Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Bouquet Basics

There is more than just flowers that go into designing a bridal bouquet.

When working with your florist, consider some these pointers to make your bouquet fit perfectly into all aspects of your big day!

Size
Your bouquet should complement your figure, not compete with it. It is important to have an arrangement that is proportional to your body. 

Dress Shape
Your dress and your bouquet should harmonize and enhance one another. If your gown is very simple, that leaves room for a more elaborate bouquet. Gowns with more embellishments should be accompanied by simpler arrangements. 

Photo courtesy of Vogue

Venue
Your venue can influence how your bouquet looks as well.  If you’re getting married in an outdoor space, don’t compete with the existing vegetation. Natural bouquets complement intimate outdoor weddings quite nicely.  For a more traditional wedding venue, a simpler arrangement with clean lines will do wonders. 

Photo courtesy of Rustic Wedding Chic

 

Price
Create a price point and stick to it.  Decide which flowers you can’t live without and which flowers you’d be willing to find alternatives for. Your florist can help you create the bouquet of your dreams at a price you love. 

AE Tip: Using flowers that are in season can help you save a few pennies. Here's a handy site to see what blooms will be in season on your special day. 

 

Color
Make sure your florals complement your color scheme.  It doesn’t have to match completely, but should certainly not clash.

Photo courtesy of Sweet Chic Events

AE Tip:  When in doubt, just remember that your bouquet should be reflective of your unique tastes and personality.  Be careful not to stray too far from your natural taste.  

AE tip: Signature Drink

You can never go wrong with bringing a signature cocktail into the mix..

AE loves to coordinate a specialty drink with the theme of the party!

Photo Courtesy of Indulgy

.. & it's always nice to keep it seasonal!

Summer bash?
Something light and fruity.

Baby shower?
Offer a mocktail.

Fall gathering?
Try a hot cider. 

Wedding Wednesday: Dress Shopping Tips

Where should you start? 

Without a little organization, dress shopping for the big day can be slightly overwhelming.

AE has a few simple steps to get you started off on the right foot! 

Photo Courtesy of Kitty Haw

Step 1: Set your budget. Once you know how much money you have to spend, figure out which stores fit in your price range. 

Step 2: Book your venue. Make sure to keep the season and site in mind when picking out your gown. A long heavy train on the beach?! No way!

Step 3: Do your research. Have fun flipping through magazines, get ideas and inspiration! Try to zero in on what styles and designers you like the best, this will help narrow down your options in the store. 

Step 4: Find your shopping personality. What kind of experience are you looking for? Quite, intimate time with mom? Check local bridal shops. A weekend getaway with girlfriends? Go to a destination salon. 

Happy Shopping!! 

Wedding Wednesday: Cake Alternatives

Don't have a preference for cake?

AE has a few splendid ideas that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth! 

Dessert Bar. This is a great alternative for the indecisive bride. Pick out all your favorite sweet treats for guests to pick and choose! 

Photo Courtesy of Stylish Soiree

AE Tip: Adding flowers, balloons, or candles to the dessert table will make it a gorgeous focal point.

Macarons. These French cookies are ideal for the gluten-free bride. Made with almond flour, these gorgeous cookies will satisfy dietary needs, and are tasty too! 

Photo Courtesy of Knot Notes

S'mores. Although this gooey delight will have guests coming back for more, not all venues can accommodate, so make sure to double check! 

Photo Courtesy of Confetti Rentals

AE Tip: If you aren't able to toast the mallows, send the fixings home with guests as a farewell gift!

Candy Bar. Pick all your favorite candies: chocolate, fruity, hard, and soft. Guests will enjoy snacking all evening! 

Photo Courtesy of It's a Brides Life

Decided on a cake alternative for your big day?!
Purchasing a small ceremonial cake to cut in front of guests incorporates a traditional touch
& a great photo moment.

Wedding Wednesday: The Fine Print

Hidden Wedding Costs--

It's all those pricey extras that really make your bills add up. 

Take it from us -- READ the fine print!

CATERING FEES

Plating

Caterers charge by the plate for sit down dinners.  One guest equaling one plate.  Although family style is not less expensive than a served dinner, buffet style is.  Ask your caterer to walk you through the pricing if you're on the fence between your choices.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs

Cake-Cutting

When anyone other than the in-house pastry chef makes your cake, your caterer will often charge to cut it.  Sometimes it's a flat fee and other times, it's per guest - which can really add up!

Corkage

Check with your caterer on corkage fees.  If you use the booze provided by your reception site, the charge is typically included with the total cost.  However, if you're providing your own alcohol, some venues will charge per bottle to have their staff open it.  

