The Wedding Party

Are you ready for a party made just for your wedding? And we’re not talking about the usual wedding and reception. We’re talking about a pre-wedding party, and no, not a bridal shower, bachelor or bachelorette party either. This is called a Social.

In Canada, a social is an event held to help raise financial capital for your big wedding day. And in these economic times, it could be just the ticket to a debt free wedding.

Imagine walking away with $7,000 or more to cover your upcoming wedding.

Here is how it works. Find a reception hall or cheap venue to hold your Social. Find a DJ to spin the music and layout a dance floor. Get a liquor license, if you are required to, and provide alcohol for this one night event. Make sure your coordinate with the selected venue. They may provide this liquor license for you, and you want to make sure you know your limits. But if you’re making money off of the bar, you’ll need some sort of license.

This is not a party reserved for just the bridal party and guests…this is a party that you want to bring as many people as you can to, whether you know them or not. But make sure you limit the number of tickets to the space you have. If your hall will hold 200 people comfortable, don’t sell 250 tickets.

The key to making money is to limit your expenses. Don’t go to a venue that is too pricey, and don’t spend more than you need to on a great DJ, otherwise, your ticket sales will do nothing more than pay for the cost of those expenses and you won’t walk away with any profits, which is the goal of this Social. And if you need to, don’t forget to pay for some security so when the money comes in, it’s protected.

One of the ways to draw people into the party is to raffle off prizes throughout the night. Advertise a big giveaway when selling tickets to get their attention. Even consider holding a silent auction. Keep people entertained as much as possible. And at midnight, throw out some free appetizers and keep the party going until closing time.

The goal is to have people spend money, so when it’s time for your wedding, you’re spending less.

Love Love || Thank You Gifts for Parents

Saying ‘Thank You’ are the most powerful words to hear. Think about the hard work you’ve done while planning your wedding and don’t forget to thank your parents. The Mother of the Bride or MOB has helped you along the way since you first got engaged. The Father of the Bride or FOB has probably worried about this moment since you were born. There are so many emotions in place during your wedding day and then you join lives with your new husband. Your wedding day is all about wedding vows, great speeches, wedding toasts, wedding cake, first dances, and bringing together your two families. Keep those great milestones in mind and remember your parents who are trying to catch up with your move into married life.

The truth in thanking your parents is they want to be appreciated. It’s up to you to take this on. If you struggled with your parents during planning, remember its proper etiquette to thank them, and you could really surprise them with your thoughtful actions. You may have a large or small budget for thanking your parents but make sure you do something that’s special. I love those Priceless commercials from Mastercard and I challenge you to think of creative ways to say ‘Thank You’. No matter what, your words or actions will be priceless.

Priceless

A heartfelt note thanking both your parents

Add a thank you message about both parents in your wedding program

Gifts Less Than $50

Keepsake Photo Boxes (Mother & Father)

Photo Frame w/portrait picture (Mother & Father)

Photobook for family collection (Mother & Father)

Cigar Box w/accessories (Father)

Personally chosen jewelry (Mother)

Embroidered Handkerchief (Father)

Gifts $50-$100

Schedule a massage for them to relax after wedding (Mother & Father)

Purchase a day at the local spa (Mother)

Purchase a round of golf at local country club (Father)

Gifts $100 and more

Book a trip for a few nights at a nice hotel (Mother & Father)

Create a gift basket with all your parents’ favorite treats, drinks, and a few personalized items (such as new book, travel games, magazines, and cologne/perfume). Think of personal items and you won’t disappoint. (Mother & Father)


What are some ways that you will say thank you to your parents? Post your response here.


Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Victory Cigar?

BLUEman: The Male Perspective

The night is winding down on your wedding day festivities. You’ve watched your beautiful bride come down the aisle, you said your vows, and you said “I do.” The reception went off without a hitch. The first dance was just how you both pictured it. And, if you were creative, you followed the lead of TLC’s Rock the Reception. The best man and maid of honor gave their toasts and everyone danced till they could not dance no more.

And then, your father comes up to you, or your father-in-law, and he wants to share in a moment with you by lighting a cigar and kicking one back with him and the rest of the guys. It’s his way of saying “congratulations” and what some guys might call the “Victory Cigar”. So the question is: do you do it?

Here are two things to consider before you light up that cigar:

1. Is the bride to be going to get upset if the groom lights up the cigar? The bride might not want to kiss cigar breath afterward. But you can likely convince her by chewing some gum after the fact.
2. Does your venue allow you to light up inside or outside? Most places in Arizona would not allow that to take place due to current laws in place that prevent restaurants from allowing patrons to smoke inside, but you might be able to outside.

