Unique Save-the-Date Ideas

Nothing is more exciting than sending your Save-the-Dates!! It’s official, your wedding date is set, your city is picked, and you are getting married to the person of your dreams. Keep in mind, your Save-the-Dates are the first pieces of paper your guests are going to receive, so make sure you wow your guests from the get-go with something more unique and a little playful. Here are some really fun Save-the-Date ideas…

How cute is this Save-the-Date

Have your guests pencil in the wedding date by sending them a fun pencil telling them so.

This concept is perfect for the creative photo Bride. The film strip pulls out with all the wedding date information.

This Save-the-Date is perfect for that Hollywood Chic couple.

The save the date magazine is an innovative idea designed by Hitchcock Ink, based in Washington D.C. The save the date magazine (which can also be used as your invitation or program) is an 8 page booklet and measures 8.5″ x 5.5″ when folded. The full-color cover and text gives the look of your own personalized magazine, while the inside “chapters” give guests a look at your unique story. Tell guests about how you met, where you got engaged, and share some of your favorite hobbies. The paper is printed on high quality 100 lb. text weight gloss paper (the same paper used in printing your favorite magazines).

Happy Friday!

Love this quote via Rags to Riches, everyone enjoy the weekend! XOXOXO

Wedding Wednesday | Happy Leap Year!

Today is February 29, 2012 which is known as leap year...ok ladies will you be popping the question today?

Win the Ultimate Grand Prize Giveaway | 4 Days/3 Nights All Inclusive Getaway to Mexico & Dominican Republic

Just like most of you I could really use a break and get away from the everyday activities we deal with on a day-to-day basis.  Well I have the sweetest deal ever!  Courtesy of our Travel Sponsor With This Ring Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Agency, we have not 1 but 2 luxurious grand prize giveaways at the 2nd Annual Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY Event.  That's right, you will NOT want to miss this opportunity!

Now tell me you couldn't use this, 2 Grand Prize Giveaways Like No Other!  4 Days/3 Nights All Inclusive Getaways to the Dominican Republic & Cancun Mexico Courtesy of Le Meridien & Palace Resorts!

Hope to see you there and good luck!

Top Models Bianca Golden & Bre Scullark Hit the Runway at Style to the Aisle

If you don't know already, we are excited to announce our special celebrity models hitting the runway at the upcoming Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY Event. We are proud to have America's Next Top Model Bianca Golden from Cycle 14 & 17 and Bre Scullark from Cycles 5 & 17 to join us as we help support Wish Upon A Wedding.  And as a added bonus, we will also have a live performance by Chelsey Green (The Green Violinist).  She is very talented and her skills are nothing but phenomenal, you don't want to miss an opportunity to hear Chelsey do her thing.  Cocktails, hors d' oeuvres, along with a high energy fashion show...you DON'T want to miss this event!

6 Things You Don't Know About Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY

Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY came into existence in 2011 from a vision to give that much needed "fashion for thought" inspiration to brides as she plans her wedding day. Its unlike any bridal expo, it's a party, a celebration, a fashion-week experience only bridal. The white carpet for a bride "IS" her personal runway. From traditional & timeless to hip & trendy. The Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY event presents wedding styles from top to bottom for brides and the entire wedding party.

1. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY is an awe-inspiring bridal fashion event for brides + grooms + event planners and the sophisticated fashionista.

2. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY benefits Wish Upon a Wedding, whose mission is to provide weddings & vow renewals at destinations across the United States for couples facing life altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation.

3. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY showcases the region's best designers, bridal boutiques, models, beauty professionals and sponsors.

4. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY includes a cocktail party, beauty style lounge and full runway show and some awesome swag.

5. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY presented its first installation in January of 2011 at the Historic Tremont Grand in Baltimore and has changed from showcasing in the winter to the spring and our new home is The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, MD.  We were also featured in 2 magazines and in the Baltimore Sun.

6. Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY is pleased to announce that 2 bridal ticket holders will win fabulous honeymoon getaways.

For questions or more information on media & corporate sponsorship or partnership requests, contact us at events@memorablemo.com.

Holiday Cocktail: Pomegranate Gin Sling

With the holidays quickly apporaching and the Christmas parties about to begin, I thought it would be good to share a few holiday cocktails.

