The “Dreaded” Rehearsal Dinner

07Feb10

The rehearsal dinner is among the top ”stress topics” during wedding planning.  Who do you invite?  Where do you host it?  How formal should it be?  Who pays? Who plans it?  How do we invite guests?  Let’s end this mystery!  Top Tips from the VOWS desk below. 

WHO DO YOU INVITE?

1)  Traditionally, it is anyone participating in your ceremony:  your immediate family; maids and men (including partners); flower girls, ring bearers and their parents; readers, candle-lighter, guest book/gift attendants and the officiant if you know him/her personally. This is etiquette you can fall back on if you want to keep it small.

2) Modern tradition now includes out-of-towners since they spend time and money to fly in to see you!  With some weddings being up to 90% out-of-town guests, you can see where this could be a pickle budget-wise.  It is possible to be all-inclusive without breaking the bank…see below.

WHERE DO YOU HOST IT?

Some ideas. Don’t feel like you need to replicate your wedding.  Keep it casual. 

1) Fish House. A lake-side deck, fish & chips, burgers, and beer!  How could you go wrong? Duke’s Chowder House (three locations at Alki Beach, Greenlake and Lake Union) is a fabulous option in the Seattle area. You can choose to host the entire meal with a couple entrée options and spring for the first round or cover the entire bill. Seattle classic Ivar’s can also host groups. 

2)  Condo roof deck.  Who has one and can it be reserved?  (Don’t forget a plan B if it rains.) Survey your friends and family. Usually they are large spaces with killer views. Bring in galvanized tubs-o-beverage and BBQ.  Tom Douglas for more dainty meat-eating or go with Dixie’s for a more down-home, bib-wearing spread.

3) Pub or Brewery.  If you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming space to get out the rain, a pub or brewery is your answer. Fireplaces, pints-a-flowing, and if you schedule on a night with live entertainment, even better!  You can host a buffet or heavy appetizers. Beverages on you for a set number of hours then let your guests party into the night while you head home for your beauty sleep. My favorites in the Seattle area are:  Fado, Kells, Redhook Brewery, Elysian, and Pyramid Alehouse.

4) Private room at a restaurant or winery.  With a smaller group or a bigger budget, these are options.  But remember to keep fun a priority and formality to a minimum.  Comfort food with an Italian menu is always a winner. I love Tulio’s private “wine room” in downtown Seattle. Their fried gnocchi is to die for!  Also, check out Januik Winery’s Cellar Room and catering in Woodinville.  It’s worth the drive!  This romantic cellar room seats 26 at a 24-foot salvaged Western Red Cedar table surrounded by glass, oak barrels, and up-lighting that rotates color. Truly one of the coolest rooms in Seattle right now.  If you want to show off Pike’s Market to your guests,  you can’t go wrong with Cafe Campagne or Matt’s in the Market .

WHO PLANS/PAYS?

Traditionally, the groom and his family are in charge of this celebration. Bride, this is the one time where you do need to keep your nose out of it, however…

Today, some couples are hosting it themselves or the more involved family is taking the reins. 

With today’s economy and often sensitive family dynamics, the planner/payee may not be who is traditionally on point, but who makes the most sense. 

HOW DO YOU INVITE GUESTS?

A separate rehearsal dinner invitation (with a card/email/phone RSVP) inserted into the wedding invitation envelope is ideal.  This gives the guest plenty of time to make arrangements to be in town early, etc. Make sure to communicate if they are expected to attend the ceremony rehearsal itself. 

If you can’t get your act together that soon, a separate invitation works or if it’s really last-minute, an Evite is just fine.  Happy planning!

 

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Just Married: Nina & Brendan

24Nov09

Congratulations to this mega-talented couple that made it official with the help of VOWS over Labor Day Weekend 2009. A sentimental ceremony took place in the bride’s childhood backyard in Laurelhurst and then guests were “wowed” by color, creativity, and a hoppin’ party at Pravda Studios.

Nina & Brendan had the taste and endless detail ideas that make a wedding planner’s mouth water!  Nina, a NYC-based graphic designer, and Brendan a cartoonist for a well-known movie company, truly branded their event while also making it personal. 

The modern combination of pink, orange & lime green adorned the bridesmaid dresses, parasols (by Bella Umbrella - a perfect prop for any Seattle wedding), paper lanterns, floral (by the talented Floressence), customized wine labels and coaster favors, and the gorgeous paper collection that covered each tin of flowers. (Yes! Pattern! Don’t be afraid of this stylish addition to any event.)

