your mother did not get to have a big traditional wedding because money was too tight so she's going to play the role of Bride and Wedding Planner for your nuptials. You can't imagine how thrilled she was when she found out you were a girl. At last she could plan her fancy wedding!

Don't worry, you'll get to plan a wedding the way you want it… just as long as you give birth to a daughter. No? Thinking that you'd never do this to your daughter? So was your mother when your grandma planned her wedding.

Get What You Really Want

2007-07-03T08:28:00.000-06:00

Registries are great. You know your guests want to buy you something- you don't tell them what you want because that's just rude. You tell a store and they tell your guests- somehow it's different.
Do you really want a vacuum that cleans all the way down to the carpet pad or a canister set that will never ever be as shinny as when it came?
Well look no further. We know what you really want. Fiji- Bora Bora- Paris- Why not let your friends and family pay for it?

You can register for your dream honeymoon and it's easier than traditional registries. No returns, shipping costs or duplicates (not that you'd complain) Your guests can spend exactly what they wish.

try...

http://www.distinctivehoneymoons.com/

A few tips so you come off looking like a blissful bride not a gold-digger.

Registry do's and don'ts

Do Register
Your guests want to buy you gifts and by registering, it saves your guests time from guessing what to get you and it ensures that you will not get things you don't want or need and saves time returning five of the same item!

Don't put off starting your registry
Once your family and friends know he 'popped the question', they will start preparing for the engagement party and bridal shower. You want to register up to 9 months in advance and it is never too late to register - use your registry for wedding gifts as well.

Do get the ‘word out'
Give your parents, bridesmaids and groomsman all of the details about your registry so they can start letting your guests know by ‘word of mouth'. If you have a wedding website, place your registry information on your website (don't forget to include the website address and telephone number). Use the announcement card or email service provided by your registry. Never send a registry announcement in your wedding invitation. An etiquette taboo! The one exception is the shower invitation.

Don't forget to consider more than one registry
There's no “correct” number of registries you can have. Get together with your future spouse and discuss what makes you both happy. Having a store registry and a honeymoon registry is a way to cover all the bases. Besides, it's more fun for your guest to purchase the gifts you want.

Do register for gifts in a range of prices
Registries are not only for engagement parities or showers; also use it for your wedding gifts. By having gift items in all price ranges this will ensure you don't leave anyone one out when it comes to their budget. Having a range of prices will allow guests to purchase lower price items for a shower and higher price items for a wedding gift.
Don't tell unless asked
It's plain tacky for you to tell your guests where you are registered unless asked of course

Do say thank you
Always send a hand written thank you card. Gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding should be received no later than 3 months after you return from your honeymoon. Don't forget to mention the gift by name.

(Do's and Don'ts courtesy Distinctive Honeymoons)

Add some WOW!

2007-06-29T11:42:00.000-06:00

People often try too much in planning a bash.

Instead focus on a couple of things and do them well.

Your guests will praise your efforts.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No (Wedding) Service!

2007-06-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

"Are you friends of the Bride or Groom?"

Inspiration for this blog comes from all over the place, and doesn't get much better than this. Just last night my husband was listening to the radio and the DJs were discussing couples getting married at Wal-Mart because they wanted to wed on 7/7/07 and everything else was booked up. I was a little skeptical. Let's face it, afternoon show DJs are not exactly renowned for being bastions of truth and accuracy so I decided to poke around online. It's true, and not only is it true, but you had to win a contest to be one of the 'lucky couples.'

Here's a quote from the article:

"This package includes the decorated wedding venue in Wal-Mart's colorful lawn and garden area..."

The lawn and garden area? Why that's just as classy as if you got married at the botanical gardens. Please trust me when I tell you that if you decide have your wedding at Wal-Mart the most memorable thing about it will not be the date.

Guests will show up dressed to the nines and will be warmly welcomed by the friendly greeter. "Hello, we're here for the Glass - Cox wedding," (actual names of one of the couples).
"Oh, yes. It's back in our lawn and garden section. Take aisle 12 all the way back to the jean shorts and halter tops and then take a left. Keep going until you see the folding lawn chairs and can smell the weed killer. If you get to men's undergarments you've gone too far."

