Wedding Hair - which style is right for you?

When it comes to the style of hair on your wedding day there are so many options and decisions to make!   Will you wear it up or down, do you want big hair or curls?  Veil or no veil?  Will you wear any hair pieces or accessories?  I hope you can use the following pictures as inspiration for the look you are trying to achieve on your wedding day.

Photo Credit - Jessica Johnston Photography

Photo Credit - Inspired Art Portraits

Hair Stylist - Julie Hill of Imagine Three

Photo Credit - The Shooting Gallery

Photo Credit - Jessica Johnston Photography

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/





Real Corporate Event 2010 ~ University of Michigan

I had the great pleasure to work alongside the University of Michigan Department of Neurology in putting together a conference to honor their research volunteers!  It was a great day, and guests enjoyed their handmade chocolate by Shakolad, and the beautiful flowers by Holly of Sweet Pea Floral Design.  Here are some pictures of some of the decor:

Venue:  Ypsilanti EagleCrest Marriott

Flowers:  Sweet Pea Floral Design

Chocolate:  Shakolad

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

The Venue Search...Part II

I am thrilled to follow up Wednesday's post with the news that Megan has chosen her reception venue!  Out of all the possibilites (which are quite numerous), she has chosen the Gandy Dancer, Ann Arbor's first class dining establishment, as the venue for her wedding reception!

Megan and I met with Kristina, the events coordinator, a couple weeks ago and she was great!  The Gandy Dancer is a really affordable venue in Ann Arbor.  Wedding receptions typically take place outside in their courtyard, which is tented.  They provide tables, chairs, white linens (including napkins), and all dinnerware and glassware.  You can fit up to 120 people comfortably by seating them at round tables of 8.  Your primary costs when you choose the Gandy Dancer are:  food & beverage, alcohol, tax, service charge, and dance floor.

 They charge 20% service charge and standard 6% Michigan sales tax.  Their most inexpensive dinner offering is $39.95 and includes a soup OR salad, choice of one of four entrees including chicken, shrimp, fish, or steak, and creme brulee for dessert.  Each entree is served with a vegetable and a starch, and water, iced tea and soft drinks are included as part of the meal charge.  If you do not want the dessert included with the package, and would like to bring in your own dessert, they will take $3 off the price - so this particular meal would cost $36.95 (plus tax & service charge).  They do have pricier options that are more inclusive - I encourage you to check these out!

The dance floor costs $250 and you can bring in whichever DJ you prefer.  There is no charge for having a private bar, you just have to pay for the alcohol (which you can set a ceiling on).  The reception area comes with uplighting, including twinkle lights strung around the beams, and they also offer round paper lanterns that hang from the ceiling if it suits your decor style (free of charge).

Kristina at the Gandy Dancer takes care of the set-up, you just need to drop your items off to her.  They are very flexible, and very willing to work with each individual situation.  They require a $250 deposit on a credit card to hold the date.  You have until 90 days prior to the event to cancel, and you can rebook for any date within the year to avoid losing your $250.  If you cancel within the 90 day window of your event you lose your $250 deposit.

You may email Kristina at gandbq@ldry.com to receive availability and specific pricing information.

Click here to view the Gandy Dancer's dinner menu

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

The Venue Search...Part I

One of my dear, dear friends and amazing wedding and life photographer Whitney Keeler emailed me one night to tell me that one of her brides needed help...and quickly.  That's what I'm here for!  Megan called me a couple hours later and and it was clear that her number one need, and first priority was to find a ceremony & reception venue for her May 2011 wedding.  Megan was pretty flexible as to whether she would get married on-site somewhere, outside in a park, or in a church...she just knew she was on a pretty tight budget and the two dates she had in mind were not negotiable.  And so the search began...

- A lot of venues have a minimum on food & beverage (mainly on a Friday & Saturday evening) BEFORE service charge and tax.  Make sure you ask your venue if this is the case.

- There may be a facility charge or room rental fee.  Make sure you check to see if that's included in the menu pricing or if it's a separate charge.  Also ask about whether tables (verify what shape and size), linens (verify what colors), and chairs are included.

- It's always a GREAT idea if you can go in person so see the space.  This gives you a feel for the layout, size, decor, and general feel of the venue and the space.  If you are out of town or cannot go, send someone you trust in your place and have them take pictures to send to you.