The couple’s personal touches included Brendan’s cartoon story of their relationship (hand drawn!) on the back of each table number and their precious cake topper hand-crafted to their likeness down to the detail of Nina’s gown. 

Big thanks to the photographer team of Sandra Coan and Teddi Yaeger who documented the emotions and incredible details of this inspiring wedding day. Also, a shout-out to Leslie at Seattle Parties for the bumpin’ tunes that kept everyone on the dance floor and Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes for the scrumptious food and service.

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Just Married: Ali & Cam

05Oct09

Congratulations to this sweet couple that made it official with the help of VOWS on August 8th at Seattle’s Japanese Baptist Church and the newly remodeled Bellevue Club. 

Vivid blue made the entire scene come alive (including the bride’s shoes – new trend alert!) and the details of the stunning, lace gown added a vintage flair.  Dueling pianos was a fun and energizing surprise for guests.

Thanks to Cory Parris for the creative images and your stress free manner on the job.  You rock!

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Just Married: Amy & Tony

09Sep09

Congratulations to this gorgeous couple who made it official with the help of VOWS on August 15th at the stunning St. Thomas Medina church and the swanky new Four Seasons in downtown Seattle. 

Pink and “bling” was the theme of the day and the details were out of this world!  From the Nike shoe groom’s cake designed by the hotel’s mega talented pastry chef to the beautiful candy buffet that kept kids and adults on a sugar high all night. 

The food, sights, and sounds didn’t disappoint.  L.A. super band the “L.A. Allstars” was flown up for the occasion and impressed with an amazing likeness to the Black Eyed Peas (oh yes, the popular “Tonight’s Going to Be a Good Night” is a fave at weddings this year!)  And even the groom busted out his talents as a rapper, performing a serenade to his new wife on stage while guests munched on a late night snack of Dick’s Cheeseburgers.

Thanks to J Garner Photography for the sneak peek, your commitment and excitement on the job, and of course, for your flawless eye for great images.

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Just Married: Sahar & Jeff

04Aug09

Congratulations to this  hip couple who overcame the odds of distance and career changes to get to this (HOT!) day on July 25th when they made their love official with the help of VOWS.

9 years, 6 months, 3 days, and 2 minutes is how the Best Man put the length of their journey before walking down the aisle.  After meeting in college, Sahar and Jeff supported each other through Sahar’s move to Manhattan to pursue her fashion career while Jeff held down the fort in Seattle building his real estate biz. 

Sahar’s flawless taste was reflected in the choice of black tie attire against a gorgeous white on white scheme.  They couldn’t have picked a better backdrop than the NYC-esque Pravda Studios in Capitol Hill.  Deep plum made the white pop in strategic places including the bouquets and the Mother of the Bride’s gown.  200 plus votives was the icing on the cake of this swanky evening. 

And speaking of cakes!  Have you ever seen such a gorgeous one?  I was in love with the smooth fondant, unusual narrow tier changes, and gorgeous silk magnolia.  You go Creme de la Creme!  Thank you for an amazing work of art!

Also a big thanks to JKoe Photography for the gorgeous photo memories!  Enjoy!

 

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Just Married: Christy & Steve

30Jul09

Congratulations to this fun loving couple who tied the knot on Friday, July 24th at the Seattle Tennis Club!  

Christy & Steve had a troop of friends, siblings, and even their pooch Kolach making up their 20 member bridal party! I learned that “Kolach” is Serbian for “cupcake”…how cute is that?!  Steve is first generation in the States and we honored his background by having a Serbian prayer during the ceremony and their traditional bread at the buffet.  The wedding colors of bright pink and lime green just popped against the blue waters of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier in the distance at the club.  Thanks to Redstone Photography  for the sneak peek!  Enjoy!

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Just Married: Hana & Reid

20Jul09

Congratulations to a special couple who tied the knot on Friday, July 17!  Both MIT grads, Hana & Reid fell in love in college and finally made it official with the help of VOWS 10 years later.  Despite the heat, love and fun was experienced by all!

Thanks to John Hong of JKH Photo for the sneak peak!  To Volterra in Ballard for the fabulous reception food (boar with gorgonzola sauce is my new favorite wedding fare!) and to the city of Seattle for creating Parson’s Garden…a true intimate and precious gem at the top of Queen Anne Hill. Couldn’t have been a more perfect setting for the ceremony.

