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! 

The Aisle Runner: Use It? Or lose it?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.   Agonizing over every single detail, no matter how big or small, just naturally comes with the territory when you are planning for a wedding.   Deciding whether or not you are going to make your way down the aisle with a runner or without one, is not exempt from this stress induced indecisiveness.  So, since a simple "yes" or "no" is just not going to do it for us- we need to dig a little deeper into the meaning behind the runner, and the importance it may or may not have on our overall vision. 

Tradition:  Aisle runners became a staple in wedding ceremonies because it was believed that the bride should be treated as royalty, and should not walk on the same ground as the ordinary folks (that'd be all the guests).  Ok, this type of thinking isn't quite the norm anymore, but it isn't too far off to say that a bride gets to be Queen for a day.  

Protection:  If your ceremony is taking place outdoors, adding an aisle runner into the mix just might mean the difference between a white dress, or a muddy-or worse, torn- hem. 

Color Correction:  If the venue you chose has carpeting that doesn't quite fit into your color scheme, an aisle runner can be a great way to keep your colors coordinated.  The aisle runner offers a clean, elegant path that doubles as a beautiful backdrop for the pedals that your flower girl will be dropping.  

Vision.  Ok, so maybe you are not concerned about an outdoor ceremony, an off color carpet, or ensuring you are a Queen for a day.  That's okay.  The most popular way to make this decision is to picture how it may fit into the overall vision of your wedding.  (In other words, if you think it is pretty).

There is no rule that says you should, or should not, use an aisle runner. When it comes to the aisle runner, do you think you should use it? Or lose it?  Send us a comment and let Mama know what you think! 

Who Eats The Cost?

When it comes to wedding planning there tends to be some confusion when it comes to who should be paying for what.  Very often the parents of the couple will want to lend a hand with much of the planning and also some of the expenses.  Although every situation is different, below is a general outline of how the different expenses are traditionally shared.  

Bride and/or Bride's Family

All reception costs

Church/ceremony/clergy fees

The groom's ring

Invitations

Flowers/decorations/centerpieces

The band or DJ

Gifts for the bridesmaids

Gift for the groom

Groom and/or Groom's Family

The bride's ring

The bride's bouquet/the boutonnières/corsages

The rehearsal dinner

Transportation/Limos

Lodging for Bride and Groom

Gifts for the groomsmen

Gift for the bride

The Best Guest

Just a few days ago I shared some secrets about how to be “The Hostess with the Mostest”.  I shared these tips with you because it is important that you think about how to be a great hostess to your guests.  But, just as important is to consider the flip side- how to be a great guest to our hostess.  Since we all have been (and probably will be again) a guest at an event, here a few guidelines to keep in mind to be sure you are the best guest:

• Always RSVP for an event.  It is essential that you let your hostess know whether or not you will be attending.  For a more detailed explanation as to why this is so important, check out our blog  "Répondez s'il vous plaît: Are you coming or not?".
• Be on Time.  It is ok to arrive about 30 minutes late if you are attending a cocktail party, however if it is a dinner party be sure you are on time.  Don't show up early (even if you have the best of intentions) because your hostess will be making last minute preparations!
• "No Flash Photography".  Try to avoid taking photographs during a wedding ceremony.  Your bride and groom have probably hired professional photographers- so let them do their jobs so that you don't interupt the sanctity of the moment.
• Send a Gift.  Even if you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a gift. Try to avoid bringing a gift to the wedding- you have to a year from the date of the wedding to send a gift to the couple's home.  If you bring the gift to the wedding the bride and groom will have to figure out a way to get it home.
• Go Easy on the Alcohol.  Parties are a time to let lose, and you should absolutely take advantage of that.  But no one likes an out of control drunk- especially at their wedding.  So drink moderately so that you do not embaress yourself or your host. 

Above all else- always remember to enjoy yourself, and thank your host for having you at their event.

Oh, No She Didn't!

She did. In fact, it happens all to frequently if you ask Mama.  Wondering what I am talking about? I'm are talking about that bride.  You know, the one that makes the mistake of throwing all of the ettiquette rules out the window because this day is all about her, isn't it? Well, as most of you know - although your wedding day is one of the major milestones in your life- it is not all about you.  It is also about your spouse, the promises you are making to eachother, and let's not forget about the family and friends that are there to support these nuptials. 

