The City Bride Blog

WE'VE MOVED!!

2010-08-31T13:56:00.003-05:00

Hello!

I apologize for my absence but our new blog is finally ready for viewing! Check out www.thecitybrideblog.com to follow along!

Please, Excuse the Dust!

2010-06-10T11:24:00.002-05:00

City Bride is currently going through a facelift, so please pardon the dust... and my absence.

I promise I will be back shortly and this blog will be bigger and better than ever! Enjoy a few of these lovely summer weeks and be sure to come back when the blog is all pretty again.

ban.do corsages

2010-05-25T10:01:00.005-05:00

It is very clear that I have an obsession with ban.do and I think they know it since they are always sending me goodies to my inbox. And, well, today was no different. I opened my inbox to find an email introducing ban.do corsages and really, I couldn't be more in love.

Aren't they gorgeous?! Not only are they the most adorable everyday accessory but they could totally be used on your wedding day. They are the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or they could be an alternative to real flower corsages. Real flower corsages are always gorgeous but lets be honest, they don't fit the style and design of every wedding. (think J.Crew, picnic, on the beach, on a boat, at city hall, etc.) Really, had these beauties been around on my wedding day I may have designed the entire affair around them.

Thank you ban.do for being fabulous!

Find Inspiration Everywhere

2010-05-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

My mother-in-law is currently in the middle of remodeling her bedroom and is stuck on choosing (and finding) the perfect shade of purple paint to be used on an accent wall. For weeks, she has been gathering paint samples from various stores and has spent hours starring at them trying to decide which color is best. In fact, she even has an "inspiration" folder with every shade of purple you could imagine.

This same process reminds me how hard it is for brides to make decisions about their wedding design while being surrounded by the ever inspiring wedding magazines and blogs. There are so many options to choose from and so many pretty details that you can't help but love most of them and it's hard to resist wanting to incorporate them all into your event.

I told my mother-in-law exactly what I would tell one of my brides. Find something, whether it be a vase, a candle holder, a photograph, a fabric swatch, or a button that really inspires you and base your entire design around that. I promise it will help you to make decisions and will especially keep you on track in creating a cohesive design. While looking for inspiration try and keep in mind the overall feel you are trying to achieve, and once you've made a decision about design move on. Don't give into the temptation to tweak every last detail, you will drive yourself insane.

Now, go and find some inspiration!

How about a pretty hanger?

2010-05-10T13:55:00.002-05:00

On my wedding day I felt confident that I had thought of all the things I may potentially need and I was so sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Really, I thought I was totally prepared.

Then, it was time for our photographer to take my dress and get some pictures before I got into it and that's when I realized something absolutely terrible... I forgot a pretty hanger for my dress! Seriously, my beautiful gown could not be photographed hanging from a piece of plastic that could easily have been from Walmart. Luckily, I didn't worry for too long because our photographer had experienced this before and had along a pretty hanger that I could borrow. Had she not have been prepared, there is no way my dress would have looked like this...

photo courtesy of m three studio

Anyway, I recently tweeted about how brides often forget to find a pretty hanger for their dress and someone shared with me these beauties...

images via Etsy Seller lilafrances

I wish I would have known about these fabulous hangers for my wedding, I certainly would have gotten one! Well, if I had remembered, of course!

Some Fabulous Milwaukee Venues

2010-05-06T11:34:00.012-05:00

A bride recently asked for my recommendations for some of my favorite ceremony and receptions sites in Milwaukee and I just couldn't help but share some of them with you all.

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

I love Villa Terrace for its obvious beauty and mediterranean style and their garden is so lush and beautiful. Villa Terrace is perfect for smaller ceremonies and receptions (about 80 person sit down dinner) and can also be rented for photography purposes. So, you could have a beautiful engagement session there or make it one of your stops on your wedding day.

The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design

The Eisner Museum is a venue that I consider a little bit of a secret treasure. Not many people are aware of the space for events, which I think makes it that much cooler. The Eisner obviously has a lot of character of it's own, so it's great for couples looking for something a little bit out of the norm. The Eisner can also accommodate a larger guest list (up to 650!).

Edit: My mistake, apparently the Eisner has closed. So sad.. it was a great venue, and regardless of not being open, is still one of my favorites. Thanks for informing me, though!

The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel has some serious style and I am completely obsessed with their event space, The Gallery. The space is perfect for smaller more intimate affairs and has a great ambiance. As a bonus, they have a library (pictured above) filled with old wooden tables and chairs, reading lamps, and a fireplace... the perfect place for cocktails. And, the smell, seriously it smells SO good in the lobby!

Anyone else want to share their favorite spots in Milwaukee?

The Urban Bride | The Newest Inspiration for City Brides

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the day that a new resource becomes available for all of the City Brides out there who are planning an urban affair and I am proud to be a part of it. I introduce to you, The Urban Bride.

The Urban Bride is your go to blog for inspiration if you are planning a city-inspired wedding and the best part is it is tailored specifically to you and your style. You won't find any rustic, garden or beach weddings, just weddings that are planned in gorgeous ballrooms and buildings, have a modern flair, and are of course styled to the max.

So, jump on over to The Urban Bride, check it out and don't forget to visit again later today to enter to win the fabulous launch giveaway- a collection of city inspired goodies. And of course, let me know what you think!

Tips For a Less Stressful Wedding Day

2010-04-26T11:44:00.004-05:00

With the height of wedding season approaching in the Midwest I can already tell that brides are beginning to think about their wedding every second of the day, are losing sleep, and panicking at the thought of anything going wrong on their big day. Let me say this, something will go wrong, no wedding day is perfect but you can take a few steps to ease your stress that day.

1. At about 2-3 weeks before you wedding take the time to contact all of your day-of vendors (only if you haven't recently met with them though) and confirm their arrival times and also the details of your contract. Knowing that you've had a final discussion with them will give you the utmost confidence in them and their service.

2. Create a production schedule mapping out all of the details for you day. I can't emphasize enough how important and helpful this is.

3. Get your "stuff" organized. Create separate boxes or containers for items related to different events throughout the day. For example, keep all of your items for the ceremony together and labeled in it's own container. This way whoever is setting up has no reservations to where it belongs.

4. Emphasis to your bridal party and any day-of vendors the importance of time. If everyone is prompt and on time it will ease your mind and allow you to really soak in the emotion of the day.

5. Seriously though, just try and relax. If the flowers aren't the perfect shade of magenta, a bridesmaid walks down the aisle on the wrong cue, or your welcome toast isn't exactly how you practiced, at the end of the day you'll still be husband and wife and nobody will have even noticed. Try your best to soak up every moment of the day, it goes by way to fast.

Does anyone else have other tips they'd like to share?

A New Partnership for the Wedding Industry

2010-04-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

I don't normally post current events on the blog but this one is just too good not to share. Some of you may be aware of a new partnership in the wedding industry between Vera Wang and David's Bridal. Are you surprised? I certainly am!

Apparently the new (unnamed) collection will debut in stores in Spring 2011 and will include about 20 different gowns. The gowns will be consistent with David's Bridal pricing and will not exceed $1,500.

I'll be honest, I am surprised about this partnership but am very excited to see the collection debut and to see so many more brides be able to wear her gorgeous gowns.

What do you think, would you buy a Vera Wang gown from David's Bridal?

How to Create a Timeline | Part 2

2010-04-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I discussed the importance of having a timeline on your wedding day and how to go about drafting one. A lovely reader also requested that as a follow up I post a sample timeline. So, for the last couples days I have been trying to create one and I've discovered I just can't do it. I don't feel comfortable providing brides with a sample timeline when all weddings are entirely different, especially when it comes to timing. I'd really hate for someone to try to make my sample timeline work just for the sake of ease. So, the next best thing is a list of the must-haves for your timeline.

the arrival times of all wedding day vendors
the start of the "getting ready" process for the bridal party
the time of the first look or when the bridal party should arrive at the ceremony site
the ceremony start time
the reception start time (including the start time for cocktails, dinner, hosted bar, etc.)
the approximate time of all toasts
the approximate time of formal dances
the close of the event

Of course, there are most likely additional elements for you to add to your timeline but again it depends on your wedding. You may want to include: the time of family formals, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. The key is to create a timeline that is detailed and easy to follow. After you have completed your timeline I suggest giving it to all of your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and any discrepancies can be dealt with before your wedding day.

