Styling Sunday 10: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Lights

Hi, all!  With all the sunny weather we Seattleites have been graced with these past couple weeks, I have been inspired by the warmth and wanting to spend more time outdoors.  Especially out on a nice deck or patio with twinkly bistro lights strung overhead as the sun sets and happy hour fades into evening... ahhhh.  It got me thinking about the various kinds of lighting elements you could implement into your wedding scheme. 


Whether your soiree be indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of ways to add a little twinkle to your day:

 

1.  Mix strings of lights with fabric bunting for a rustic look.
2.  Create a pathway with lights strung between stakes in the ground.
3.  Make a "x" or crossing pattern of overhead lights across your whole outdoor party.
4.  Attach glowing lanterns to a canopy of clear string for a floating affect (so dreamy!).
5.  Wrap string lights around trees for a magical landscape as the sun goes down.
6.  Use clusters of old-fashioned light bulbs on strings for an intimate but impactful installation.
7.  Fill trusty mason jars with LED lights, tie them into groups of three and suspend them from ropes for interesting mini-chandeliers scattered across the ceiling.
8.  For a more subtle twinkle, pair your lights with a thin textile and allow them to softly glow through the fabric.
9.  Hang plants, vines or flowers amongst your bistro lights for a carefree, bohemian vibe (I think this is my favorite!).


Now go get yourself some twinklies for your own space!  I know my deck is begging for them.  ;)


Happy Styling!
xoxo, Kim

For your "I do" BBQ

Memorial Day is like the official unofficial start of summer. Growing up in the south, school was always out just in time for the first barbeque of the season, jump starting those grills for the hot and long days ahead. I certainly didn’t waste any time getting into the summer spirit, and have already had the pleasure of delighting my taste buds to some of my summer favorites, and I hope you have too. Hor d’oeurves, dinners, and desserts, there are no limits to possibilities of that open flame, be it a casual social with neighbors or the biggest and best day of your life. Just take a look at the images below, speaking louder than words this week, to inspire the Food-tastic elements of your bbq I do’s.

Janice Hussey, Food-tastic Friday Blogger

How To Have The Grandest Exit

Right behind walking down the aisle and your grand entrance to the reception, your grand exit is a fun and seriously important part of your wedding! Though, the other day I learned that the old tradition of throwing rice for the bride and groom as they leave is actually a really bad thing to do! (Sorry in advance for getting all dark and cruel) I read an article about how birds will get to the rice the next morning after the wedding and die from swallowing it! Supposedly, when the birds eat the rice, the rice ends up expanding in their stomachs and according to Google, the birds then "explode". (Yes, explode...) I don't know how I feel about that myth though, I'd like to see some facts. But still, not very safe for birds! So if possible, lets's try and avoid throwing rice for your wedding... Instead, I've got a list of 10 amazing ideas for guests to have or toss as you make your grand exit!

Before you get ready to leave, make sure to say your goodbyes and hugs to everyone and have a super awesome last song for your guests to finish off the night dancing to. Make it a great, friends-honoring song to enjoy while everyone has one last hug-it-out dance with you two before you leave. While saying your goodbyes, have someone pull the car around so it's ready to go! (Or call a cab, round up the bicycle, call in the horses). The exit will need to be announced for guests to gather and watch. (Note: have the DJ or someone on a mic do this, It might be pretty awkward if you're the one making the announcement) Also have them announce where they should be going, and what they should be doing, grabbing, or throwing for the grand exit (see list below!).

1. Sparklers are a very popular, very classic choice to have for an exit. Plus, you get some seriously amazing, time-stood-still pictures out of it!

2. Bubbles, also very popular and very cute. I think you will need to have a lot of people blowing them to have the full effect though! If you have a small wedding, maybe have a bubble machine to have more than enough (Will also leave the kiddos at the wedding entertained for hours) 

3. Streamers, sort of self explanatory. Very classic, fun and colorful! Have guests bring out their inner Middle School TP days and toss rolls of steamers in the air.

4. Confetti! Similar to the streamers, fun and colorful. Maybe even get confetti poppers! (Note: maybe look into some eco-friendly confetti, love it.) And make sure to check with your venue regarding their rules.