However, in the fast paced world of wedding planning it seems the "Bridezilla Syndrome"  has become an epidemic.  Mama wants to be sure that you don't fall victim of this ever growing disease, so here are a few things to avoid to make sure you are not that bride!

• Do not be your worst enemy.  When you feel yourself starting to get overly stressed, or out of control- step out of the planning for a moment.  Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place.
• Do not request monetary gifts.  As I mentioned last month in "Tact vs Tacky" it is in very poor taste to request cash on your invitations.  Let your guests decide what (if anything) they'd like to give you on your wedding day.
• Do not open cards or gifts at the reception.  If someone gives you a gift during your reception, kindly accept it with a thank you and place it aside.  You and your hubby to be should make time after the wedding (or sometimes after the honeymoon) to open the gifts.  *Be sure you keep a list of who gave you what so that you can thank them properly* 
• Do not spend too much time with only one guest.  Be sure that you spend a few minutes with each and every guest at your wedding reception. They have come here in your honor, make sure they feel welcome and appreicated. The best way to do this is the be breif, and visit every table.  If you want to spend extra time chatting with your best friends, wait until after you've seen everyone and then you can go back around to your favorites. 
• Do not seat battling relatives together.  Even if you have their best interest at heart and you are hoping this arrangment will somehow get them talking again- don't do it. If they can't get along, keep them apart. 
• Do not try to go it alone.  Even if you are a perfectionist- get over it.  There is no way you can do all of the planning on your own, so just accept that.  Allow your mother, you sisters, your bridesmaids or your mother in law pitch in if they want to help.  This is the last time they are going to fall over themselves for you anyway- so just take advantage of it!

Have you been to a wedding where the bride (or perhaps even the groom) fell victim of the Bridezilla Syndrome?  Send a comment and tell Mama about it!

Happy Mama's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mamas out there!  

Did you know that the very first Mother's day was celebrated as a church service on May 10, 1908 in honor of Anna Jarvis who's gravesite promise to her own mother was to establish a day dedicated to honoring mothers both living and deceased?  Anna kept her promise to her mom and by 1911 almost every state in the union was celebrating this day,  and today we continue to celebrate as a means to offer our thanks and appreciation to our mothers for all of the love and support they have shown us.  

Here are just a few ideas to help you pay homage to your Mama:

• Plan a Brunch:  Planning a brunch is simple way to bring family together, and give Mama a break from her normal morning routine.  Prepare a simple menu with choices such as pancakes, omelets, bagels, danishes, pastas and salads.  You can have it catered, or stick to items you know that you can make- it isn't about being fancy or over the top.  Include a variety of beverages such as coffee, teas, and soda's, as well as a celebratory beverage such as Mimosas.  Decorate with fresh flowers, and have soft soothing music play throughout the brunch. This type of celebration is a perfect compliment to a day dedicated to the love and hospitality of our Mamas. 
• Breakfast in Bed.  For a Mama that may not want the fan fare of a big get together, why not treat her to a relaxing breakfast in bed.  Place a single flower in a small vase (you can choose one from your own garden- but be sure you don't cut Mama's favorite rose bush!).  Place your fresh flower on a tray along with a cup of coffee or tea, her favorite breakfast entree, a glass of juice and perhaps you can even mix her up a Bloody Mary or Mimosa.  Place a card on the tray with a personal note showing your thanks and love.  A simple breakfast in bed is a thoughtful way to show your Mama how much you care. 
• Take Mama Out.  A great way to ensure that your Mama doesn't cook or clean or in any way exert herself on this particular day of the year is to take her out!  You could treat her to a meal at her favorite restaurant, take her for a manicure and pedicure, or maybe plan a full day of spa treatments.  A Mama's job is a hard job, and this is our chance to give her a day off!  

We would love to know how you decided to celebrated your Mama on this special day.  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it! 

Gift Giving Guidelines

From the moment you accept his proposal to the day you walk down the aisle the opportunities to celebrate are endless.  You have the engagement party, the bridal party luncheon, the bridal shower, the bachelor/ bachelorette parties, the rehearsal dinner, and (let's not forget) the wedding.  Although the planning, and scheduling for all of these events is enough to make a person's head spin, we also must consider when it is appropriate to give a gift.  To alleviate some of the pressure (a little gift from Mama), here are a few general gift giving guidelines:

The Engagement Party:  As we mentioned in a previous blog- "To Have Or To Hold Off"- not everyone has an engagement party.  They are certainly not mandatory, but are a great way to announce your upcoming nuptials to your friends and family.  If people are aware that they are attending an engagement party, it is natural for them to bring a gift in honor of your celebration.  Though people may wish to bring gifts, they should not be expected to do so.  If you really do not want your guests to feel obligated to bring a gift, invite them over for a casual get together, and use the engagement as an element of surprise. 