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The “B Word”

12Jul09

This year more than any I have helped my clients battle the ups and downs of wedding spending.  Let’s be honest, no one wants a “budget” for the day they’ve been dreaming about for years. No one wants to exclude anyone or anything, and the reality of what an event really costs is harder for some than others. 

The gorgeous, and inspiring magazines out there really feed the problem. Just take what you estimate that amazing centerpiece in Grace Ormonde costs and triple it.  “Champagne taste on a beer budget” is a common phenomenon.  I find my role has evolved into education on how much things really cost making being part of the planning from day one so important. 

Below are some common mistakes I’ve seen and some tips on how to budget and still get an event you’ll be proud of.  And let’s all remember the main goal of a wedding:  to get married.  The rest is cream!

Common Budgeting Mistakes:

• Inviting too many guests. The most expensive part of wedding is your per head cost.  More people means more food, more alcohol, more tables, more centepieces, etc.
• Having mega bridal parties. More bouquets & bouts, more gifts, more time needed for photography (not to mention more opinions and drama!)
• Spending too much on the venue.  Never forget the small print (tax, gratuity, rental fees, etc.) Your budget should be a balance of your priorities and you should plan ahead leaving sufficient funds for all categories.
• Choosing venues that rely heavily on decor when decor isn’t a priority to you.
• Blowing the budget on the gown - you know who you are! 
• Spending a lot on the little things- big impact items are where the budget should be going.  Start hacking those nick nack favors, menus, matches, etc.

Top Tips for Saving the Dough:

• Don’t get married in the summer. You are competing with thousands of other couples, why would venues and vendors negotiate?
• Don’t get married on a Saturday  (especially in the summer – see above)
• Keep your guest count small.  Really look at your guest list.  Do you know everyone?  Have you spoken with them in the last two years?  Would you expect to be invited to their wedding?  Start hacking kids!
• Keep your bridal party small (see mistake #2)
• Carefully plan your budget based on priorities.  I don’t believe in set percentages like the magazines suggest. I always say: “let’s throw the budget at your top 3 priorities and think reasonably on the rest.” For example:  some will spend thosands on the photography (the one thing you keep) and will go 2nd hand on the gown (it really will only be worn one day!)
• Use the ceremony flowers for the reception (2 in 1, you can’t go wrong!)
• Have a smaller ceremonial cake to cut into and get a sheet cake for the rest (no guest will care if its from the display cake or not)
• Choose venues that need little decor.  I know many where simple centerpieces and candlelight would suffice.
• Do your ceremony and reception in the same location.  Less photography time and you’ll save on transportation.
• Have strapping male helpers on hand for set-up and transfers.  You can save a lot on labor charges here.
• Throw a cocktail party instead of a formal dinner.  Heavy apps, food stations, and drinks all night are a lot more affordable than “Beef or Fish” and encourages a mingling, party atmosphere.  Works especially well if majority of the guests are on the younger side. 

I have a lot more tips and techniques up my sleeve, but these are the highlights.  Fear not the “B Word”.

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Paper Overstock Sale

05Jul09

My most respected friends in the invitations and all things paper biz are throwing an overstock sale. Here’s the skinny:

What happens when four stationery designers obsessed with all things paper join forces? A can’t miss PAPERPALOOZA! Our studios are overflowing with luxury envelopes, rolls and rolls of ribbon, fine papers from India, Italy, and Japan – and so much more!

This is a great opportunity for DIY brides, scrapbookers, crafters, and paper lovers to get some fantastic goods at prices far below retail!

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS:

Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Real Card Studio 117 First Avenue North, Seattle (enter from the alley between 1st Avenue and Queen Anne Avenue North)

Pssst: The first 20 people to email sale@mmmpaper.com will receive an invitation to our EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW HOUR from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM! Get first pick of all the goodies! Coffee and yummy treats will be served.

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25% Discount on Kick Butt Boot Camp for Vows Clients!

22Jun09

 

Jamie Schumacher of Bone-a-Fide Bootcamp for Women in Kirkland is now offering Vows clients 25% off the price of summer classes.  Run for this offer, ladies!  Maybe something fun to do with the maids or mom!

New classes will start on July 6th.  Not sure?  Try out one of his classes for only $10!

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