As I mentioned in part 1 of this post, a timeline is necessary no matter how simple you feel your wedding day is. If you are organized and have a timeline prepared I can assure you that will alleviate some stress on your wedding day.

Wedding Season Fever

2010-04-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I typically don't post many pictures or inspiration boards on this blog and that is definitely intentional. There are already so many lovely blogs that do that so well that I would rather concentrate on straight up advice, but today is different. The weather in Milwaukee has been so incredible lately that I can't help but let my mind wander into the upcoming wedding season. I've put together some of my favorite spring time finds for you, and hopefully that will help cure my Wedding Season Fever.

The bridal gown you are about to see from J.Crew is one of my new favorites. It's so romantic and whimsical looking-perfect for a garden wedding.

This bridesmaid dress is also from J.Crew (don't be mad, I have an addiction) and would be the perfect mate to this gorgeous gown. Also, take a note to the model's shoes. Who ever decided that bridesmaid's shoes need to be open toed, sparkly or a basic pump?

Oh, and this headband! There is nothing that makes a statement more than a beautifully designed accessory. (confession: I really wanted a different headband for my wedding, designed by ban.do, but I was concerned that it may look like a crustacean on top my head, thoughts?)

Lastly, I leave you with this stunning pair of shoes. A classic ivory in color but just so feminine in design. Wouldn't you love to enjoy your first dance wearing these beauties? I sure would!

So, anyone else have Wedding Season Fever?

Introducing The Wedding Boutique

2010-04-01T01:25:00.009-05:00

So, I promise that my absence from The City Bride Blog is the result of something brand new, spectacular, and quite innovative if I do say so myself.

I {proudly} introduce to you...

I am so excited to finally be able to share with you what I have been working on lately! So, what is The Wedding Boutique? The Wedding Boutique is a luxury consulting service that offers wedding industry professionals an opportunity to see the benefits of blogging and the use of social media without having to actually manage it themselves. The Wedding Boutique is currently offering blog memberships in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.

The reason I am so excited about The Wedding Boutique is because it truly helps all of those involved with planning a wedding. The vendors are given an opportunity and the space to collaborate with others in their area and brides can look in one place for inspiration, advice and happenings, and it's all relevant to their own city.

I also must tell you that I can't take all of the credit for this amazing new project. I have teamed up with Amanda from The Blissful Bride and our partnership is dynamite. Her personality and business experience are a perfect compliment to mine and I wouldn't have been able to make this concept come together without her. (Thanks for being so awesome, Amanda!)

Again, thanks for understanding my recent absence and I'd love to hear your thoughts about The Wedding Boutique!

City Bride Photoshoot | The Results

2010-03-24T08:00:00.006-05:00

So, to follow up with my behind the scenes post from last week, here are the professional photos, courtesy of Molly of m three studio photography.

And, these flowers, aren't they so gorgeous?

Not only were the flowers absolutely gorgeous but so were the models. Seriously, they were troopers. It was a typical (really cold!) March day in Wisconsin and I give them so much credit for looking fabulous while freezing.

And, here is my favorite shot of the entire shoot. Yes, it is clearly a detail shot but I love the assorted glassware, lilac plates, and my inspiration for the whole design, the linen.

Thanks again to all of the vendors that participated:

florals: freshdesign

photography: m three studio photography

hair and makeup: a fabulous Brew City Bride, Emily

dress and accessories: Miss Ruby Boutique

chairs: Lake Park Bistro

linen: BBJ Linen

And of course, thank you to my assistant for the day, Melissa!

How to Create a Timeline | Part 1

2010-03-19T09:17:00.005-05:00

I apologize if this subject is along the lines of "Wedding Planning for Dummies," but it really is a task that brides struggle with.

First of all, if you are considering not creating a timeline (or production schedule as I call it) then stop right now. You need to have one. That doesn't mean that you need to carry it around with you all day, but someone should. The more you are aware of "what's next" and also the time the less stressed out you will be.

So, to create the schedule work backwards through the day. For example, to determine the time your hair appointment should start in the morning depends on what time the ceremony starts, what time you'd like to be at the ceremony site, and how long your hair will take to be styled. Deciding on the time of events is a process and you should try to break them down one by one, instead of looking at the day as whole.

Not only should your schedule include things like the time of family formals, the first look, and ceremony start but it also should include when vendors are arriving for day-of deliveries.

Once the schedule is created send it to all the vendors that are participating in any activities on the day-of. Don't worry about feeling like you are micromanaging, you aren't, they will appreciate how organized you are.

Any other questions? Let me know!

City Bride Photoshoot | Behind The Scenes

2010-03-17T08:09:00.007-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen me recently mention a photoshoot that I was organizing. The purpose of the shoot was to further define my brand and allow brides to learn more about my personal style. The shoot was a couple weeks ago but before I share the professional shots, I'd like to give you a behind the scenes look.

The shoot took place in an alley (behind an awesome stationery store) in the Third Ward. Really, it was the perfect location. While designing the tablescape I really kept in mind that I wanted to inspire brides with this look and remind them that their wedding can be anything they want it to be to. I also tried really hard to use elements that were realistic for most brides to obtain. Sure, the shoots that use huge hanging chandeliers are beautiful but not always obtainable.

The patterned linen was rented from BBJ Linen, the glassware and candle holders were purchased from various Good Will stores in the Milwaukee area, the florals were done by freshdesign and the dinnerware was purchased from Ikea.

Want to see a photo?

This photo was taken with my trusty iphone but the professional photos will be coming your way shortly...and please, don't pay to much attention to the random stuff in the background!

A recap of the shoot wouldn't be complete without sharing that I also had a run in with the law that day. Since we were going to be blocking one side of the alley I contacted the surrounding businesses and made sure it would be okay to setup there for about 2 hours, everyone was obviously fine with it since I wasn't going to be blocking both entrances. However, I didn't realize that above all of these businesses were some condos. So, right as we have are putting the final touches on the table (read: it's now not moveable) a lovely gentlemen pulls into the alley right by our table and becomes very angry. Like I said we weren't blocking both entrances, he just felt inconvenienced that he'd have to drive around the block. Anyway, I don't know for sure but I believe this lovely gentlemen called the Police. The Officer that arrived at the scene was very friendly and only asked that we be cleaned up in 20 minutes. I was so thankful that he let us finish our shots... and he even set up orange cones, making us look very official.

So, other than my little run in with the law, it was a great success. Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that participated!!

Please, don't be mad at me!

2010-03-15T08:51:00.004-05:00

Hello lovely readers,

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and I apologize that it may appear like I abandoned this lovely blog and all of you dear readers.

But, I did not abandon you, I could never do that! So, are you curious what I was doing during my hiatus? Well, I have been working on some new big projects for the wedding industry. The details can't yet be discussed but soon, I promise. So, get excited for 2 big announcements coming your way soon and please come back tomorrow when we are back to our regular scheduled posting.

Have a lovely Monday!

The City's Best | J. Invites

2010-03-05T09:00:00.002-06:00

I introduce to you J. Invites, owned by JoAnna Gibbons.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I have been designing wedding invitations and other products for four years.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Whether contemporary, traditional, or casual elegance is your style, we can create a one-of-a-kind look for you. We pride ourselves in creating a truly unique and remarkable experience that you and your guests will never forget. I love chandeliers and damask so those are my favorites, but by the end of the creation I usually end up loving all the invites.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

What sets us apart is that we are willing to work with any budget and don't charge a custom design fee. Also what the brides seem to love that we do is create an actual paper sample of the invitation for them, if they would like before they ever even sign a contract.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't feel like you have to stick to 1, 2 or 3 colors for your wedding. Many times brides come in with a swatch and want to match everything to that. I would say some of the weddings that we have done turn out best when multiple colors are used or many shades of greens or any color instead of just having everything be olive green because that is what color the dresses are.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I like to go to Barnes and Noble when I am bored and read/look at all of the bridal magazines. I just love weddings and think they are so different and beautiful every time. Hopefully soon I will be able to plan my own. :-)

Chat with J. Invites:

Ring: 414.897.2925

Web: jinvites.com

Blog: jinvites.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jinvites

JoAnna, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Don't Worry...

2010-03-03T08:45:00.002-06:00

about how your wedding will look in 20 years.

A recent conversation with a bride made me realize that every bride at one time during their planning process thinks, "Oh my gosh, in 20 years, my wedding is going to look so dated." And my response to that is yes, it probably will, but that's okay.