- A lot of wedding packages come with a "dessert" item.  Most venues will work with you to create a package that better suits your needs and will even adjust prices accordingly.  However, inquire if there's a cake cutting charge if you bring in your own wedding cake.

- If it's a place that typically requires a membership (i.e. Ann Arbor City Club), you will probably have to buy a guest membership to use their facility or they may charge you a higher rental rate for being a non-member. 

The venues that Megan and I discussed included Weber's, Detroit Yacht Club, The Inn at St. John, Concordia University, and the Gandy Dancer.  Each venue has it's pro's & con's, it comes down to what is the best fit for the couple getting married.  Megan really wants an "Ann Arbor" wedding so we will do our best to give that to her....

We are close to choosing a venue...stay tuned!!!!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

MSU Football Schedule 2010 & 2011

We grew up in Ann Arbor & Plymouth, so we are a little biased when it comes to the fall football schedule.  However, believe it or not, I married a die hard MSU alum & sports fanatic (gasp!) so as a tribute to him and to all the East Lansing brides...this is for you:

2010 Schedule

9-4 vs. Western Michigan East Lansing, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET



9-11 vs. Florida Atlantic Detroit, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET


9-18 vs. Notre Dame East Lansing, Mich. 8:00 p.m. ET


9-15 vs. Northern Colorado East Lansing, Mich. TBA

10-2 vs. Wisconsin * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


10-9 at Michigan * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA


10-16 vs. Illinois (Homecoming) * East Lansing, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET


10-23 at Northwestern * Evanston, Ill. 12:00 p.m. ET


10-30 at Iowa * Iowa City, Iowa TBA


11-6 vs. Minnesota * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


11-20 vs. Purdue * East Lansing, Mich. TBA


11-27 at Penn State * State College, Pa. TBA

2011 Schedule

9-3 Youngstown State



9-10 Florida Atlantic


9-17 @ Notre Dame


10-1 @ Ohio State


10-8 Central Michigan


10-15 Purdue


10-22 Michigan


10-29 @ Minnesota


11-5 @ Illinois


11-12 Indiana


11-19 @ Wisconsin


11-26 Penn State

UM Football Schedules 2010 & 2011

This is for all you Ann Arbor-ites :)  There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in game day traffic during home football games in the fall.   For those of you attending or planning fall weddings (September through November) in Ann Arbor, please take special note (home games are italicized):

2010 Michigan Football Schedule

Sat., Sep. 4 vs. Connecticut Ann Arbor, Mich. 3:30 p.m. ET
Sat., Sep. 11 at Notre Dame South Bend, Ind. 3:30 p.m. ET

Sat., Sep. 18 vs. Massachusetts Ann Arbor, Mich. 12:00 p.m. ET

Sat., Sep. 25 vs. Bowling Green Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Oct. 2 at Indiana * Bloomington, Ind. TBA

Sat., Oct. 9 vs. Michigan State * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Oct. 16 vs. Iowa (Homecoming) * Ann Arbor, Mich. 3:30 p.m. ET

Sat., Oct. 30 at Penn State * State College, Pa. 8:00 p.m. ET

Sat., Nov. 6 vs. Illinois * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA

Sat., Nov. 13 at Purdue * West Lafayette, Ind. TBA
Sat., Nov. 20 vs. Wisconsin * Ann Arbor, Mich. TBA
Sat., Nov. 27 at Ohio State*  Columbus, Ohio

2011 Michigan Football Schedule

Sept. 3 WESTERN MICHIGAN
Sept. 10 NOTRE DAME
Sept. 17 EASTERN MICHIGAN
Sept. 24 SAN DIEGO STATE
Oct. 1 Bye Week
Oct. 8 at Wisconsin*
Oct. 15 INDIANA* (HC)
Oct. 22 at Michigan State*
Oct. 29 at Iowa*
Nov. 5 MINNESOTA*
Nov. 12 ILLINOIS*
Nov. 19 at Northwestern*
Nov. 26 OHIO STATE*

Go BLUE!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Real Wedding 2010 ~ Vanessa & Derek Part II

One of the guests at Vanessa & Derek's wedding was so kind to send me some of the photos he took of the day!  Thank you Nick!!!