If you're lucky enough to be invited to one of these events here's a few helpful tips:

If you forget your gift just arrive 10 minutes early and have Wal-Mart gift wrap something for you.
A supervised nursery for the children will not be provided but as always Wal-Mart encourages you to leave them to run roughshod in the toy aisle.
Please remember to bring your own spit cup.
Formal attire is not required but try to choose an outfit that looks good with your mullet.
Check the weather and remember to put the T-Tops on your Camaro if it might rain.
Keep some dollar bills in your pocket for the 'Money Dance,' if you don't have any dollar bills handy, arrive early and return the truck battery you recently bought. Ask the customer service clerk for the $12 in ones.

A Little Creativity

2007-06-06T19:56:00.000-06:00

Fan Programs:
1. Print pages
2. Cut into 5 equal triangles
3. Punch a hole in the bottom
4. Secure with a pretty rivet from your local fabric store

A little thought and a lot of cutting and you'll have a detail to remember.

Great Idea
Guest's will love it.

Our only advice. Consider the time... 1 looks cool. 100 gets annoying to cut.

Favors and Placecards

2007-06-05T18:51:00.000-06:00

Your placecards and favors are one of the details at your wedding where you can get creative. If you're a pilot, an air traffic controller or even just an airplane aficionado you could do something similar to the picture on the left.

It's a good idea to arrange placecards alphabetically with the table number on the back, also like the picture on the left. This will help you to avoid everyone circling the tables trying to find their placecards, and it will prevent someone getting to the table 6 first and switching your know-it-all aunt Sophie to a different table.

When it comes to favors keep it simple and elegant. You don't want your guests to feel like they just got something out of a Cracker Jack box, but at the same time you can't afford to buy everyone a pair of diamond earrings. (If you're reading this Oprah, it doesn't apply to you.)

Just To Inspire- Kids

2007-06-04T21:33:00.000-06:00

Occasionally we will give you some great pictures just because they are soooo cool.

Oh, and also because more pictures equals less writing.

Kids love it when there is anything especially for them.

Plus, they are quieter when distracted.

Should You Have A Wedding Rehearsal?

2007-05-29T16:40:00.000-06:00

How do you have a ceremony that runs smoothly?
How will the ushers know how to usher your family out?
How will your musicians know when to play for your unity candle?
How will you know when to respond to your officiate?
How can you get your maid of honor to take your bouquet and fix your muddled train?

See you really do need to practice.

Make a program- an order of details of the ceremony. Even if you don’t want one for your guests, your officiate, coordinator, musicians, readers and ushers will need one to follow. It should include the names of your musical pieces, readings and liturgy and who is intended to play, sing or speak.

Decide every detail before with your officiate and coordinator. Trust me you do not want advice from your Aunt Ruth about how to walk in or from your soon-to-be mother in law about where the men should go. No one will agree, it will add time and confusion to your rehearsal and no one will remember what you ultimately decided on. Do it before and write it down. Now is the time for a little detail. We do not suggest that you obsess about your wedding for a year before, but we do suggest you give a few things some time before your big day.

Get everyone there on time and promise them if they pay attention (harder with adults than kindergarteners) that you will reward them with a drink and dinner after.

Have your coordinator…
1- Set your bridal party up in their places at the front.
2- Guide them how to recess/leave (and inform them where they will go after the ceremony)
3- Line the bridal party up in their pre-ceremony places at the back (guys, girls, children, parents)
4- Inform participants about entry order and instructions to reach the front.
5-Run through your entire ceremony from processional songs to recessional
6- Include details like hand offs, microphones, when musicians/readers should come forward
7- Skip the words of the ceremony and the I-do’s (It’ll be better tomorrow)
8- Give your officiate your marriage license and your wedding rings to your coordinator or maid-of-honor.
9- Give everyone directions to dinner.
10- Relax and enjoy your friends and family. Don’t drink too much- there are going to be a lot of pictures tomorrow.

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-25T13:34:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 13:7

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

Where the cool people go...