My advice to any bride that is in this rut is to make decisions and selections based upon what you really want and are happy with now. You will be living this day now and not in 20 years, so stop thinking that way and allowing it to influence your decisions. Also, when you look back at your photos in the future you will be remembering the emotion and amazing memories from that day, not that you wore a feather in your hair, purple shoes, or a colorful bolero jacket.

The City's Best | All-Star Music

2010-02-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

I introduce to you All-Star Music, owned by Craig Krueger.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I've been DJing weddings since I was 18 years old...so 17 years...you can do the math on how old I am!

2. Describe your style and approach.

We are fun without being "cheesy", and aim to keep the party going without bringing much attention to ourselves...After all, it's the bride and groom's day, not ours. In that vein, we aim to customize the entire reception to their tastes and desires.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

My years of experiences, for one. DJing weddings and other events for 17 years has helped me learn a lot about what it takes to help create a memorable event and it has given me a good sense of how to read the crowd when it comes to keeping a dance floor full. I also have strong desire to provide superior customer service on top of being a great DJ. Because DJing is my full-time career, I am available 24/7 to answer phone calls and emails or meet with clients. Another attribute is I have an absolute love for music... it's my passion and I think it shows!

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Before you start planning ask yourself, "What do I want to remember from my wedding day and what do I want the guests to remember?" Your answer to that question will create your priorities and everything else will fall into place.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

I hosted my own radio station called "Sunday Night Jams" on 91FM WSUP, the campus radio station at UW-Platteville. Being involved with the show for four years helped develop my MC skills and my ability to program four entertaining hours of music. That eventually led to DJing school dances and campus events and encouraged me to start up my first DJ company. That feels like a lifetime ago, but it was a huge step toward my current position as owner of a DJ service that seems to be held in high esteem!

Chat with All-Star Music:

Ring: 414.405.3675

Web: all-starmusic.net

Blog: all-starmusicplanner.djintelligence.com/blog

Twitter: @allstarmusicwi

Craig, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Wedding Planning Q&A | Part 2

2010-02-24T10:33:00.004-06:00

This weeks question comes from a reader, Liz.

"Here's a question I have been stumped on for months...We are having a small intimate ceremony at Villa Terrace (okay, not that small 120 people) but we are inviting another 100 to the reception at Lake Park Bistro. How do I word the invitations to those not "invited" to the ceremony."

Thank you for the question Liz, invitation wording is something that almost all brides struggle with at some point during their planning.

First off all, to make the invitation process easier on you, I would keep the designs very similar for both invitations. Also, not knowing much about your wedding other than the venues, I would take a more formal approach.

For wording the reception only invitation there are various ways to appropriately invite the guests but I would keep it simple and say something like:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to an evening reception to celebrate their wedding.

Also, be sure to include the time and address of Lake Park Bistro.

One more thing to consider is timing. If these guests are only invited for a portion of the reception (such as dancing) make sure that you pad a little bit of extra time in your schedule just incase your dinner (assuming you are having one) takes longer than expected. You definitely don't want the guests that arrive later to show up while your other guests are still seated and eating. It can be a very awkward situation.

If you have a question to be answered leave a comment and I will answer it next week!

You Don't Want a Cheap Wedding, Trust Me!

2010-02-23T09:09:00.005-06:00

I hate the word cheap, it is a dirty dirty word and should be expelled from the English language and therefore never again used in the wedding industry. Sure, something cheap is low in cost but it is also low in quality.

So many brides are looking for cheap photography, entertainment, catering, etc. and when I am asked who those "cheap" vendors are I am normally a little stunned. Sorry, I don't refer cheap vendors, some may be more affordable than others, but none offer a cheap quality.

I myself was a Recessionista Bride looking to get the most from my budget so I can relate to the brides who are seeking the benefits of a "cheap" vendor but please don't compromise the quality of your wedding day just to save a few bucks. There are definitely some very quality vendors around that are affordable for your budget. Trust me, I found them and my wedding was far from one that was lacking quality.

One more thing, you may have noticed already but try and replace the word cheap with affordable. Beyond the fact that it's a nicer sounding word, I also find it less insulting. No vendor wants to be known as the cheap guy in town.

The City's Best | Petals Floral Design

2010-02-18T22:00:00.005-06:00

I introduce to you Petals Floral Design, owned by Carrie Kroening.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

10 years, we specialize in wedding and special fresh floral design.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Every bride has a style and feeling that she wants her wedding to have. We feel that flowers are one of the signature ways to capture that. We will work with any bride and any budget and pride ourselves on great custom design and even better customer service.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

We only do weddings and parties so we are familiar with venues, trends, and what will work for every budget. We custom order for each bride so the flowers are always really fresh and just what each girl wants. We work with a great deal of out of town brides and are happy to accommodate their unique needs. Our studio is home based so it allows us to offer unbelievable prices and very personal service.

4.What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Have fun! This can be one of the most exciting times in your life embrace it and enjoy it. Hire vendors you have a connection with and feel you can trust and most of all that you enjoy working with. The planning process should be fun not a chore.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I started this business 10 years ago because I wanted to spend my life doing something I love and that I am naturally good at. This was a talent I was given and I look at it as a gift and I love sharing my gift with others. For fun and on my "spare" time I enjoy going to the park with my 3 girls, 2 young daughters and my overly friendly golden retriever.

Chat with Petals Floral Design:

Ring: 414-526-0298

Web: petalsck.com

Carrie, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Wedding Planning Q&A | Part 1

2010-02-17T13:10:00.005-06:00

Even though no two brides are alike (kind of like snowflakes) they still ask similar questions. In the next couple weeks I am going to be doing a mini series answering some common questions that I find myself frequently answering.

If I am wearing an ivory gown is it okay to have white linens, groomsmen shirts, etc.?

It is certainly acceptable to mix shades of white, or any color for that matter, without having to worry about clashing. My only hesitation would be if your gown is a true ivory color, with a yellow tone, then you may want to consider using ivory linen, shirts, etc. only because you don't want your gown looking dirty or dingy. However, most gowns that are an "ivory" color don't pull too much yellow so again don't worry too much unless it's really a yellowish color.

Is it okay to serve only one entree at our dinner?

Some people may disagree with me but yes, there is no need to offer more than one entree choice at your dinner. If you are hesitant think of it like this. The last time you attended a dinner party (essentially what your dinner is, just on a larger scale) were you given a choice or did you call the host and give your suggestions? My guess is no, you didn't. I do suggest though that if you are only going to serve one entree that it be something the majority of people enjoy, and I would skip the red meat and maybe consider serving a combination plate. Also, if you are concerned about dietary needs, don't be. As a guest, it is their responsibility to contact you if they have an allergy or special dietary needs.

What time should an hors d'oeuvre reception start?

The timing of this type of reception can be tricky and you want to ensure that your invitation conveys to all of your guests that the food is going to be "limited" and that they aren't having a 5 course meal. With that said, I absolutely wouldn't start an hors d'oeuvre reception before 7 pm and if possible would start it a little later. You want you allow your guests time to eat dinner before they arrive to your reception otherwise you could run out of food and have disgruntled starving wedding guests. Not fun.

Do you have a question you'd like me to answer? I'd really love to hear them! Leave a comment or email me at meghan{at} thecitybride{dot}com.

The {Approximate} Cost of a Backyard Affair

2010-02-15T11:33:00.016-06:00

To follow up with a post from last week, I'd like to further discuss the costs of having a backyard wedding. I am finding it very common that brides are unsure of the actual cost of certain services and a tented outdoor wedding is no exception.

For the sake of ease, lets say this backyard wedding is for 100 guests.

The following equipment is absolutely necessary for an outdoor affair:

tent including poles and sidewalls $2000

tent for caterer $150

13 60" round tables $107

2 8 ft banquet tables (head table) $16

5 cabaret tables (cocktails) $34

1 cake table $7

1 8 ft gift table $8

100 basic wood folding chairs $375

13 linens for dinner tables $468

2 linens for head table $59

5 cocktail table linens $105

1 cake table linen $23

1 gift table linen $29

100 napkins $60

dance floor $475

portable restrooms $1000

Total: $4916

Keep in mind that this is a ballpark figure and all the equipment (except for linens) is very basic. I also did not incorporate delivery and set up charges since they vary depending on the company and location but you can estimate at least $500 total.