Vanessa & Derek definitely had a candle theme at their wedding - when Vanessa, Derek, and I did their final walk through before the wedding, Vanessa handed me boxes of candles, some tea lights, some votives, some hanging votives, and gave us permission to do what we wanted with them.  Sweet!  I am thankful to Nick for capturing some of the amazing lighting detail of the day:

We hung these votives in the trees that lined the outdoor reception tables

These tea lights lined the inside lounge (otherwise known as the dance floor)

The amazing centerpieces by Pot and Box were surrounded by candles

Photo Credit

Another nice detail that Vanessa incorporated into her wedding was to have "kids" tables.  These tables were covered with butcher paper and had crayons, markers, paper, and pens, for the kids to write and draw all over the tables with.  I love the photo below of the crayons neatly set up prior to being attacked by the children :)

Photo Credit

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Emergency Kits

I recently had a friend tell me a story of how she went to a wedding and needed a safety pin for her dress.  She approached the wedding coordinator for one, but was out of luck, the wedding coordinator DID NOT have one...neither did any of the other five staff the wedding coordinator had brought along with her.

I also saw on a fellow wedding planner's blog recently that they had an ant problem at a wedding she coordinated.  She and her team googled the solution and it was...baby powder!  Good thing she DID have that in her emergency kit.

These two stories lead me to write this blog post...

One of the benefits you receive from hiring a wedding planner is they bring what's affectionately known as an "emergency kit" to help solve any unexpected problems or issues that may arise, from spilling orange juice on the bridesmaids dress, to a guest needing a safety pin to hold her dress together.  These emergency kits are a vital part of any wedding ceremony & reception and should be provided to you by any wedding planner and/or coordinator you hire.  Our emergency kits contain items like suntan lotion, lint rollers, breath mints, and all kinds of things you didn't realize you needed or might need (or forget) during your wedding day.  Our job is to make the process of planning your wedding and the day of your wedding as stress free as possible - our emergency kit is supposed to do just that...make you not stressed about if your maid of honor forgot her deoderant, or your best man forgot his toothbrush.  

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!

We are so amazingly blessed to live in a country that supports women business owners, and allows us to chase after our dreams.  This year has been fabulous so far, we have had the opportunity to work with amazing clients and outstanding vendors.  A GIGANTIC thank you to all of you who continue to cheer us on!  We are streamlining processes, and brainstorming for ways to serve each of clients and vendors better!  We have some new marketing materials on the way, and will be doing some giveaways the beginning of next year...stay tuned!!!

While the 4th of July is certainly an inspirational time for weddings and the use of the colors red, white, and blue...it is also an inspirational time for yummy BBQ treats!  If you wish to forego the traditional wedding cake and have something a little more unique to serve at your wedding, rehearsal dinner, or backyard bbq, here is one of my FAVORITE summer treats...

FRUIT PIZZA

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 3/8 cups cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 inch pizza pan.
* To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour, butter and sugar; dough should be dry. Spread into pizza pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until brown. Allow to cool completely.
* To Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Spread into cooled crust. Top with fruit.
 
And of course you need cocktails at a 4th of July celebration!!!  Here are some of my favorite:
 

Ingredients *for one drink*

3 Oz Vodka
4 Oz Pineapple Juice
2 Oz Cream of Coconut
1 Teaspoon Confectioners' sugar, or more if desired
1 Cup Crushed Ice
2 Slices Pineapple, speared with 2 maraschino cherries on toothpicks, for garnish

Directions

* Combine the vodka, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, sugar, and ice in a blender.
* Blend on high speed until frothy and well combined, about 30 seconds.
* Pour into 2 chilled glasses, and garnish with the pineapple slices and umbrellas.

Ingredients


1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

* Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.
* Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY & SAFE 4TH OF JULY!!!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Real Wedding 2010 ~ Vanessa & Derek

Photo Credit

Vanessa & Derek's wedding was full of personal touches - from the pictures hanging in the tent for all the guests to admire (and laugh at), to the kids tables with butcher paper, crayons, and markers, every detail was thought of and provided by Vanessa; including the invitations, the programs, the signage for the welcome table, food, the runners for the tables in the lounge (pictured below).  She is AMAZING!