2007-05-24T12:37:00.000-06:00

Need Inspiration?

TheKnot.com has more than you can handle.

our favorite spot...

http://weddings.theknot.com/odb/results.aspx?type=3&colors=Red

check the drop down menu for all your heart desires

Fab Honeymoons

2007-05-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

Need we say more...

Swept Away

Negril, Jamaica

http://www.swept-away.com/

InterContinental RESORT AND SPA MOOREA
Moorea, French Polynesia

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/mozpf?_requestid=314283

Dear Wedding Photographer

2007-05-16T14:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Wedding Photographer,

Thank you so very much for the beautiful memories that you’ve given us, and for putting the photos online in your “featured wedding” section. You made me feel like a celebrity.

Speaking of celebrities, please be mindful that my younger brother is a highly-touted super star quarterback who was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns. I’m not certain, but there’s a chance that you may have taken some pictures of him at my wedding that might be… well… embarrassing to say the least. I know my little brother would appreciate it if you didn’t post the pictures of him dancing to Y.M.C.A. even though there’s probably no chance that some blogger will find the pictures and make fun of him.

Sincerely,
Laura Hawk (formerly Quinn)

Dear Laura Hawk… OOPS!

File this one under things to mention BEFORE the wedding!

Source: With Leather who credits The Big Lead

Just Elope Already!

2007-05-15T07:50:00.000-06:00

An attorney suggesting that you represent yourself.

A mechanic not finding any additional problems that you need to take care of.

Paris Hilton taking responsibility for her actions.

A wedding coordinator suggesting that you elope.

“I’ll take things that will never happen for $500 please Alex.” Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

Well get ready, because you’re about to witness the final item on that list. (In related news the temperature in hell today is a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit with a cold front moving in tonight.)

Your vision of eloping probably includes a light up Elvis, a free Vegas buffet and disgruntled relatives. Modern “eloping” has evolved into “destination weddings”, and it’s not just a new name but a new way to look at weddings. Simply go somewhere else.

Your wedding dreams can change overnight, quickly going from: fairy tales, flowers, dreams, doves, and layers of flowing organza to pushy relatives, budget limitations, hours fighting over seating charts, details, details, details. One minute you can’t stop looking at your new 1 carat princess cut diamond and the next morning you realize you’re going to pay $120 a guest, your mother wants to invite everyone she ever knew, thinks you should hang swags of lace and have huge centerpieces of babies breath and carnations. All of the sudden you find yourself hoping that your mother won’t be offended if you throw up all over her wedding book from Michaels.

Usually brides seriously consider eloping after 6 months of planning, when they just can’t take it anymore. At that point you’re 6 deposits in and stuck with 6 more months of your mother.

While we pride ourselves in reducing your stress planning your wedding and helping you Enjoy Your Event!, there are cases where it’s just better to find an amazing resort, a gorgeous dress and buy an airline ticket. We are not counselors. Likewise if you would love to come to Colorado for your get-a-way, we would love to help.

Couples have many reasons not to elope. Let us tell you the truth…

1-The laws are too confusing. I can’t get a license.
(Thanks to about.com) just click here to find your location. You can also get all the info you need on the internet. Research has never been easier.

Bahamas Example:
ID Requirement: Photo ID such as passport or driver's license. Additionally, you will need a sworn declaration to prove that you are not married. If you are a US citizen, this can be done at the US Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau. Others can have a notarized declaration.
Residency Requirement: 24 hours for either the bride or groom. You must provide evidence of the date of your arrival in The Bahamas.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.

2- I want my family and friends to come but don’t want them there for my honeymoon!

There are many ways to accommodate this.
Island hop! There are so many great Caribbean locals close to each other, you can marry at one and stow away to another secluded spot to sunbathe and sip the week away.
Resort Hop! Marry at one resort and then move to another. Sandals, Couples, Barbados, check other all inclusives

Stay with your family and friends the week prior and enjoy a vacation with them, then plan for them to check out and stay and enjoy a private honeymoon for the next week. (Your family and friends will understand. Be honest with them about your desire to have alone time.)

3- I will feel like I didn't get a real wedding.

