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Ceremony
Poll: A Personal Vow
Posted on Nov 25, 2008 10:22:34 AM  |  By The Blogsmaid

A month or so ago, two of my clients exchanged the most lovely, personalized wedding vows. I realized that I've been hearing more and more couples vary from the traditional "To Have and to Hold" and forge their own wedding vow path. It might be a lot more work, but it is nice to hear something so personal on your special day. On the other hand, there is something meaningful about repeating the vows millions of couples have exchanged before you. So, where do you stand? Are you writing your own vows, or sticking with the tried and true? (photo courtesy Karen Mordechai)

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Registry
Poll: Formal Dining?
Posted on Nov 20, 2008 1:45:15 PM  |  By The Blogsmaid

I've noticed that I've been seeing less and less couples registering for formal china lately. A lot of of everyday dishes, but I don't know that there are as many formal patterns being selected lately. So, I thought it was a good time for a poll. Are you registering for formal China or just nice every day dishes?

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Addressing the Issues
Posted on Nov 18, 2008 10:08:08 AM  |  By The Blogsmaid

It's almost time to start sending those holiday cards to friends and family and there is no better opportunity to also spread the word about your engagement or upcoming nuptials. Sure, you could say it in your card, or with a little newsletter or a holiday-themed Save-the-Date, but why not add a little something extra? I received a card from a client the other day featuring these adorable return address labels with their likeness from Cupid Labels. The faces are customizable and so are the messages on the labels. So, what do you think? Cute or Corny?

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Mad About St. Clair
Posted on Nov 13, 2008 4:17:25 PM  |  By The Blogsmaid

For years, I've been obsessed with these delectable desserts that are absolutely perfect for weddings. Perhaps you opt to NOT do a blow out cake, or are looking for a special detail to make your wedding dinner stand out, then St. Clair's sculpted Ice Creams are for you. These gorgeous miniature ice creams in an array of shapes and flavors express the mood of your season or your reception (Like the Tulips) and can be added as a garnish on your plate or as a delightful passed dessert while your guests are on the dancefloor. Here are some of my personal favorites. They range from $3-5 per piece and are also Kosher.

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Food
Oooh, Signature Cocktails!
Posted on Nov 11, 2008 1:09:14 PM  |  By The Blogsmaid

I'm a huge fan of signature cocktails- they add so much to the cocktail hour and area great way to limit the bar without totally limiting options. Recently, I had the pleasure of tasting the Mosaic Martini designed by Leslie Russell of Marcey Brownstein Catering & Events. Well, needless to say it was to DIE for, and had an awesome cranberry colored tone that would add something festive to your celebration. To mix it up a bit, they opted to serve it not in a martini glass, which I thought was refreshing. Anyway, not wanting to keep the joy to myself, I asked for the recipe. Here it goes: The Mosaic Martini 3 ounces hibiscus-infused vodka 1 ounce lemon syrup 1 ounce fresh lime juice (not Rose's which is very sweet) 1 ounce orange juice 1 ounce cranberry juice 1 ounce triple sec Infusing vodka is incredibly easy! Just take...

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Bridal Party
Parading Parsols
Posted on Nov 6, 2008 4:50:31 PM  |  By The Blogsmaid

I've been wild about parasols for some time. They are a bridesmaids' (and a bride's) best friend. Not only are they flirty, potentially colorful and fun, but at an outdoor ceremony they serve as both decor and bridal party flowers- and sometimes cheaper too! I went nuts for these personalized parasols at Tange Designs Parasols bargains abound at Pearl River Market, where you can go solid or patterned, paper or silk. And the look is lovely, especially for destination weddings. I loved this photo via Sparkly to Spouse What do you think of Parasols? Great, or Gone with the Wind?

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Making 'Em Mingle
Posted on Nov 5, 2008 8:50:55 AM  |  By The Blogsmaid

For a lot of brides and grooms, there is one element of planning the wedding that no amount of organization can control: just how your guests will interact and intermix. Your best friend from sleep away camp, his 3rd cousin, your boss from two jobs ago. If only there was a way to "break the ice" and get people mingling? Thanks to Make'M Mingle, there is. These ADORABLE little buttons help guests ID themselves not by name, but by relationship to the two of you. (My favorite: Therapist of the Bride.) An awesome addition to a welcome reception, rehearsal dinner or cocktail hour. Do you have any innovative ideas for getting your guests to mix and mingle?

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