Mother & Daughter time-honored traditions

Deciding to get married is the easy part. Planning the wedding and paying for it is the overwhelming part. That's where your parents come in. But while planning involves many activities moms and daughters typically enjoy, it's not all fun and games.
What role will your mother play during this emotional and exciting time? And, how can you honor her at the ceremony in way that will make her feel special?


 

1: The Dress and Veil

Perhaps the most sentimental tradition is for the bride to wear her mother's wedding gown, with updates and alterations, of course. But if the bride is selecting her own dress, she usually brings her mother along to say "yes." You can always count on Mom for an honest opinion.
If wearing Mom's dress doesn't work, perhaps wearing her veil will. Incorporating part or all of a mother's veil or headpiece into yours creates a special bond between mother and daughter that still allows the bride to pick her own dress for her special day.

2: Dressing Your Mother (and His)

Once the gown has been ordered and the colors for the bridesmaid's dresses and flowers have been decided, the mother can start looking for her outfit. It's OK for the bride to suggest colors and styles that will compliment her wedding style, bearing in mind what her mother will feel comfortable in.
Traditionally, once the mother-of-the bride has selected her outfit, she tells the groom's mother what she'll be wearing, so the groom's mother can then shop for an outfit that will blend well.

3: Please Be Seated

Tradition plays a big role in the wedding procession. If the mother-of-the-bride is not part of the bridal procession, she is usually the last person seated before the ceremony begins. However, that's just tradition, and today's families don't necessarily always follow tradition...you could still ask your mother to join your father in walking you down the aisle.

4: Honor Thy Mother

Many brides take time during the wedding ceremony to honor their mothers. For example, some couples plan a unity ritual to symbolize the blending of the two families. A popular practice is for the bride and groom to light a candle from a candle held by their mothers and then to use the flames to light one central candle. Adding special songs, poems or readings to the service is a touching way to pay respect to a mother.

5: The Reception

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the reception hosts. If the wedding party will be formally announced during the reception, the bride's parents are first.
The final tradition involving the bride and her mother is the first dance. The bride and groom dance together first. Then the bride's parents join in. The bride is paired with her father, and the groom is paired with his mother-in-law. After a few turns, the groom's parents join the dance and eventually the rest of wedding party and guests hit the dance floor.

Easiest way to manage your budget!

When you look at your budget, the easiest way to cut down on your budget is my controlling your guest count. Most couples struggle with who they should and shouldn't invite, and they can't seem to find a good place to draw the line. Do you invite your entire office? Your Mom's sister's best friend? Your babysitter's family? Once you look at your bottom line, making the guest count manageable becomes a big priority.

 

The guest count controls the amount of food, wait staff, seating and rentals that you will need for your wedding. These factors all bring up the cost very quickly, so we came up with a few ways you can make your guest list a bit more manageable:

-For quicker responses from guests, include postage for RSVPs. They are more likely to throw it back in the mail if it doesn't require any extra effort from them. Anything that makes it easier for them to respond is a must.

-If you have guests you are unsure about inviting, wait until you get some responses from guests who are unable to attend. Once you have a base count, you will have a better idea of how many of your "possible extra" guests you can invite. Phasing your invitations is smart and it allows you to send a second round.

-If you are trying to keep a small guest count, do not include an option on RSVP cards for additional guests. Make sure that the invitation doesn't infer that people can bring a date. If it is for a family, just be sure to address the envelope to the family, or the individual it is intended for, and keep a count of how many people were invited. 

-If your RSVP date has passed, simply call your guests to see if they will be able to attend. It is a little extra effort, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to end up paying for guests that will not be there. If your going to pay the price, you might as well have someone else in their spot.

There are always easy excuses for not inviting guests, such as budget and venue constraints, and most of the time, that is an issue anyway! It’s your wedding and you need to enjoy your company, so don’t feel obligated to invite anyone you don't want It should be a memorable day with your best friends and family! Happy planning!