You do not have to have a shotgun wedding. You are simply planning a wedding in another location. It is less work, less details and less guests. All of this leads to a relaxing and memorable day of bliss.

Pick an idealic beach or a thatched hut in a tropical local or stay at one of Las Vegas’ new super hotels, perhaps get married at the Terrace at The Bellagio. Take your family to Italy. Spend a week in Colorado’s Mountains.

Do whatever you need to do to Enjoy Your Event!

Romantic Colorado Getaway

2007-05-10T12:05:00.000-06:00

Gold Lake Resort
A YMCA camp? Yeah, really. I’m serious. Stop looking at me like that. Let me explain:

This resort used to be a YMCA camp.
Each cabin has been renovated to include log beds with feather tops, bathtubs carved out of rock, stained glass windows and the camp counselors have been removed for your enjoyment. Very cool.

As if that wasn’t cozy enough, just steps from your front door are rock hot tubs built into the side of the mountain with a view of Gold Lake. What could make this any more enjoyable? Some light snow, your man bringing you a hot cocoa by the fire that he built and then reading poetry to you. (OK so the poetry thing might be pushing it, but the rest sounds good right?) Oh, and don’t tell him that there are no TVs there, or be sure to go during a bye week.

Gold Lake Resort also boasts a Spa and Alice's Restaurant (awesome food)

It's ok if you want to sing...

"You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal, You can do whatever you feel ... "

http://www.goldlake.com/
Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa •
3371 Gold Lake Road, Ward, CO 80481 USA •
303-459-3544

Will Your DJ Cramp Your Style

2007-05-07T13:21:00.000-06:00

The following article comes courtesy of Jay Kacik,
DJ/Owner of Standing Room Only http://www.srodj.com/

From time to time we will feature guest writers that we feel have great insider tips for you, and because sometimes we're just to lazy to write something ourselves.

Thanks Jay...

It's difficult to write about weddings without being too cliché. Yes, it is "your big day" and, of course, a most beautiful beginning to the rest of your life. The key phrase being, "the rest of your life," meaning you'll have plenty of time to look back on "your big day." What will you want to see? Perfection. Or at least something more attractive than a Gemini TR 100 speaker sprouting from your head. (Your guests might also better appreciate a party where they won't risk tripping over a monolithic lighting structure.)

It doesn't take but brief contact with a wedding deejay to know that he (or she--yes, a growing contingent) is proud of their equipment. Just a few words past "hello" with any of these gala gurus and sound school is in session. Get ready to nod agreeably to words like amplifier, subwoofer and Mackie DFX-6 6x2 compact live sound mixer with on-board effects. But, hey, these guys are the life of the party. A good deejay has to know not only how to pronounce your Uncle Krzyzewski's last name, but exactly how to train an amateur on a mic, the right balance of bass and treble as well as the optimal sound for the acoustics of the room. But with all the time, money and sanity invested in an event as big as your wedding, it's time too for the cool deejay toys to be heard and not seen.

With all of the work you put into designing the decor and "feel" of your wedding, a little extra time to make sure your DJ understands your vision will be time well spent. Florists tend to have a natural sense of style. They know where to put the flowers and how to arrange them properly. Djs are a whole different story! Look at pictures of your DJ's equipment from past weddings. Make sure their style fits in with your wedding and doesn't detract from the beauty of your wedding venue. Any good, professional DJ will coordinate the reception and play all the right songs to keep everyone dancing. But what will the DJ bring to your wedding? Cheese or Class?

It is your choice!

***
Writer credits:
Jared Ewy
Jay Kacik, DJ/Owner of Standing Room Only http://www.srodj.com/

Your Tasting

2007-05-05T14:52:00.000-06:00

One of the most anticipated planning events is your caterer's tasting.

Here's a look at one bride's meal and experience.

How to know if your caterer is into you…

They...
· Serve it in a clean ballroom
(Catering offices send a budget cook message )

· Set a table for the bride and groom to see
(Bride’s have trouble visualizing.)

· Let you meet the chef
(Make them feel like a star)

· Serve a plate that actually looks like it will to their guests.
(Artistic Food Tastes Better!)

