SAY NO TO THE WEDDING TREND

By now I'm sure you know how I personally feel about following trends, but let's face it, no matter how much I try to avoid them I see, experience and sometimes have to create a different twist on them to make a client happy.

Yet there are some trends that we are sooooo over. And so we thought we'd put a call out to see what Brides, Grooms and wedding professionals alike had to say about trends that they've just about had enough of. So here you have it, the top trends that we hope are on their way out of events and weddings:

Wedding Trends That We Hope To Never See Again

 "Butterfly releases"

"Slideshows of the bride growing up, the groom growing up and their relationship. "

"Mason jars for vintage weddings"

"White wedding gowns with red corseted backs"

"Typewriters or hay bales. Or burlap" @LavishMary

"Bubbles during the Recessional"

"Sand ceremonies, candy buffets, choreographed first dance, slide shows, sage green bridesmaid dresses, see through corsets!" @TeraMacfie

"Uniform Bridal Parties"

"Paper Lanterns!!!"

"Chair covers"

"Selective colouring in photos! (flowers in color, the rest in b&w)" @InBloomPhoto

"Cupcakes"

"Balloons in centerpieces" <-- Et Lofte Events says: oh, oh my...please tell me this still isn't a trend!!!!

"Food trucks"

"The colour purple and Hydrangeas. There are other colours and flowers around people!" @DeeDeeNewell

"Cash Bars, Loonie-Twoonie Bars" 

"Damask!!!"

"Unity ceremonies - only done because it's "nice" to add to the ceremony. A unity ceremony should be poignant and personal. Buying a vase and some coloured sand isn't personal". - Louise McAllister-Drinnan

"Weddings in barns"

 "The colour tangerine. I know it's 'in' right now but it only looks good in decor. Tangerine is not a flattering colour on anyone people! - " @et_lofte_events

"Centerpieces on mirrors"

"LED lights in centerpieces"



Have a trend that you would prefer to be left in the past or disagree with any of the items listed above? Add your own comment!

THREE SUPER COOL CHILDREN'S PARTY THEMES (AND WHY WE LOVE THEM)

Coming up with a children's party theme that's both wildly entertaining and a cinch to pull off can be a daunting task for any parent. Just the mere thought of a handful (or more) of kids running around your house, each needing to be entertained, fed, attended to and likely thinking (if not blurting out loud) how much fun that party is or how much 'funner' that other kid's party was.

So we thought we share some of our favourite Children's Party Themes, ideas for making them the best party ev-ah and why we think they're good choices for your wee one.

THE WIZARD OF OZ THEME

WHY WE LOVE IT: At first thought, a theme centered around the classic Wizard of Oz might seem girly-centric. I mean, ruby slippers, good witches, bad witches, frilly ankle socks...doesn't leave much room for the boyish ego does it?  But The Wizard of Oz theme doesn't have to zero in on all things girl and there's a ton of ways to incorporate different elements of the film to make it gender-friendly. And that's why we love it.

BUDGET FACTOR: $$-$$$

SOME IDEAS:

Have kiddie-guests arrive dressed up in their favourite character from the movie. The possibilities are vast -- from the main characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion, Witch and Wizard to the less obvious like flying monkies, Winkies, the Mayor of Munchkinland and more.

Host a "Yellow Brick Road" scavenger hunt in the backyard or throughout the house using yellow fabric or yellow "bricks" made of Bristol board scattered in a path that lead in different directions to different movie themed items such as apples, flowers, oil cans, lollipops and more. The object is to collect all the items and make it to the Wizard of Oz at the end (played by an adult) to receive a prize.

Feature an outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz on a big screen or as a night-cap for a slumber party.

Serve lunch items and tasty treats in various picnic baskets laid out on a blue gingham cloth.

Serve up a cake decorated with a yellow brick road running up the tiers and a hot-air-balloon as the topper.

ET LOFTE LOVES!!! Cake by For the Love of Cake

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SUPERHERO THEME

WHY WE LOVE IT: Budget friendly and gender-neutral are the key factors with this party theme. Not to mention FUN! What do we especially love about it? Rather than princesses and damsels, this party theme gives girls an opportunity to feel empowered by choosing heroines with special powers. What does it give boys? Who doesn't like to pretend to be a superhero with special powers and save the day??? Role playing is a great addition to any child's play. Plus it gives kids an opportunity to get creative and drum up their own custom-made superhero if they don't already have a favourite.

