Create Your Own Sparkle

Congratulations on your engagement! We are more than certain you have a wonderful story to tell! All engagement stories are different and special in their own way- but one common thread in every engagement (at least for the most part) is a shiny, sparkly, he’s got me now- diamond engagement ring. Sigh.

Most often, the ring is presented to the bride-to-be at the time the proposal takes place. However these days, with couples juggling careers and student loans- the ring is sometimes put off until a later stage of the engagement when the couple is ready to “make things official”. Regardless of when the ring is presented, there is no denying that the mere thought of its existence is a fabulous thing! Maybe even the best part of the entire process! (Well, aside from the promise you are making to each other- that trumps a diamond. It does. Really).

Ok, so since I’m probably not going to be able to convince you that your promise of unity is in any way better than a diamond- I’ll just move on. Now we all know the basics- and of course we’d be paying attention to the Four C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat), but what about the style and design of our rings? This aspect of the ring selection is very personal.


The engagement ring (as well as the wedding ring) symbolizes a pact made by the couple for lifelong commitment and love. So, rather than shuffling through a variety of glass cases showcasing readymade settings-why not design and create the ring of your dreams-a ring that is 100% your own. Don’t worry, it is actually very easy to do, and you’d be surprised how much money you can save by creating your own ring.


Not sure where to begin? Keep reading Mama’s blog, over the next few days we will be posting a step by step guide to creating your own engagement ring!


As always, I would love to hear from you. If you have thought about designing your own ring, or know someone who has- send me a comment and tell Mama about it!

Chic on the Cheap

You have always dreamed of a grand affair for your wedding but now that the time has come you find that your dreams may be shattered due to lack of budget.  Creativity will get you everywhere when you are planning your wedding- and here are a few tricks of the trade to stretch that budget and create the wedding of your dreams. 

The Guest List:  Keep the guest list limited to only your nearest and dearest.  By keeping the head count smaller, you'll leave much more room in the budget to wow each person rather than trying to provide just enough for too many.  

Location:  Choose a unique location such as a beach, a museum, or even an old library to host your event.  These types of venues create the atmosphere all on their own, with little (or even no) decorating effort on your part.  If you are excited to work in your own decor, but want to save a little on the venue choice, try booking a private room in a restaurant that can accommodate your guest list.  

Get Trendy.  A cocktail party can be a swank and trendy event.  So, why not host a  cocktail party instead of a dinner reception. Serve both hot and cold appetizers on trays with butler service and add just a few serving stations for variety.  For more details on throwing a fabulous cocktail party- check out our blog "Posh & Perfect: The Partini".  

The Bar:  You don't have to offer a top shelf, premium open bar to throw a great party.  You can limit the choices in order to avoid the tacky cash bar, but not go over your budget.  You can stick to only wine and beer choices, or maybe create a few signature cocktails for your guests to try.  

Decor:  Keep it simple.  Just a few votives and petals on each table will create a romantic and elegant flair, while also providing a low budget centerpiece. 

Favors:  There is no requirement to hand out favors at your wedding- so if it isn't in the budget, just skip it.  But, if you'd like to try a great alternative, take a thumb print from both bride and groom and place them side by side on a sheet of parchment (angled to create a heart).  Turn that into your "signature" and have a written (and of course heartfelt) thank you note to your guests.  Roll the parchment into a scroll and tie it together with ribbon.  

Guests make great photographers:  Purchase a few "throw away" cameras and place them on each table so that guests may take photos throughout the night and then leave the cameras for the bride and groom.  This is not only a great way to record your wedding memories (and save a pretty penny on the photographer), but you'll guest to relive your wedding through the eyes of your guests.  Now, that's special. 

Always remember what makes a perfect wedding is not necessarily how much is spent, but rather how much is gain.  Regardless of your budget, always be sure that you wedding is an illustration of you (and of course your future husband), and it will be perfect.  

Have some thoughts or ideas you'd like to share about throwing a wedding on a tight budget?  Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead- send us a comment and tell Mama about it.  