Your Top Tier on Your One Year

I've talked to numerous friends about the tradition of the Wedding Cake. Most of you know the deal- boxing up the top tier after your wedding, freezing it, and eating it on your first anniversary. Adorable idea right? Imagine: a romantic dinner over candlelight, sipping champagne with your special someone while indulging in decadence that sends you on a buttercream-filled journey back to that beautiful day.....ahhh, could not get much better. As wonderful as that sounds, that journey can take a "chilling" turn from warm and fuzzy to, well, cold and still fuzzy-when you unwrap your cake to find a freezer burned mass with the consistency of a week-old toasted bagel in front of you.
We've done some research, and have found what we think is the best way to preserve your cake so it can be delicious 365 days later.

Here at the EP, we always delicately box up your top tier and send it home safely with you. Once it's home, our friends at The Knot recommend that you should do the following:

1. Remove the sugar flowers and set them aside.
2. If your cake is on cardboard, remove and put on a plate, or wrap the cardboard in plastic wrap. This will prevent your cake from tasting like cardboard. (Yuck!)
3. Chill the cake well before wrapping it up so that the icing hardens. This way it won't stick to the plastic wrap and make a mess.
4. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap -- not aluminum foil, which can cause freezer burn. Make sure to wrap it as tight as possible. Some bakerys recommend getting a sealing device for the best results.

Remember:

Some cakes freeze better than others. The more delicate the cake ingredients, the drier your cake will become in the freezer. Cakes with a longer shelf life: Chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake. Cakes that may not last as long in the freezer: white cake, cake with fresh fruit, and cakes with whipped cream fillings.

Consider Ordering A Copycat Cake

If you have a cake that won't hold up in the freezer, do as many couples do and order a fresh cake tier in the same flavor as your original wedding cake for your one-year anniversary. Even if you have a heartier cake, Sylvia Weinstock, of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes in New York, recommends storing cakes for no longer than two months, and forgoing the first-anniversary tradition. Like anything else, after a year in the freezer, any cake will be a bit stale. If you do decide to save your cake for the full year, focus on the nostalgia, not the flavor. 

*for more ideas on preserving your wedding cake, visit www.theknot.com. 

As always, happy planning,...and happy eating! 

What a wonderful day for the the girls at EP! We are excited to announce that we are officially Wedding Wire rated for 2012! We are thrilled to be starting off the 2012 wedding season with a bang. Thank you to all of our amazing brides for showing us the love this year!

Here are just a few of our newest reviews from some pretty outstanding brides. We are so happy that we could be apart of making your day perfect!

Read all of our Wedding Catering, Wedding Coordinators Reviews at

Make sure to check us out on Wedding Wire & read all of our reviews!

The Bride's Guide to Plan B

In the spirit of the inches upon inches of rain mother nature decided to bless the southeast with this past week, we figured it was the perfect time to blog about something all brides should be aware of: Plan B.

We're talking about B, as in back up plan, & its something every bride should have. It is always smart to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. We've put together a few tips so you can have smooth sailing on your special day, rain or shine!


1. Location: choose a location that will beautiful, rain or shine.
2. Venue: If you are having an outside reception, make sure there is enough room in your rented space to bring in a tent, just in case of any last minute showers. 

3. Have an idea of where you will hold the ceremony if rains. Do some research, and look for a place close to your original ceremony location so it will be convenient for guests.

4. Invitations: It is never a bad idea to include a rain card with the invitations, or put the alternative ceremony location on the lower right-hand corner of the invitation.

5. Most importantly: DONT panic. (Tears dont mesh well with make-up :) Rain on your wedding day does NOT mean your marriage is destined to fail (dont believe us? Take a look: http://www.dasinfo.com/rain-on-wedding-day) See, told ya :)

We dont like to accept this unfortunante fact, but we cant control the weather. In that case, just be prepared, take a deep breath, and have fun with it! Happy planning!

It always helps to hire an awesome wedding planner like The EP ;). We always have your back. This is from  on of our weddings on a rainy weekend. In case you were wondering, the bride and father stayed dry. Tammy? Not so much haha

For the Overstocked and the Overspent

Save Green and BE Green with Recyled Bride

Do you really have a need for 150 battery operated tea lights? This question is for you ladies planning on a budget (who very well may need 150 tea lights), OR those of you stuck with truckloads of decorations that you will never use again, and it could possibly be the coolest things we have seen since sliced bread. 