Photo courtesy of Frosted Pink Events

Service Charge

These are for non-food-related costs. They can tack on about 20 percent to your bill. 

DELIVERY FEES

Rentals

Usually, this is printed on your quote clearly, but know what you're looking for!  There will most likely be a delivery fee and shipping/handling fee.  If you don't see it, ask for this upfront.  

Welcome Bags

Hotels will often charge for distributing these, usually per bag.  If you're don't care for welcome bags to be room dropped, see if you're hotel will allow the front desk to distribute them when your guests check in. 

Photo courtesy of Signature 

VENUE FEES

Non-Approved Vendors

Some venues have a preferred vendor list.  Using vendors not on the list will land you with a fee!

Overtime 

If your vendors are booked for a certain amount of time, you'll be charged per hour if you're wedding runs over.  Factor these costs in from the beginning if you think it may be close!

Resort

Having a destination affair?  If your guests are not all staying on the property, there could be a fee for them to enter. 

AE Happy Hour: The Sparkler

Red, White, and Blue! 

With team USA on a successful road in the World Cup and the Fourth of July right around the corner...

celebrate with a beverage that will surely put you in the American Spirit!

The Sparkler 

Photo Courtesy of Yum Sugar

Recipe as follows:

1 1/2 oz campagne

3/4 oz raspberry liqueur 

1/2 oz vodka 

1 oz pomegranate juice

Shake all ingredients but the champagne with ice and strain into your favorite glassware. 

Top with champagne and add a garnish to complete.

AE tip: for that extra touch of spirit, add an American flag stir stick to each drink or drop in a few blueberries to bring in the blue!

As always, enjoy responsibly! 

Xo, AE

AE Tip: Current Party

Themed parties can be a great way to pack an extra punch to any get together. 

You can take advantage of almost ANY holiday, spectacle,  or season. 

Current Party: The World Cup

Photo Courtesy of Evite

Gather around the TV to watch this international extravaganza. Kindly ask guests to bring a beverage or food from their favorite team for a worldly experience. Decorations can include national flags, soccer balls, and pictures of your favorite players. 

Photo Courtesy of Evite

Happy Hour: The Merry Bride

It's Happy Hour Here at AE! 

This week we are sipping on...

The Merry Bride

Photo Courtesy of Cheeky Chicago

This sangria is a fantastic drink for any summer get together!

Recipe follows:
Serving 8-10 drinks

1 bottle of dry vermouth wine

1 c. cranberry cocktail juice

1 c. pomegranate juice

1/2 c. orange liquor 

1/2 c. simple syrup

2 oranges, sliced into thin wedges

2 lemons, sliced into thin wheels

2 limes, sliced into thin wheels

20 maraschino cherries

1c. lemon-lime soda

Combine the first five ingredients in a pitcher; add the sliced fruit. Let chill in refrigerator (24 hours if possible). Before serving, add ice and top with the soda for a little fizz. To show off the great color and sliced fruit, serve in clear highball glasses.

Enjoy responsibly! 

Have a wonderful, safe weekend! Xo, AE

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: 3 Items You Don't Want to Forget

The most important items can be the easiest to overlook...

They may not as exciting as your dress, floral decor or invitations, but these items are the most necessary! 

Here are some reminders and tips to getting hitched.. without a hitch!

Marriage License

- Check your state's application rules at least six months before your big day.

- Marriage requirements can differ even between counties, so do your homework! 

- Talk about the plan for signing the marriage certificate before your BIG DAY.

- Make sure that who ever is sending it in makes a copy beforehand. 

Photo courtesy of Estate Weddings and Events 

Destination Brides:

Triple check the local laws of your destination, including residency requirements
(how long you must be in the country before you apply).

OR

Hold a civil ceremony in the U.S. before you go - just to be safe!

Check out The Knot for tips on tying the knot internationally.  

Name Change

- Change your Social Security card and your drivers license in person and do this first.

- Everything else, credit cards, bank accounts, et cetera, can usually be done online. 

- You can never check the the spelling enough - it all must match!

Passport 

- Start this process at least 3 months out if you are traveling internationally for your honeymoon.

- Changing your name could take six weeks to process.
(If you're too close for comfort, wait until you return from your honeymoon.)  

- The name on your tickets must match the one on your passport. 

Photo Courtesy of Serendipity Beyond Design 

Common Mistake:  Based on the time of departure, make sure that your passport has at 

least six months before expiration.  If you're close - update it to avoid hassle!

Wedding Wednesday: Invitation Etiquette & Tips

Wedding invitations do not always have to be traditional, but when it comes to etiquette, there are a few items we think must stay classic!