Now that I have crunched the numbers for you go ahead and decide if an outdoor wedding is for you (and your budget!)

The City's Best | m three studio photography

2010-02-12T08:00:00.008-06:00

I introduce to you m three studio photography, owned by Molly Michel.

And, because I just can't help sharing one of my favorites from our wedding day.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

2.5 years, full-time. My husband and I started my photography business essentially on our own wedding day. A reshuffling at my day job caused me to take what had been an on-the-side fun job and turn it into my own business full-time. My business cards arrived on our wedding day, so I've always thought of our wedding day as the beginning of m three studio as well.

2. Describe your style and approach.

I create Fine Art Wedding Photography. My clients commission me to create my art for them in a way that tells the story of their relationship and their wedding day. I have a deep love affair with light and color, and both play prominent roles in my work. I aim to create a memorable photography experience as much as beautiful images.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

My background is decidedly old-school. I have degrees in fine art printmaking, animation and film. I also have worked as a graphic designer, art director and production designer. This gives me a unique approach to a day - my training allows me to see the big picture and the still frames that make up a story. I take what is in front of me and create a total look from it that is edited to be cohesive and subservient to the larger story arc. I've always been inspired by a sense of place and history and these are the themes that I gravitate towards on a wedding day. I want to deliver images that show who a couple is, not just what is happening.

4. What's your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't take on more than you can happily manage. Notice I said "happily". The biggest mistake I made in my planning was not delegating more, and failing to see the value in exchanging expenses for time. If I could do it again, I would hire a planner from the beginning. I had so many projects and wanted to accomplish so much for our wedding that I didn't get to enjoy being engaged. There were so many projects I could have easily hired someone else to handle, create and manage. I wish I had. By the time our wedding came around I was beyond stressed, overworked, and spinning on so many levels and I couldn't really enjoy and appreciate what was happening. You only get one wedding day and one engagement - invest in enjoying it.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

One nugget of my past life that seems to shock people the most : I used to be in pageants. In college I participated in the Miss America system for a couple of years. (This was before it became a reality show.) I learned a lot about myself, my abilities and about communication. I also learned that if you can walk on stage in 4" heels and a bikini in front of hundreds of people, you can do just about anything.

Chat with m three studio photography:
Ring: 262-497-7246
Web: mthreestudio.com
Blog: mthreestudioblog.com
Twitter: @mthreestudio

Molly, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your contagious laughter, talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

How About We Just Throw Up a Tent!

2010-02-10T13:10:00.007-06:00

A bride planning a backyard wedding is a girl after my own heart. I love the atmosphere, intimacy and the endless possibilities of a backyard affair but what many people don't understand is that you can't just "throw up a tent."

This post is by no means intended to deter anyone from hosting a backyard wedding, I just want to remind you all that is involved.

A backyard wedding requires a tent, tables, chairs, and possibly a dance floor, lighting, electricity, and portable restrooms. Doesn't sound like much? Well, you are coordinating it all. There is no banquet manager to ensure that you have enough tables, chairs, linen, etc. or to help you with the layout of the dance floor or guest tables. With that said, hiring a good rental company is absolutely necessary. They will help you every step of the way but you need to stay organized and be the driving force for all of the communications and planning. Also, not only are you coordinating all of this during the planning stages you are also supervising set-up just days before your wedding.

There is one last thing. I try not to push on the blog that you should hire a Wedding Day Manager but here you must. When your wedding is at your (or parents') home you will not be able to escape the mishaps that occur. I mean really, what are you going to do when the guest shuttle gets stuck in the mud, it begins to pour rain 5 minutes before your ceremony, or the portable restroom overflows? You will be panic stricken and you don't need that on your wedding day.

If you are organized, up for a bit of a challenge and can handle a higher level of stress, by all means plan a backyard wedding (and have so much fun!).

Ditch the Pre-Made Timelines

2010-02-08T09:30:00.002-06:00

Is anyone else frustrated with the pre-made timelines that all of the wedding magazines and websites are providing? They frustrate me because I see brides using them as a resource and just getting stressed out in the process.

Every couple's planning timeline and situation are different, so I don't think it's appropriate for everyone to use the same timeline. Especially since most timelines are based upon a 12 month period and we know not everyone has a 12 month engagement. I sincerely suggest ditching the pre-made timeline and creating something that suits your situation.

To get you started, here is what is important. First, before you do anything else, create a budget! (yes, the exclamation point is necessary!) With the excitement of engagement comes the immediate need to start planning but without a budget where do you even start? Well, many brides just start planning and claim they have no budget. Even if your budget is a million dollars, you still have a budget. Create one and I promise your planning will be less stressful.

You should of course then choose the date followed by venues for both ceremony and reception. I know that this can be challenging, especially if you have your heart set on specific venues but use your problem solving skills and I know you can work it out.

After the date and venues are chosen you need to hire a photographer. Good photographers book fast and unless you have weekday wedding you don't have time to wait. Sorry if this stresses you out but it's true. Now, you have a date set, you've chosen venues and you have a photographer...now you can breathe for a few moments.

At this point, you should begin researching other vendors and meeting with those that best suit your style. If you have more than 6 months before your wedding I certainly wouldn't rush this phase. Take your time and meet with lots of different vendors in each category and find the ones that you like the best and really want to work with. This phase can be time consuming, but in the end the better relationship you have with these people the more enjoyable your wedding will be.

The pre-made timelines touch on things like asking your bridal party to participate, creating a gift registry, finalizing plans for your honeymoon, etc. and while these are all important aspects of your wedding I don't feel that they need to be part of your timeline. The simpler this "checklist" is for you the better.

I obviously didn't touch on everything that should be included, like buying your dress, creating a guest list, and choosing linens because you need to do that when you are ready. Face the fact that some things can't be done a year before your wedding.

P.S. Please leave a comment if you would like to know what timing I suggest for a different aspect of your planning that I haven't included in this post.

The City's Best | freshdesign

2010-02-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

I introduce to you freshdesign, owned by Sue Shunta.

1.How long have you worked in the wedding industry?
4 happy years!

2.Describe your style and approach.
We believe seriously that the process of wedding flower planning should be as fabulous as the end result. As a once in a lifetime event, all elements, including the planning process should be relaxing, fun and creative. So at freshdesign it’s important to us that a bride or couple’s time with us is just that. Our design style is clean-lined, simple and modern. We find this approach surprisingly versatile and have worked with clients who desire a minimalist approach, garden style or lush and luxurious flowers. The common denominator is thoughtful design that ensures that each and every element used has a purpose.

3.What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?
Milwaukee brides are lucky in that there are many talented and versatile wedding artisans all across the city. This keeps us on our toes! We hope to distinguish ourselves with a warm experience, impeccable design and attentive service.

4.What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?
It is 100% true that if you make selections of things you love…. flowers, cake, linens etc your day will come together in an inspired, personal and gorgeous way. Trust yourself.

5.Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.
I have an unexplained affinity for cows. I find them soulful, peaceful creatures and have been known to stop the car next to a farm just to watch them graze.

Chat with freshdesign:
Ring: 414.467.4310
Web: freshdesignflowers.com

Sue, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

City Bride Style | Audey Bridesmaid Dresses

2010-02-02T13:03:00.012-06:00

Lately my posts have been filled with motherly advice and lots of nagging but today I am sharing with you one of my new favorite style ideas in the wedding industry.

I introduce to you Audey, a designer who has embraced the idea of letting your bridesmaids rock their personal style. Audey has created a bridesmaid line that is completely customizable, allowing your ladies to choose both a top and a skirt that is flattering for them. Some of the top options include boatneck, strapless and triangle and for the bottom, pencil, circle and pleated skirts.

Aren't they so fun and beautiful? And the patterns, oh I love the patterns!

Not only will your bridesmaids look ultra stylish but they will have bonded during the designing process and will feel more comfortable on your wedding day. I love that Audey has created an experience out of bridesmaid dress shopping.

Now you want your very own Audey dress, don't you? Well, you are in luck! These dresses can be designed at Miss Ruby Boutique and if you come in on a Saturday I may be able to help you!

And, since you know I love bonus points, the designer of this line will be in Milwaukee in a couple weeks to help brides design the best dresses for their maids. Contact Miss Ruby to set up your private appointment.

Happy Designing!

Don't Be a No Show!