The Bridal Party Luncheon:  It is not customary for the bride to receive gifts at the bridal party luncheon.  This is the brides chance to thank her bridesmaids for for taking part in her wedding.  For some, this may be the very moment that she requests the honor of their participation.  If any gifts are given, it should be the bride offering a small token of thanks. 

The Bridal Shower:  The main event of a bridal shower is the opening of gifts! So if you are a future bride you'll want to make sure you have your registry in order for this occasion, but don't forget your manners! Ask your maid of honor, or one of your bridesmaids to keep a list of what each guest gives you so that you make sure you send them a thank you afterwards.  

The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party:  When it comes to the bride or grooms last night out, the gifts that are given are typically humorous in nature.  This is not the time where you would search the registry, but instead you might focus on some final fling paraphernalia, such as t-shirts, shot glasses, or hats.  

The Rehearsal Dinner:  It is not customary for a guest to bring gifts to a rehearsal dinner. Instead, this is the time for the bride and groom to show their appreciation for their bridal party, parents, family and friends.  Typically the bride will offer a gift to her bridesmaids (often it is a piece of jewelry to wear on the wedding day), and the groom will present his groomsmen with a gift as well.  They might also take this opportunity to give a gift to their parents to thank them for all they have done in preparing for the big day. 

The Wedding:  You gave a gift at the bridal shower, therefor it is not necessary to give a gift for the wedding.  Wrong.  You do need to give a gift for both the shower and the wedding.  These gifts do not need to be elaborate or expensive.  Typically people will send a gift upon receipt of the wedding invitation (even if you will not be attending).  Here in New York it is customary to give the bride and groom monetary gifts on the wedding day, but this is not the same custom in all areas.  For example, down south a gift table might be set up during the reception so guests could bring the gifts to the wedding.  If you are unsure what the customs are for your bride and groom,  err on the side of caution and send the gift to the bride's home prior to the big day.  On many occasions the bride and groom will also give gifts to their guests at the end of the wedding, in the form of a favor.  These gifts are usually a small token of thanks for those that shared the day.  

Do you have a story to share about giving or receiving a gift?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it! 

Celebrating Achievement

May we please discuss May.  (yes, corny I know- but I had to do it).  Seriously though- May is such an amazing time of year.  For starters, flowers start to bloom and crops begin to sprout, which whether we acknowledge it or not, allows us to feel alive and invigorated in itself.  Plus, we have great events in May like the Kentucky Derby (Go Super Saver!), and The Daytona and Indianapolis 500 races.  And of course, we can not forget fun holidays in May including Cinqo de Mayo and Memorial Day.  All of these pleasurable moments in May are reasons to celebrate- but today, Mama would like to focus on one very important milestone, which for the majority occurs in May-- college graduation.  

Let's take our caps off for all of the college students that are buzzing around preparing for commencement.  These students have worked extremely hard- and deserve to celebrate their achievements! Here are a few ideas to help you plan a unique and memorable event for your grad (within a reasonable budget of course- that college wasn't cheap)! 

Decor:  Why not incorporate the school colors into your plan in order to boast a little bit of school spirit.  Add a little flair to your design with a creative centerpiece, such as using a graduation cap as a vase for your flowers.  

Theme:  Although the graduation itself elicits an obvious theme for the party- why not take it a step further?  Allow the theme of the party to incorporate the personal style and interests of your grad.  For example, why not run with a hollywood theme for a drama major?  Be creative- it could be fun.

Create a lasting memory:  A great idea for a graduation party is to include a signing book or a signing board so that all of the guests have an opportunity to write down their well wishes for the graduates future.  These little bits of advice and wisdom and hopes for a bright future are sure to be treasured by your graduate for years to come.  

Play.  A great way to get a crowd engaged in the party is to play games.  Throwing a few games in during dinner will get the party going, and encourage people to chat, laugh, and have an overall good time. Let's be honest, your graduate is all grown up, and playing games at their graduation party is a fun, unique, and hilariously childish way to close out the school years.   