BUDGET FACTOR: $ - $$

SOME IDEAS:

Hand out invitations designed like a classic SuperHero comic strip or like a newspaper headline reading "Extra Extra!".  Don't want to spend money on custom-made invites? There are a plethora of stores that carry simple SuperHero themed party invitation packs.

Source: Love Paper Paint

Have kiddies dress up as their fave superhero or custom-create one.  Whether it's SuperMan, Rouge, SpiderMan, Batman or Mulan, kids will have a blast turning from ordinary human into superbeing.

Host a "Save the World" obstacle course in the backyard or throughout the house. Kids must complete each obstacle or "save the human" and get to the finish line to receive a medal from the mayor (again, played by an adult).

Have kids participate in a game of Dodge Ball but name it "Escape the Meteors, Save the World"

Play the classic SuperHero 'X-ray Vision' game: fill a box with a variety of objects and/or foods and have blindfolded guests take turns identifying the objects in the box merely by smell, touch or taste.

Rather than a Birthday cake, offer delicious cupcakes each topped with a different SuperHero emblem from Superman, Batman, WonderWoman and more. Or for a slightly different twist (and less sugar high), offer cakepops adorned with a superhero mask and cape.

Fill lootbags with SuperHero themed colouring pages, comic books, stickers and lollipops dressed with mask and cape.

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 OLYMPICS THEME

WHY WE LOVE IT: Not only will this theme encourage a ton of physical activity but it's not weather dependant as well. Have a wintery Birthday? Have Winter Olympics! Have a summer Birthday? Have Summer Olympics!

BUDGET FACTOR: $$-$$$

SOME IDEAS:

Send out invitations designed to resemble tickets for the Olympics.

Upon arrival, kids receive a custom-made shirt with the Olympic Rings and "2012 Birthday Olympics" on the front and the child's last name printed on the back. Not only will this get the kids excited about what's to come next but it also serves as a keepsake in lieu of the usual Lootbags.

This theme offers an abundance of Olympic activity opportunities! For Winter Olympics incorporate fun activities like "bobsled races" (a.k.a sliding), mini hockey/road hockey games, "figure skating" (wherein groups of kids put together a mini-performance to music either in skates or boots, on a rink or on pavement), "snow darts" (knocking down objects with snowballs) and table tennis (ok, ok this is technically a summer Olympic sport but hey, it's inside and it's warm!). Don't limit yourself to classic Olympic games however, feel free to get imaginative and custom-make your own 'sports' such as Fort Building competition, snowshoe race, snowman building race and more.

For Summer Olympics incorporate fun mini competitions like the long jump, running race, high jump, water polo, mini soccer game, "gymnastics" (a.k.a a somersault race), the trampoline, mini volleyball game, "triathlon" (obstacle course) and more. Again, feel free to add your own flavour such as a sandcastle competition or a karaoke competition.

Want to make it a kid-and-adult friendly party? Invite the parents as well and have them cheers their kids on from the "bleachers" where they can sit back, relax and sip on cool beverages.

Offer custom-made plastic medals or trophies to the kids once the Olympic competitions have been  completed.

Serve up a Birthday cake decorated with the Olympic Rings or figurines from different Olympic Sports resting on different tiers.

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7 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT YOUR WEDDING (But a Wedding Planner Will)

When it comes to weddings, there is so much effort and preparation that goes into the "big day" and everyone wants everything to be perfect. But there are a lot of things that a couple should keep in mind both during the planning process and for the wedding day itself. And a lot of the time it doesn't come to mind or often goes unsaid...unless you have a Wedding Planner of course.

Here are some things that most people likely won't tell you about planning your wedding (but that a good Wedding Planner will):


1. That two year old Flower Girl or Ring Bearer may not make it to the end of the aisle (and that's OK!)
If you choose to have a very young Flower Girl or Ring Bearer you have to accept that there is a possibility that they may not make it to the end of the aisle (or even go down the aisle at all). Sudden shyness, fear or being distracted are all likely possibilities. And if they don't make it down the aisle, your ceremony procession won't be ruined. In all reality no one will care. It may even provide a lighthearted moment. So avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the little ones (and yourselves!). If you're truly unsure of whether or not your Flower Girl or Ring Bearer can do the job you're planning to give them, opt to not have one. There's no rule that says you have to.