Pomegranate Gin Sling

A classic gin sling is dressed for festive parties when made with seasonal pomegranate juice and decorated with crimson pomegranate fruit. Both simple syrup and agave syrup are widely available at liquor stores. To make your own simple syrup, boil 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, stirring just until sugar dissolves; reduce until thickened. Cool before using. Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup gin

1/4 cup pomegranate juice, chilled

1 tablespoon agave syrup or simple syrup

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

 8 pomegranate seeds

2 lime slices

Preparation:

1. Combine first 4 ingredients; divide evenly between 2 chilled glasses; divide seeds between glasses. Garnish with lime slices.

Don't Forget About Your Girls!



WhiteBox Weddings



We've all seen enough episodes of Bridezilla (and maybe even know a few...) to know that sometimes a bride can go too far & take advantage of her bridal party.  Here's a few things to remember when considering those few girls you've asked to be a part of your special day:

•  These are your friends, not your little worker bees...too many demands can strain a friendship.
• Be mindful of the costs of things.  Remember that they are taking care of everything themselves such as their dress, shoes, hair, the bridal showers, bachelorette party & travel.
• If cost is an issue, give flexibility & creativity on the attire.  Pick the color of the dresses but let them pick their own style.  They really appreciate this because then they can possibly wear the dress again. 
• Some single friends may have a harder emotional time so don't flaunt it so much! 
• Always get your bridesmaids a small gift to show them you appreciate the time and money they've spent.  Ultimately your wedding is about sharing love.  Having bridesmaids is a way to enjoy the experience with your best girlfriends.

White Box Weddings

Eye Candy Friday: {All About the Bling}

I wanted to end the week with something that we all know and love...bling!  I love the way the canadian photographer Trevor Brucki captured the photos of the sparkle, don't you?  Everyone have a GREAT weekend!

Romance Is Coming Back to Rip the Runway!

Many people that know me know I'm always trying to do new things and think outside the box.  Last year I had a vision to bring a one-of-a-kind event to the MD/DC/VA area where brides and industry professionals alike could come together and experience romance on the runway.  So this past January, Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY was launched.

Along with a fabulous team behind me, a great collaboration with some of the best designers, industry professionals and bridal boutiques....a dream transformed into reality was a hit!  Old hollywood glam was definitely at the luxurious Tremont Grand in Baltimore.  Of course this was something I couldn't see as a one time thing....so I am pleased to announce that Memorable Moments Event Planning Co. is bringing Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY back for 2012!  Romance will rip the runway once again with an array of gowns of all silhouettes, lengths, styles and mens formal wear.  The 2nd annual bridal fashion event will take place in the spring of 2012, a date and location is yet to be announced.

Anyone interested in securing media interviews, volunteer opportunities or sponsorship information should contact mdavis@memorablemo.com or call 443.824.0748. 

Think Purple - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We salute everything that is being done for Breast Cancer Awareness in October, but it seems another important issue is not getting as much attention that its due in the month of October...Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Did you know that:

• 80% of domestic shelters nationwide (more than three out of four) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse, and most attribute this to financial issues.
• 89% of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now due to the economy.
• 76% of domestic violence shelters (three out of four) indicate their funding has decreased.
• 65% of women in shelters can't find employment due to the economy.
• 56% of shelters note the abuse is more violent now before the economic downturn.

Let's not forget to "Think Purple" also for the month of October.

Introducing....Danielle Lewis Beauty Lip Lustre Collection

Let's kickoff the first day of fall with one of my favorite vendors...makeup artist, Danielle Lewis of Danielle Lewis Beauty...Danielle is such a talented lady.  I've had the pleasure of working with her with my brides, my bridal fashion event this past January and she's also done my makeup as well.  Danielle specializes in bridal, runway, editorial & fashion makeup.

Danielle officially launched her Lip Lustre Line earlier this month.  The line includes highly pigmented & long wearing shades from gorgeous nudes, to bright berries.  There are 12 Lip Lustre Colors - Kendall, Krystal, Logan, Sydney, Robin, Exposed, Melrose, Marley, Charlie, Drew, Harper and SuperGeorge.