Photo Credit

Their wedding and reception venue was the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  The wedding took place outside in the Beer Garden and the latter part of the reception took place inside in the lounge. 

When we met a few days before the wedding we were all a little nervous that it could rain (50% chance).  However, the day of the wedding it was a beautiful, beautiful day, clearly meant just for Vanessa & Derek.

CONGRATULATIONS Vanessa & Derek!  Thank you for letting us assist in your special day!

Event Management:  Courtney, Kate & Lyndsay of Petals Planning Company

Wedding & Reception:  Corner Brewery

Tent:  Andrew at Classic Tent

Catering: Aubrees Pizza & Tavern

Wedding cakes: Sweet Heather Anne

Flowers:  Lisa at Pot and Box

DJ:  Ben Ludy

Photographer:  Mirak Habbiyyieh

Favors - to give or not to give...

We've noticed that in the last couple of weddings we have planned, coordinated and attended, there were more that did not give out favors than those that did.  As we've been talking to other wedding planners and friends, we're realizing it's not just what we're noticing...other people are noticing it too.

Picture Credit

Some speculation as to why this is happening:

1.  Saving $ - depending on the size of your wedding, a nice favor (i.e. playing cards, specialty chocolates) can be expensive.  It is an area of your budget you can easily cut back on.  Our philosophy is if you're buying favors just to buy favors, you might as well save your money.  Spend it on a dessert bar, coffee bar, ice cream bar...you get the drift :)  If you are buying favors because they have meaning or symbolize something to you and your fiance, that's awesome!  We have a couple who met playing euchre, so their favors are going to be playing cards - it has a special meaning to them and to all who will be attending the wedding.

2.  Appreciated, but Forgotten - often times, especially after a couple hours of open bar, we find favors strewn around the tables (along with other items) at the end of a great evening.  Guests leave without taking them, or they are half open/half eaten, and it ends up becoming a waste.  This is certainly not always the case, but it does happen. 

Picture Credit

3.  One Less Item - these days, as brides are doing more than ever, working, going to school, planning a wedding, and much, much more they are wanting to simplify the planning process as much as possible.  With one less item on their "to do" list and one less headache the day of their wedding it becomes the first line item cut out of their wedding planning process.  Our solution:  Hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator! Seriously, having someone help you through the process, and having someone whom you can delegate task to is a huge time and headache saver.  Don't hesitate to ask your maid of honor or other bridesmaids to help in the planning process.  Give them tasks, they want to be involved!

Wedding Planners - Are you noticing this trend too?
Wedding Guests - What are some of the favorite favors you've recieved?  Have you noticed the lack of favors at weddings you have been attending?

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Welcome...Lyndsay!!!!

Lyndsay fell into our laps...literally.  She sent us an email, we met up with her, and we fell in love...okay, that sounds so cheesey, but truly, we feel so blessed to have Lyndsay on our team.  She is crazy organized, super cute, and extremely sweet.  She will be joining us for the first time this Saturday at Vanessa & Derek's wedding.  Here is a little bit about Lyndsay...

I'm a Southern transplant who has fallen in love with Michigan. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I moved to Ann Arbor with my then fiance shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia. After enjoying every small detail of my own wedding, I knew event planning was for me, and luckily working in public relations provided me with opportunities to do just that.


My extended circle of family and friends see me as a natural planner, and often turn to me for help with their weddings and parties. I don't mind one bit! Being at the age where it seems like every day another friend of mine gets engaged, I could probably make a full time job out of being an honorary bridesmaid.

My loves include wedding blogs, sweet tea, J. Crew, college football and of course, my husband. I'm thrilled to be working with Petals and hope to get to know all our readers much better over the next few months of wedding season.

You can contact Lyndsay at lyndsay@petalsplanningco.com

WELCOME LYNDSAY!!!!

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Outdoor Receptions

For those of you having outdoor wedding receptions, or considering having an outdoor wedding reception...this post is for you!  I want to draw attention to a few details that could help make your reception even BETTER!:

Picture credit to Style Me Pretty

1.  Bugs. Does your venue spray bug repellent on their lawn and grassy areas?  If not, and if your reception will not eventually be moved indoors, how do you plan to keep bugs away from your guests?  Citronella candles?  Torches in the ground?  They make really cute citronella lanterns (if that's your style) that can be hung from tents, put on tables, or put into the ground.  No one would even know they double as bug repellant :)

2.  Cake/Cupcakes.  If you are getting married in Michigan this summer (or anywhere hot for that matter), where will your cake be kept until the reception?  What type of frosting will it have?  Light frostings such as meringue, whipped cream, and buttercream will melt faster in the heat than something heavier such as fondant.  Always double check with your baker.