2. It's rain, not acid. 
Everyone wants a beautifully sunny, warm day for their wedding. But hey, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. If increment weather is threatening to rain on your parade, don't let it set you into a panic. It's just rain, not acid. It's not going to melt away your wedding. The key thing is to be prepared. Have matching golf umbrellas handy (a good photographer will be able to set up some awesome positioning/shots utilizing those umbrellas) and have back-up plans for anything happening outdoors whether it's the ceremony, reception or your Wedding Party photos. No one is going to judge your wedding day because you had rough weather. So just accept that you might get wet and move on. (Or don a super cute pair of rain boots and have fun with it!)


3.  S*** Happens. Roll with it.
Any wedding professional who says they can make your wedding day "perfect" is full of it. There is no such thing as a "perfect" wedding day. Stuff can happen. Mistakes can happen. Delays can happen. Bad weather can happen. Just roll with the punches and you'll find that your wedding day will be happy no matter what transpires. And if you have a Wedding Planner you've got it made because they'll do all the stressing and fixing for you which makes ignoring the not-so-great stuff and focusing on all that "hey-I'm-getting-married-today" goodness that much easier.


4.  Not all wedding professionals can give you "discounts" or negotiate their fees. 
There are so many magazine articles and blog posts out there that give you tips on how to "negotiate" with wedding professionals or how to get "discounts". But here's a little secret: Not every wedding professional can give you those discounts or can negotiate their fees. And that doesn't make them bad vendors. That makes them great vendors because they actually value their profession and what they can do for you. You have to understand that this is a wedding professional's livelihood. If you wouldn't accept your Boss docking your salary because they don't want to pay you that much why would you expect a wedding professional to doc their fee? It's important to focus on the quality of service that you'll get, not the price. And if you can't afford that quality, consider downsizing on another element in your wedding so that you can. A good Wedding Planner won't promise to get you "discounts" for all of your vendors. They'll explain that some may offer discounts, others may offer incentives and some will just do their absolute best to make you happy on your wedding day. Focus on what they can DO for you, not on what the dollar sign says.

PS: That goes for us Wedding Planners too!


5. You don't have to please everyone.
Everyone has an opinion or advice as to what you should do or have with your wedding. But that mean that you have to actually incorporate every idea, tradition or demand into it. The biggest mistake you can make is creating a wedding that makes everyone else happy but leaves you stressed and feeling as though it's not about the two of you anymore. I've said it once and I'll say it again, the key words in this scenario is "I'll take that into consideration". Then consider the idea/advice/demand and either put it into practice, toss it or compromise. Parents have their own idea of how weddings should be but while some of their points may be valid in terms of etiquette, culture or religion, you have to remember that they only know how things were done when they got married and they don't quite realize how much the times have changed. If your parents don't like something that you've incorporated, they'll get over it. Trust me. In the end they just want you to be happy (even if they aren't saying it at that moment). Friends, family members and those in your wedding party all, I'm sure, have fantastic ideas but they may not have your budget in mind. The only people that you have to please on your wedding day is your guests and yourselves. If your guests are fed, entertained and respected and you are having the time of your life, then bravo -- you've done what's appropriate.


6. It is not acceptable to be a "Bridezilla" or "Groomzilla".
The fact that there are television programs out there that glamorize the "Bridezilla/Groomzilla" mentality just kills me. It's not funny. It's not cute. It's not even entertaining. The whole "it's my day and it has to be my way" line of thinking is just plain unacceptable. Yes, you want a fantastic wedding day and you want to have a good time. But so do your guests, your wedding party and those who are working their hardest to make that happen. It's all about respect. Giving out as much respect for those celebrating with and working for you will be reciprocated ten fold. Having an overall nasty attitude will just damper your wedding with negativity which defeats what you were trying to achieve in the first place doesn't it?  Refer to point #3 and understand and respect that your wedding will only be as undesirable or enjoyed as your attitude.


7.  Those close to you are as nervous and excited for your wedding day as you are. (Including your wedding professionals!) 
If you have butterflies, can't sleep and are jittery the night before the wedding...guess what...so do those close to you. Even if they don't say it or show it, they all want you to have the absolute best and most memorable wedding day and are secretly crossing their fingers for you. No matter what may transpire before the wedding day, there is nothing but love and excitement and good thoughts for you on the wedding day. So on your wedding day breathe in every laugh, every tear and every pitter-pat of your heart and feel that love and excitement in the air and enjoy one of the most happiest moments of your lives.