Keeping A Look Out For Your Summer Cook Out!

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means it is time to dust off the grill and start planning our summer cookouts! Here are some tips on throwing a healthy and happy Memorial Day BBQ this year!

Don’t just dust it off, heat it up. It is a good idea to preheat your grill for about 20 minutes or so before using it to ensure a sterile surface, plus- you’ll shave a few minutes off your cooking time as well!

Be mindful of how long you leave your food out. Very often, once the food is off the grill, we leave it out on the table for hours after we’ve finished eating. Keep in mind that you do not want to let your food sit out for longer than 2 hours, and if it is hotter than 90 degrees out- bring it in after an hour.

Be supportive of your vegetarian friends and family. Sure, sometimes we may think we are doing a good deed by choosing turkey burgers for those guests that can’t eat red meat; or we’ve prepared a fantastic selection of grilled vegetables for who cannot have any type of meat at all- but did we clear a designated portion of the grill for cooking these alternatives? Keep in mind that very often in these cases, the food must be prepared completely separately and you must make a conscious effort to avoid the co-mingling of foods.

Keep the pests away from guests. Allow your guests to enjoy the food and the company you are sharing with them, without the annoyance of pesky insects. Citronella oil candles are a great way to keep these party crashers at bay, and they come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors, so you can choose what is appropriate to your décor.

The Center of Attention

The centerpiece you choose for your wedding will be the focal point of your reception.  Many people choose floral arrangements that compliment the color scheme, and theme of their wedding.  A good florist, or floral designer can put together a centerpiece that will be perfect for you occasion- but you better believe it is going to cost you a pretty penny!  If you have room in the budget, and an eye for florals go for it- but if you'd like take a moment to think outside the florals- here are few alternatives to adorn your tables with magnificant and unique centerpieces:

Favor Centerpieces: Get a little creative by bundling all of your wedding favors together into a beautiful and unique centerpiece.  Combining your favors and centerpieces into one will not only create a memorable piece, but it will also make some room in your budget, because you are not having to buy these items seperately.  Not sure where to start?  Mama will be happy to create this type of centerpiece for you- using any type of favor you choose.  (Our only request is that you try to choose a favor that your guests will actually use!).  Just send your request by email to mama@occasionsbymama.com.

Candle Light:  Create a soft romantic piece by using candles for your centerpiece instead of the usual flower arrangment.  You might want to throw a few petals down on the center of the table, and include simple tea lights- or you can create a more impactful piece using pillar candles, or even candle holders. 

Crystals:  Adorn your tables with crystals to give your wedding a rich sophisticated feel.  A stunning idea is to have a wedding tree at the center of each table, with strands of crystals dangling from it's branches.  Or, combining the candle centerpiece, with the crystals to add to it's charm. This use of crystals can be expanded to boutonnières, corsages and bouquets as well.

Candy:  For a fun loving twist on the floral arrangement, create a centerpiece out of candy or even a combination of candy and florals.

There is no limit to the creative options available for creating unique and memorable centerpieces for your wedding day.  Whatever you choose, be sure that it has meaning for you and is an illustration of your own personality and style.  Don't forget, you can request samples from Mama by sending your request to mama@occasionsbymama.com.

Have a unique centerpiece idea? Send us a comment and tell Mama about it!

 

The Right Fit

Whether you are the bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride or groom you will fall victim to the ominous dress fitting.  The problem starts with the dress designer as no designer sizes clothing the same. Sometimes you are a 2, with designer X you may be a 6, and designer Y may have you looking spectacular in a size 8. Do not fall prey to the numbers. Once the dress is chosen, go by the size of the dress you have tried on & the actual measurements the seamstress gets then order your size from there.

Some tips Mama would like to share:

• Always remember one Mama fact tip: “Just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean you can wear it”.  It is important to be conscious of the styles that compliment your body.  If you are a bridesmaid you may not have too much of a choice- in that instance, let's hope your bride is conscious of what will be flattering on her bridal party.

