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Showing posts with label Need-to-Know. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Need-to-Know. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Dollar Store Wedding Finds

By On 4:49 PM In

So I drug hubby out shopping with me a couple weeks ago and we had to make a stop at the Dollar Tree.

He. Was. Amazed.

He didn't realize that the Dollar Tree carried so many wedding planner staples! He asked me "Why didn't you shop here more often when we were planning our wedding?"

I did...

No, you aren't going to find everything you need for your wedding at the dollar store, but there are so many thrifty ways to save money for your wedding! Here are a few things to pick up at the dollar store next time you're out and about:

Glue Sticks:

You need glue sticks for your wedding. Whether you're a DIY bride or not, glue sticks are an essential.

Vases and Glasswear:

Get cylinder vases, bud vases, fishbowls, milk jars, even the occasional mason jar at the dollar store!

Flowers and Stems:

Ok, ok, now, I wouldn't hold out hope that every flower they have will look 100% real, but given enough digging you might find some flowers and stems that look very nice.

Marbles, stones, or gems:

They even offer different colors!

Tea lights:

Everyone wants tea lights for their wedding. And at Dollar Tree you can choose between real candles or battery powered.

Favors:

There are so many things to choose from to give as gifts to your guests! Candles, photo frames, candy. Have fun with this one!

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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Won't Tell You

By On 12:02 PM In

Wedding photographers are the best. I am one and I love talking to other wedding photographers and getting to know and be friends with them. It's fun to hear about the love stories we witness every weekend from the perspective of the person capturing it forever! Now, while your wedding photographer is probably great, there are some things they probably aren't telling you...

1. We are artists at heart, and sometimes we do weird things.

We are business owners and we have to be professional before the wedding so you don't think we're too weird and won't hire us. However, when the day comes don't be surprised if we randomly lay on the ground or hide behind a tree or partially climb a tree for the perfect angle or frame. So while we may be subdued in the planning meetings, our true artist comes out when we actually start capturing.

2. We spend a lot more time on you than you think. 

We love you. In all honesty a great wedding photographer will not accept your wedding unless we do, because if we don't like you it will show in your pictures. So, not only do we spend the time in our consultations and on your actual wedding day, but we spend HOURS researching you and your style. We scroll through your social media pages to learn more about your likes and dislikes, we find your pinterest boards and try to learn what style you prefer. We stalk your fiance, your bridesmaids, your parents, your fiance's parents. We meet with your other wedding vendors and share information so we can all learn more about you. Is it creepy? Yes. That's why we don't tell you. 

3. You're probably getting more than you paid for.

Again, we love you. And because we love you we love making you happy. If that means editing a few more picture than you paid for or staying an hour or two longer than expected we will do it. At no charge. We love to go above and beyond just to make you smile!

4. We've got our favorite shots, you're probably going to have a picture that looks a lot like someone else's.

Photographers have a go-to pose or angle they like to include with every wedding. It's called the "Money Shot." It's an ultra-flattering, super-simple photo that is guaranteed to produce a great shot. It's called the "Money Shot" because if for some reason all the other photos suck (they won't, this is hypothetical.) you are going to have at least one great photo. Like this:


 5. Please treat my second photographer with respect.

My second photographer is so much more than an assistant. She is a trusted fellow artist that I count on to help capture the memories of your day. I wouldn't bring her with me if I didn't think she could handle it. Don't treat her like a glorified coat rack, treat her like a photographer. In all honesty, her job is probably harder than mine because not only does she have to help capture your day, but she has to do it while holding my stuff, so...

6. I feel undervalued when you start the conversation with "What are your prices?"

Please at least pretend like that's not the only thing on your mind. Say "Hi!" Say "I love your portfolio!" Say "You come highly recommended!" The scariest part for a business owner is when we tell your our prices because we don't want to scare you away before we have a chance to convince you of our value. 
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Saturday, April 29, 2017

Thrift Store Finds for an Upscale Event

By On 4:40 PM In

I've been Thrift Shop shopping since I was a kid being drug there by my parents, but have since learned to love it for myself. It's like a treasure hunt! You never know what you're going to find in a Thrift Shop! I usually skip straight past the clothes and go straight to the other stuff in the back, the furniture, books, games, housewares, you never know what you can find in the
back of the Thrift Store! 

