AE Tip: Mongograms

AE Tip: Monograms Add a Personal Touch to Any Soiree

This addition may seem small but can leave a huge impact! 

Napkins and coasters are a great inexpensive way to show off a new monogram, logo, or phrase. They can be passed around with drinks, set next to hors d'oeuvres, or AE's personal favorite: have them printed on hand towels to spruce up any drab bathroom!

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Check out our favorite local spot to pick these up -- Peabody Papers! Located in Grandview Heights, Peabody is home to an assortment of unique and personalized paper products. 

Courtesy of Peabody Papers

Wedding Wednesday: Ask Ady!

Ask Ady!  I don't want to attend my ex's wedding solo!  

Image courtesy of our ever-talented friends at Ink and Ivory Design Studio

Dear Ady, 

I was originally invited to my ex-boyfriends wedding (an ex from 10+ years ago).  We have remained very good friends.  When the save the date arrived my boyfriend at the time and I were invited together and both planned to attend.  Said boyfriend and I have now broken up and the wedding invitation I received did not include a guest.  I don’t know why but it bothered me, but also, I don’t want to attend solo.   Should I ask the groom, my long-time friend and ex, if I can bring a date?   Or is that inappropriate?

Helpless in Hoboken, 

Ellie, Hoboken, NJ

Dear Ellie, 

You should not ask to bring a date if your hosts did not specify on the invitation that you may.  Often times, the bride and groom prefer to keep their guest list limited to only those that they know personally, hence, your most recent ex being invited initially.  Since they chose to leave "and guest" off the invitation, they have sent a clear message that they would prefer that just you attend their wedding. 

Furthermore, examine the reasons why you would be hesitant to attend alone.  If you will be uncomfortable to see your ex get married, or won't know anyone at your table, for examples, I say it's probably best to not attend at all.  Having a "wingman" attend with you will not make any of the reasons you are hesitant better.  Again, you may want to give these reasons further thought - 9 times out of 10, ex's getting married bring up well-buried emotions no matter HOW long you have been out of the relationship.  You know best if you fall into the 9 category, or are the 1 who was able to move on with no strings attached.  

My advice?  Send a lovely gift and your best wishes. 

I hope I "Helped you in Hoboken!"  :) 

- Ady 

Wedding Wednesday: HIRE A PLANNER

She planned her own wedding... 

Hire a professional!

(This may sound a little self-serving and it just might be, but trust us, we are serving you more!)

Please, please, unless you have unlimited free time (who does?) and have planned many events for 100+ guests, (in which case you probably aren’t reading this blog), you have got to hire a wedding planner.   You will not regret it.  If you are shaking your head and asking yourself “But why?  Planning this will be a cinch”, then keep reading.

It all seems pretty simple, right?  You pick out a location, think about your favorite menu items, décor you love, your favorite stationery, color palettes you want, memorable tunes and voila!  Party planned.  Well, there are two distinct differences here.  Thinking about what you want and getting what you want, the way you want it (without having any meltdowns) are two entirely different things.  Trust us, it gets difficult fast, questions begin to mount and so does the anxiety.  Don't do this to yourself!

An wedding planner is a professional who can talk the talk and walk the walk (so to speak).  We have experience using event jargon with vendors, we know the industry (and also what items should cost and what terms are appropriate in negotiations) and simply have the skill and experience to seamlessly bring your vision to life. 

Imagine this during the planning process:
You are locked into a contract with a venue.  The chairs they provide are mauve and that does not fit your color scheme.  Ok, so you rent chairs.   The venue now wants to charge you what seems like an extraordinary amount for these new chairs.   Do chairs really cost $3500?  Am I being taken advantage of?   Why do I need 7 extra people to unload said chairs? Aren't we talking about chairs here?   Are you getting stressed thinking this through?   Call your local planner.

How about this one on the DAY OF:
You are enjoying your first glass of champagne, your hair is set in hot rollers, everything is going as planned, you are relaxing and enjoying the morning with your bridesmaids.  The phone rings.  You pick it up, it's your florist.  He/She actually had you on the books for the FOLLOWING Saturday.  They are very sorry, but there will be no flowers available for your wedding.  Call waiting - it's your DJ, he lost the playlist you sent him and the special CD with the special version of your first-dance song on it, can you please resend to him within the next hour?  What to do now?  Who is going to handle this?  Am I really getting on the phone with everyone in the Yellowpages to get a replacement florist while tracking down my laptop to resend this music?  My glass of champagne is now flat and warm (and your hair is about to be too; flat at least).   Again, if this is stressing you out - DEFINITELY call a planner. 



David and Adrianne at a Milly
show during NYC Fashion Week

 Still not convinced?  We will be at Big Rock Little Rooster on Saturday, August 27th as part of the Vera Wang trunk show.  We are currently scheduling appointments and giving out complimentary advice to brides.   Join us!  We would love to chat with you.  Email us if you would like to set an appointment.   Contact Big Rock Little Rooster for a dress appointment.  Tons of GORGEOUS Vera Wang dresses.  NO pressure!  Promise!  That's what this blog is for!  :)

Added bonus:  David Thielebeule, Accessories Director at Allure magazine will also be available doling out bridal fashion advice.  He can help guide you on chic, sleek and fun color combo's for your wedding day, too!  Makeup expert, Lindsay Remley and Hair Guru, Josie Schweitzer will also be available.  It's quadruple the fun!  Quadruple the experts.  USE US!