What's the 411 on Wedding Budgets - Part 1

Image via Pink Galoshes
Once you've finished basking in the glow of the engagement, you'll find it hard to get anything accomplished without a detailed wedding budget.  You've watched countless episodes of My Fair Wedding with David Tutera & Platinum Weddings and bought tons of wedding magazines.  However before making a single plan or purchase open your eyes & visualize what you can afford.  One that will allow you to choose the most important elements you want for your big day. 

It is extremely important for brides and grooms together to create a budget, the "magical number".  The first thing to consider is how much money you have at your disposal.  Do you have any savings for your wedding?  How much of your income(s) do you and your fiance' want to invest in this wedding?  Transferring a set amount into a joint account each month is a good way to start saving.  Without an overall budget in place, it will be very difficult to know what you can afford for each aspect of your wedding.  You'll find that deciding on the budget is the hardest job because you want to have the most memorable wedding possible.
The best way to make the best out of your wedding is to plan effectively.  Know your guest count and know your budget.  Enter them into a spread sheet, print them out and keep them with you. (When you become a MemorableMo bride, you actually receive an online wedding workbook for free...to help get you & keep you sane from the very beginning.)  Do your research and don't be afraid to ask questions...just make sure you're asking all the right questions.  Trust me.  No one wants to start their marriage off with financial regret, remember to stay within your means.
If possible speak to your parents to discuss any contributions to the wedding (cake, flowers, etc).  We all know the tradition of the bride's family paying for the wedding, however four out of five couples are now paying for their own wedding.  Once you can come to an agreement of the overall amount you can spend, divide that amount into parts & decide what percentage you are willing to spend.  The overall budget " the magical number" must include the venue(s) for the Ceremony/Reception, Officiant, Catering, DJ/Band, Rentals, Stationery, Photography/Videography, Florals, Wedding Cake...oh don't forget about that white carpet ready gown & hubby-to-be's Tux/Suit.  Oh that's not it....your accessories and if your giving gifts to your bridal party and don't forget about transportation to and from your venue(s).  There's alot to factor in to that "magical number".
Check out our blog tomorrow for Part 2 as we talk about some of the details when sticking with your wedding budget.

It's All About Men {Day 4} - Top 5 Groom's Attire Trends for 2011


photo via The Knot

1. For formal weddings, there's a real trend toward slim fit one-button midnight blue tuxedo with peak lapels. Dark blue looks richer under evening light and provides a better contrast against the black satin on the lapels. When the jacket is cut trim through the waist, the peak lapels help accentuate the shoulders for a flattering silhouette.


2. We are also seeing a strong trend toward less formal weddings. Roughly half of the wedding outfits are suits instead of tuxedos. For destination weddings and daytime summer weddings, we see a lot of cotton and linen suits. For evening weddings, it's a lot of charcoal grey and midnight blue suits.

3. We are also seeing very few tuxedo shirts with traditional pleats or a bib front. Most guys are opting for a more simple, updated style. The most popular is a classic spread collar shirt made in a rich piqué fabric that gives the shirt a more luxurious and formal appearance. The hidden button front offers a clean, formal look and eliminates the need for tuxedo studs.

4. A return to the bowtie. For the past few years, long black ties had eclipsed the traditional bowtie in popularity, but we have seen the bowtie come back strong this year. Opt for an oversized velvet bowtie to make a statement.

5. The perfect groomsman gift: matching custom shirts and ties. It gives a degree of consistency to the wedding party while still being personalized to each groomsman.


photo via josevilla & epblog

It's All About Men {Day 3} - The Groom's Cake

Even though its 2011, we know only a very select few grooms have actually heard of "the groom's cake" and I will say a great number of them have had the pleasure of having one.  The groom's cake was created as a way of honoring the groom on the big day.  While it isn't common at a more traditional wedding, the groom's cake makes an appearance every now and again.




Now what is the big deal of a groom's cake anyway?  It's a cake for men, it's the groom's chance to have a cake just for him (& his groomsmen) that honors his role in the wedding - as most wedding cakes are chosen by the bride.  Groom's cakes often reflects the groom's hobbies or interest and is often a gift from the bride to the groom.  Their flavors are often simple & bold: (often chocolate or liquor-soaked).  The cake can be served during the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception, along with the traditional wedding cake.  His and Hers.  It can also be boxed up and served as favors.  If you go this route, take advantage of the opportunity to get creative with the packaging -- an additional way to reflect your bridal style.