It's called Recycled Bride, and online marketplace where brides can buy and sell gently used as well as new wedding decorations, dresses, and much more.

Through Recycled Bride, you can purchase items such as battery operated candles and votives, assorted types of garland, centerpiece supplies, and more for much cheaper than in stores. When you're wedding is over, simply sell it back, along with any other wedding decor. Simple as that! We think it is genius, and hope you will too. Visit today, and as always, happy planning!

http://www.recycledbride.com

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Much More than Maids

Show your bridesmaids some love! 

I'm sure many of you saw the motion picture "Bridesmaids" this year. Though we laughed at the ridiculousness of each situation and enjoyed the comedic talents of an award winning cast, did you find the situation relatable? Many of us have been that bridesmaid. No, your bridemaids will probably not get food poisoning while dress shopping, and we can HOPE that no one in your wedding party gets tackled by an air marshal and detained in an airport, but don’t be fooled. Weddings can be stressful on your bridesmaids, and it's important to remember those special ladies who work so hard to make your wedding perfect. 

Bridemaids gifts are a perfect reminder of your appreciation for their time and attention before AND after your wedding day. While shopping, keep each individual maid in mind by choosing imaginative and stylish gifts that come from the heart that will fit each of their personalities. Here are some unique ideas to get your wheels turning. Happy shopping!

Getting your bridesmaids something that they can wear or use on your wedding day is especially popular. 

Bridesmaid's survival kits are great gift ideas. They are customizable and show just how much care you took into putting together each gift. 

Find these towel wraps along with many other personalized accessories at http://www.exclusivelyweddings.com/Weddings/Wedding-Party-Gifts/Bridesmaid-Gifts

Adorable custom invites from the talented Ms. Paige Burton. Visit her Etsy page to order and make your invitations one of a kind, just for you! 

Fun & Fabulous Springtime cocktails

It's YOUR day so why not have a signature cocktail that screams YOU?! Fun, refreshing & delicious, these springtime cocktails just can't go wrong.

http://blog.purentonline.com/index.php/2010/04/30/champagne-and-vodka-berri-sophisticated-cocktail-recipe/

http://www.drinkoftheweek.com/drink_recipes/mixology-monday-strawberry-basil-mojito/

http://www.marthastewart.com/350012/ginger-margarita

What a year we have had!!

What an incredible year we had in 2011. Thanks to all our past clients as well as our future brides who trust us with such a memorable occasion. We were lucky enough to have won
"best of"on the Emerald Coast from EC Magazine for event planning
"best in Destin" by Destin Magazine for wedding planning
and the Brides Choice 2011 and 2012 award for catering & event planning.
We also have featured weddings in the current Knot & Gulf Coast Bride....with 2 more HUGE
national magazine features coming out this summer.
LOVE LOVE LOVE what we do and are so excited for the new year!
Thanks everyone:)

"Best of" event planner on the Emerald Coast

THANKS TO ALL READERS OF EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE WHO VOTED THE EVENTFUL PLANNER BEST EVENT PLANNER FOR 2011. WE ARE THRILLED TO BE HONORED AND REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED US THIS YEAR!

Choosing Your Wedding Party

Many brides struggle with deciding which friends to have in their wedding party. Here are a few tips to make it a little easier. Consider the size of your guest list when deciding on the number of bridesmaids you want. If you’re having a small, intimate wedding, you don’t want the bridal party to be almost as big as the guest list. And if you’re on a tight budget, don’t forget that you will be paying for each of their bouquets. Remember, that just because you were in someone’s wedding, they do not have to be in yours. You can always have other close friends do readings or hand out programs. True friends will understand if they are not asked to be a bridesmaid!

Why hire a planner?

A lot of girls are so excited to begin planning their wedding but quickly realize they don't know where to start. From linens, flowers, catering, rentals, music and photographers there are so many things to think about. People don't realize how many different vendors come together for a wedding and it can get a little overwhelming. That is where your planner comes to the rescue. Your planner will be there to guide you in the right direction with the best vendors around and ensure that you do not overpay for anything. It takes all the stress away and you can just enjoy being engaged and your wedding day!