Here are a few helpful tips to invite etiquette...The AE WAY!

What to include:
The hosts.

Your names.

The date, time, and location of the ceremony.

 Reception information.

RSVP information.

Photo Courtesy of Paper Petal

Who receives invitations and how many do I send?

Married couples & couples living at the same address:
Receive one invitation

Families:
Receive one invitation (however, children 18+, should receive their own invitation)

Singles Guests:
Each receive their own invitation

"Plus-Ones":
Should be included with the invitation for the guest receiving the "plus-one"

When do I send my invitations out?
Invitations should hit mailboxes about 2 months before your wedding date.
RSVPs should be due 1 month before your wedding date.
This gives you plenty of time to finalize planning and loose ends.  


Wording Guidelines:
Wording wedding invitations should be as much about your personal style as anything.  Not all invitations need to be formal.  Some invitations can be modern, but traditionally worded.
 When in doubt go with your gut.  

Photo Courtesy of Kleinfeld Paper 

One more AE Tip:
Wedding invitations should only include the critical, basic, information.  Any items regarding registry, accommodations, directions, etc. should be included on a wedding website or a separate card. 

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Flower Secrets

What's the secret to nothing-less-than-perfect flowers on your wedding day?

TRUST YOUR FLORIST! 

They know the secrets.

(But, we're helping you out with some of them.)

Your Bouquet Should Fit YOU

Besides your bridal glow, this is your most important accessory.  It needs to fit your personality and also your physical size.  If you are tiny, don't have a bouquet that is too large for your frame. 

Photo courtesy of Way to Enliven 

Know the Seasons

Don't make any decisions on flowers or colors before you know what is available. 

Using in-season blooms will give you the most vibrant florals.  

Teleflora is a great reference.

Find Substitutes

There's always a way to achieve the look you want.
Instead of paying a fortune for flowers that are not in season, trust your florist to use look-alike substitutes.

Garden Rose (on the left) versus Peonies (on the right).  They're an awful close representation!

Photos courtesy of Country Garden and The Wedding Bee

Your florist can also help incorporate less expensive flowers or tasteful fillers to give a luxe look at a not-super luxe cost.

Keep your Guests in Mind  

Be sure to not overcrowd your dinner tables with over the top centerpieces.
You don't want your table to look empty, but your guests need room to eat.
Keep your arrangements to appropriate heights - be sure not to block the view of your guests.

Photo courtesy of the ever talented Red Gallery 

Ask Ady: Columbus Bridal Show 2014

Something new for Ask Ady...

We bring you a little segment from the AE presentation at the Columbus Bridal Show 2014  

We were SO flattered to present the "Do's and Don'ts of "I Do's."  

The Greater Columbus Convention Center gathered a curious crowd which provided us the forum for our very first live segment of Ask Ady!  

A big AE X&O to Columbus Bride for having us!

Wedding Wednesday: Winter Wedding Attire

It's Wedding Wednesday and today we are bringing you a few tips for dressing yourself, your gals and your guests for a stylish wintry affair. 

BRIDES

We adore a long-sleeved wedding dress for your winter wedding.
Too heavy?  A lace sleeve is also seasonably appropriate, and won't make you feel overly covered.

You can also find beautiful removable pieces that will add warmth during pictures and the ceremony (churches can be drafty!), but that can be removed for the party.

Pair a strapless dress with a bolero jacket or fur wrap.  Here is a lovely and moderately priced beauty from Alice and Olivia.

Try evening gloves!  They are a "look" but when done right, they make for an impactful and beautiful accessory.  

And the creme de la creme (in our humble opinion) of winter accessories is the under-utilized fur muff.
Oooh La La!  

Photos Courtesy of Ruffled Blog

BRIDESMAIDS

Don't feel like to have to dress your maids in wool and long-sleeves for your winter wedding.
Go with what speaks to you and your your wedding style...
...BUT, DON'T LEAVE THEM FREEZING!

If you plan to take outdoor pictures, give your gals something to cover up with!

Common winter accessories make for fun pictures!

TOPSHOP has an array of mittens at great prices that will complement almost any wedding style/color palatte.    

We also love festive hosiery to complement a winter look.
(we think every gal should own a pair of Wolford's).

You can find fab faux fur wraps and capelets at many moderately-priced stores starting in the Fall.  We love this one from Kohls.  Etsy is a great resource, too!

Tip: be careful with hats and even scarves, they can wreck havoc on beautifully coiffed do's.

Photo Courtesy of Koru Wedding Style   

GUESTS

Dress appropriately for the occasion, but be prepared for the cold weather!

When in doubt, call ahead to ensure the venue offers a coat check.

