Blush + Bashful

If you are like me, your family isn’t exactly rich in tradition. The most long-standing tradition we have is Christmas Eve with my dad’s family and Christmas Day with my mom’s. I don’t even think that counts!

Since I come from a pretty bland background, I envy those whose families celebrate interesting cultural customs. As a wedding planner, I see wonderful examples of tradition woven into my clients’ wedding days. I love watching Jewish families dance the Hora. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I have to say I love watching the older generations and younger generations come together on the dance floor for a few moments that create a lifetime memory. And, it’s so fun!

If you are from a background without formal wedding traditions like mine, consider creating your own wedding day traditions…

Instead of doing a bouquet toss, pass your bouquet to a close engaged friend whose wedding is next. Hopefully, she’ll do the same and carry on your tradition.

Take a photo of each side of your family or with groups of friends during the wedding reception. Hand deliver the photos in pretty frames to after the wedding and share your fond memories of the day with them. They’ll be touched that you thought of them after the wedding and hopefully a tradition will be borne out of your thoughtfulness.

Instead of a massive head table with everyone in your bridal party, choose a small group of friends or family members to sit with at dinner. Your special guests of honor will be thrilled to have some quality time with you and your new spouse and they’ll always remember this about your wedding. When one of them gets married, they may try the same idea and honor you!

Choose a special (non-cheesy!!) song to be your family dance song. Make sure that key family members know about the dance ahead of time, and have the DJ or band leader invite them to the dance floor. If you are stuck for a song, ask your DJ or band leader for titles they’d recommend that will be timeless and appropriate for family members of all ages (not, “We Are Family”). At the start of the family dance, make a big circle and sing along to the song. This will be great for photos and an easy way to get older family members out on the dance floor. Yes, the whole thing borders on cheesy, but if you do it right, it would be precious!

If you are the first of your friends to be married, create a special scrapbook of memories of preparation for the big day, favorite photos of you and your friends, and special moments at the wedding. Pass the book to the next girlfriend at her bridal shower, encouraging her to create her own page of wedding memories.

After the wedding, throw a thank-you brunch for your bridesmaids. The fun doesn’t have to end just because the wedding day is over! Get everyone together and talk about something besides your wedding. Your girlfriends will be so happy to see you and surprised that your thoughtfulness didn’t stop with the wedding. If you really want to go over-the-top, give them each a special little token of your affection (handmade jewelry or candy, a favorite makeup item, or a cute little coin purse) to let them know that you really appreciated having them support you on your most important day.

If you have any other fun traditions that you’ve created, email me at meg(at)blushandbashfulevents.com and I’ll post them!

Cheers!
Meg

2008 is going to be an amazing year. I’m so excited to share all of the news!

First, I joined forces with Mary Nisi of Toast & Jam DJs to open an office in Bucktown. We’ve been working hard to turn a dingy fall-out shelter into our dazzling new office space. You know how I love a good makeover, so here’s a look at the before…

I know! You’re thinking, “What wedding planner or DJ in her right mind would want to work there?” But, we seriously did a fantastic job sprucing the place up. It now has an adorable shabby chic vibe and a Magnolia and Tiffany blue color scheme that we’re mighty proud of. I’ll post more photos as we get our furniture and art.

Cheers!
Meg

I could plan a whole wedding around this gorgeous, glamorous chandelier. Can’t you picture it with centerpieces of fluffy red peonies, crystals, and lots of warm candlelight? We’d use luscious fabrics in the linens–a shimmery platinum overlay with elegant detail. Or, we could go over the top with toile!

The point is that you can find inspiration for your wedding reception anywhere! Take a look at your favorite non-wedding design magazines for ideas and details. This is the modern way to decorate your event.

Every year, Pretty City does this fabulous promotion that benefits the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Local businesses discount their beauty services for the low price of $31. If you ever wanted to take advantage of the spa, but you feel guilty spending money on it right now when you could be…I don’t know…inviting an extra few guests to your wedding, this is the time to do it!
Pretty In Pink 

I found this article in the June 11th Newsweek. I wanted to share it because I know how difficult it can be to write a meaningful and touching speech. I’ve heard many Maid of Honor toasts that have made me tear up and they do all seem to have these rules in common!

WEDDING CHEERS

If the prospect of giving a maid-of-honor speech makes you want to run as fast as your dyed-to-match satin pumps can carry you, take heart: Vance Van Patten, author of “Ten Minutes to the Speech” and executive director of the Producers Guild of America, says using his “Four-H” rule will get you through the toast unscathed.

Start from the heart, expressing admiration and love for the bride and groom. Season the speech with lots of humor, using funny stories you get from the couple’s family members. “If you don’t get a really good version of how the couple met, you failed,” says Van Patten. Expose your own and the couple’s humility by expressing how honored you are to be giving the speech and how lucky they are to have found each other. Finally, end with haste. A wedding speech should last between three and five minutes. Start early and practice telling the stories so you don’t have to use notes. And above all, leave the bride alone. “For a wedding, a bride is sacrosanct,” Van Patten says. “Never embarrass the bride.” –Stephanie Schaerr