A graduation party doesn't have to be over the top to be perfect.  All you need is the pride of a parent, the achievement of a graduate, and the love and support of family and friends.  

Are you planning a graduation party for a soon-to-be graduate?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it! 

Sweat The Small Stuff

Throwing a successful event, big or small, will depend greatly on your organizational skills and your ability to envision the entire picture. You want to be sure that you are considering all aspects of your event- not only the big details such as the venue, but the small details such as favors as well. The last thing you want is to panic on the day of your wedding because you forgot to put out cocktail napkins!  Here are a just a few of those details to help you get started. 

Create a survival kit:  Mama's motto:  Always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.  Although we are postive (especially if you are following Mama's tips) that your day will run smoothly, we still urge you to have a few essentials (such as band-aids, clear nail polish,  a needle and thread, advil and tylenol) on hand- you know, just incase.  You can create the kit yourself, or you can find some already prepared kits, like this Bridessentials Survival Kit on Amazon.  

Little Lavoratory Luxuries:  Better known as bathroom baskets filled with goodies for your guests to use as they need throughout the night.  Sometimes your florist can arrange one for you, or perhaps the venue offers them, so be sure to find out.  If not, that's ok, putting the baskets together can be a very fun activity, or one that can be delegated to a bridesmaid or two.  Fill the basket with items you think some of your guests might need throughout the evening, for example aspirin, hair spray, fingernail glue, feminine products, tooth picks, band-aids, and even a few combs. 

Functional Favors:  Not everyone chooses to give out favors at their wedding, and that is fine.  However, for those that do want to give out favors please consider your guests when choosing the favors.  It is easy to get caught up in the "oh this is so cute", or "well, this one is only $3".  Cute and affordable are great qualities, but if your guests will never use it- you've wasted your money and any space they have in their cabinets!

Direction Cards:  Ok, sure, we are always looking to maximize the budget and cut costs wherever possible- but eliminating the direction cards in the invitations is not the place to do it.  Yes, many people have a GPS or know how to punch an address into Map Quest, but sending those direction cards is a convenience to your guests.  This is a little something that will make their preparations easier- and they will appreciate you for it.  People may not tell you how grateful they are for those cards, but you better bet they'll let you know if they got lost on their way if you didn't include them! 

The Hostess With The Mostest

Planning an event can be stressful at times, but it can also be a great deal of fun.  The stress tends to surface when you are feeling overwhelmed with the different aspects of planning.  The key component to ensuring your event goes off without a hitch is knowing how to be a great hostess.  Here are some of Mama's tips on how be "the hostess with the mostest".  

• Offer Variety.  Some of your guests might have particular food preferences or even allergies that you need to take into account.  Make sure you are prepared with a variety of different foods.  A general rule would be to serve a meat, fish, chicken and pasta- and be sure at least one item is vegetarian.  Show the same diversity with the drink selection as well by including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as offering a couple of diet options. 
• Relax the atmosphere.  Make sure the seating arrangements allow for each guest to be seated, while also leaving enough room for people to walk around and mingle.  Keep the lighting dim and the temperature cool to ensure everyone is comfortable. 
• Dress the part.  As the hostess of the event you will have to meet and greet every single one of the guests.  Your appearance (though you may not even realize it) will have an impact on how people perceive your event.  As a general rule, it is always better for a hostess to be overdressed than underdressed! 
• Welcome each guest.  All of your party preparations should be completed before your guests start to arrive.  When the doorbell rings- you should be there ready to take their coats, and welcome them into the party.  Be sure also to introduce them to any guests that have already arrived.  Mingling and making small talk may be the job of a good guest, but the job of great hostess is to encourage these new connections.  
• Be of service to your guests.  Even if you have the food set up on a buffet, or the drinks out on a bar, always be sure to offer one or both to each of your guests.  If you see that someone needs a drink, offer to replenish it for them.  Try to also keep an eye out if someone is drinking a lot of alcohol and is driving.  A great hostess will take measures to ensure that all of her guests make it home safely.  
• Relax.  As the hostess, you are literally the life of the party.  If you look like you are about to drop dead- your party is going to die off with you.  People start to feel like a burden if you appear stressed or tired.     Make sure you are always smiling, entertaining, and enjoying yourself.  