3.  Trash Cans.  It's important to make sure trash cans are easily accessible to your guests.  They should be strategically placed throughout your reception.  Some more questions that revolve around trash are:  Who will be responsible for emptying the trash cans?  Who will supply the extra trash cans and bags?  If the venue (such as someone's backyard) does not have anyone responsible for the trash, where does it go when it's full and who is responsible for that?  In Michigan we recycle our cans and bottles.  If you'd like to make sure those items are placed in separate bins from the trash, make sure you mark them appropriately so that all the guests know that trash goes into a different container than cans and bottles do.

4.  Lighting.  For two reasons:  1.  Photography.  2.  So guests can see where they are going.  A photographer needs to have decent lighting to take pictures when it's dark.  Natural light is always the best, however, a well lit tent or reception area would help them out greatly!  Once the sun sets, it's important that your guests can find their way to the restrooms, their cars, the bar, wherever it is that they need to go.  Lighting a pathway to take them to such places could really enhance their experience, and keep someone from twisting their ankle!

Is your reception indoors or outdoors?  If it is outdoors, what are you most concerned about?  If it's indoors, what's your main concern?

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Introducing the Ann Arbor Art Center!

Looking for a funky, unconventional space to hold a small party or wedding?

The Ann Arbor Art Center is a unique venue for entertaining, cocktail receptions, weddings, birthdays and other special events. Located on West Liberty in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, the historic building used to be the Walker Carriage Factory and has 2 spaces--a gallery and a third floor, brick-walled studio.

The 3rd floor is 2 rooms that can be opened up to on large room, featuring painted wood floors and old brick walls. It can hold 70-90 people depending on whether it is set up for standing room only, cocktail tables, or banquet tables.

The second floor galleries are gorgeous, featuring large windows and local, Michigan artists’ work on display. It can hold between 50-75 people.

The second floor set up during an average work day

The second floor set up for a dinner reception

For more information & pricing contact the Center’s Facilities Manager, Samantha Solis at 734-994-8004 x116 or ssolis@annarborartcenter.org

kate@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Eco-Friendly Wedding Planning!

In my personal life as well as in my professional life I strive to be "greener."  Some days that means walking to the fitness complex in our neighborhood instead of driving there, some days that means using the same  glass to drink water out of all day.  Professionally, I love when clients ask for eco-friendly venues, and are concerned about the paper used for their invtitations, place cards, menus, programs and table numbers.  I also love to support local vendors who grow their own flowers, or who purchase food and ingredients from local vendors.

In the wedding industry, what does "green" mean?  The answer is very subjective.  Going "green" may mean using recycled paper in all of your paper products, or it may mean donating to a charity in lieu of favors.  More and more we're seeing wedding venues going "green" by using energy saving appliances, linens made of organic materials, light switches operated by hotel keys to reduce the use of energy, and some hotels are even growing their own gardens with fruit, vegetables and herbs right there on the property!

Many places are becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.  You can check out how to do that and what it entails on the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) website:

http://www.usgbc.org/

Here are some great eco-friendly resources for finding "green" hotels including wedding venues:

http://www.greenhotels.com/

http://www.istaygreen.com/

http://www.environmentallyhotels.com/

REDUCE * REUSE * RECYCLE * RENEW

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http//www.petalsplanningco.com

Kennedy's 1st Birthday!!!

This blog post is more personal than business related...you get a peek into my life as a mother, wife, sister, and daughter and not just as the owner of Petals Planning Company.  The picture above is my daughter, Kennedy McDonald about ready to dive into her cupcake at her 1st birthday party.  She is the light of my life and I love her more every day.

The party was on June 5th, 2010 (her actual birthday is June 4th).  We were very fortunate that the rain held off all day.  The party was from 12 pm - 4 pm so we had perfect weather for set up starting at 10 am and clean-up until 6 pm.  As soon as we pulled into our neighborhood (the party was at my parents house) it started pouring - we were truly blessed to have had no rain all day!!!