HONORING LOVED ONES IN YOUR WEDDING OR EVENT

The passing of a loved one can be a difficult thing to embrace when celebrating a special occasion. And for most, honouring a loved one who has passed in a celebration can be even more difficult. How do you honor someone without bringing down the mood of the celebration is a question This Planner is frequently asked.

Here are some ways in which you can honor a loved one (or many loved ones) who have passed that cherish their memory but won't damper the mood with tears.


LIGHTING A MEMORIAM CANDLE
For a wedding ceremony, have a framed photograph of your loved one next to an enclosed candle. The candle can either be lit prior to the ceremony or can be lit during the ceremony as a special inclusion. Following the ceremony the candle and photograph are moved to the reception where it will continue to burn. Not only will this honor the loved one, but it will feel as though they are there celebrating with you.


HONORING WITH FOOD
Did a passed loved one have a special recipe for an appetizer, entree or dessert? Providing that the caterers or venue will allow for it, why not have that recipe replicated in honor of that loved one? Was your Aunt's Southern Fried Chicken a hit at all the family gatherings? Why not have that same recipe replicated by your caterers and served as part of the meal or as a savoury addition to the late night table? Having your Grandmother's perogies as a food station? Why not label the station as "Nana's Perogies" and have a small framed photograph of her next to the label? Food has always been part of celebrations and by incorporating your loved one's special recipe into your celebration you're not just honoring them but celebrating them as well.



HONORING WITH BEVERAGES
Did your loved one have a specific drink that they had in hand at every family gathering? Was there a specific beverage with which they started or ended their day? Why not offer a "signature drink" at your function's bar which is the same drink your loved one preferred and name it after them? Perhaps "Uncle Leo's Spectacular Scotch" for example? Did your Nonno have a shot of whiskey in his coffee every day? Offer a "specialty coffee" as an option with dessert in addition to regular coffee or tea wherein the coffee has that same shot of whiskey as Nonno and name it "Nonno's Special Caffeine Fix".


GIVEAWAYS
In lieu of the typical giveaway at a celebration, incorporate a giveaway that will offer a lasting memory of a loved one. Give a donation in each guests name to a charity or organization that reflects on your loved one. Was your loved one a fan of basketball? Give each guests a silver basketball key chain so that they will always have a memory of your loved one with them. Did your loved one have a favourite flower? Give away a crystal frame with that flower pressed inside the glass.


OSCAR-STYLE "IN MEMORIAM" SHOW
We've all watched the "In Memory" portion of the Oscars wherein a dedicated video montage is shown to honor those actors that have passed that year. It's a moving tribute without bringing down the mood. Loved ones can be honored in a celebration the same way. Whether it's by video or photographs, have a slide show or montage of loved ones who have passed. The key to making this celebratory and not depressing is to choose images that will make your family laugh or smile rather than make them sad. Choose photos from funny moments in their life or a video of them doing something funny rather than just a standard image.


ATTIRE & SPECIAL ACCENTS
Whether it's wearing your mother's wedding gown, your father's favourite tie or a piece of jewelry that was once coveted by a loved one, incorporating something that belonged to your loved one in your attire will have them present at all times. Attire aside, incorporating a piece of jewelry or a small item that once belonged to your loved one in your wedding bouquet or boutonniere or corsage will make them ever-present in your celebration.


DEDICATED SONGS
Having a loved one's favourite song played during dinner is another way to honor them without dwelling on the sadness. This song would be played unannounced by the DJ or band, but those who knew and loved the honoree will recognize it immediately. If the song is an upbeat one that can be danced to, have it played during the dancing portion of your evening. Having fun and remembering the good times with that loved one is one of the best ways in which to honor them.


When a dearly loved one is missing from a milestone celebration it can be incredibly difficult but by choosing to honor them in a way that will bring about happy memories rather than sad, you are not only keeping them ever present in their heart but you'll have their spirit celebrating right along with you.

*In loving memory of Alfred Lugli and Gino Vecile*

DIY MONKEY-THEME FIRST BIRTHDAY

This Planner has a schedule chock full of parties, weddings and events and so when I have a personal, family celebration I tend to take the more simple yet intimate route. After all, there's only so many hours in a week!