• DO NOT choose a size based on your goal weight.  Choose the size that fits you now. There are usually 3 fittings so if you are fortunate enough to reach your weight loss goal, the dress will be fitted accordingly.

• Be sure it is the seamstress who is taking the measurements and not the sales help because the store is crowded and they want to keep things moving along.

•  Speak up about your concerns on how the dress is fitting. There should be no wrinkles or bunching; the dress should feel comfortable and you should be able to move in the dress with no restrictions; and if the dress is a long gown the hem should cover your shoes while allowing you to walk freely.

• Be sure you bring to the first fitting the actual undergarments you will be wearing on the event day as well as the shoes that you plan to wear to ensure your dress is fitted properly. 

• Know your budget and be conscious of the bridesmaid budgets. Formal dresses and fittings can be expensive. The budget may determine where the dress is bought and fitted. 

Do you have some advice to share about finding the right fit?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it! 

Toss the Bouquet? Or throw that tradition away?

We’ve all been there at one time or another.  It is that awkward moment during the wedding reception when all of the single ladies are invited to join the bride on the dance floor so that she may toss her bouquet at them, and (as if being singled out for their lack of relationship isn’t embarrassing enough) these singles now all fall all over each other, pushing, shoving and diving just to catch this bundle of flowers.  Why? Well, that’s easy- we engage in this public display of indignity because we’ve been told that the woman who catches it will be the next to marry.  I mean, isn’t that obvious?

All joking aside, this tradition isn’t all bad, and for many couples it is a lot of fun.  So if you plan on sticking with the tradition- go for it.  It certainly makes for a hilariously fantastic video op!  But, if you are anything like Mama, you may be interested in putting a bit of a modern twist, on this old tradition.  For those of you are looking to get a little creative, here are few alternatives to the usual flower flinging to consider: 

The Anniversary Dance:  The anniversary dance has become a very popular option among modern brides.  Here is how it works.  After the bride and groom have their first dance, the DJ invites all of the married couples in attendance to join the couple on the dance floor.  While the song is playing, the DJ asks that all of the couples married 5 years or less to sit down.  Next he’ll ask those married10 years or less to sit down.  And so on, until only one couple (the couple who has been married the longest) is remaining on the dance floor.  The bride then presents her bouquet to this couple.  What a wonderful way to celebrate a new union by appreciating the longevity of an established marriage.

 

Show Thanks:  You may want to take this opportunity to thank all of the special people in your life.  Perhaps you’d like to recognize your parents, your sisters or brothers, your grandparents, or even you bridal party.  After the ceremony the bride can pull single stems out of her bouquet.  A note can be attached to each stem with a small note of thanks to these people.  The stems can then be left on the chairs of the attendees that are being honored.

Honor Mom:  Another nice idea is to use the bouquet to honor your mother, and your new mother in law.  You could split the bouquet in half, and tie each half with a ribbon.  You can then present one half to your mother, and the other half to your new mother in law.    You can do this during the reception, or if you prefer you can present these bouquets in a more intimate setting just before the reception begins.  

Pay Tribute:  Dedicate the bouquet to a loved one who is no longer with you.  The bouquet can be placed on a small table along with a photo of your loved one.  The next day you (or someone you’ve selected) can place the bouquet at the gravesite.

Break-away Bouquet:  Another popular solution is the ask the florist to create your bouquet as several small bouquets.  The small bouquets are then tied together with a ribbon.  Just before the bouquet toss, the bride removes the ribbon.  When she tosses the bouquet the small bundles will separate allowing for many (if not all) the single ladies to snatch one up.  

A Bouquet Dance:  This option can be very silly, but a lot of fun.  It is much like a game of hot potato, and all of the ladies (married or single) can be invited to participate The DJ invites everyone to the dance floor and they all circle around the bride.  When the music begins the bride tosses the bouquet to someone in the circle.  The guests then pass the bouquet around the circle while the group dances around the bride.  When the music stops, the person left the bouquet is the winner. 