You  can definitely go event shopping at Thrift Stores, but you have to go in with a mindset different than that of a regular store. Since no Thrift Shop is guaranteed to have anything you want or enough of what you're looking for, it's entirely possible you can't get what you want there and will have to shop elsewhere. But, you might just fall in love with something you
didn't know you needed for your upscale event.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for your upscale event
at the Thrift Store:

Go There First:

Try the thrift store before you do a lot of extensive event shopping and planning. You're more likely to find something you love and then find things to match your special find, than to go to the thrift store in hopes of finding something specific.

Don't Thrift Shop if You Don't Want to Mix-Match

Like we've said before, you never know what you're going to find, and the likelihood of finding a full set of anything is highly unlikely (not unheard of, but don't get your hopes up.) So if you're shopping for fine china for the head table, find complimentary patterns and colors and go for a Boho Chic mismatched set.

Use your Imagination:

Your special find might need a little TLC to get it event-ready. Or it might need to have something added to it like paint or trimming. Most of what you find isn't going to be event worthy right away and will need a set of crafty hands to reach it's full potential.

Have an Open Mind:

You should have an idea of what you'd like to look for at the thrift store, but if you have a specific something in mind, you're probably best to just go buy it where you know you can get it. For example, go in looking for "sheet music for my paper flower bouquet," not so much "Antique, first edition "Wedding March" sheet music."

Now that you know HOW to Thrift Shop, here are some ideas on what to look for!

Vases



Jars


Candlesticks


Jars for Candy or Popcorn Bars


Birdcages


Broaches


Mirrors and Frames for those trendy signs and chalkboards!



Large Pieces for Eye-Catching Displays




Old Books to use the Pages


Or Use the Whole Book!




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Thursday, March 23, 2017

How to NOT become a Bridezilla!

By On 7:10 PM In

Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts...

This whole "happiest day of your life" is turning into a really stressful planning period beforehand, and sometimes it's easy to flip your lid. Sometimes you might not even know it! Here are some helpful tips to save some relationships and hopefully make planning your wedding as fun as the big day!

Pick your battles:

There has to be one or two things that matter to you more than anything else for your big day, right? For me it was food and photography. I wanted a taco bar with a nacho cheese fountain, and I wanted great photographs I could cherish forever. If I had those things, I was a-ok with pretty much anything else. Choose those things that you care about most and fight to have them done your way, but if it's not in your important list


Don't make your bridesmaids do something you wouldn't want them telling you to do:

It's a mouthful, but it's important. Remember, nothing is entitling these people to stand up with you. If you're wanting your friends to by an expensive dress, throw a huge party in your honor, and spend countless hours helping you do any little detail of wedding planning don't want to do yourself, don't tell them to lose weight, dye their hair a certain color, or that they can't bring their boyfriend... It might seem to make sense to you but they really aren't going to appreciate it.

Wine is your friend:

Make sure some is on hand if you know you're going to be making a lot of stressful decisions. 

Budget Wisely:

Money is stressful, no matter what you're paying for. But especially when you're going to be shelling out thousands of dollars on one day. If you can't afford something, it's ok. There are plenty of acceptable alternatives in your price range, I'm sure. Trying to figure out how to pay for something you can't afford is an added headache you don't need.

Enjoy your Fiance:

Take a day or a weekend off every once in a while. No wedding talk. No to-do lists. Just go on a date with the one you love. Enjoy each other like you did when you were dating. Remind yourself why you want to marry them!
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Sunday, January 29, 2017

How to Attend a Bridal Show... And Like It.

By On 11:06 PM In
As a bride-to-be there are several reasons to attend bridal shows such as:

  • Gaining excitement for their upcoming wedding
  • Free gifts
  • Sampling caterers and other fun vendors
  • Discounts
But sometimes bridal shows can be... overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help control the crazy so you can make the most of your afternoon.