It's All About Men {Day 2} - Roll It Up At Your Next Event

A few years back I had the opportunity to coordinate an Italian wedding and one of the unique additions my couple had was cigars for the male attendees of their wedding.  In the wedding industry we are noticing an upscale trendy addition that's spicing up weddings and special events.  You've hired the band, contacted the florist and hired a bartender but don't forget about the "cigar caterer." CF Dominicana's unique "Cigar Catering" service offers on-site professional cigar rollers for special events.  CF Dominicana boasts top-notch cigar rollers who live in many major cities nationwide.  But this is only for the trendy and classy parties.



"The cigars are premium, our clients are sophisticated, the events are upscale and the cigar servers fit the scheme perfectly," says CF Dominicana President Dennis Briganti.

The company even supplies cigar waitresses and waiters to serve cigars to guests at events. This pleasant visual lends the perfect touch of style and beauty to the affair.  They also offer graphic design for each event, creating custom designed cigar bands - including the cosutomer's initials on each cigar they buy - free of charge.

CF Dominicana services NYC, Detroit, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Boston, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Miami, Palm Beach, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Charlotte and more.

It's All About Men {Day 1}- Is Your Man a Groomzilla?

In honor of Father's Day on Sunday, we will focus on men this week.  We always hear about the Bride being a bridezilla, but have you noticed that your Groom is turning into a groomzilla.  Take a few minutes and check out this quiz courtesy of Wedding Channel.  Was he normal when you started planning and now suddenly has an opinion on everything from the napkins to the color of your bouquet? Take this short quiz and find out if you've got a real life groomzilla on your hands!



Photo via Wedding Channel

1. My groom has been involved in the wedding planning...


A. What wedding planning? He just wants to know when he has to show up.

B. A little. We booked our vendors together, and he even came along with me to pick out our flowers. I know I can count on him to take care of suits for the groomsmen too.

C. A lot! We always clash on our ideas when it comes to the wedding; he seems to have the whole day completely figured out.

2. My fiance and I fight about wedding decisions...

A. Never. How can you argue when the other person doesn't have an opinion?

B. Sometimes. Wedding planning can be stressful, and I think we’re both a little more on edge than we would be like to admit.

C. Several times a week. We get along fine otherwise, but when it comes to the wedding, we're both just so opinionated!

3. When we registered...

A. I was by myself.

B. We looked around together. We both picked out our wish list items, but we mostly registered for things we both wanted.

C. I handed the scanning gun to him. He came in with a complete list of all the things we should get.

4. Imagine this -- it's the wedding day and your groom is a little late to the altar. Your first thought is...

A. "I knew I should have checked in on him!"

B. "I hope he's OK. Probably just stuck in traffic."

C. "He probably made a few calls to the venue this morning making sure everything was perfect."

5. For your wedding cake, he says he'd love to have a banana filling. The only problem is you hate bananas. He...

A. Says it's fine, the cake doesn't really matter anyway. There will be an open bar, right?

B. Looks a little disappointed, but you're able to compromise on a flavor you both like.

C. Insists that he get his own groom's cake -- it's his day too.

6. You and your future mother-in-law are having a disagreement over where the rehearsal dinner should be held. You go to your fiance for help and he...

A. Shakes his head and refuses to get involved. Does it really matter where you have it?

B. Says he'll try talking to his mom, there has to be a happy medium.

C. Immediately sides with his mom and questions why you aren't.

7. You need some help finishing up the seating arrangements for the reception. You ask for his opinion on where to seat a few people and he...

A. Shrugs. And asks what you'd like for dinner.

B. Shrugs. And says he really doesn't think it will be a big deal; everyone gets along pretty well.

C. Shrugs. And refuses to help since you didn't ask for his opinion in the first place.

8. When it came time to plan the honeymoon, you and your fiance...

A. Looked at a few places together before he left the final vote up to you. This may have been the one thing he enjoyed doing.

B. Had so much fun checking out all the romantic Caribbean beaches together. You both can't wait for the honeymoon.

C. Got into a fight. You really wanted to go to Europe, and he really wanted the Caribbean. Neither one of you was willing to budge.