Scavenger Hunt: Both men and women can play this bouquet game.  Here is how it works:  The bride hides the bouquet somewhere in the reception hall.  Throughout the night the DJ drops clues as the where the bouquet is hiding.  The first person to find the bouquet will be the next person to find true love. 

Funny Money:  Are you one of those people that gets a kick out of the usual scuffle, diving and fighting that is associated with the bouquet toss?  Well, then why not take it to the next level?  Create a money bouquet, like the sample we've provided here, and toss that into the crowd.  Then you and your new hubby can sit back and enjoy the chaos! 

Whatever you choose to do, always remember that there is no rule that says you must stick to the traditions that have been created before us.  As a matter of fact, creating new traditions has become a popular tradition among modern brides.  It has to start somewhere, so why not be the first to give it a try. 

Do you have any bouquet toss alternatives you’d like to share with everyone?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it!

Practice With a Picnic

As tradition (and luck for some) would have it, it is the Groom's job to plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner.  Ok, I know how it goes, some of you are are not quite comfortable handing this control (albeit a very small amount of control) over to your almost hubby.  Truth be told ladies- you have enough to worry about, and you'd be surprised how willing (and quite capable) your groom can be when comes to engaging in the planning activities.  

The rehearsal dinner is supposed to be the time where the bride, groom, bridal party, and the parents of the couple can finally stop the planning process, kick back and relax.  As the name would suggest, the rehearsal dinner is typically hosted immediately following the rehearsal at the ceremony location, which in most cases is the night before the wedding.  Over time people have become more flexible with this timing, and plan the rehearsal dinners two nights before the wedding, or even earlier in the day to ensure that our bride and groom get a good night's sleep before their big day.   

One really nice idea for the rehearsal dinner that your groom is sure to plan to perfection, is a picnic.  It is simple, classy and is held in the afternoon giving the bride and groom plenty of time to unwind and prepare for their big day.  Here are a few ideas to help make your picnic perfect (You may want to print this out for hubby):

He can't go wrong:  Although your groom might not be clipping magazine articles and running from shop to shop to find the perfect satin stilettos-believe me, he is the perfect person to plan this picnic.  (wow, that use of alliteration was unintentional, but I'll leave it there for fun!).  A picnic is all about comfort, ease and good company.  Those three things are the main ingredients for your picnic, and your groom knows exactly where to find them! (aisle four of your local grocery store). 

Location:  Choose a covered area where there are picnic tables and benches.  A checkered blanket laid out on the grass with a bottle of wine and some fresh fruit is absolutely adorable if you are planning a picnic for just the two of you, but since you'll have a larger group this time- opt for the tables.  Your guests will thank you.  If you will have children in attendance, try to find a park that has a playground, and be sure there are shady areas for guests that want to duck out of the sun.  

Entertainment:  Have fun.  The great thing about a picnic is there is plenty of opportunity (and space) to run around and let off some steam.  After many months of planning, this is just what you need.  Set up a volley ball net, bring a football, and for your older guests, set up a game of bocce.  You'll not only get a chance to let loose, but these types of activities will encourage all of your guests to join in on the fun.  

The Menu:  When planning your menu, keep it simple.  If you have a large number of people you could hire a caterer to prepare the food for you in advance.  In that case you'd want to plan for small bites and finger foods.   Many times you can find a picnic location that has barbecue pit right on the premises, so you can grill up a few hamburgers, hot-dogs, chicken and ribs right there with your guests.  The groom, the best man, and the fathers of the happy couple will probably jump at the chance to compete with each other over who will get to hold the "Grill Master" title.  What can I tell you-- it's a man thing.  

Relax:  Always remember that this is the time for you to unwind and let go of all of the stress and concerns relating to your big day.  Keep in mind this day is about celebrating the bride and groom, but also honoring all of the people that have lent a hand throughout your planning process.   

Do you have some unique rehearsal dinner ideas you'd like to share with us?  Send us a comment, and tell Mama about it!