2010-02-01T10:44:00.003-06:00

As I have mentioned before, I help out at Miss Ruby Boutique every Saturday and I love it! It allows me to witness brides in action and help them in another capacity. Last Saturday however, I was very disappointed in the actions of a few brides. I am not sure why, but when brides appear to be uneducated (in a sense of wedding planning) it always bothers me. Most likely because I feel the main purpose of this blog is to educate brides throughout their planning process and guide them to make good decisions.

Anyway, on Saturday there were 2 no show appointments. To many of you this may seem like a ridiculous reason to be upset and at first I wasn't but then I started thinking.

Brides were calling all day long hoping to get a last minute appointment for that day. Unfortunately, we were completely booked and I had to turn them away. But, really if the brides who didn't show up for their appointment had canceled I probably could have accommodated some of those other brides.

My point here is that everyone's time is important and if for some reason you can't attend a meeting or appointment just let us know. We will be happy to reschedule and accommodate you in any way that we can.

Still aren't convinced it's important to cancel? Think of it like this. By canceling your appointment or meeting you are opening up an opportunity for another bride. Maybe you are making her planning less stressful, allowing her an opportunity to hire a vendor before her date is booked, or just allowing her to do a little more planning that day. For whatever reason, remember that you are helping her.

Please, please, please, cancel the appointments you can't attend. It will make me feel so much better.

The City's Best | Cracked Designs

2010-01-29T08:09:00.009-06:00

I introduce to you Cracked Designs, owned by Tara Scheuerman.

1.How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I've been designing wedding stationery for almost 3 years now.

2.Describe your style and approach.

We try to create modern and fun designs that are elegant in a non-traditional sense. Every invitation is also handmade which makes each invitation completely unique. We want to make something that will stand out when your guests open the envelope. We have fine art and graphic design background, and I think that helps us create a really unique blend of design style.

3.What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

I think we offer a more unique approach to wedding invitation design by not creating your typical wedding invitation. Our designs are more fun and modern and don't follow in the footsteps of every other wedding invitation out there. Plus we offer handmade invitations that are affordable- by offering both custom designs and pre-designed invitation sets.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

I would say to take your time and research your vendors and research the trends out there now. Having vendors who know what they are doing will make your life so much easier. Also, talk to other people who have recently gotten married, a lot of times they can offer some of the best advice for what they would have done differently.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

I love taking really weird road trips. I collect postcards from all of the odd, off the beaten path places that I've been. My most recent road trip was along Old Route 66, which goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, it was awesome.

Chat with Cracked Designs:

Ring: 414.687.8803

Web: cracked-designs.com

Blog: crackeddesigns.blogspot.com

Etsy: crackeddesigns.etsy.com

Tara, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your passion and beautiful designs with local brides!

How NOT to Act at a Consultation

2010-01-26T12:18:00.010-06:00

You may not realize this but when you attend an initial consultation you too are being interviewed as much as the vendor you are meeting with. Yep, believe it or not, vendors do turn clients away. Here's the truth. Vendors obviously want a bride's business but more importantly we want to work with clients that mesh well with our style and are pleasant to work with. With that said, unfortunately, not all potential clients will be extended a contract.

So, here are some examples of what not to do during an initial consultation that may influence whether or not a vendor extends a contract to you.

At no point during the meeting should you answer your cell phone. It is very awkward to sit there and listen to someone else's conversation while of course, you are pretending not to listen. 9 times out of 10 it is not an emergency and can probably wait another 20 minutes until the meeting is over. And, if you are wondering, saying "excuse me" doesn't make this situation okay.

Don't spend half of the meeting bickering with your mom about wedding plans, especially those that don't have anything to do with your current meeting. This is also an awkward moment for vendors. Whose side do you take, the bride or the mother's? And yes, we will be forced to take a side and it isn’t pleasant.

Leave your groom bashing comments at home. Vendors obviously want to contribute to healthy and successful marriages and don't want to hear that you feel your groom is inadequate to make decisions or that you already have your second wedding planned.

As you can see, the way that you act during your initial consultation can really influence your future relationships with vendors. Read yesterday's post for how to appropriately act during a consult.

P.S. Some of the above examples were dramatized during the process of writing this post and may not be described exactly as they first occurred.

Advice for Initial Consultations

2010-01-25T10:00:00.001-06:00

Brides are typically nervous when they first begin meeting with potential vendors. I don't completely understand it but it's true. This should be an enjoyable time in your planning process and I don't want you to feel anxiety, so here is some advice.

1. Be calm. We understand that planning a wedding is stressful but we want to know that you are organized and can deal with {at least a little} stress. If you are calm the discussion will flow naturally and we will be able to learn much more about your wedding and your expectations.

2. Have a clear vision. Before you attend an initial consultation discuss with your fiance (and maybe family) the level of service you are seeking. It is always uncomfortable when surprises arise in conversation and someone doesn't know what is going on.

3. Have a budget. For some reason discussing money always seems awkward. I've been there, I know. However, this is no excuse not to discuss a budget before meeting with a vendor. We can't even begin to help you find the best service if we don't know how much you can spend. By the way, no matter what anyone says no {respectable} vendor is going to charge you more just because you tell us you have a large budget. We will charge you what the service is worth.

That's it! Pretty simple, huh?

Keep these few tips in mind and I promise you will feel more comfortable when you meet vendors!

The City's Best | Reminisce Photography & Design

2010-01-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

I introduce to you Reminisce Photography & Design, owned by Miranda Zynda-Kneeland and Adam Kneeland.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

We photographed our first wedding a little over four years ago. We fell in love with the industry with that very first wedding, and there’s been no turning back. We couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

2. Describe your style and approach.

We’re a hubby and wife team who love life, laughter, people, art... and combining them all into what we do best. With a photojournalistic approach, we create images that are fresh, fun, contemporary, romantic and artistic. Above all, we want our work to be honest. We love getting to know our clients and creating images that truly reflect who they are.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

We value the relationships we form with each of our clients, and this shows in how sincere each of our photographs are. We’re also very particular about our work, striving for every single photo to be a work of art. We submerge ourselves with our passion for what we do, regularly attending photo conferences, workshops and shootouts (check out our blog to see some of those), learning new lighting techniques, critiquing our work, and striving for the most dynamic compositions possible. There’s such a big difference between taking pictures and creating images.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Have fun, be creative and ask for help. Planning the wedding of your dreams can be a full-time job. If you try to do it all on your own, it won’t take long before you’re overwhelmed with it all. If you seek assistance from friends who have recently gotten married (if you liked their wedding, that is ;) and a wedding planner, things will come together much more smoothly. Having help will free up time for you to have fun with the process. You can soak up all the inspiration you like from wedding blogs and magazines, and find a wedding style that speaks to you. You’ll know what you want and will be confident that you’re making the right decisions. One of these big decisions is who will be your photographer...

Guarantee yourself that you’re going to have amazing photos from your wedding day. Whose work speaks to you on an emotional level? Your photographer should be an Artist and a Professional who can not only anticipate moments before they happen, but through a trained and instinctive eye, know how to interpret and capture them creatively. You should also enjoy the personality of your photographer, as you’ll be hanging out with them the entire day. Let their style, passion and personality be determining factors- not package prices. Your photographs are how you’ll remember your wedding, and they should be just as wonderful as your Big Day.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

We’re super addicted to wedding shows... Cake Boss, Platinum Weddings, Say Yes to the Dress (Adam will probably deny watching this with me, but he does!).

Miranda loves Wikipedia, constantly looking stuff up when a question about anything comes to mind. She can also wiggle her ears, and has a shoe and hat fetish. Sushi, veggies, a rockin’ steak, tacos and cheese are her favorite foods.

Adam’s loves cooking and kicks butt at pool. He also has mastered the guitar... in Guitar Hero and Rock Band of course. He enjoys watching a good football game and discovering a new quirk about Miranda on a daily basis.

Chat with Reminisce Photography & Design:

Ring: 414.405.6693

Web: capturingyourday.com

Blog:reminiscephoto.blogspot.com

Twitter: @reminisce_photo

Miranda and Adam, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for providing local brides with a great experience and service!

A Note on Negotiating

2010-01-21T13:02:00.004-06:00

This post is very straight forward and completely my personal opinion. If you don't wish to know how about I feel about price negotiating, come back tomorrow for The City's Best premiere.

An email from a vendor in the local wedding industry sparked my thoughts regarding the act of negotiating prices during your planning process.