Bundle up and protect your feet, too - we don't want you turning blue or ruining your Choo's in the snow.

xoxo

Wedding Wednesday: What to do with that big blank wall?

Dressing up a naked wall is a great way to add visual interest, intimacy, and cool decor to your space. 

Use a blank wall to exhibit personal photos!  Whether canvas prints or gorgeous frames, personal photos will create visual interest for your guests and bring a truly personal element to your wedding decor.

Blank walls are also a great area to display a cool guestbook or out-of-the-box seating chart.

 Consider create a photo moment!  Whether you have a back drop (or any actual booth!), put some props on display and let your friends and family go at it!  These pictures make a fun guest book or, just give you some really great candid memories :)

Tip:  Be sure to talk to your venue manager about their rules regarding affixing items to their walls.  You don't want to be surprised when they say nails are a "no-no."

Photos Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings and Esty

Another idea… play home videos on your blank wall.  This can create a wonderful background ambience and you can make it a classic, timeless piece when family movies are projected in black and white.
Tip: Make sure the wall is either not placed in a major thoroughfare or be sure to project from high enough up that guests won't constantly be standing in the projector light.

Play around with lighting!  Ambiant lighting can easily fix a blah space and using a GoBo for walls or makes your monogram larger than life!
Tip:  Be sure to test the hues before making a final decision.  While pink lighting may sound like a great idea, when translated into a large space, it might be overkill.  

Photos Courtesy of Peak Styles, Rent My Wedding, The Bridal Detective, and Aves Photographic Design

Draping blank walls with fabric gives the most luxurious results (but it is also the most costly)!  Fabric can also be used to hide open ceilings that may not be the most attractive.

Tip:  Fabric does not work well when done sparsely.  If your budget doesn't allow you to drape the room appropriately, then opt for a less expensive decor option.  Lighting does wonders to transform a space. 

Photos Courtesy of The Knot and Pix 2 Brix

Wedding Wednesday: Travel Apps

For our destination wedding hosts, guests, and, of course, honeymooners, traveling abroad or to any foreign locale CAN be a breeze!  Check out these helpful apps, and ask yourself, again, how did we ever live without our smart phones?  

Communication & Etiquette: 

Google Translate

64 languages are available for written and spoken translation. 

Vocre
Translates anything you say into the mic.  Just set the language you want to translate from, then plug in the language you'd like to translate to.  But be sure to speak clearly, you don't want Siri to ask for octopus arms when you wanted tuna sashimi!

World Customs

This app features cultural facts and traditions allowing travelers to seek immerse in the foreign soil they travel. Learn proper greetings, gender issues, taboos, and gestures for 165 different countries. 

Money Matters:
Oanda Currency Converter 
Chose from over 190 currencies and 4 metals to convert your money when traveling.

Getting There:
Packing Pro
Don't forget anything at home!  Create a list of items to pack, or select from sample lists to ensure you have everything you need!

 TripIt
No more looking through countless emails for reservations - with this app, all your itineraries are in one place!  You will have your flight times, rental car information & hotel accommodations at just a glance.

Getting Around:
AroundMe
This locator app tells your all the points of interest around your detect location.  Find what you're looking for by selecting from categories such as, restaurants, museums, and bars.

LocalEats
Skip the national-chain restaurants.  Eat like a local.  This app features independently-owned restaurants and local places only!

HopStop
HopStop takes the guesswork out of even the most complex public transportation systems.  Never again will you be the tourist holding the map in the middle of SoHo!   Enter your starting point and destinations and HopStop will provide step-by-step instructions.

Just for Fun:
Postagram
ONE OF OUR FAVORITES!  Bring back the charm in sending a postcard to friends and family while vacationing.  Upload a picture to this app, type in a message and the recipient's address.  A personalized postcard will be delivered to their (actual) mailbox within a few days.

Trip Journal 
Not one to scrapbook?  Don't worry!  This app tracks your trip's pictures for you by GPS.  You can even have your friends share your vacation with you by inviting them onto your page!  They will be able to see what places you have visited and all the pictures you've taken.

Convert Clothes
Shoppers!  While traveling abroad, let this clothing size converter help you when trying on foreign fashions.

Ask Ady:

Dear Ady,

I am a member of the bridal party in an upcoming fall wedding.  In regards to thanking the bride and groom, I have always wondered what the appropriate etiquette is for bridal party members after the festivities are over.  Is one to thank the bride and groom for having you participate in the special time in lives?  And, if bridal party gifts are given, is a thank you gesture necessary (something other than letting them know how appreciative you are in the moment)?  

