Daring Devoted

Feature Article: 3 Key Things to Keep in Mind When Having Your Wedding in College Cities During Major Events

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:11 +0000

There are many reasons why you may choose to host your wedding to take place in a college city like Durham, Chapel Hill or Downtown Chicago. It could be because “duh! This is where we stay!”, because you and your fiancé fell in love there, because the prices are cheaper than where you live or because you simply like it! Now what happens when your perfect wedding date falls right in the middle football season, basketball season, high tourism season or graduation? Here is some information on how you could make the date and the place work for you on your big day.

1. Communicate with your guests – For obvious reasons, it is better not to plan a wedding during major events in a college town. This is because the number of guests attending may be really low as they consider it “unfair”. But you probably have your own unique reasons to pick the place and the date. For instance, it might be because of an emotional connection to the college town and the date, like you met there for the first time on that date. Communicate this to your friends and families through your invitations and website. Tell them that their presence really matters to you on the wedding day.

2. Plan it well in advance – It is essential that you plan every little aspect well before hand. Early on, make arrangements for guest accommodations. It becomes difficult as the season gets nearer to book rooms in hotels. Keep in mind that rates may be significantly higher but planning in advance will give guests time to save.

3. You should try to incorporate the “season” into your event weekend – For instance, if it is football season, you can have your rehearsal dinner themed around your favorite team. The local student store would have some great decor you can use. If in a major city, incorporate an interactive tourist attraction in your wedding itinerary. The SkyDeck Chicago would be an awesome place to take your out of town guests. This way your guests can get to learn something fun about the city you love!

Can you guys think of anything else you can do to keep your guests happy during times like this?

Blissfully Yours,

Sam

P.S. Stressed out planning your wedding?

Get our {FREE} e-guide “10 Planner Secrets Every Busy Bride Must Know

To Save Time & Money” right here – www.blissbysam.com

Want to use this article in your Blog, E-zine or website?

You can as long as you include this complete statement:

Samantha Dockery is the owner of Bliss by Sam Weddings and Occasions, a premier wedding and event planning company. Get your {FREE} e-guide “10 Planner Secrets Every Busy Bride Must Know To Save Time & Money” at www.blissbysam.com.

Samantha Dockery

Chicago: One Superior Place, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, 312.465.2295

Durham: 1003 Lamond Avenue, Durham, NC 27701, USA, 919.949.5748

Reception Inspiration: Caribbean Comfort

lashaylabbs — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:22 +0000

Are you sitting at work or on your couch right now wishing you could be somewhere else? If so, take a mental vacation with me and jump into the deets of this “Caribbean Comfort”-inspired style shoot, which is part two of the Oaks at Salem series I promised. (If you missed my first post regarding this shoot, check it out here.)

Theme: Caribbean Comfort

Inspiration: Southern Charm with an Exotic Twist

Color Scheme: Jewel Tones (Ocean Blue, Teal, Fuchsia, and Purple) with Yellow and Lime accents

Professionals We Worked With and LOVE:

Photography – Robin Lin Photography

Florist for Reception Table – Creative Touch Events

Videography – Art of Motion Media

Reception Table Rentals – Party Reflections

Cakes – Sugarland

Stationery – Maria Scheel Invitations & More

Calligraphy – Sherri Coyle Calligraphy

Food Station: Rocky Top Hospitality

Venue - The Oaks at Salem

Would you consider hosting a Caribbean-inspired event or wedding reception?

Daring,

LaShayla

Feature Article: 4 Alternative Ideas for Bouquet and Garter Tosses

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:49:19 +0000

Not all singles like to catch the bouquets and garters at weddings. If your guest list does not contain many singles, this tradition may not be fit for your wedding. With that being said, bouquet and garter tosses can be fun for everyone present in the wedding. Here are some great alternatives to that.

1. Honor your inspirations – At your wedding, you can honor a couple that has been together for a long time and is an inspiration to you. Instead of tossing the garter or the bouquet, present them to the couple. You can make this more fun through games. For instance, the DJ can gather all the married couples around the dance floor. After every song, the couple married for the number of years (in ascending order) announced by the DJ should sit down. The game continues, until the couple married for the longest time remains standing.

2.Something for the kids – If you have a lot of kids attending your wedding, make sure you make it exciting and memorable for them. Have a “Toy Toss”. Gather the kids around in a circle; toss the toys in different directions of the circle so that every kid can have something to take home. Reminder – buy something SOFT!

3. Gift Toss – Instead of tossing the plain bouquet or garter, put a gift in it. You can put money, a spa certificate or some other small gift that can fit in the bouquet safely. You can also attach the same to the garter. The group does not have to be full of singles; you can include everyone present at the wedding.

4. Present the bouquet or the garter – Another alternative to tossing the garter or the bouquet is to present them to someone you love. You can make it personal by giving the bouquet to your mom or your grandmother. You can also present it to your best friend, whether single or married, like a token of appreciation for having been there for you.

You can come up with your own such alternatives that can turn out to be memorable for everyone. Choose an alternative based on your list of guests. Tossing the bouquet or garter doesn’t have to be embarrassing to anybody. Everyone can enjoy it!

Blissfully Yours,

Sam

P.S. Stressed out planning your wedding?

Get our {FREE} e-guide “10 Planner Secrets Every Busy Bride Must Know

To Save Time & Money” right here – www.blissbysam.com

Want to use this article in your Blog, E-zine or website?

You can as long as you include this complete statement:

Samantha Dockery

Chicago: One Superior Place, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, 312.465.2295

Durham: 1003 Lamond Avenue, Durham, NC 27701, USA, 919.949.5748

Summer Necessities!

alibbs — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:17 +0000

Summer is quickly approaching and with trips to the beach, summer events and weddings I thought I’d share some of my favorite items to make your summer that much greater. Some of these can also make great bridesmaid gifts!

Something white!

A Fabulous Cover-up!

A Pair of Wedges

A Pop of Color On The Nails

Summer Flats

Bright serving ware for summer cookouts & events!

All of these great items can be found at Nordstrom! Happy Summer!

Daring,

Ali the Mayor