Many brides are planning a wedding on a budget and I totally respect (and suggest) that. However, constantly asking for a discount is inappropriate. You may not realize this, but when you ask for a discount you are decreasing the value of the service that a vendor is offering and you are flat out suggesting that their service isn't worth the money. The conversation can become awkward and also puts the vendor in an odd position. You are asking them to quickly decide between cheapening their value and making a sale or standing behind the quality of their service.

Now, since many vendors do offer an off-season or a non-Saturday discount, there is a proper way to discuss the matter. Simply ask the vendor for their different pricing structures and you can do the math yourself. If you do happen to find a vendor that does offer a discount don't continue to try and talk them down. It's just rude.

So, the next time you are considering approaching the topic of a discount, keep in mind the proper way to do so and remember that it may lead to an awkward conversation.

Don't Leave Us Hanging

2010-01-18T11:28:00.007-06:00

Please.

Often times brides meet with many different vendors within an expertise and hire one but never contact those that they don't wish to hire. This can be really frustrating for vendors. There is a lot of time and creativity that goes into customizing a proposal and it would be nice to get some feedback and possibly an explanation from those potential clients that don't follow through.

I am not saying that you need to write a novel to every vendor that you don't hire throughout your planning process but a short email or phone call would be a nice gesture to those vendors who have shared with you thoughts and ideas about your wedding.

I don't have much personal experience with this issue but I know that it is something other vendors deal with frequently. Be courteous and let us know if we aren't the right fit. We want your wedding to be fabulous and will respect your decisions. Just let us know.

Wedding Planner and Guide Expo

2010-01-18T11:15:00.001-06:00

This weekend, January 23 and 24, I will be assisting Miss Ruby Boutique at the Wedding Planner and Guide wedding show at the Midwest Airlines Center. The show includes over 120 exhibiting vendors, many prizes and giveaways, and of course, a chance to say hello to me. It doesn't get much better than this!

The Details:

Hours: 11 am to 5 pm both days

Fashion Show: Noon and 3:30 both days

Cost: $7 in advance or $10 at the door

I hope to see you at the show and don't forget to come say hi!

The City's Best | Introduction

2010-01-15T15:07:00.006-06:00

Yep, it's my first video blog. I introduce to you a new blog series that is sure to be a big hit with local brides. Check it out!

What do you think, should I video blog more? Any topics you would like covered?

P.S. Just so we are all on the same page, I am not saying that the vendors featured in this series are the only great local vendors. These featured vendors are simply people that I have worked and interacted with and that I know will provide stellar service.

A Guide to Tipping Your Vendors

2010-01-14T11:35:00.004-06:00

While you are in the beginning planning stages of your wedding you may not be incorporating the extra money into your budget for gratuities, so I want to ensure that it’s on your radar from the beginning.

Many vendors, such as caterers, include their gratuity within their contracts so be sure to read them carefully. If the gratuity is not included the general standard is 15-20%. The actual amount is your discretion based on the service that you receive. However, even if you have a below average experience you should tip something. Think of it like this, if you were at a restaurant you would never leave without giving a little something as a tip and the same applies here.

Now there is also another rule that you may be familiar with. If the vendor owns their own company it is not necessary to tip them because the fee that you are paying for their service is going directly to them. However, I don’t completely agree with this. The "rule" makes it seem like all of your fee is going directly into their pocket but in reality it's paying for expenses to keep their business up and running. Also, the owner of the business is doing more work for you than any employee would. Again, this concept is your discretion.

If you would like suggestions for actual amounts to tip vendors, read this article from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Fab Wedding Reads

2010-01-12T11:59:00.008-06:00

Even in the world of wedding blogs, every bride should own (or at least read) a few inspiring planning books. Here are a few of my favorites.

Simple Stunning Weddings: by Karen Bussen. If you’ve used the words simple and elegant to describe your wedding this is the book for you. The book is filled with practical design ideas and advice. Karen also authored a fabulous book filled with shower themes and ideas.

Emily Post’s Wedding Planner: 9 times out of 10 when a bride comes to a consultation she is armed with a big heavy binder filled with all her planning materials. If you are that organized bride, this is the planner for you. It guides you through the entire planning process including budget, attire, and ceremony and reception planning.

Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: This book is filled with gorgeous wedding inspiration. The book touches on the majority of wedding elements including bouquets, centerpieces, stationery, and food and drink. My advice for getting the most out of this book is to find a few elements that you love and incorporate them in your own way. The designs as a whole can be over whelming and unattainable with most budgets.

Happy reading!

Setting the Style Record Straight

2010-01-08T11:05:00.002-06:00

Meghan: “Tell me about the style of your wedding”

Bride: “Well, my colors are tiffany blue and white.”

Meghan: “Okay, tell me about how you want your event to feel.”

Bride: “My colors are tiffany blue and white.”

Meghan: “What type of experience do you want to create for your guests?”

Bride: “My colors are tiffany blue and white.”

Does this conversation sound at all familiar? Unfortunately, my guess is yes.

I know that I may be over exaggerating just a teeny tiny bit with this conversation but as I mentioned before, brides have a terrible time describing their style. So, I am setting the record straight once and for all.

Your wedding colors do not define your style.

Sure, your colors are a clue to your overall style but they are not the sole indicator. The style of your event is about the feeling that you create for your guests and what they experience throughout the day. My best advice for you is to forget the colors and think about your wedding with a more sophisticated approach.

Creating an event that reflects you as a couple will go much farther than tiffany blue and white. Trust me.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

2010-01-06T21:05:00.013-06:00

Looking for a way to change your look from your mid afternoon ceremony to your late night reception? It’s all in the accessories. Accessories give you one more opportunity to show off your personal style and allow for a change in your look without the expensive gown change.

Ban.do headbands are my new favorite accessories. They offer something for everyone’s style and also in many different price ranges. Go ahead, I give you permission to gush over them.

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A belt doesn’t need to be restricted to every day wear. Jazz up your wedding gown or your bridesmaids' dresses with a beautiful ribbon belt like this one from J.Crew.

Before you and your new husband are formally introduced pop on an oversized necklace. For our reception I wore a beautiful strand of opera length pearls.

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Boleros are a perfect way to add a little drama to your gown and are the perfect accessory for the victorian inspired bride. Etsy is a great place to look for the perfect bolero.

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Please, don't be afraid to accessorize on your wedding day. Afterall, you wouldn't leave them home any other day!

Kicking off 2010 with Randomness...

2010-01-05T09:23:00.005-06:00

I am continuously thinking of new ideas that I’d love to see at a wedding but don’t always have the right bride to use them for. So, to kick off 2010 I am sharing some of my favorites in hopes that at least one bride will be inspired and find them useful. Bear with me, they are very random.

How about a patterned wedding dress like this Oscar de la Renta beauty? It’s perfect for a bold spring wedding and would be gorgeous paired with this bridesmaid dress, in clementine of course.

Why not dress your maids in ball skirts like this one from J.Crew? It is totally unexpected but yet not too extreme. (By the way, if you use this idea, please ask me to be in your bridal party. I’ve been dying for an excuse to buy this skirt!)

Why not have an outdoor winter ceremony? If your ceremony is short and sweet it would be beautiful. As the guests walk into the candle lit pavilion hand them a hot chocolate and a blanket and they will be all set. Also, check out this post for some fun winter reception ideas.

In terms of décor, how about an all white wedding? Many people envision white as boring but I think the simplicity is beautiful. By using a mixture of creams and whites you won’t be obsessing on the right color which allows you to design more freely. The options are endless. Of course, in Milwaukee the perfect venue is The Art Museum.

Anyone else have a fun idea they'd like to share?

Happy Birthday Sister!

2010-01-01T10:20:00.005-06:00

Here is a shout out to my sister who turns 17 today!

Photo courtesty Mthree Studio

Chrissy, you are beautiful, talented, smart, and have the ability to make me laugh more than anyone I know. I love you so much and am so proud of the young lady you have become. Your future is bright and I can't wait to see what 2010 and your 17th year will bring.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T15:30:00.005-06:00

I want to wish all of you dear readers a safe and happy holiday!

I will be signing off until the new year but I leave you with this yummy holiday cocktail recipe that is sure to keep you nice and warm!

Ingredients:
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Cherry
0.5 oz. white creme de cacao
4 oz. Hot Cocoa
1 oz. Half 'n Half
Whipped Cream
Maraschino Cherry

Blogs that are sure to INSPIRE!