Recently, my son turned one year old and a low key gathering of family and friends was our celebration of choice. The party was simple and casual with, of course, a few personal touches to make it special. We call our son our "lil' monkey" and so a monkey-themed celebration seemed fitting.

The colour scheme

Wanting something vibrant and fun, I chose orange and turquoise for the overall covers of the party. It was still boy-friendly while straying from the usual blues, browns, yellow and greens that a monkey-themed party might utilize.

The menu:

Keeping it simple while offering a variety of options and quantity for a guest count of thirty was key. Aside from the typical cheese and meat platters and veggies and dip as appetizers, we chose a simple low key lunch menu which consisted of:

• pasta with homemade meat sauce
• mini pizzas
• corned beef sandwiches on Pandesal
• ceasar salad
• lumpia 
• rolls with butter or an assorment of lunchmeat and cheeses

Dessert was simply homemade brownies, fruit salad and, of course, the butter pecan cupcakes topped with cream cheese icing.


The personal thematic touches

  

Turquoise linens covered the various tables in the room. A tower of cupcakes acted as a centerpiece for one of the tables while the others had stuffed monkeys and plastic bananas gracing their surface. Orange and turquoise balloons hovered in the corners of the room.

Orange and turquoise cupcake toppers were handmade to adorn the cupcakes. Cupcake toppers could have been purchased for $4 - $8 but I chose to make them myself to add that personal touch. I found the monkey label online and customized it in Photoshop so that it matched our theme colours. After cutting out the labels, I simply taped a toothpick to the back of one of them and then glued another label, facing out, to the first so that there was a front and back to the cupcake topper.

As a fun and unique parting gift for our guests, I created Monkey Cones. These handmade orange and turquoise cones were stuffed with sweetened banana chips for the adults and banana-shaped marshmellows for the kids.  To make the cones, I used orange bristol board and turquoise ribbon and again, finding a monkey label online, cut out monkey faces to glue onto the cone's front. To make the cone I found an online template and followed the directions. To house the cones I covered white party trays with styrofoam and covered the styrofoam with plastic grass that I had found at the Dollar Store.

PARENT WEDDING SONGS THAT DON'T SUCK

We've all been to a wedding where the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is to the same song we've heard at the last three weddings we've attended. And no offense to Bob Carlisle or Luis Armstrong, but if This Planner has to hear "Butterfly Kisses" or "It's a Wonderful World" one more time I'll be tempted to slit my throat with my butter knife.

I'm always on the hunt for unique songs for my clients to dance to with their parents -- songs that still have meaning (albeit perhaps not literal meaning) and yet are a little something different for both the couple, their parents and the guests who have to sit through the dances. The Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance are special ones and so they should stand out in their own special way. And so I thought I'd compile a list of some of my favourites.



FATHER/DAUGHTER SONGS

Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Simple Man"

Jessica Simpson - "You Don't Have to Let Go"

10,000 Maniacs - "How You've Grown"

Loudin Wainright - "Daughter"

Mark Harris - "Find Your Wings"

Neil Young - "Here For You"

John Denver - "For Baby"

Bread - "Daughter"

Trace Adkins - "Then They Do" 

Bruce Springsteen - "When You Need Me"





MOTHER/SON SONGS

Bon Iver - "Flume" (there's also a cover by Peter Gabriel)

Dar Williams - "The One Who Knows"

Good Charlotte - "Thank You Mom"

Sissell - "Sarah's Song"

Kristy Lee Cook - "Like My Mother Does"

Mindy Glendhill - "Hourglass"

Blue October - "Blue Does"

Van Morrison - "Days Like This"

Led Zepplin - "Thank You"



EITHER PARENT SONGS

Guns N' Roses - "Sweet Child Of Mine" (there is also a cover by Sheryl Crowe)

Taylor Swift - "Never Grow Up"

Hootie & The Blowfish - "Hold My Hand"

Elton John - "Blessed" 

The Waifs - "Shelter Me"

OPENING THE LID ON ET LØFTE EVENTS

So I'm often dishing out wedding and event planning goodness on this blog and rarely share anything about ET LØFTE EVENTS specifically. So This Planner thought, why not give you a deeper look into who ET LØFTE EVENTS is?  After all, it's not just about what a wedding and event planning company creates but also who the key players are behind the name and their approach. Every Planner is different, each totally fabulous in their own way with clientele so vastly different from one another.  In order to have a successful wedding or event, you have to be working with a Planner who fits your style and with whom you're comfortable. 'Cause you'll be with that Planner for a looooong time!