· Send them with a tuxedo strawberry
(Chocolate sets every wedding contract well.)

Menu

Chicken Limoncello
Light refreshing grilled breast of chicken on
A bed of flavorful minted Limoncello sauce
Served with fragrant jasmine rice and steamed baby vegetables

Served with a Kendall Jackson Chardonnay

Piedmont Petite Fillet
Petite fillet with herbs and tri-colored peppercorns pan seared and roasted to perfection. Served with roasted rosemary potatoes
And seasonal vegetables

Served with a MacMurray Pinot Noir
***

Special thanks to Emily Burger at http://www.magnoliahoteldenver.com/
My bride felt like royalty

How to Host a Tent Event

2007-05-01T09:05:00.000-06:00

1- Consider size…
If your tent is too small you will not have ample mingling space. You do not want your guests to have to stay camped at their table all night.
Figure it out at: http://www.bctent.com/calculator.htm

2-Consider light...
Do not take the tent company up on their ‘add on light for the tent pole’. Most are a glorified construction high wattage, hot bulb. You’ve spent thousands on your wedding and then you’ve turned it into a blinding “we didn’t want you to trip on the uneven ground event”. Use paper globe lights, battery twinkle lights from the corners, large pillar candles in hurricanes and hang candles from Sheppard’s hooks lining the entrance to your tent.

3- Treat your floor…
Unless you have a level surface with well maintained sod, opt for a floor. Your guests donned their best garb- don’t make them get all dusty.

4- Thwart the elements…

Install tent sides and a pretty fabric entrance to block the wind. Rent heaters, so your guests don’t freeze.

5- Gussy it up…
Install flowers up the center pole, swag fabric or flowers across the ceiling, install ruched fabric along the ceiling, make your guests gasp.

Remember you are transforming your space for your event. Whether it’s your living room or your backyard, treat it right.

(Picture tent wedding courtesy of Legoland- San Diego)

Your Cake, Your Style

2007-04-26T15:25:00.000-06:00

Everything at your wedding should scream you!

Most of all your cake. It is the most memorable, most displayed piece at your event.

Pick something you just adore. Set the tone for everything else.

The Real Wedding Crashers

2007-04-24T20:15:00.000-06:00

Top 6 Ways to Avoid Fainting

Don't lock your knees, keep them slightly bent
Don't spend the night before the wedding getting to know Johnny Walker and Jim Beam
Don't hold the wedding in a sauna
Don't tie it too tight. No one will notice that you look 1/2 inch slimmer as you crash to the floor
Don't be afraid to take a seat for 30 seconds
Breathe

Another Brilliant Idea from NBC

2007-04-23T12:54:00.000-06:00

The Real Wedding Crashers premieres tonight on the network that brought you such classics as Manimal and Joey and then gave Donald Trump a primetime slot for his ego. Thanks NBC, YOU’RE FIRED!*

The Real Wedding Crashers is a new reality show in which the bride and groom invite a team of actors to come and prank their wedding. Their catchphrase is “Nothing’s safe: not the cake, not the dress, not even the ceremony!” Guests will be shocked at the waiter who’s eating the appetizers, the minister who answers his cell phone during the vows, and the caterer who drops the cake. At the end of the show the guests and relatives will be let in on the ruse and will realize that they’ve just made a fool of themselves on national television. To save face for the TV audience they will laugh and smile, “Good one! You got me!” but deep down they will be wishing that they had bought the cheap salad spinner instead of splurging on the 300 thread count, goose down comforter.

Great Grandma Bertha will never quite understand that it was all a setup or why something like that would be funny, and your friends who were goaded into heated arguments with the actors you hired will feel like you betrayed them. Trust me on this, by the time it’s all over Al Capone and Eliot Ness will have had a better relationship than you will with your friends.

I’m not sure why anyone not named Ashton Kutcher would want to do this to their guests.

*Disclaimer: This phrase is NOT used with the express written permission of Donald Trump who will most likely own this blog before you are done reading it.

Site News - Moving Day!