2009-12-21T11:23:00.007-06:00

I sometimes hate to admit it, but Milwaukee brides are a tad behind the times of wedding blogging and not to sound dramatic, but you are really missing out on some great inspiration. So, my gift to you this holiday season is a list of my favorite daily wedding reads, which is sure to bring you up to speed.

Pearls Events Blog: This blog is written by Aletha Vandermaas, a Michigan wedding planner, who really knows her stuff. What I love most about this blog is every week it includes a series called, Weekend Eye Candy, which showcases beautiful Michigan weddings and is proof that Midwest weddings can be fabulous!

Style Me Pretty: This blog is really the “it” blog for inspiration. It is updated multiple times a day and showcases many different wedding styles. I highly suggest visiting this website in the early stages of your planning to help you define your style.

Style Me Pretty has also introduced Style Circle, which allows you to create your own inspiration boards. I played around with it the other day and it’s pretty fabulous. You can upload your own photos or use ones that are already provided. It’s really simple to use and will help you to create a cohesive design.

Hostess with the Mostess: This blog isn’t entirely wedding related it but it offers some incredible inspiration. Their posts include recipes, real party themes and popular trends. It’s a really fun blog and will sure to get you thinking about design.

DIY Bride: If you are a crafty bride, this is the blog for you. This blog includes (unique and fun) do-it-yourself project ideas, product reviews, and recommendations for the best crafty products out there. Also, if you are in need of any last minute Christmas ideas, This DIY Bride book is awesome!

What other fabulous wedding blogs are you reading?

City Bride Style: Modern Calligraphy

2009-12-16T10:03:00.006-06:00

Your wedding invitation (and envelope) is the first look your guests get into the fabulous wedding you are planning, so it needs to make a statement. One of the best ways to do so is to hire a calligrapher. Not only do your envelopes look gorgeous but they do so without writer’s cramp and hours spent next to a computer and printer.

I introduce you to Swoonoverit, a modern calligraphy studio.

Aren’t they beautiful?

I discovered Swoonoverit while planning our wedding and will forever be hooked. These styles are beautiful and like nothing I have ever seen before. They are perfect for the bride planning a modern wedding and are the gorgeous touch every envelope needs. Truthfully, I think they were designed just for City Brides!

Amanda is so talented and an absolute delight to work with. Her love for the wedding industry and her clients is evident in her work. The process is very simple and her level of customer service is stellar.

And, since I love bonus points, Swoonoverit also designs customized maps, signs, and tshirts. They are your one stop shop for all things hand written.

Ideas for a Winter Wonderland Reception

2009-12-14T12:25:00.003-06:00

Milwaukee has recently been dumped with some snow, which inspired me to come up with some fun ideas for a winter themed wedding.

Warning: These ideas are for the couple who are true snow enthusiasts. Making any of these ideas a success will be a challenge and are dependant on many factors such as snowfall, venue and budget. Also, be sure your invitation is clear that guests should dress appropriately!

Sleigh Rides: Perfect for an intimate winter wedding. During cocktails or after dinner invite your guests to enjoy a quick sleigh ride. For bonus points, have hot chocolate waiting for them when they return to the party.

Ice Skating: This could be a really fun way to entertain your guests. Think about it, how often do you get to ice skate with all of your family and friends?

(Hm… you could even hold your ceremony on the ice!)

Snowman building: Go to a thrift store and gather winter accessories (mittens, hats, scarves, and sweaters) to be used to decorate snowmen. Encourage your guests to create the best snowman they can with the props you have supplied and give the winner a prize. Of course, you and your new husband are the judges.

Sledding: Yes, I know this is a bit extreme, but it’s perfect for a casual picnic style winter wedding. Provide your guests with all different types of sleds from your childhoods (or the local Wal-Mart) and let them loose. If the space permits, start a fire and cozy up with your guests.

Anyone else have some fun alternative winter reception ideas?

Let it snow!

Just so you know...

2009-12-10T17:22:00.006-06:00

So, as many of you know, our website has launched this week. I am so very excited for what the future holds for City Bride and the Milwaukee wedding industry, but that’s not what this post is about.

I can’t sleep at night thinking about the Google search terms for “City Bride” and I need to set something straight. Our website is not www.city-of-brides.com, which is the first website that appears in the search. This is a mail order Russian bride service, not my beautiful website. I do not provide men with women that they can purchase for a wife. I design, plan, and execute fabulous weddings.

Thanks for listening, I feel so much better.

Tips for Toasting

2009-12-10T16:11:00.007-06:00

Quite frankly, I have seen so many terrible toasts at weddings. You know, the ones filled with embarrassing college stories, rambling on and on and on about complete nonsense, and the ones that completely forget to even congratulate the bride and groom.

Today, I am setting the record straight and providing tips for giving a meaningful and appropriate toast.

1. Unless you are an incredible public speaker I don’t suggest you wing it. You shouldn’t write down your entire toast and read it from a piece of paper but you should take down a few notes to ensure you stay on track and don’t fumble.

2. Make it short and sweet, ideally less than 5 minutes. At most weddings there are many toasts to be given and guests sometimes have a difficult time remaining engaged if one participant carries on for too long.

3. A toast is not a speech. Your time on the microphone is not meant to share embarrassing childhood, high school or college stories. It is also forbidden to mention any previous relationships, no matter how relevant you feel it is to your toast. It isn’t.

4. Focus on the couple. The toast is not about you, it’s about the bride and groom. Face them when you are toasting and remember to congratulate them before you end your toast.

5. For bonus points, if you are the best man, tell the bride she looks beautiful. I just love that!

Happy toasting!

City Bride Style: Not the Average Favor

2009-12-08T10:54:00.009-06:00

Favors should be viewed as an accessory to your wedding and not a necessity. If you are going to present your guests with a favor you need to “make it count” and if you can’t, then you should skip it all together.

Below are a few favors I found around the web that would be fabulous for a wedding and are sure to to be remembered by your guests.

This favor from Anthropologie is perfect for an outdoor or seaside themed wedding. It takes writing your guests a personalized note to a whole new level.

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These bowls were first introduced by Paloma’s Nest as ring bearer bowls but really can be used to store jewelry or any little trinkets. These favors are perfect for most wedding styles and would look beautiful incorporated with the table design.

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I love these reusable Chewing the Cud gift wraps, which are perfect for a green wedding. I could see them beautifully folded on the table or the wrapping for a box of truffles or other edible favor.

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Who doesn’t love letterpress stationery? I mean really. At each place setting (or in a basket somewhere) you could put together an assortment of different stationery and tie them with a beautiful ribbon and a thank you note.

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Any one have other fun favor ideas?

You're engaged, now what?

2009-12-03T20:05:00.006-06:00

'Tis the season for proposals and on top of the gifts to buy, parties to attend, and cookies to bake you need to start planning a wedding.

I know you feel the incredible urge to immediately pick a date, buy a dress, create a guest list, choose your colors, and pick out wedding bands, but please for your sanity, take it one step at a time.

Whether you are planning a wedding in a year or 6 months the following tips will help you jump start your plans, without the added stress.

1. Share the news with your friends and family. Enjoy sharing your engagement story with them and soak in all the emotion and well wishes. This time goes by so quickly.

2. Determine your budget. This task is so important. It will allow for your planning to be less stressful and will help narrow down options for many aspects of your day. Also, get comfortable talking about your budget. Many vendors will ask your budget and telling them will really make the process of working together easier. Trust me, vendors don’t want to sell an idea to a bride that she can’t afford, but we don’t know unless you tell us.

3. Create a guest list. This task and determining your budget go hand in hand. Without a solid budget there is no way for you to determine the size of wedding you can have. If it helps, create guidelines for who makes the cut and remember to be consistent. It will make completing the guest list much easier. (check out the guidelines I used here.)

4. Choose the date. When choosing a date remember that popular months (read: June, July, August, September, and October) book quickly with talented vendors and also may be more expensive. This shouldn't deter you by any means, it just means you need to prioritize and hire vendors that are important to you first.

Happy Planning!

My wedding recap

2009-12-02T10:45:00.003-06:00

I have been married now for almost 2 months, so I think it is time for a recap.

Since this could get rather lengthy I will just share with you a few highlights of the day.

As I was finishing getting ready, Molly and Monica said they had a gift for me and from around the corner came one of my brides from this summer. I was so excited to see her that I began to cry and seriously, it was the only time during the day that I shed real tears. I was so happy that we both could share our wedding days with each other. She second shot with Molly all day and it was a great gift!