9. When you go to pick out invitations, your groom...

A. Didn't go. You picked them out with your maid of honor.

B. Came along but admits he didn’t really care about the difference between eggshell and ecru papers.

C. Drove you up the wall -- he spent hours looking over the options.

10. You're most looking forward to...

A. When the wedding is over. Then you can both share the same hobbies again.

B. When the ceremony is over. You both planned a killer reception.

C. When the honeymoon is over. Hopefully then he'll stop being such a diva.

Mostly As: The Laid-Back Groom

Groomzilla? That's not even part of his vocabulary. He's the type of guy that if you said "ecru," he'd think you were sneezing. There's nothing wrong with a laid-back groom, but it also wouldn't hurt for him to help out once in a while. Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people and chances are, once he gets involved, he'll find there's a lot more to it than just flowers and dresses. What's more, planning together can help you each discover more about your personal likes and dislikes. Tell your guy it would mean so much to you if he came along, just one time, and tried to keep an open mind. You might be surprised at what happens next.

Mostly Bs: The Involved Groom

Looks like you’ve got yourself a real catch. This is the type of guy who's happy to help out, but admits that he doesn't know much when it comes to planning a wedding. Encourage him throughout the process and admit that you'll both be learning together. Try to keep each other in check by leaving some tasks entirely to him (like picking his suit and the groomsmens' suits), while you do other ones together (like picking out the music). The balance means you'll be less stressed throughout the process and he'll keep from becoming the dreaded groomzilla.

Mostly Cs: Run for Your Life! It's Groonmzilla!

All right, you have the real deal on your hands. It is probably time you have a heart-to-heart with him before you get to the altar. Tell your beau you don’t appreciate how demanding he is when it comes to the wedding. Remind him of all the qualities you do like (and how you'd like to see more of them), and remind him that you're in this together. Take a few deep breaths and chances are it will all come together in the end.

Article courtesy of Wedding Channel

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie N' Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar {Sweet Sunday}

I celebrated my birthday on yesterday and in honor of turning a year older, I had to share this wonderful dessert with all of you.  WOW is all I could say when I saw this recipe over at Kevin & Amanda.  This is nothing but pure evil in a pan. Calorie counting? Throw that notion right out the window. Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oreo’s and fudge brownies are combined to make probably one of the most decadent recipes you will ever try. Take a peak over at Kevin & Amanda’s for all the details.





Enjoy! XOXOXO

TGIF - The Godiva Truffletini Recipe

The Godiva Truffletini is a delicious cocktail, simple to make, and a great way to celebrate either at an engagement party, wedding or even the bridal shower.



Godiva Truffletini™


Ingredients:

1 ounce Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 ounce CÎROC® Vodka

Godiva Milk Chocolate Truffle for garnish


Preparation:

• Combine Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and CÎROC Vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Shake well and strain into chilled martini glass.

• Garnish with a Godiva Milk Chocolate Truffle.


Ideal Serving Glass: Chilled martini glass


Yield: 1 drink

Enjoy the weekend!

Float On: Giant Balloons

One trend that is becoming popular in weddings is giant balloons.  Whether their being used in wedding day photo op, engagement photos or reception decor, balloons are popping up everywhere.  Giant balloons are both sophisticated and playful accessories which would compliment any bride.  From bright pops of floating color to more subdued, opaque options, the possibilities are endless.  This trend is spreading like wildfire and I'm sure it will continue to inspire couples to put a fresh & new on the classic decor element.







Photos courtesy of For The Love Of Skinny

WEDDING SHOES: THE PERFECT PAIR BOUTIQUE

I know I haven't been writing for a while but I've been busy with the upcoming wedding season and I have added a new addition to the Memorable Moments brand. Everybody knows how women are about their shoes, but when it comes to a bride's wedding day...anything less than the perfect pair won't do.  Being in the wedding industry I understand how important it is to brides that their wedding day look is nothing but pure perfection.  So I decided to launch a online bridal boutique specializing in formal footwear for weddings, proms and special events.  The Perfect Pair Boutique offers an array of shoes and accessories from some of the top brand names in formal footwear and accessories.  We offer a great selection of designer footwear in fine dyeable silks, satins & metallics in a full range of colors from flats & wedges to cushions, low, mid & high heel pumps & platforms with the finest rhinestones & crystals.  Here's a sneak peek of our collection:




Giselle by Liz Rene Couture

Michelle by Touch Ups


Gala Handbag by Coloriffics



Noelle by Touch Ups


Bridal Feather Hair Clip by B' Foxy Bridal