I can honestly say that lighting up that cigar with my dad, brothers and friends near the end of my reception was a great experience for me. I looked forward to my wedding day, and being able to say thank you in the man sort of way to the guys for supporting me every step of the way meant a lot.

Enjoy your wedding my friends, and if you decide to, savor that cigar…

That’s it for now. Be sure to come back next Monday at 3:33 p.m.

Love Love || New Ideas for Wedding Favors

Deciding on a wedding favor should be a fun and creative way to show your personality as a couple. Order favors at least 2 months prior to your wedding date is ideal to ensure you receive favors on time. Your wedding day is the perfect time to give your guests a favor of thanks. Make sure to send a post-wedding thank you note as well. This is your chance to thank your wedding guests for attending and send notes after your honeymoon (finish sending notes before 2 months after wedding).

There are also the favors that continue your wedding themes and bridal shower ideas. These aren’t the favors that your parents gave at their wedding (such as matches or almond treats). Wedding favors add a nice element of tasty treats and thoughtful momentos of your special day.

Wedding favor boxes are always a treat to open. Check out these amazing treats that your guests will sure to love. The Couture Cookie Company personalizes the cookies to your colors, flavor, and theme. This is a great way to have your décor and eat it too.

Magnetic Expressions creates custom handmade glass magnets that are keepsakes forever. The possibilities are endless to use photos from special moments for each bridesmaid, add your wedding theme, fun mementos for bridal shower and bachelorette party. Surprise your guests and friends with mini reminders of special moments with you.

Vision Makers started with a passion to inspire others to create the awesome lives they want and deserve. They offer affirmation cards to help you stay focused along that journey. The cards make great gifts for all the loved ones in your life! Visit them online at http://www.myvisionmakers.com/, or you can purchase a set on http://www.amazon.com/

Do you have an I-phone? For only $.99 you can buy a set of Inspire Me! Cards on the Apple app store.

Love Love || How to Relieve Stress

Nothing beats a great workout. I’m slowly building myself up to running each day. The experts say if you set a goal like running a ½ marathon, tell those closest to you so you are held accountable. If you knew me, I’m not much for running and you may be the same way. My husband on the other hand, loves to run 5 miles for fun. Running does seem to relax me and I feel pumped with energy to take on my day. It could be those endorphins that are racing through my body.


Have you ever tried doing a workout while stressed or worried? Here are some things you can try while trying to plan your wedding (which, let’s face it is stressful in some way) or just trying to feel more relaxed.

Running

Where are you running to? I really have a hard time putting my hands around running for fun. However, there are so many health and beauty benefits. All of us want to be healthier and have a great body. It’s just in our nature as women. Check out this site that has inspirational blogs for runners at any point in the game at http://completerunning.com/running-blogs/  . I love the blunt honesty in some of the blog names like “a chubby girl running” or “A fool of myself” but there are focused ones like “5k to marathon training”. Running and staying active will be a great way to burn off some stress.

Yoga

I’ve never been one to really enjoy doing yoga, especially Bikram Yoga. However, if you have the Jenny McCarthy Wii- Your Shape system, you’ll love the music and how relaxed you feel. I struggle with some of the downward dog or warrior poses but take heart that marthastewart.com makes it easier to do with picture and instructions. If you’re like me, I love to see it and hear how to do it. You may consider joining a class at your local gym. Sometimes, seeing everyone else molding themselves into awkward poses takes the stress off you.

Fitness Boot Camp

No one likes to pretend they are kicking their own tush for military training but this is a sure fire way to get in shape. I’ve participated in Sgt. Hadley’s Fitness Boot Camp in Arizona only to realize I never pushed myself alone. This former Marine makes sure you burn 400-6oo calories each session for 6 weeks. Check out this and other boot camps near you but make sure to bring a friend with you. This will keep you motivated each week and spending time working out with friends is a great way to stay connected. Let’s face it, our lives are busy and stressful, but having close friends gives us that strength to keep going.

Blissful Blueprint Winner

Blueprint Affairs would like to congratulate Dee and Jason, the winner of the Blissful Blueprint Contest, and the free Day-of-Wedding Coordinator package.

Dee first met her husband to be, Jason, online and their first date was October 9, 2007 (which happened to be her sister's wedding anniversary). After dating for just over two years, Jason and Dee were hanging out the day before Thanksgiving. Dee made her way upstairs after a long day to rest her eyes. It was then that Jason came up to the room and laid down beside her. Jason then told Dee he loved her and asked her to marry him, and of course, she said yes.