Tips for Tipping

When the big day rolls around, many brides are left wondering what is considered an appropriate gratuity for each of their wedding vendors. Here is a helpful guide for tipping the people who help make your wedding a success:

Hair and Makeup Stylists- 15 to 25% of the service bill, similar to any hair salonOfficiant- a donation to the officiant’s church is a kind gesture and the typical protocol.

Musicians or DJ- $15 to $25 is typical, depending on the service. A reception musician would normally perform for a longer period than the ceremony musician and should receive a proportional tip

Delivery and Setup Crew- $10 for each staff member is appropriate. This includes anyone who delivers or sets up any rentals, florals, etc.

Wait Staff- $20 to $25 for each waiter or bartender is a reasonable amount. You could also tip as a percentage (15 to 20%) of the total food and beverage bill, just like you would in a restaurant.

Photographer- Though this is not a standard tip as many photographers are the studio’s owners, $50 to $200 is general tip range.

Transportation- 15 to 20% of the total bill

Of course, gratuities depend on the quality of service, but is always a nice way to thank vendors for their contributions. A nice note or gift can also be appropriate, especially when you are using family or close friends as vendors. Hope you find this “tips for tipping” helpful!

Seating Your Guests

Need some creative ideas to display your seating chart or table numbers? Take a look at a few of these ideas we found. Old windows and chalkboards are very popular right now and you can find them very cheap. Once you find one, all you need is a chalkboard pen and some creativity. As for your table numbers, make sure that they can be incorporated within your centerpieces. If you don't want to use traditional numbers, think of something that is significant to you and your groom. It could be different types of flowers, assorted cities, or even different classes if you met in school. Whatever it may be, just make sure it goes along with your decor!

Congrats to Courtney and Adam!

Here are some more pictures from Courtney and Adam Wade's wedding aboard the Solaris. Thank you to HBB Photography and Florals by the Sea for your amazing work! Cheers!

The Bay House

Yesterday EP had the opportunity to help stage a photo shoot and organize an open house at one of Destin's hottest new wedding venues, The Bay House! Besides having a beautiful view of the bay, the venue features an on-site bridal suite, small catering kitchen and an amazing sunset. It is the perfect setting for any Destin wedding! EP is looking forward to booking lots of fabulous events at this location. Thanks Mike & Nancy Shoults for being such gracious hosts!

Planning & Catering: The Eventful Planner

Florals & Decor: Florals by the Sea

Pictures: Kansas Pitts Photography

Alternative Boutonniere's

Who says your man’s boutonniere has to be made of flowers? Let your future hubby get creative and come up with something that fits his personality. From sports, to musical instruments, to outdoor activities, boutonnieres today can be made to resemble any interest he may have. Here are some of our favorites from Frittz Rosenow:

Congrats to Mallory and Scott!

Please take a look at our wedding from Memorial Day Weekend. Mallory and Scott Jordan's ceremony and reception were held at Bentley's on the Bay. Vue Photography did a truly amazing job capturing the event! Take a look at their blog below:

http://www.vuephotographyonline.net/2011/mad-love/

Other vendors included Bake My Day, Florals by the Sea, Linens by the Sea and B-Boy Productions.

Cheers!

Wade Wedding Pictures

Here are some pictures from Courtney and Adam Wade's May wedding (all images by HBB Photography). The couple had a beachfront ceremony and enjoyed their reception aboard the Solaris. Be sure to check our Facebook page soon for more photos! Congratulations Courtney and Adam!

Fun Floral Trends

Lately we've spotted some creative alternatives to traditional wedding flowers. Switching out bouquets or centerpieces for these fun options is a great way to personalize the look of your wedding. Not only can this be a fun DIY project, but they also make great keepsakes from your big day. Some of our favorites are pictured below:

Clockwise from upper left: 1. Tissue paper blooms are versatile and can be used for arrangements and almost any decor 2. Paper flowers offer an unlimited variety as you can choose between prints, solids and textures 3. The "Brooch Bouquet" is a great way to incorporate family heirlooms and adds a perfect vintage touch 4. Balsa wood flowers go great with rustic styling, but can easily be updated with modern touches such as bright feathers (All images from Etsy)