Have you been or known a great hostess?  Send us a comment and tell Mama about it!

 

Posh & Perfect: The Partini

Spring is here and we are all starting to embrace the season by delving into yard work, cleaning up patios and decks, dusting off the loungers and breaking out the grill.  And why wouldn't we?  We absolutely love this time of year, and the opportunity to host a cookout for some of our closest family and friends.  Very often we run to the food store, pick up a few burgers and dogs, and invite the crew over to chow down.  And that is okay.  But if you are willing to settle for "okay", you're probably not reading this blog.  So let's explore a theme that has become quite a trend recently-- The Martini Party (or as Mama likes to refer to it- The Partini). 

You can throw a Partini with the same ease as the usual cookout, but with a twist of sophistication.  This swank get together is  the ultimate in cocktail parties, and needs to be treated as such.  So forget the checkerboard table cloth - this one is going to be an evening to remember.  

Invitations:  I know it is tempting to just pick up the phone and dial your best friends, but fight that feeling, and send formal invitations to your guests.  Don't be afraid to invite a few people that you may not have seen in a while.  The Partini is the perfect occasion to encourage new relationships.  

Decor:  With this type of party- the less is more theory holds strong.  Keep the decor simple- and elegant.  For the outdoor Partini, try to time the start time for dusk and keep the lighting for the evening dim and romantic.  You may even want to play with idea of a theme for your Partini, for example a Casino Royale, where you might throw a few poker tables and cigars into the mix.  Don't be afraid to let your creative juices flow!   

Dress:  The dress code for a Partini is always to the nines.  Go ahead and break out the little black dress that has been hiding in the back of your closet.

The Food:  Small plates are best for a party of this fashion.  You'll be spending the bulk of the budget on cocktails, so keep it simple on the menu.  Large amounts of small portions will be perfect for your Partini.  A few of Mama's favorites are:  asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, blue cheese roasted tomato tarts, and potatoes with sour cream and caviar on top.  Think appetizers passed on gorgeous silver trays- and you'll get it right! 

The Martinis:  You can not have a Partini without martinis! You will need to stock up on vodka, gin, and vermouth!  Create a martini menu for your guests, and if you'd like to add a refreshing alternative-pick up some fruit juices too and include a cosmopolitan cocktail as well.  

Wow Factor:  Aside from ensuring you provide fantastic martinis, why not include an olive bar to add a little wow to your already amazing event?  The olive bar should be stocked with a variety of olives, including the yummy stuffed olives!  A little added dash of class:  include some blue cheese for hand stuffing the olives.  

The Soundtrack Of Your Evening

As E. Joseph Cossman once said, "Love is friendship set to music".  What type of music will be the soundtrack for your event?  The music that is played at any event will set the mood, and hopefully motivate your guests to dance and have a great time. So, do you go with a live band or a DJ? Well, the truth is, it's totally up to you. There is no right or wrong choice- but here are some pros and cons of each to help you weigh the options:

The Live Band Pros

• Impeccable sound quality.  Very often, the sound of live music will be much more lively than that of a prerecorded track.  
• A live band could act as an element toward your theme.  For example, if you are using a vintage theme it may be fun to hire a 1930's style swing band.  
• Having a live band very often creates a "wow" effect among your guests
• A band can manipulate any song to fit the mood of your evening

The Live Band Cons

• A Live band tends to be very costly.  Of course, if it is important to you just make sure you have allocated for this in your budget! 
• Very often a band will have a particular style that will be consistent all night.  If you are looking for variety in sound and genre, a live band may not be your first pick.
• There is more down time with the live band as these performers will need to take a few breaks.  
• The songs never sound the same as the original artist.  

The Disc Jockey Pros

• Most DJs will have a library of thousands of songs to choose from with unlimited genres.
• Usually a DJ will make announcements, and encourage the guests to dance and enjoy themselves.
• In comparison to a live band, a DJ is a more affordable choice.  
• Sound levels are controllable

The Disc Jockey Cons

• Since a DJ as such a large selection of music, you will need to provide an edited list to make sure the songs the DJ plays represent your style, and the mood of your event.  This is a little more work for you. 
• A DJ typically does not have the ability to improvise in order to blend in with the overall theme of your wedding.
• If there is a problem with the equipment, you may not have any music!