I love this idea I saw on Martha Stewart and had to share it with my readers. For your wedding guest book you can place an annual calendar and guests would sign on their birthday date. That way you always have a record of when their birthday is and you can send all of your wedding guests a card in the coming year wishing them a Happy Birthday!
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Ah it is April, that time of year where in Chicago and all across the Midwest we see crocuses, daffodils and tulips blooming. The leaves are beginning to come out and spring is in the air. What do all those pretty things need to be able to bloom? Sunshine and well, rain. But don't let rain spoil your wedding day. Tradition says it is good luck to rain on your wedding day. The old folklore says that it is a belief is that a wet knot is harder to untie (thus the term "ting the knot"). If showers are forecasted on your wedding day, don't let it get you down. Embrace the rain with umbrellas and boots for your wedding look.
Wedding Planning Application for your iPhone
Steve Jobs passed away yesterday at 54. He was a visionary, the ultimate creative artist, the man who has forever changed how we expereince computers, phones and music. His quote, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." As an entrepreneur, this quote means to much to me. Steve, you will be missed and we will carry on and I am sure apple has just scratched the surface of what you have started.
Grooms Cakes
Spring Has Arrived in Chicago
Happy Spring! Yesterday was the first day of Spring in Chicago (although it was a little chilly and rainy) and I for one am very much ready for the longer days and the popping of the green leaves, crocuses and daffodils. And Spring means the return of tulips and peonies to weddings.
In honor of Spring, enjoy some spring themed wedding pictures!
Ask Ali: When Should I Purchase My Wedding Shoes?
Ali, When should I be selecting and purchasing my wedding shoes? Can you give me any tips? (From Ashley)
That is a great question. It is a good idea to have selected your wedding shoes prior to your first fitting of your wedding dress which will typically happen two to three months before your wedding. Start looking for your wedding shoes about four to six months in advance of your wedding.
Quick Tip: Removing Deodorant Stains on Dresses
Everyone hates it when you put on deodorant in a rush and then throw on your black dress or bridesmaids put on their dresses and get those stubborn white stains from their deodorant on the arm area of the dress. One trick I have found is using a used laundry dryer sheet. It can quickly whisk off the white stain on the dress with a little light rubbing. I carry one in my emergency kit and every wedding take a new one with me for potential mishaps.
What To Do If It Rains On Your Wedding Day
This pastyear I have had a bunch of clients have outdoor ceremonies and weddings. And as we know in Chicago, the weather can not always be so predictable. The Weather Channel has a great little area on their website where you can read up on the history of the weather on your wedding date, average temperatures and track the weather leading up to your wedding day. Having an evening reception outside? It also allow you to view when the sunset will be taking place on your wedding day. You can set up a wedding weather area where starting 10 days in advance of your wedding it will send you an email with weather updates.
Spa Parties For Your Wedding Party
What better way to thank your bridal party and your Mom and mother-in-law "to be" than having them to your house for a Spa Party. I ran across a company, Sparty, at Biz Bash in Chicago yesterday and boy do they know how to do spas right. Their motto is Sip. Spa. Celebrate; and that they can help you do and in style. They are a company that specializes in at home spa parties so that you can relax in the comfort of your own home. They offer massages, manicures and pedicures, facials and threading. What a great concept for a bridal party get together or even a relaxing alternative to a bachelorette party. Sparty specializes in creating a spa atmosphere either in your home or a hotel room. And don't worry about the robes, they will bring them with! Don't have time to order food and beverage for your event? No worries, Sparty will take care of it for you. They can even provide music to help create your quiet and relaxing spa space.
Photo Booths At Weddings
I just love Photo Booths at weddings and events! It allows guests the opportunity to have a fun take home from your wedding but also gives you an opportunity to have the fun memories placed in a book that your guests can sign. I use a couple of different companies in Chicago. One is called ShutterBooth and the other is Photo Booth Express. Package times can range from 4 to 6 hours and you can chose to include the guest book and materials that your guests can write in or provide them yourself. In a ShutterBooth photo booth your guests can even select if they want color or black and white prints. With both companies you can have a cute wedding logo and your wedding date on the last picture in the photo strips. Also, you can ask them to bring props that your guests can use to make it even more fun for them. Make sure when you are booking your photo booth that you get two copies of the photo; one for you and your spouse and the other for your guests to take home with them. Also, many companies offer the high resolution CD of all the images and easy posting to facebook. Photo Booth Express also offers one of the old school photo booths you would see at fairs and restaurants from your childhood. Don't want the 2 x 6 photo strips? That is okay, each company offers the 4 x 6 grid choice.
When to Send Out Wedding Invitations
Summer weddings are right around the corner and I have gotten the question, "When do I send out my invitations?" a lot lately. Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before your wedding date. If you do have invitations going to international destinations I recommend those are mailed out ten weeks in advance as the mail will take a bit longer to reach them but also to come back to you. And remember, if you have international guests, you should not place a United States stamp on their reply envelope. They will need to go to their local post office to get the proper local stamp. For destination weddings outside of the United States I would recommend your invitations are mailed ten weeks before the wedding date to allow for your guests to get the hotel booked and airfares purchased.
Umbrella, ella, ella, hey hey hey!
You Hot Tamale!!!!
Ali Phillips to Offer My Jean M Invitations and Accessories
Ali Phillips is pleased to announce she is now offering My Jean M invitations and accessories. Brides are able to chose invitations from the Jean M Exclusive Line or Dreaming Up Designs line. They offer 20 different colored papers to chose from and 20 different inks at no additional charge. My Jean M also offers all accessories for wedding, showers and wedding parties.
Please call Ali today to set up an invitation consultation at 773-777-2299. For a preview of the accessories and invitations please visit "My Jean M":http://www.myjeanm.com.