5. Lavender looks very similar to rice when its thrown in the air, small and delicate. But it smells heavenly! Bonus! 

6. Small wild flowers, perfect for a bohemian wedding. And I'm sure would make for very cool pictures. Or just petals would be simple and classic as well.

7. Glitter or sequins, might be serious pain in the butt for someone to have to clean up, but that's not for you to worry about! This is perfect for a very glam bride, I love this idea!

8. Balloons- if your exit is at night time, you could track down some glow in the dark balloons, how cool! 

9. Glow Sticks would also be cool if you were intrigued by the glow in the dark balloons!

10. Paper Lanterns, I am a SERIOUS sucker for this beautiful tradition. Have guests light and set off their lanterns right before you two for some perfect pictures, everyone cheer and hug, and then you're off!

And one extra! If this post really inspired you to change the tradition of throwing rice at your grand exit, and you are now feeling really awful for those birds, throw birdseed!! Still looks like rice in the air, might be a pain to brush out of your hair, but your helping out those little guys instead of hurting them. (R.I.P. to all the birds lost in the making of those exits) 

XO Jenny

Fashion isn't fashion without a little styling.

Fashion isn't fashion without the finishing touches. Yes, yes, you can have a beautiful gown to adorn you on your wedding day, but without the proper styling details like hair and makeup, something just feels a little incomplete. There are lots of beauty trends in the wedding industry.

For the first look, bold is it ladies. Bold lipsticks are seen all over Hollywood these days. Ladies all around are saying yes to deep shades of wine and red. The fantastic thing about a bold lip color is that it can fit various wedding themes, such as vintage or modern. Pair a bold lip with a birdcage, or even a floral crown for a vivid look.

Fresh is always in. Minimal makeup creates a fresh look for your big day. Go for subtle eye shadow, and a touch of peach or pink on your checks and you are set to go. As for your hair, how about a beautiful fishtail braid for your up do. 

The last style is a classic look but it also looks very organic for your special day. Top buns have been around for the last couple of years, and boy- I am a big fan. Top buns look effortless and organic, but gleam with sophistication. Pair a top bun with either a bold or pale lip. With a top bun, you can't go wrong. 

Whatever you do, choose a makeup style that is you. Don't make yourself look unrecognizable for your big day. You want your guests and future hubby to know it's you walking down the isle. Accentuate your features and choose a hairstyle that accompanies your dress and personal taste. 

XO

Rachel 

Bride Personality Types: INTJ Bride!

The Myers-Brigg Test has indicated 16 different personality
types based on how people interact with the world,
absorb information, make decisions, and organize thoughts.

Find your Bride Personality Type here!
http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

This week is the "Mastermind" INTJ personality type!

1. This complex woman has a head full of knowledge, facts, and conclusions that were stored in her database long before the rest of us had to time to even notice. The INTJ bride loves intellectual connections, witty sarcasm, and rationality. When something peaks her interest, she will devotedly focus on it. This is why "love" typically unnerves INTJ's because it will expose uncharted territory...EMOTIONS! But don't get your hopes up. INTJ's are not easy to impress and it takes a series of tests to gain their trust. In fact, it is such a feat that every person who passes is honored the "I Won The Heart Of an INTJ" badge!

2. The INTJ bride will not only have logically high expectations for her wedding, but also for herself. She's a strategizer and takes great pride in her ability to make the right decisions. In fact, INTJ's are notorious for their temperament when other people try to make decisions for them. CAUTION! Change is not a pleasant concept for this bride-to-be so everything has to stay according to plan....or else! Some INTJ's that might help you understand how serious and brilliant they can be include actress Jodie Foster, physicist Stephen Hawking, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. INTJ's are especially rare, with INTJ women taking up less than 1% of women in the whole world.

3. INTJ women are typically book worms and enjoy having long theoretical conversations in their head for fun. Seriously folks, that's how fast their brains work, to the point where they will even re-enact conversations from years ago to strategize what they should've said. "Bride Most Likely To Win Every Debate With Her Lucky Husband Badge" awarded right here! (My favorite badge). But let's be real, the INTJ woman is a smart woman indeed therefore, the husband she marries will be smart enough to know that that us women are always right (insert innocent wink face).