So open the box, take a peek inside and enjoy your insight into yours truly at ET LØFTE EVENTS!

All Photos by Matthew Kozovski Photography

'ET LØFTE EVENTS' is a weird company name. What made you choose it?

At first glance, the company name may seem a bit off the beaten path for a planning company, especially one that plans weddings. And that's exactly why I chose it. It's so completely different from any name I've encountered in my field which really stands for what I try to achieve with every wedding and event I plan. The name doesn't merely say that I think outside of the box, the name shows it. ET LØFTE also means "a promise' in Danish and that too stands for something. I'm delivering on a promise to do my very best to create a unique, personalized experience for my clients and their guests whether it's a few small details or one grand one.
 

What's ET LØFTE EVENTS' style?
My approach to planning is a blend of laid-back, edgy, creative and fun with meticulousness and a touch of tough-love. I love it when my clients have fun with planning their wedding and get as excited as I am about their plans. That's what it's really all about. I really do want my clients to enjoy the planning process and be stress free but I'm also not a push-over. I don't sugar coat things - I'm blunt and I'll tell it like it is. I feel that's the only way to combine the 'dream' aspect of a wedding or event with reality. And so my clients and I have a lot of laughs and a general good time throughout the planning process and at the same time I'm not afraid to exercise tough love if needed so that my clients get the wedding or event they've envisioned. 

You're Melissa Nowakowski, Creative Director and Principal Planner... Are you Polish?
Ummmm....no. I'm actually Italian despite the pasty white skin tone and the blazing red hair. My husband is not Polish either despite his surname. He's Filipino. His father isn't Polish either. He's Danish. It's a loooong story. The great thing about personally combining two opposites in culture (Asian and European) is that I really know what it means to embrace and incorporate traditions and beliefs from each culture in life. This really helps me in appreciating the viewpoints of those wedding clients with contrasting cultures and to help them view their cultural difference as a beautiful thing to be celebrated.


Were you always a wedding and event planner?
Gosh no. In my lifetime I've done everything from Theatre to Marketing and PR. Somewhere along the lines I fell into event planning and then wedding planning. In University I studied Musical Theatre and English (my clients still have a hard time picturing me tap dancing).  Funny enough, everything I've done career-wise has had a creative element to it -- whether it was performing in a Musical to creating a launch for a well-known author.

Are wedding planning and event planning your only interests?
While planning weddings and events do keep me quite busy, I do have a life outside of my career. Aside from having a husband and two boys ages one and three years I also have a huge passion for Musical Theatre (see above) and Martial Arts. If I'm not running after my boys (all of them) or kicking some butt (literally), I'm belting out a tune from 'Rent' or 'Wicked' or whatever. My guilty pleasures? Reading tabloids and watching Jersey Shore (I can't believe I'm admitting that actually...)



What is your ideal client?
My ideal client has an open mind. Period. For me, when I'm meeting a client or clients, it's not how glamourously beautiful or how off-beat and funky the wedding or event will be, it's about how open-minded the client is to creativity.

Do you follow the latest trends?
I'm aware of the latest trends in planning but I do my best to not put them into practice. So I guess in a way I don't. I can't focus my energy on creating one of a kind events or weddings if I'm utilizing a concept or design that's been done a million times over.


What is the greatest compliment you've ever received from a client?
I've been very blessed to have uber amazing clients in my career as a wedding planner and event planner, each etching a wonderful memory in my mind. And their compliments are not only flattering and appreciated, but have always spurred me to continue to do great work. I think the two that stick out in my mind specifically though are the celebration client who called me "the Jillian Michaels of event planning" and the wedding clients who said in their speech "you're organized enough to run a miliatry campaign, let alone a wedding". Those still make me giggle to this day.


What is the biggest piece of advice you can offer someone planning a wedding or event?
Don't worry so much about one-upping that other wedding or event you attended. Concentrate your efforts on making your wedding or event personalized to YOU. That is what is going to make your celebration unique in the end, not a random bunch of bells and whistles. I always say that you can have an flying elephant soar across the room dropping crystals from a monogramed sachtel... but if that flying elephant means little to you other than a "wow" factor, it'll mean little to your guests too.  

Wanna know more? Feel free to hit up this post with a comment or question! I tend to be open book to a fault ;)