The theme of this party was "princess."  I bought "princess" plates and napkins that were pink, purple, and yellow and went with it.  I bought ballons for the tables as you can see in the pictures above.  The balloons were tied to glass jars filled with starbursts, and the jars were taped down to the tablecloths in order to avoid a windy disaster.  I also put picture frames in the center of each table.  Each picture frame held a picture of Kennedy in a different time in her life, from newborn to 12 months old.  My main thought process when deciding what to do for the tables was concern for my guests.  I didn't want the tables to be too busy, and I didn't want there to be anything standing between my guests conversing with each other over lunch.  The balloons were perfect because they were high enough so they were not in the way of guests being able to see each other, and the picture frames were so low that they did not cause a problem either.

We rented a tent, table, and chairs to put up in my parents backyard in Ann Arbor.  Our tent size was 20 x 20, which can fit six 6' banquet tables, however we rented 5 tables along with 50 chairs (in hindsight, we rented way too many chairs).   

My cousin and I had our children on the same day last year, just a couple hours apart, so here is a picture of Evan and Kennedy loving on each other...they were so sweet. 

We had such a great day, full of great friends and family who made it an unforgettable 1st birthday for our sweet girl.  I thank God every day for an amazing support network.  I am so blessed.  Below is a picture of some of my supporters in life...

My sister (Trisha), My "sister" (Kate), and ME!

For those of you in Ann Arbor, here are some resources and vendors I used for the party:

Catering - Katherine's Catering

Balloons - Kroger

Rentals - Your Event Party Rental

"Princess" Plates & Napkins - Dollar Store

Cupcakes - Made my yours truly!!! :)

courtney@petalsplanningco.com

http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Have your cake...or ice cream, or pie...and eat it too

As a continuation of Mondays post...what if you are not into cake at all?  Are there other options?  You betcha!!!! :)

For someone like me who isn’t really a huge fan of cake, I opted to go for a dessert & gourmet coffee bar at my reception.



I love coffee, espresso, cappuccino & lattes, so offering my guests more than just a bulk house drip coffee was important to me. Set up a “Coffee Bar” with chocolate shavings, flavored syrups, whipped cream, caramel and cinnamon. Also, to go cups with lids are always a good idea, it has been a long night, possibly with some cocktails why not send your guests out with a warm caffeinated beverage.


Dessert stations, basically a buffet setup that guests visit, are gaining popularity. Even if you're doing a seated meal, a dessert station gives guests a chance to circulate a bit. I've seen stations that range from elaborate tables with every confection imaginable to simple themed offerings. Very popular right now: the candy bar. A table full of sweets the couple loved from their childhood-like malted milk balls, jelly beans, and caramel popcorn. Put out empty bags for guests to take home their favorites, this could double as their favors.

For alternative desserts think about your favorites, special moments in your relationship and just your everyday life together. Simple, beloved American-style desserts like apple tarts, pie a la mode, and gooey brownies smothered in ice cream will fit the bill. If you want something more elegant, serve "dessert trios," so each guest is presented with three miniature sweets on a single platter.


Where is your favorite place to go out to eat? Maybe there's a special dessert on the menu at your local haunt that you always order-and always find yourselves fighting over that last bite. Do you treat yourselves to Krispy Kremes on Sunday mornings? Imagine a dressed-up variations on the humble (yet legendary) doughnut.


Did you travel somewhere special together and discover something wonderful? A getaway to France may have inspired an apple tarte tatin. Is it important to incorporate something from your ethnic background? If you're Italian, you gotta have cannolis, but why not do mini ones with a variety of creams from ricotta to French? Likewise, Latino couples might opt for a creative spin on the traditional flan.


If you are a chocolate lover; a truffle station, where an assortment of individual chocolates and chocolate covered confections are offered, have chocolate cordial cups filled with a delicious liqueur alongside truffles. Or have a dramatic chocolate fountain; you can actually one shaped like a three-tiered wedding cake. Have a table of “dippable” goodies such as marshmallows, pound cakes, fruit, cookies & pretzels. You can offer shot glasses of milk to accompany your chocolate indulgence.