4. Being such an anomaly, INTJ women may find it hard to discover friends they can identify with. Partly because they have a unique creative side that they not dare expose too often due to the risk of criticism (which if you value your ego's bottom, I would not attempt). With this exciting discovery, I sense a surprisingly intimate and whimsical wedding that the INTJ bride concocted from her countless sleepless nights spent thinking about the big day! I adore you INTJ bride, you are a wonderful puzzle that will be solved by your equally intriguing soul mate.

See you next week!

Love,

Mo Hughes



The Rehearsal Dinner

Weddings are a day that most girls dream about but before the wedding can happen there needs to be a rehearsal dinner. After all practice makes perfect, but many people do not want to spend some of their wedding budget on a big rehearsal dinner. Here are some tips to having a special rehearsal dinner without breaking the bank.

1.)   Having a barbecue or a family member make the food at a nearby relative’s house is a good way for everyone to be able to mingle and have fun while avoiding the costs of restaurants.

2.)   If you want to keep the rehearsal dinner small, try having the rehearsal dinner two days before the wedding, that way only the wedding party and a few close relatives will attend instead of all the out of town guests.

3.)   On the contrary though, if you want to have more time with out of town guests then inviting them to the rehearsal dinner is a great way to get to spend a little extra time with them.

4.)   A great option for cheaper entertainment at a rehearsal dinner is a video or slide show of home movies and pictures of the bride and groom growing up!

Just remember that the wedding is all about the bride and groom and have fun with every aspect of it. The rehearsal dinner should not be stressful so make it as enjoyable and fun as possible!

More Sprinkles, Please!

A dash here, and a touch there, a tad bit here, and a little sprinkle there; we are all looking for ways to add that something extra to our wedding day and the events surrounding it, from rehearsal dinners to next day brunches. Your pins and posts make it obvious that this task can be as daunting or as simple as you choose, so be sure it’s something you’ll be happy with even when the church bells stop ringing. Sticking with a fun and colorful food-tastic twist will get your bridal team in high spirits, and keep them excited and anticipatory about what’s next to come. There are few things more fun and colorful than rainbow sprinkles, so add a dash here, and a touch there, a tab bit more here, and don’t forget a little sprinkle over there! Pick out your favorite sprinkle something from the images below, or share your idea of the perfect use of sprinkles with us!

Janice Hussey, Food-tastic Friday Blogger

Ideas for wedding favors

When deciding what to get your guests as party favors, a big thing that you should consider is whether or not they will actually use or keep them. Because if it's something they'll throw away right when they get home, then it's a total waste of your money! Even though it may still be a very cute idea! Here's a few ideas of seriously useful, still adorable, party favor ideas for your wedding!

-Flip-flops, the perfect gift to use during the wedding and afterwards. Set a basket right around the dance floor for your guests to take off their painful shoes to dance the night away. Make sure you have enough sizes for all of your guests though!

-Koozies, awesome. Everyone needs a good coozie! And you can never have too many!

-Koozies, awesome. Everyone needs a good coozie!

-Succulents, the most adorable kind of plant. What is cuter than a small little succulent inside an itty bitty container? Perfect for any place, around the house or on their office desk to add a little greenery!

-Liqour, miniature bottles of alcohol are both adorable and very useful.

-Customized M&M's , you can turn your M&M's to say almost anything you want! And you can print pictures on one side too!

-Macaroons, because well, I think that I can speak for everyone in saying that they are the tastiest and cutest sweet treat! You could wrap 3 or 4 of them in a cute container with a tag and ribbon and they're ready!

-Candles, very useful. Choose a your favorite scent that may be significant for the two of you, and everyone will be able to enjoy it!

-Lotto Tickets! I love this idea. Because "for richer or poorer", am I right?? Though, they aren't very appealing to look at, so maybe wrap them up in a pretty envelope so that they aren't as tacky looking!

-Lip Balm, because you can really never have enough lip balms in your purse or pocket or car, or really anywhere! Truly a very useful party favor!

Now you don't have to use any of these ideas, but if you want to make sure that your money is being put to good use these may do the job for ya!

The Non-Wedding Gown

Ladies, just because you're getting married doesn't mean that you need to have a ball gown. A lot of you out there might think that you must fit in this wedding dress box in order to be a classic bride. Go ahead and break free of those chains, because you don't have to purchase an actual wedding gown.
Wedding dresses aren't only found at wedding boutiques or mass retailers. They don't have to be designed by a wedding dress designer or have taffeta, typical wedding lace or tulle. Wedding dresses can be whatever you want and from wherever you want. If there is a company that you currently shop at that correctly displays your style as a woman and a bride- go for it. Buy a dress that is YOU.