Dee and Jason are thrilled to be getting married at Sassi in Scottsdale, Arizona in the spring of 2010.

We are so happy to share their important day with them and make their day a great experience.

Cook Your Way to Her Heart

BLUEman - The Male Perspective

Valentine’s Day is a day that you’re supposed to share your love with your significant other, perhaps your future bride to be.

The normal idea on Valentine’s Day is to go out to a nice restaurant, just the two of you, and enjoy a romantic dinner with one another. But there is another option I feel will give you even more props than buying a meal, and that’s making dinner. This is something I did last night, and actually enjoy doing on a normal basis. And being married doesn’t change that for me.

When you’re single and still trying to win her heart, cooking a nice dinner for your girlfriend could be just the thing to win her heart for good. It also is a romantic way to make that proposal for her hand in marriage.

But what if you don’t know how to cook that well? Maybe your definition of cooking is boiling water and throwing a box of noodles in there to mix with the powdered cheese. Don’t worry, there is a solution to this problem that will give you the confidence to make a gourmet meal without attending a two year culinary school.

Try a cooking school like Sweet Basil. There are so many options to choose from including poultry, beef, chicken, and seafood classes. And if you want to learn to make the perfect dessert that will melt in her mouth, try taking one of their many dessert classes.

How about a date? If you want that romantic night out, Sweet Basil also offers cooking classes you can do as a couple. Make a dinner together with the training of a professional chef and enjoy it with a nice glass of good wine.

So get those man aprons out…because there is plenty of time between now and next Valentine’s Day to learn to cook, if you don’t know how to already, and impress like you never knew you could.

Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day with your significant other!

See you next Monday at 3:33 p.m.

Love Love || Valentine's Day Ideas

Telling the one you love on Valentine’s Day is easy to do and always an intentional way of loving them. There are so many easy ideas that will make this day better than last year. If you were single last year, even better, but if you’re new to the mushy love stuff, listen up. There’s nothing like a great night with the one you love without stressing over dinner reservations. Bring the love and quality time together by making a great dinner at home. There’s nothing more exciting than opening a bottle of wine to create a simple dinner filling your home with great aromas.

Dinner Ideas

The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’m sure you’ve been told. Just make sure you have a recipe handy for the novice’s on cooking. A common craving for most men is pizza but not any round shape creation– instead a heart-shaped pizza made for two. Grab your keys and make a quick trip to your local store for some easy items. Add or remove toppings that fit your style. (You may want to check your pantry for items on hand – if anything like my husband, many of these are already on reserve)

Be- My-Valentine Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 (13.8 ounce) package refrigerated pizza crust
•  1/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
•  1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
•  2 slices provolone cheese, cut in half
•  1/4 cup pizza sauce
•  18 slices pepperoni
•  1/4 cup chopped onion
•  1/4 cup sliced ripe olives

To read more instructions to make this recipe visit allrecipes.com

Dessert

There’s no denying that a way to a girls heart is sweets. Some of you may have your favorite cupcakes, candies, or ice cream. However, this is one recipe for greatness that is easy to make or slip to your beloved for their gift to you – Chocolate Covered Strawberries. The ingredients are simple and it should only take about 20-30 minutes to make. Just remember to store in the refrigerator until ready to eat to prevent a melty mess.

*Tip: Be sure to fully dry each strawberry after rinsing to prevent globs of chocolate

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of perfectly ripened strawberries with stems and leaves intact
• about 4 ounces of chocolate chips - dark, white, milk or even chocolate mint flavors
• microwavable bowl and microwave
• cookie sheet covered in wax paper
• optional: Valentine sprinkles, small candies, contrasting color of melted chocolate

To read more instructions to make this recipe visit Allfreecrafts.com by Jane Lake

Blissfully Yours - Last Day To Enter Contest!!!

BLUEman Special Edition

The contest end date is upon us.  This is your last opportunity to submit for your chance to win a free day-of wedding coordinator package courtesy of Blueprint Affairs.  All you need to do is send an email to contest@blueprintaffairs.com with your name, wedding date, and answers to two questions:

1. Describe your romantic proposal (how did you get engaged)
2. How do you envision your wedding day

That's it, that simple!  And you can win a free day-of wedding coordinator package.

Are you wondering what that includes?  Let me tell you.

Your wedding day coordinator will meet with your at least 30 days prior to your wedding to go over every detail of your day.  From that meeting, the coordinator will put together timelines for your special day to make sure you and your bridal party stay on track.