For more information or to purchase from this collection, you can go to http://www.daniellelewiscosmetics.com/ or to book Danielle for your upcoming wedding or special event...visit http://www.daniellelewisbeauty.com/.  Trust me you will not be disappointed in her services, she is wicked with a makeup brush and some paint.

Its All About Location, Location, Location...

When looking for the perfect location for your wedding, there are 7 key factors to consider.

1. Is it big enough?  Can the venue accommodate the number of guests you are expecting?  Or are you going to have to squeeze everyone into this space?  Don't be afraid to pick a smaller venue for fear that your guest list may grow.  If your numbers go up, keep the space & ask for smaller tables.

2. Do you love the look and atmosphere?  If there are too many aspects that you want to change about the venue because of the carpeting, or dated decor, then this might not be the best choice for your wedding.  If you're talking yourself into a venue, it's probably not a good "fit" for your personal style.

3. Is there ample parking or transportation options?  If the place is perfect otherwise, but your guests cannot easily get into your venue, this could be a huge problem!  Some venues overcome their potential parking issues by having creative transportation services.  Explore these options and ask questions to find out if this works for you and your guests.

4. What are the total charges you should expect?  Is everything in black and white, written out on your contract in front of you?  Or, do you need to read between the lines?  When in doubt, ASK.  I would like to know all the potential charges to expect, or even better...ask for past wedding invoices that reflect similar services that you want.  They can "black out" the clients personal information and just give you the numbers.  This will give you a VERY good indication of what to expect.

5. Are they giving you enough time for setup and breakdown for your wedding?  If a venue only gives you 5 hours total for your wedding, that's not nearly enough time.  Don't just consider the amount of time needed for your party.  Also include the amount of time needed for setup (usually 2 hours or more depending on your wishes on either side of the event is needed).

6. Are you allowed to bring in your own caterer, or do they have someone in-house?  Is alcohol purchased through the facility and served by their staff, or can you purchase the alcohol and have them serve this?  All of these answers will determine the price tag for your wedding, PLUS you want to make sure that you love the in-house company's products and services!  Know all of their policies.

7. If you are considering an outdoor ceremony or reception, does this facility offer "Plan B" options?  You definitely cannot control the weather leading up to or on your wedding day, so it's imperative to have contingency plans in place.  Some facilities do not offer this at all, so it's best to know now than to have a surprise the week of your wedding.  Don't assume anything!

For Men Only - Cigars and Cufflinks Coming Soon!

As engagement season quickly approaches there will be bridal events popping up all over town and of course brides-to-be will be flocking to its doors.  As a wedding planner, I am noticing that grooms are now more involved in the planning process, so this event seems appropriate to have an event just for him and his boys.  This upcoming wedding event is a little different from all the rest...NO GIRLS ALLOWED. 

Join Events of Sophistication and a host of wedding vendors
on October 6, 2011 at 5:30pm for...

CIGARS & CUFFLINKS

Brides tell your husband-to-be to round up his boys and enjoy a Boys' Night Out!  Ticket price includes cigars, hors d' oeuvres, cocktails, raffle, entertainment & swag bags.  Pre-Registration is required, visit Events of Sophistication for more information and to purchase tickets.

A Behind the Scenes Fashion Look - Munaluchi Bridal

I wanted to give all of you a sneek peek at the behind the scenes shoot of the fall cover of Munaluchi Bridal which features a stunning bridal gown made of flowers created by none other than celebrity designer Preston Bailey.  His work is simply amazing, I mean who in the wedding industry doesn't love his work?  Check it out!

I can't wait to pick up my copy of this amazing magazine!

Hot Wedding Trend: Bridal Sash Belts

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but when I came across these fabulous bridal belts I had to share with my readers.  Bridal belts are a hot fashion trend that adds a touch of style and glamour to any wedding dress. Achieve the look of a designer wedding dress at a budget-friendly price. Bridal sash belts from With This Bling will enhance any dress for an elegant, modern look. Bridal belts also help to accentuate the waistline creating a more glamorous look and sleek figure.

These gorgeous bridal sashes can be tied in a bow in the back of the gown or altered to your gown to be worn as a bridal belt. Your seamstress can easily shorten and sew the belt to your gown or add hooks, buttons or snaps to secure in place if you don't wish to tie bow in back.

Happy Thursday!

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.