Shop Small:

It's easy to find the huge bridal shows in your area, usually hosted by your local newspaper, a magazine, or the largest venue in the area. They have huge advertising budgets, so as a future bride you're sure to know where and when it is. They have a hundred plus vendors, usually have a big draw like a fashion show or a famous guest speaker, and sometimes they limit how many people you're allowed to bring. It's easy to become overstimulated at these huge shows because there are so many people, sounds, sights, even smells. Way too many things to take in at once. It might take some digging, but there are plenty of reputable small bridal shows. Usually they only have a few dozen vendors and they are usually hand picked by the vendor (usually a professional wedding planner) hosting it- meaning everyone is reputable and trusted by the host.

Do Your Research:

You might be able to find lists of the vendors who will be attending. It's easy to do a little prep work, a quick google or facebook search can lead you to photos, videos, and other examples of their work to see if your styles mesh. If you find one you really like send them a quick email or message to let them know that you really like their work and that you look forward to meeting them a the show. That way, when you get to the show you know exactly who to look for.

Use Your Sniffer:

There is food. Everywhere. Caterers bring samples. Bakers bring samples. Customized Favor Creators bring samples. Everyone brings samples. If you walk with confidence you can easily search out the samples and enjoy the wonderful food, even if your aren't in the market for what they're selling. Same with free gifts. Most booths have free gifts of everything from chapstick, nail polish, pens, candy, the possibilities are endless. Just confidently walk up through the crowd, find the gifts, grab and go. But definitely be sure to grab a business card, it's only courtesy. 

Create a Shopping List:

If you have just gotten engaged and have nothing planned then a bridal show is NOT the place for you. Figure out what the last few vendors you need are so you can skip straight to where you need to be. The lines can be long so don't waste time waiting for a vendor you don't need. On top of your list of vendors have a list of questions at the ready. Don't be afraid to take your time with these vendors, don't let the frenzy of people rush you.



A last few tips:
  • Bring a bag, a big bag
  • Find a babysitter for the kids
  • Bring a few select people. A huge entourage can be distracting and time consuming.
  • Bring a checkbook. A lot of vendors offer special deals if you book that day but usually require a deposit that day.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Wedding Day 911

By On 6:13 PM In
In case you hadn't heard yet, something is going to go wrong at your wedding. I'm not trying to be a pessimist but it's a simple fact. I'm not saying your groom will leave you at the alter or your going to get into a car accident on the way to the ceremony (knocking on everything wood); but when there is that much to orchestrate at once something is bound to go wrong. If you hire Sweet Events as your wedding planner or coordinators we provide an emergency kit with anything you might think of, but if your planners are slightly less prepared or you're going it alone it might be best to have a few things on hand.

Tweezers Not just for pulling the stray hair that might have popped up out of nowhere, but tweezers can also be used to fix broken jewelry, apply false eyelashes, pull out splinters, and a multitude of other issues.

Deodorant
Bandaids
Cotton Swabs

Whisky Hannah, you're kidding right? No I'm not! I'm not telling you to bring a whole bottle of Jack, but having whisky on hand can be good for curing nausea (smelling alcohol settles stomachs somehow- I don't know why it does, I just know it works); you can sterilize anything with just a little bit on a cotton ball; it can alleviate headaches, plus, it'll help calm your nerves before your walk down the aisle.



Baby Wipes Clean up messes on your dress, smudged makeup, de-scent smelling armpits, they can even be used on teeth if you have food stuck in there and didn't pack a toothbrush (Which you should also pack).

Chapstick
Cotton Balls
Curling Iron 
Straightening Iron
Nail Polish Remover
Straws

Easy Snacks Granola bars, smoothies, nuts, berries, anything that can bring you much needed calories and energy but doesn't require much thought or preparation to eat.



Umbrella
Vitamins
Deet-free Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Hair ties
Pepto

Tampons or Pads Today is not the day to get caught by this...

Duct Tape
Scissors
First Aid Kit
Water
Pens

Super Glue Fix broken shoes, decorations, even mend a broken nail!

Toothbrush and paste
Phone Charger
Lotion
Blister/corn Pads
Mints/Breath Spray

Safety Pins I can't begin to count how many times bustles have come undone, someone's straps kept falling, even hems come undone and need pinned up. Bonus: safety pins work on hair too!

Floral Tape
Hand Mirror
Mending Kit

Lint Rollers Pet hair, fuzzies, makeup dust- all gone from your bright white (expensive) wedding gown with a lint roller!