Stylist grew up on a dairy farm so we spent the afternoon running around the farm taking pictures with tractors, barns, and cows. These photos are some of my favorite from the day.

The ceremony was by far my favorite part of the day. I was so excited to become his wife that I tried to soak in every word and emotion during that hour of the day. The feeling of standing next to him in front of all of our friends and family was like nothing I have ever experienced. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

For our reception entertainment we hired dueling pianos. It was Stylist’s idea and well he’s a genius! The entire show was request based which really got our guests involved and enjoying themselves. My favorite moment during the reception was when “Ring of Fire” was requested. My bridesmaids encircled me as we danced and one of the piano players jumped on top the piano and played the trumpet. That song will forever remind me of that moment.

For photos of our wedding check out Mthree Studio’s Blog. She did a fantastic job capturing our day! (Thanks Molly!!)

Thank you to everyone who helped us plan, execute and enjoy our wedding day!!!

There is nothing wrong with cookie cutter!

2009-11-30T11:49:00.007-06:00

Yes, you read the title right, it is okay to be cookie cutter!

Seriously, how many times have you heard someone refer to a wedding as totally cookie cutter? I have heard it a million times and even out of my own mouth.

After I wrote my style post last week I began thinking about the term cookie cutter wedding, it's negative connotation, and the whole concept in general. After much thought I began to realize that cookie cutter is a choice and completely acceptable. Our culture has created a mold for what a wedding can look like, so why not use it?

Now, I am not preaching that you should copy someone's wedding exactly, but don't feel pressure to make your wedding nothing like anyone elses. Some brides get so caught up on not being cookie cutter that they exaust all of their energy coming up with crazy ideas, but not because they want to but because they feel they have to.

Your planning process should be enjoyable and spent creating a day that suits your style and personality and if it ends up cookie cutter, so be it!

I know some of you may think my concept is crazy, so I challenge you to make holiday cookies this season without a cookie cutter and let me know how it goes!

Giving Thanks

2009-11-25T11:53:00.005-06:00

I know this is a day early, but you better believe I will be soaking up family time and indulging in turkey tomorow, not writing blog a post. (sorry dear readers!)

Anyway, since there is so much to be thankful for this year I decided it deserves a post all by itself. I warn you this is a little mushy, so if you dare, read on.

I am thankful for:

The opportunity to help people as I follow my heart and dream.

The support and guidance I receive from my family.

The amazing wedding I had just 6 weeks ago.

The inspiration I find in the world and others.

The friends who gave me the confidence and energy to start a business.

My amazing husband who without a doubt will always stand by me, support me, and motivate me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

How to {properly} hold a wine glass

2009-11-23T09:42:00.009-06:00

With the holiday season approaching, I feel this discussion is very necessary. I am constantly witnessing people inappropriately holding a wine glass and to be honest, it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

This lesson is easiest to discuss using pictures. So, follow along.

Please, always hold your wine glass from the stem. Holding the glass by the stem ensures the temperature and aromas of the wine are perfect for enjoyment.

Do not, under any circumstance, hold your glass like any of the following:

Yes, you are holding the glass by the stem but the death grip makes you look ridiculous and purple hands are never attractive.

The glass is not a basketball. There is no need to palm it.

Ths is just simply ridculous. There is no way that this is comfortable.

Please, the next time you attend a celebration, hold the glass properly!

Cheers!

Defining your style

2009-11-20T10:36:00.003-06:00

Well, today is the day that I jump right into discussing all things weddings. With planning season upon us it is time for brides to think about style. Style is an important element that sometimes is overlooked in the excitement of beginning to plan a wedding.

I am not sure why, but discussing style seems to be difficult for most brides. They get a glazed over, deer in headlights look on their face as soon as the “s” word is mentioned. But, brides, it really doesn’t need to be like that!

Below are my tips for defining your wedding style:

Begin with an open mind. Maybe you’ve attended 25 weddings or never one at all, but don’t let that influence you. This is a time in your life when you are allowed to be creative and dream. Take advantage of that!
Create an inspiration board of elements you love. Yes, I know this isn’t a new idea, but it really does help. Inspiration boards allow you to visualize your style as a whole, making it easier it determine if elements work or not. If you aren’t feeling crafty, you can always check out one of the many great blogs out there dedicated to style. Of course, my favorite is Style Me Pretty.
When looking for inspiration think outside the box. It doesn’t only have to come from bridal magazines or the latest reality wedding TV show. I like to use fashion and home and furniture magazines.
Talk about your style. You may be thinking that your style will just figure itself out as you begin to choose vendors, flowers, a cake etc. but it won’t. Talking about your style will assist you in making those tough decisions an also ensure that your wedding doesn't look like a total mess. (Unless of course, that is the style you are going for!)

Remember, no one has any expectations of your wedding style. It can be whatever you want it to be!

A little randomness...

2009-11-18T09:46:00.004-06:00

For those readers who aren’t familiar with my Recessionista Series (which can be found on the right side of the blog,) I’d like to share a little more about myself. Below you’ll find a list of some of my favorite things in life and other random fun facts. Enjoy!

My Starbucks order is always, no matter the season, a Caramel Frappuccino. The combination of whip cream and drizzled caramel on top is absolutely amazing.

My wardrobe consists primarily of J.Crew and Forever 21. Yes, I know, it’s an interesting combination. I love the classic look of all the J.Crew pieces and the price of Forever 21 allows me to change out pieces often.

My favorite fast food restaurant is Qdoba. I always order the same thing, vegetarian nachos plus guacamole. I eat there so often I have a Qdoba Card which allows you to earn free entrees for frequent dining. It’s pathetic.

I have joined the rest of the tweens on earth and have become completely obsessed with the Twilight Saga. I read the entire series all in a matter of three weeks. I also secretly have a countdown to the release of New Moon... only 2 days left!

If you follow me on Twitter you’ll often see me tweet about my Stylist, which is really my husband. I consult him daily on my outfit, hair, etc. Not because I am not capable of looking fabulous on my own but simply because he gives me the extra confidence and approval for the day’s look. And, I promise, he doesn’t mind the nickname!

One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the cake. I have a serious sweet tooth and LOVE wedding cake. So, brides, if I help plan your wedding please save me a piece of cake and I promise it will keep me more focused.

Thanks for reading my random fun facts!

Why City Bride?

2009-11-17T10:59:00.002-06:00

To be honest, naming my business was not an easy task for me. I have struggled my whole life coming up with creative names. To prove my inability, I’ll share with you that my childhood cat’s name is Miss Kitty Fischer. My sister and I came up with this name because well, she’s a female cat and we lived on Fischer Avenue. Really creative name, right?

Anyway, when choosing a business name there were certainly things I did not want to include. Such as, adjectives to describe the weddings I plan or my name. I wanted a name that I felt emotionally connected to.

When I chose City Bride, I immediately knew it was the appropriate name. My entire life was spent in a small town and while it was a great place to grow up, I couldn’t wait to explore. When I moved to the city I started what felt like a whole new life. The city is an adventure for me. I love the lights, the architecture, and the diverse cultures. I love the mystery of experiencing new things and the illumination I feel along the way.

This is exactly what wedding planning should be, a new endeavor that brings out excitement and the beginning to a new life. I want to provide brides with a sense of comfort and guidance as they start a new life, just as the city did for me.

I will always be a City Bride.

Hello, I am back!

2009-11-13T09:01:00.002-06:00

Well friends, I’ve returned and hope to never leave again!

Some of you may know me as the Recessionista Bride on Bespoke for the former The White Box of Wedding Design, but I’ve started a new journey. I am now married (more on that later) and as you can see, a new business owner.

When I heard the news of The White Box closing, I was joyful and saddened in the same breath. I was happy that my friend could find ease and comfort in her decision, but I couldn’t help but think about what I was going to do. I wasn’t ready for my career in the wedding industry to end. I love this industry, not for the glamour and frills but simply because it allows me to serve people.

I started to realize I can’t deny my passion and talent for this industry and with a little motivation from Monica and my husband, I realized that I didn’t need to leave the industry. From that moment on, I began creating the foundation for City Bride.

I am so excited to again be a part of this industry and to have the opportunity to help brides in Milwaukee plan a fun, flawless and unforgettable wedding!

Thrilled to be back!