Now, for my favorite part, shopping.

Enter, Free People. Oh, Free People, how I love thee. Free People is a boho inspired company that is for the bride that is free spirited and may want something chic, but effortless. These are not wedding gowns, but you will see that given the right styling and details, these have wedding written all over them.

Free People, The Wren Gown ($3,500)

Free People, Lillian Gown ($4,000)

One of my next favorite companies to do my shopping with is called Stone Cold Fox. Stone Cold Fox has a similar style to Free People, but has more of a 70's essence to the clothing design and style. These dresses are absolutely stunning and may not be the definition of traditional, but are classic and definitely noteworthy. 

Stone Cold Fox, Bonita Dress ($280)

 Stone Cold Fox, Rupp Dress ($550)

Stone Cold Fox, Marrakech Dress ($365)

Okay, okay, you caught me- so these dresses are my personal style. But, think about your favorite companies. Do you like JCrew? Banana Republic? Kate Spade? What style is YOU? Do a little online shopping or browsing through the stores and you may be surprised at what you find.  Don't feel pressured to dress like a traditional bride if it isn't your dream to be one or if it isn't you. Be you on your wedding day, that's the most important thing. Wear what you want, wedding dress or not. 

XO

Rachel 

Bride Personality Types: ESFP Bride!

Find out your Bride Personality Type here!

http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

The Myers-Brigg Test has indicated 16 different personality types based on how people interact with the world, absorb information, make decisions, and organize thoughts.

This week we will be examining the "Entertainer" personality type!

1. This lively and playful woman is notorious for her ability to perform in front of others while using the world as her pulpit! Also known for her charming smile, this bride loves to make people happy and will do whatever it takes to see a grin from ear to ear. Leonardo DiCaprio, Megan Fox, Bill Clinton, and Marilyn Monroe are also rocking the ESFP badge along with Virgin Group tycoon, Richard Branson. One thing all these people have in common is their ability to work hard and play even harder (some better than others). But not to worry, the ESFP bride values common sense and the well-being of others!

2. Often the center of attention, this lovely lady will have no problems making sure that her big day is starring the female lead of the evening, "Herself". She will be more than capable of taking on such a big role! This woman can improvise with the best of them and will derive all her actions from one goal in mind...FUN! "Bride Most Likely To Pull Off An Amazing Wedding On A Rainy Day, With A Missing Groom, Angry Mother-In-Law, And Aunt Fanny Filling in for the Late DJ" awarded right here! These badges are carefully reviewed before being awarded.

3. Just as she is beautiful on the outside as she is inside, the ESFP bride also appreciates the aesthetics of beauty in her environment. With Interior Designer, Actress, and Physician as some of her top personality type careers, it's no surprise that she has an eye for understanding the world around her and identifying the "need". Whether it's love, nurturing, or entertainment, the ESFP woman is driven to meet those needs with a sense of flare and creativity. My elaborate-over-the-top wedding senses are tingling!!!

4. This woman's soul has a passion for life while making as many friends as possible along the way. The ESFP bride may have one of the largest weddings of all personality types with a long list of honorable and sentimental guests. Her confidence and sensuality is admirable because it exposes the amount of love she carries in her heart. Caution! The ESFP Bride will only find true happiness when she respects herself and holds strong values about the meaning of love. When she discovers this, she will be unstoppable. I'm rooting for you ESFP Bride!

See you next week!

Love,

Mo Hughes



Hair and Make-up tips

Every bride wants to feel the most beautiful on their wedding day, but hiring someone to come over and do your hair and makeup can be expensive, not to mention when you have bridesmaid’s hair and makeup as well. How can you get the picture perfect look you want without spending a ton of money? Here are a few of my tips!

1. Having the hairdresser or makeup artist come to you can be extremely expensive. Have you and your girls travel to the salon so you are not paying traveling fees or anything extra!

2. You could always take a makeup lesson at your favorite makeup counter before the wedding and then do it yourself. This may be stressful for some brides but some people almost prefer to do things themselves so they can get the makeup done just as they wish.

3. If there is a certain hair stylist you love, try using their assistant if they have one. Chances are the results will be the same but you will be paying a much smaller price.