Love ice cream bars? Have a cart -- like the ones sidewalk vendors use -- positioned in a corner of the dining room so that guests can dig right in after dinner. That way, you can have your cake, or ice cream, or pie...and eat it too.

**picture credit to Hostess Blog

kate@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Double Duty Centerpieces!

Looking to spice up your reception? Not into flowers or just want to make a different statement? Use cakes as your table centerpieces!

First pick out your wedding cake, scale it back a bit, just the right size for the wedding party. Have a tier to eat at the event and a tier to put in the freezer for the first anniversary celebration. To make the wedding cake the focal point of the reception, place it on a pedestal on an elegantly decorated table with the bridal bouquet.


Then, have your baker make a cake for each table at the reception. Two layers are sufficient; 8-12 inch cakes depending on how many will be seated at each table. The cakes could be a simpler version of the wedding cake or could be in similar colors to the wedding to compliment to the wedding itself. For instance, the cakes could match the bridesmaids' dresses and bouquets. Or they could all be metallic to match the wedding rings. A simple fondant covered cake with a beautiful ribbon around the base to tie in with the wedding theme. A group of mini cakes or collection of cupcakes might fit your theme better. Maybe the cupcakes could be decorated like the flowers in the wedding? Put a charger or small stand of choice in the center of each table, and then put the cakes on top.


After the customary cutting of the cake photo session, the guests don't have to wait for cake. They are also able to control portion sizes and don't have to be embarrassed about going for seconds.

In regards to cost, your wedding cake is smaller than normal and the guest table cakes eliminate the need for extra sheet cakes. The individual guest cakes also take the place of whatever you would have spent on the centerpieces such as flowers, vases, and ribbons. The money saved therefore helps offset the price of the cakes. The chargers can be purchased in a bulk, at a discount store or rented and the cake knives & servers might be included in the table setting price. The unique idea of using small cakes as centerpieces will not only help personalize your wedding reception, but your guests will thoroughly enjoy the edible centerpieces.

Did you have a traditional wedding cake?  Or did you do something unique?  Cupcakes?  Unique flavors and/or colors?

kate@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/

Preferred Vendors - what does that mean?

"Preferred Vendor."  What does that mean?

photo courtesy of Pink Sky Photography

In the wedding industry you will hear this term a lot!  It is in our contract, it is in our vocabulary, and it is in the literature you will receive from many, many venues.

The term has a bit of a bad reputation.  I can't tell you how many times I have been asked "do you receive a kickback from vendors who you refer clients to?"  The answer for us is a resounding NO!!!!!

We refer clients to specific vendors based on our established relationship, knowledge of their work, professionalism, honesty, price, and of course being a good fit for the client.  The vendors who are willing to give us a "cut" are not the ones we want to work with - we want the vendors willing to pass that discount on to our clients.  For example, a rental company (Your Event Party Rental in Plymouth, Michigan) that we work very closely with waves the damage waiver for our clients (usually 6% of the total bill), they are on time, professional, have great equipment, and are nice people...a winning combination.

photo courtesy of Crossing River Weddings

My dear colleague and friend, Lindsey Nartker, said it best when she started doing blog posts once a week on a new vendor.  Why would she share her wedding planning secrets?  Why would she want the world to know what vendors to use?  Lindsey said it best when she blogged:

 "Some people are probably wondering why I’d share all my favorite vendors when typically that is what my clients hire me to do… well, there is enough to go around for everyone! If I kept all these people my little secret than I’m definitely doing them injustice. They all deserve to be highlighted and recognized for their super cool personalities and stellar work. (Plus, as a wedding coordinator, recommending vendors is only a small part of what we do. Clients hire us to know the vendors and know which ones are a great fit for their wedding. We also know how their services are priced and if they’re available for your date. Not every photographer will work for every bride – it’s our job to make the process of selecting the right vendor super duper easy!)

photo courtesy of Custom Paperworks

Choosing a vendor is more than just who's available on your day...it's finding a good fit, somebody who is on your same page, who you trust, who is timely, and who is within your budget. 

The vendors highlighted in this blog post are without a doubt some of our preferred vendors...Be sure to check them out!!!

courtney@petalsplanningco.com
http://www.petalsplanningco.com/