The coordinator will also review all your current vendor agreements and make contact with each vendor letting them know that the coordinator will be their main point of contact from there on out.  What that means to you is come your wedding day, you are not dealing with all the set-up needs of each and every vendor, your coordinator is.  So you get to enjoy your day with your family and friends and know that everything will be taken care of by your coorindator.

That is just some of what your wedding coordinator will do for you, not to mention peace of mind.  Don't you think it's worth it to give this contest a shot?  I do, so get your entry in today!

Complete contest details at: http://image9.photobiz.com/3084/20100120205231_59396.pdf

Have a great Valentine's Day Weekend!

Love Love || Dresses for the Bride

Gorgeous dresses flowing through the pages of every bride magazine on the shelf. There seems to be so many choices and price points but you’re still not sure if it’s ‘the one’. That’s not decided until you are staring at yourself in the mirror glowing with pure joy. The best part of wedding planning is fussing over the most important accessory of your day – the dress. This isn’t a dress that should be taken lightly or left to the last minute to select. Your wedding dress, whether the flowing ball gown, Grecian goddess, or sparkle wonder is a focal point for all your guests to gaze upon. Finding your venue is the first stop on the wedding planning trip but coordinating your dress is next in line. Complimenting dress styles to match your venue and the colors choices are tough work. Check out your options for this season.

Sparkles Galore

Heavy embellishments and tulle may be the perfect match for you. Many brides find comfort in a sweetheart neckline that delicately accents their beauty. Maggie Sottero and Jasmine Bridal are just a few designers that bring together the beauty that you want on your day. The perfect jewelry will accent this dress perfectly. Make sure to print a picture of your dress and take with you while jewelry shopping. Zoom in on the details to make sure you match beading, crystals, and coloring styles.

In wedding details, knowing the dress color during your shopping trip such as Ivory, White, Off-White, Diamond White, Blue, or Pink are important in finding complimenting accessories. Take your mom or bridesmaids with you to sort out the best look that shines on you.

Oh So Pretty

There’s something magical to be said about the Spanish style dress. The gorgeous ruffles from Allure and rosettes are very hot this year. This includes rouching (a gathering to one side of dress), which adds a flattering look to everyone’s body. I Love Love this look that can be great for a beach or garden wedding. Plus, if you’re thinking of doing without your veil, consider a feather hair accessory. This is a fun trend that will make your head happy without the extra weight of a veil.

Fun Extras

Some things that you may not know are the extras. You can have a detachable dress for easier movement dress during the reception. This is one of the best ways to have your gorgeous flowing ceremony dress and movin’ and shakin’ dress for the reception. Also, a sweetheart neckline is not for every girl, especially those of us bustier ladies, and so you may choose a modified sweetheart. This still shows a delicate edging around your bust line but less dramatic. Another favorite I love is the lace up backing for your dress that tucks away into the back of your dress. You may not love the bowtie of your strings from the corset and this is a great fix.


***Check out your favorite designer truck shows. This is a great time to see all the newest styles at once. Plus, you can request a favorite you saw in their online gallery to be available during the truck show. Make friends with your favorite boutique. Happy brides are happy customers.

Here are a few local Arizona boutiques to check out:

• Brides By Demetrios http://www.demetriosbride.com/

• Iris D Bridal (opening March 27, 2010) http://www.irisdbridal.com/

• I Do I Do Bridal www.idoidobridal.com/  

• Uptown Bridal Boutique www.uptownbrides.com/

• Destiny’s Bride http://www.destinysbride.com/


Be sure to enter for a chance to win a Free Day-of-Wedding Coordinator. Winners chosen Valentine's Day weekend - 4 days left to enter!

Super Bowl Thoughts...

The game is over and some of us might already be counting down the number of days before the next season kicks-off. In case you’re wondering, that is 181 days until the first pre-season game and 213 days until the first regular season game. So for those of us that enjoy playing fantasy football, that’s a long time to analyze the players and determine who you might pick come your draft day.


For now, let’s focus on some of the great things that came from this Super Bowl. And I can do that even after my Jets were downed in the AFC Championship just two weeks prior. For one, Drew Brees, the quarterback I would have kept with San Diego if I was San Diego’s GM rather than Philip Rivers, got his first Super Bowl win and the first for the Saints in their franchise history. Secondly, if you watched, you just made history. This was the highest rated television show ever at 106.5 million viewers as reported by the Nielsen Co.