2007-04-21T17:44:00.000-06:00

Today is moving day here at Icing Side Up. It is much easier for us to host this blog right here at http://icingsideup.blogspot.com instead of hosting it on our events site, www.hunterevents.com. Look for more of the same coming soon.

Show Him You Love Him This Morning

2007-04-21T07:22:00.000-06:00

OK, so you’ve gotten a little distracted by the wedding and it’s all you ever talk about. Your fiancé is trying to be good and pretend he cares. This morning make it up to him. Go to his apartment and make him the best breakfast ever and don’t talk about the wedding. A word to the wise: learn something about his favorite sports team and pretend you care. He will be ever attentive to you if you make what’s important to him, important to you.

Stop by the grocery store and get:
1 stick butter
½ dozen eggs
One of those tiny bags of flour
Vanilla extract
1 package strawberries (or your favorite fruit)
1 bag powdered sugar

Stop by starbucks and get your favorite morning savers.
You will be using a hot oven, better get leaded.

This is the best soufflé wanna-be/ pancake ever!
From Disney's Family Cookbook (A little kid focused but our favorite recipes; unique and easy.)

Puffed Pancake

Preheat Oven to 450 degrees
Place 3 Tablespoons butter in a pretty pie dish (or the only plan he’s got at his apartment, clean whatever that is off it first)
Place pan with butter in preheated oven until it bubbles (watch that it doesn’t burn)
Meanwhile, Wisk 3 eggs, 2/3 Cup milk, Sift in ¾ Cup Flour (ok he may not have a sifter- it just makes it fluffier)
Mix in ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Remove the pie pan from the oven (It’s Hot!) and pour in pancake mixture.
On a low shelf bake pancake for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile slice 1 cup strawberries (or your favorite fruit) and sift powdered sugar over it.
Cut into large slices and serve it with Sports Center.

Your Event Bar

2007-04-20T12:54:00.000-06:00

How much your guests drink depends on your crowd. Take into account what your friends and family like and whether or not they are Irish.
You do not need to offer every drink, nor do we suggest that you offer an open bar for more than 2 hours total. (Nothing says ‘classy’ like hurling off the balcony while dressed to the nines.)

We suggest that you do not open the bar until after the ceremony. Groomsmen are notorious for loading up and trying to get completely Kennedy’d. When you do open the bar make sure that appetizers are available. (Bread, crackers and other alcohol absorbent foods are always a good idea).
A convenient time to switch from an open bar is when your meal is served. Guests can be seated with their cocktails and then offered beer and wine with their meal. Close the bar while guests fill their tummies, guests are less likely to notice and if they do the wonderful taste that is free food will help alleviate their aggravation. If you wish to open the bar later make it clear that you will authorize the bartender to do so. Survey your crowd, some people are capable of governing themselves and some are not, those who are not will become blatantly obvious to you the longer you wait. Don’t jeopardize your event or your guest’s safety. It will take one hour for your liver to remove one unit of alcohol. That’s 4 hours if you had 4 drinks! It is wise to stop all alcohol 1-2 hours before your guests leave.

What about what to buy? Many sites allow or ask you to purchase your own alcohol.
As a helpful guide for a 3-5 hour event...
assume 3-4 drinks pp
50% beer
20% wine
20% liquor
10% will not drink
(This will vary depending on crowd)
We strongly suggest a no shot policy.

Bottle of wine = ~6 glasses Champagne toast (1/3 full) = 10glasses
1 Keg = ~140 servings
We suggest you purchase bottled beer in 6packs usually liquor stores will return unopened 6packs (as well as bottles of wine and liquor) as long as their labels are not wet.

Cash Bars: Really? If I invited you to my home and charged you $5 for your wine you’d never speak to me again. How badly do you need alcohol that you are not willing to pay for it? We have planned many classy non-alcoholic events. If you are very concerned about several of your guests (the marines, the Irish, your aunt slosh) consider limiting what’s available.

A note about tip jars: If you are paying for the alcohol you should also include gratuity and it is therefore not appropriate for the bartender to display a tip jar. It’s insulting to you. Confirm this beforehand with your licensed bartender.