No matter what you choose, your wedding is your day and you deserve to feel like a princess! Make sure you plan ahead and no exactly what you are doing or where you are going way in advance so you are prepared and there is no confusion whether you are getting your hair and makeup professionally done or you are doing it yourself!

Styling Sunday 9: Tablescape 101

Oh, the tablescape.  Often one of the most important features of a wedding, and sometimes one that gets overlooked.  Sure, a centerpiece here, some candles there... but why not give your guests a spectacular dining experience simply by oomphing-up the love on the tables?  I'm not saying it has to be fancy.  Most wedding dinners now-a-days aren't in need of 8 utensils for one meal (as shown below), but getting creative with how you style the elements around the dining-essentials is where the fun really begins! 


Remember to keep in mind the vibe you're trying to achieve in your overall wedding design.  Tall floral centerpieces are great, but maybe not what you'd choose for a more relaxed setting or a long rectangular table.  It would prove difficult to see or chat with the guests directly across from you.  Are you having a family-style dinner where servers will place various dishes around the table?  If so, maybe opt for a cleaner tablescape so the food has a place to sit comfortably without feeling crammed amongst the décor.  Buffet-style and plated dinners are easier to incorporate more decorations, but be mindful that your guests and/or servers must be able to easily navigate a place to set the table's dishes.


Below are a few of my favorite examples ranging from sweet and rustic; to clean and contemporary; to bold and colorful.  Observe how fun it can be and how many options you really have!  The possibilities, as always, are endless.  Bon appétit, my friends!

 

 

Happy Sunday!

xoxo, Kim

Podcast Show Notes Episode 2: “Damage Control Ninjas”

This week Lori, Kim, and Lindsey discuss potential wedding disasters and how the Elegant Affairs team can help you manage them. Topics include vendor no shows, decoration fiascos, forgotten/missing items, beauty blunders, family drama, and wedding crashers.

Click on this link to listen to Episode2 ! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/elegant-affairs-podcast/id982842667?mt=2

Topic 1: Vendor no shows

·     Lori and Kim discuss a wedding where the DJ sent a substitute DJ in his place and how they handled this situation

·     One important note: know your contract clauses, especially cancellation/no show policies

Topic 2: Wrong items/color

·     Ex: one bride’s cake was delivered in white when it was supposed to be pink. Sometimes mistakes end up being “happy accidents”

·     The wedding planner and bridal party can calm bride down

·     Elegant Affairs also has a full staff to handle such problems. They are almost always prepared to fix it or find an alternative to make your day special no matter what.

·     Read vendor reviews to get an idea of what their service is like

·     Whether you have a good or bad experience with a vendor write your own reviews as well. This may help other couples in the future.

·     Family/Friends and business- be careful, you may think you are getting a deal, but this may impact your relationships if they cannot deliver what you expect. Trust your instincts. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

·     Always get contracts even if it is a friend or family member providing services. This ensures you get what you want.

·     Inventory supplies you want to bring, make check lists.

·     EA has gotten supplies from houses and can run errands within close proximity of the venue if needed.

·     Make sure to proofread table listing/layouts. Always double check final counts to make sure no one is missing.

       

Topic 3: Beauty blunders

·     Avoid misunderstandings about styling by getting trials beforehand. Be honest if you do not like it.

·     Elegant Affairs carries an emergency kit- they take suggestions for items to have on hand 

·     Ex: pants splitting, assistance/sewing buttons, hair and make up touch ups.

·     Make sure the groom and groomsmen try suits several days before to ensure proper fit and time for alterations.

·     Final dress fitting, bring 2 people to help bustle. It’s not that easy!

Topic 4: People problems

·     What to do about unlisted plus one’s

·     Some vendors need firm numbers esp. caterer. How early to get RSVPs

·     Current trend is that people who rsvp are actually showing up

·     How to deal with wedding crashers, drunk guests, family issues, divorced parents

·     Bridal party drama: remember it’s a privilege to be in someone’s wedding

·     It’s ok to say no to an offer for bride’s maid/groomsman. They will understand

·     Plan ahead for transportation/traffic

You can find this and future episodes on itunes and coming soon to Sticher. Remember, if you like the podcast make sure to leave us a review on itunes. Look for new episodes coming soon. Thanks for listening!