 Razors/Shaving Cream
ID for Bride

 Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Lacking energy? A quick and delicious handful will cure that!

Comb/Hairbrush
Tums

Powder or Cornstarch Sweaty thighs can leave you rough, rub some on the areas that rub together to save you the chafe!

Dryer Sheets
Hand Sanitizer
Hairspray
Flashlight
Cash!


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Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Unromantic Wedding Day To-Do List

By On 4:37 PM In
You've scoured the internet and memorized every bridal magazine, all so you don't forget anything on your wedding day. Well, add one more pin to your Pinterest boards ladies, here are ten things no one tells you to do but MUST be done on your wedding day! 1) Give naps to flower girls, ring bearers, or any other important children of napping age. Children absorb excitement, so while they may not understand what's really going on they feel the excitement around them and it raises their excitement levels as well. You know how tired you feel, imagine being a four year old! Tired children turn into grumpy, loud, whiny children, and these are emotions adults absorb. A crying child is probably just tired, save the headache and frustration by making sure the kiddos take good naps!
2) EAT! The energy and nerves might make you feel like you're not hungry, but the raised heart rate, frantic running around to get ready, and the sea of emotions is going to drain your body of nutrition and energy quickly. Carbo load, like an athlete. This day is a marathon, not a sprint. 3) Do not put your shoes on until right before you go down the aisle. Even if you're taking pictures before the ceremony take your shoes off as soon as you're finished or consider even wearing different shoes for the first pictures. No matter what you're wearing, by the end of the night your feet will be killing you. Make that happen a little later in the evening by postponing putting on the pretty shoes until as late as possible.

 4) Practice using the restroom before your wedding! Wedding dresses are created to look lovely while you’re walking down the aisle, posing for pictures, and shimmying on the dance floor. What they are not created for is easily using the bathroom. There are several pieces of advice out there on how to pee in the most important dress of your life, but which one is best? The best time to figure that out would not be on your wedding day, right before the reception, with a bladder full of champagne. So put that dress on with all of your wedding day underwear, and even your shoes! Try out several different ways until you figure out the best way so on your wedding day you know exactly what to do when the need arises. 

 5) Designate an official texter the day of your wedding. The last thing you should be worried about on the day of your wedding is answering texts asking for directions or congratulations or “Is it too late to change my plate for supper…?” At the start of the day give you phones to one certain person: maid of honor, best man, sibling, parent, basically anyone who isn’t you. You trust these people, they will be able to answer everyone without bothering you. 

6) A mix of heat, dehydration, and nerves and excitement can make your hands swell as you’re heading down the aisle. Which means that ring that might fit perfectly on a normal day might have a little trouble going all the way on when the time comes. Instead of having a minor meltdown in the middle of the ceremony in front of your guests use a little bit of lotion on your ring finger before the ceremony so your bling can slide on without any trouble!

7) Gift bags can be a great favor for kids whether at parties or at weddings. But! If you’re giving them out at the beginning be sure to fill with mini coloring books and crayons, stickers, or other things that might keep them occupied. Don’t put the sweets in until the end. Imagine: dozens of sugar filled, hyper, then grumpy children screaming and crying before the end of the event. The easiest way to keep the kids cute and calm is to add things they love to play with without the added sugar.

8. We cannot stress enough the necessity of waterproof and long lasting makeup. You’re going to be talking and kissing and crying all day at different times and you don’t want to be reapplying lipstick and cleaning up running eyeliner all day.  Just remember that long lasting make-ups can be very dehydrating, especially lipsticks. Moisturizer and Chapstick will be highly necessary after you take it all off.

9) Make sure you’re staying hydrated. Assign a bridesmaid or your wedding planner to this task. And when I say hydrated I don’t mean alcohol! I’m not saying you can’t imbibe at your own wedding but with all the people you’ll be talking to, dancing, and drinking you will be doing nothing can quench that kind of thirst like good old water. 

10) BREATHE! Breathe deep and breathe often. Breathing is a natural, automatic action; but, sometimes it’s necessary to consciously take control of your lungs and fill them with nourishing, relaxing oxygen. It’s been scientifically proven that a deep sigh is like pushing the reset button on your mind and can give you a boost to mind power and help you de-stress. 



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