Click here for a convenient online calc supply list.

(latter picture courtesy of Verge Photography)

"It's next to the viaduct across from the U-Haul Storage"

2007-04-19T13:58:00.000-06:00

“Why don’t we have the wedding at The Steak Pit?”
“I don’t think you want the word pit on a wedding invitation” - Father of the Bride 1991

Even Annie’s little brother knew about wedding etiquette. There are many styles of weddings, but some things never look quite right.

You as a bride and your guests have certain visions about your upcoming wedding. These are perpetuated by all of the clues that lead up to your gala. People make all sorts of judgments based on these clues:

What they will wear: words on your invitation that lead to images of dust, picnic tables, a barn, a park all lead to jeans and casual shoes. If you plan to dress your site up your stationary had better look money.
What gift they will give you: think twice about those funky hot pink invites if you don’t want hot pink dishes. (You think we’re kidding!)
That you’re cheap: were those self-printed smudged Michaels invites really worth the message they sent “I’m cutting every corner but if you could ship me a rather expensive bone china place setting it would be great”
You got a deal on a site in the ‘revitalization’ part of town: drive several routes to your site- don’t just give guests the map-quest results. Being scared of where you’re sending them and what they’ve agreed to attend makes them more apprehensive about everything else throughout the evening.

Think about your event from your guest’s point of view. There are places you can save money and places where you’ve gone too far.

Some Red Flags to Watch For:

Directions include: turn right at the U-Haul facility, just past the shooting range, next to the Pizza Hut
Guests wonder if you were on a budget because the outside of your venue looks like a motel 8
The elevator is so old and creaky that guests are almost wetting themselves in terror, at least that’s what it smells like.
Your invitation contains the words “continue past the main entrance around to the back…”
Security will be provided after dark to walk guests to their cars
A disclaimer “not responsible for valuables left inside your car”
Guests have to keep running out to feed the meter.
Wedding scheduled not to conflict with the working hours of the Purina factory because of the smell.
You book the Butterfly Pavilion and your guests never see a butterfly because you only rented the conference room.
Three letters: V F W

Create an experience for your guests.
Your initial piece of stationary … your wedding website … how they respond … their car ride vistas to the ceremony … what they are expected to do with their time until the reception (FEED THEM!) … avoid the feeling of “now what?” at your reception … and finally how they feel when they leave - send them with a gift to a well lit safe parking lot or even better an option for a ‘Heavenly-Bed’ hotel room and Starbucks after a good night sleep.
“We’ll leave the light on for you"

The Cost of a Guest

2007-04-03T19:27:00.000-06:00

How much does it cost to invite a guest to your wedding? If you haven’t thought about it, now is a good time to do so. Here are some categories to think about and a ballpark figure to do some preliminary calculations.

Caterer $45

Alcohol $25

Cake $7

Stationary $5

Rentals $16 (Chair $8, Table $1, Linens $2, Place Setting $5)

Centerpiece $8 (Flowers, Candles, etc.)

Favors $4

Shuttle Service $2

Staff $6

All totaled up that’s almost $120 per wedding guest! Which means that the cost for inviting your cousin, his wife and their two kids to your wedding is fast approaching $500 – and the kids probably won’t even eat the food, let alone like it!

Parents who are footing the bill for a wedding are notorious for adding long lost relatives to the guest list and then grumbling that the budget has ‘mysteriously’ increased since the last time they were consulted. In reality, there’s nothing mysterious about it at all: E=MC squared and MG=M$ (More Guests = More Money).

Perhaps you should think of your guest list as an investment, sure invite the rich uncle who doesn’t know what to do with his money, but you might want to think twice before you invite that broke cousin who gave your sister the pastel green candy dish… or was that a single martini glass? I guess the ambiguity is part of the charm.

Welcome

2007-03-18T16:05:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Icing Side Up.

This is a brand new feature of the Hunter Events website. We haven’t yet really begun to publicize this blog so congratulations on finding it before we were ready for you – your reward is that there is nothing here to read. We plan to begin adding helpful and oftentimes humorous posts in the near future. Check back soon.