Other than the game itself, a lot of people watch to see what commercials are the funniest. It’s my personal opinion that the level of humor in these ads has gone way down over the last couple years. If I had to pick my top three, they’d probably be the Bud Light House, Volkswagen Slug-Bug (because we play slug-bug all the time) and the Doritos Smack commercials. But, you can judge for yourself and check out all the commercials, in case you missed them, right here.


So, hope you all had a great weekend, and until next time, make sure to promote the Blissful Blueprint Contest that concludes this Friday. Three lucky couples will win a day-of-wedding coordinator for their wedding!

Love Love || Pamper You!

Making you look beautiful on your wedding day should be top priority. As females, we pride ourselves on looking our best and especially on our wedding day. Everyone has their plain Jane days in beauty but there are places to go and be seen. I like to think of salons and spa’s as the world’s perfect haven. Invite your closest friends and family for a day of beautification. Mud baths, exfoliation, waxing may seem like just the thing you need for your wedding week.

Check out Arizona Spa Girls to find the newest trimming and slimming treat for your day. The key is not to do anything that will leave you red and irritated the day of your wedding. That’s never easy to correct for pictures if your eyebrows are red and swollen from a fresh wax job. There are plenty of salons and spa’s that make house calls to your bridal party location. Extra fees do apply but the convenience is worth it.

Some things to try:

1. Bronzing – Give your skin a subtle, warm glow that makes a great contrast to a white gown.

2. Waxing – Make your bikini area beautiful for your fabulous beach honeymoon planned.

3. Hair Treatments – Add some moisture to your dry and unruly hair before your big day.

 
** Hurry and get your entries in for the Blissful Blueprint Contest by 2/12/10. 3 Lucky Brides will win a Day-of-Wedding Coordinator on Valentine's Day weekend. Visit www.blueprintaffairs.com for those 2 big questions to answer.

Love Love || Bridesmaid Heaven

All bridesmaids out there are singing in joy about the newest styles hitting their local bridal shops. There is nothing more flattering than hearing a bridesmaid rave about her dress and saying how much she can’t wait to wear it again. I think of the movie 27 Dresses and picture Katherine Heigl doing her fashion show of some horrendous dresses for her friends to see. If you haven’t seen it, you need to catch up on your girl flicks with some of your close friends. This will also help you find out what they think about your fashion sense and get some ideas. The biggest trend flocking to shops like Brides by Demetrios is the pocket trend. Every girl wants to be there for her bride and now she can. Tuck away touch-up extras like waterproof mascara and tissues in your hidden side pockets for your lovely bride-to-be. What a novel idea!

If you love Breafast at Tiffany's style or the Tiffany's jewelry colors, you will love the newer dresses coming out. Each style flatters and the dress length is near the knee. Check out some styles from Dessy Group.

Brides, start thinking about peacocks, purples, and bright golds for your wedding colors. These are the upcoming color trends for Spring 2010 says Alyda at Brides by Demetrios. The great part is that the typical price ranges for bridesmaid dresses are $180-$330. The newest styles are fit to look good on everyone and the style cuts are made to fit. Every girl will love love this!

Extra tips:

• Order bridesmaid dresses 3-4 months before wedding.

• Schedule a fitting to get your accurate measurements.

• Make sure each bridesmaid orders her dress from the same location. (Beware color variations from different “dip” dates.)

Go Stress Free on Your Wedding Day

Guys, here is an opportunity to give your bride one of the best gifts of all on her wedding day: the gift of enjoyment that comes with a stress free wedding day.

So how do you make this happen? Simple, enter the Blissful Blueprint Contest for a chance to win a free day-of-wedding coordinator. And this is not a contest giving this special service to just one lucky couple, but three!

Take it from me. I did the good deed and handled most of the interaction on my wedding day with the vendors, so that my bride to be could relax with her friends and get her hair done, etc. It can be pretty stressful, and nine times out of ten, if you don’t have a wedding coordinator, that role most often than not, will fall on the bride. She doesn’t need to be bogged down with answering every little vendor question on your wedding day, and neither do you, so that’s why I recommend, at the very least, a day-of-wedding coordinator.

So, all you need to do is go to http://www.blueprintaffairs.com/ and click on the Blissful Blueprint Contest link on the main page of the website. Then, write about your romantic proposal that got her to say yes, and how you envision your wedding day, submit through the contest email, and you’re that much closer to winning a free day-of-wedding coordinator. But don’t wait too long, the contest ends February 12.

But what if you don’t win? You still may be eligible to receive up to $250 off the day-of-wedding coordinator package. So it’s a win for everyone.

Good luck everyone and until next Monday at 3:33 p.m., enjoy your week!