Sincerely, 

Mary-Elle, Cincinnati, OH

Dear ME, 

While it is not necessary to send a thank-you for a thank-you, it is a lovely gesture to share your gratitude at having been a part of their special day.  This can be handled by a note post-festivities, as part of the sentiment in the card accompanying their gift, or by a special note to the bride/groom on the wedding day if a gift has been sent in advance. 

However, it IS appropriate (and often times forgotten) to thank the hosts for the wedding they hosted which you enjoyed.  Sending a note of thanks and cheer to the hosts (for a wedding or any event) is sure to make you stand out as a gracious guest and will ensure future invitations. 

A good rule of thumb...when in doubt, send a note.  At the very least, you will brighten the receivers day.  Everyone loves to receive a sweet piece of mail.   

xo, 

Ady 

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Websites

WEDDING WEBSITES!  

weddingwindow.com

How are they helpful to wedding guests?  

Wedding websites provide all information pertaining to the wedding weekend all in one place!  Brides can customize their website to include information about hotel reservations and registry, which should NEVER be included on printed materials, best travel accommodations, attire guidelines ("Our reception is outside, so wear your wedges, ladies!), and all the other questions that you just don't have time to answer over and over again!  

Here are two of our favorite sources.   Both are very user-friendly and boast interesting designs:
Wedding Window
Wedding JoJo

We recommend upgrading to a personalized URL so that guests can easily remember your website name.  For example, samandjoe.com is SO much easier to remember than samandjoe.4444.weddingwebsite.com, wouldn't you agree??!  It's well worth the nominal upgrade fee. 

While these sites have their convenience and charms, they may not be for everyone!  Brides with small quest lists, or who are concerned about privacy, or just plain prefer a traditional form of communication may want to consider a dedicated wedding email, correspondence via mail, or a good old-fashioned phone call to share information.  

Wednesday Wednesday: An Invitation to Remember

Every bride wants an invitation that is so beautiful and unique that guests agree, it is just too lovely to throw away!  Brides are making trendy statements with 3D invitations, patterns and pops of color to make sure that their invitation stands out amongst the others!

3D

Forget about the plain envelope and flat card.  Brides are taking invitations to the next level with pocket folds, bellybands and booklets to make sure their wedding invitations are not missed!

Photo and Graphic Design done by our friend Ink and Ivory Design Studio 

Patterned

Patterns are on the rise AND we LOVE them!  From backing to borders to bellybands to liners - you cannot go wrong!  Patterns are also a great way to introduce your theme and set the tone for your BIG DAY.  

Photos courtsey of Micky Chase Jewelry and Oh So Beautiful Paper

Pop of Color

Don't be afraid of experimenting with a little bit of color when it comes to invitations!  While, save the dates have traditionally lent themselves more easily to color, don't fret about carrying it right on through to your invitation.   We love using colored paper and special ink treatments (such as foil stamping) to achieve color that wows.  

Photos courtsey of Marilyn Keepsakes and Parrott Design Studio 

Wedding Wednesday: BEAT THE HEAT!

Well, August is almost over and we find one of the most beautiful times of the year to be a bride coming to a close. While we still have the last vestiges of summer upon us: green grass, blue sky, and flowers in full bloom, we are also embarking on one of the warmest times of year to host your wedding.  But, don't fret!  Today we are bringing you some inspiration to stay cool on your big day!

Print your wedding program on a fan...this will not only keep your guests cool, but also doubles as a special memento for guests to keep!

Photo and Programs Credit: our friends at Ink & Ivory 

Ask your makeup artist to prepare you for hot weather by not using any liquid products. Try to use powder or crayon options along with a primer and finishing spray to keep your makeup in place and looking great!

Photo Credits: Jim Davis Hicks

Let's not forget about the bridal party! When picking the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's attire, look for a light weight material that will not only look good but keep them comfortable on your special day.

Photo Credits:  Our friends, Guerrin and Brett's, Instagram and Ava Strange 

Carry this light and airy feeling over to your reception. Opt for summer food selections like cold soups, fresh fruit skewers and simple, refreshing hors d'oeuvres!  Anything with cucumber is sure to cool down your guests.

Photo Credits: Anthony's Gourmet Catering, Delish, and Food & Wine

Provide guests with other 'stay-cool' options as favors. You could include items like sunglasses, flip-flops, personalized water bottles, parasols or even sunscreen! 

Photo Credits: Red Gallery Photography, Princess Wedding, and Great Lakes Bay

And last but certainly not least, we adore a lemonade stand!  Refreshing au natural and even better with a bit of vodka for a speciality drink that your guests will love.  Just seeing an ice cold lemonade makes guests feel cool and happy!

Photo Credits: Style Me Pretty and Lauryn Byrdy