Making Your Event Special Wedding Blog

OUR BLOG HAS MOVED

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:09:00 GMT

WE ARE NOW AT: DIVAS AND WEDDINGS

We look forward to seeing you at our new blog.

Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Coolest Wedding Sandals Ever

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Ok, so I just opened my email and I had an email from a Sandal Company in Florida.

So of course I thought sandals, yeah how could they be different. Then I saw them and were blown away.

These sandals really are the Coolest Wedding Sandals ever because you can actually personalize the sole of the sandal with the brides name and wedding date or the couples name and wedding date. And they are really cute.

Now I will say that they definitely are only for women because the thong strap is patent leater but, hey it might be a guy out there that wants to wear them. The website is Sandals 4 Events.

The other cool thing is that these sandals have been endorsed by Samanta Goldberg, who is a wedding planner on "Whose Wedding is it Anyway"

So that means that if you do decided to get them then you are using something that the brides on "Whose Wedding is it Anyway".

YEAH THAT'S HOT!!!

Happy Planning,

Shafonne

Tips from a Wedding Photographer

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:01:00 GMT

I had a great time chatting with Dave from Beautiful Union Portraits, in Richmond, Va on my show Wednesday.

We talked about all things, Wedding Photography. We discussed some great tips and tricks for the bride and her wedding photos.

Check out the PODCAST Tune in next Wednesday at 7pm on Making Your Event Special Live for more great tips on planning your Wedding.

Have a great Weekend!!!

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special

Spa Parties Anyone

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:53:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

We have a great guest on the show tonight; Christie the owner of Lavisage Mobile Spa.

Her mobile spa is the greatest because her staff will actually come to you for any of their great services.

This is so convenient. This is definitely a great idea for Bachelorette Parties, Day of the Wedding and Showers.

Check out her site and tell her that we sent you.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne
Making Your Event Special

Great Bridesmaids Gift Idea

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:49:00 GMT

Ok, so I have been doing a lot of research today. I have found yet another thing for all you brides out there.

Here is a great idea for bridesmaids gifts: PERSONALIZED HANDBAGS. Who doesn't love purses. I know that I do.

http://www.mythirtyone.com/michellefreeman

There are some cute things on her site. You can even have a party.

Sounds cool,

Cute Stuff, Check It out!!!

Newest Bridal Fashion: Bridal Mini

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:01:00 GMT

Hey Everyone,

Check out my Richmond chic Blog for the newest in Bridal Fashion: Bridal Mini's

It is an essential for all Bride's to be!!!!

Great Bouquet Idea

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:56:00 GMT

Check out this great idea for a bouquet for your bridemaids. They used a seashell and filled it with flowers because they were going with a nautical theme.

http://beautifulunionportraits.com/blog/images/uploads/07_19_08_artist_favorite_025.jpg

This picture is courtesy of my great friend, Dave at Beautiful Union Portraits. He is fantastic. Check out his website and blog, which is under "My Favorite Blogs"

Bachelorette Party Ettiquette

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:27:00 GMT

Oh, my goodness. This video is hilarious. I thought that it would be perfect for a Wedding Planning Site!!!

I write for Richmond Chic and Cameron Walker, a fellow blogger put it on the site.

Have fun watching!!!

Top 10 Secrets to an Amazing Outdoor Wedding

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:09:00 GMT

Top 10 Secrets to a Great Outdoor Wedding

1. Make Wedding Guests Comfortable

You want to always make sure that your guests are comfortable. They have taken

the time to come to your wedding so make sure that they can enjoy it.

a. Supply them with ice water, if it is hot outside

b. Make the Program a fan

c. Provide sunscreen as the guests are walking in.

d. Provide lap blankets or portable heaters if going to be cool

2. Always have a Back-Up Plan

This is the most important component of an outdoor wedding. You always want to

have a back up plan; you want to be prepared for anything.

a. Tents, if going to rain

b. May have to use the reception site for the ceremony if bad weather

c. Heaters or fans available (Depending on the weather)

3. Plan for Wind

This is key in several ways: dresses, videography and reception set up. This is

something that most people don’t think about but it could cause lots trouble.

a. Make sure that bridesmaids dresses are not made of a light fabric that

will blow during a wedding ceremony. (Nothing worst that a dress

disaster at your ceremony)

b. Check with the Videographer to ensure that he knows that it might be

windy and can adjust for it. Howling wind will make your

whole ceremony hard to hear.

c. Wind can also be a hassle at reception. It can blow table clothes off of

tables so make sure to put centerpieces on the table that are heavy

enough to hold them down. A tent will act as a wind tunnel for heavy

wind.

4. Sound Systems

During an outdoor wedding there are so many environmental sounds; roaring

waves, wind and local kids playing, (depending on your venue) around so you want

to make sure that you have some type of system to amplify your ceremony.

You don’t want your guest to not hear your wonderful vows.

a. Get your DJ or band to supply some type of sound system for the ceremony

b. Rent a sound system or hire an AV company

c. Some Venues will supply Sound System equipment.

5. Decorations

Most outdoor venues already have great natural beauty which can substitute for

decorations but you want to make sure that you do try to add some extras in

addition to making sure that the natural beauty looks good by supplementing

decorations by using a florist.

a. Make sure that the grass is cut

b. Leaves are raked

c. Flowers and trees look nice

d. Use centerpieces

e. Use Arches and trellises

f. Strings of lights or lanterns

g. Torches, candles and luminaries

6. Make things Tasty

Keep all food at adequate temperatures.

a. Stay away from Mayonnaise based food during the summer

b. Keep chilled food cold during warm months

c. Keep food warmed during cold months

7. Keep Guests Hydrated

If guests are going to be outside during your wedding, make sure to keep them

hydrated. Especially if there will be alcohol served.

a. Ice water, Lemonade, Tea, Punches (Non-Alcoholic)

b. Mint Juleps, Mojitos, Vodka Limeades (Alcoholic )

8. Keep Bugs Away

You don’t want your guests swatting at bugs during your wedding so use some

of the following suggestions to keep bugs away.

a. Place citronella candles on tables as centerpieces

b. Place torches with citronella oil in them around the ceremony and reception site.

c. Place citronella candles down the inside of the aisle ( depending on time of ceremony)

9. Keep Sun Position in mind

When picking a time of day for your outside wedding, take into consideration the

position of the sun and how this will affect your guests.

a. Use a shaded area for an outdoor wedding and ceremony if it is going to be at a time where the sun is the most intense.

b. Choose a time of day that is not as intense. (Early morning, Late afternoon or Sunset)

10. Permits

Make sure that you get all necessary permits to have an outdoor wedding.

a. Contact your local County Building to get more information.

Is it appropriate to ask for Money as a Wedding Gift?

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:50:00 GMT

You’re getting married and you and your fiancé go and register for gifts; a coffee maker, dishes, silverware and all the necessary household items. But what if you could get what you really want; MONEY to get a house, a bigger apartment or a great honeymoon. But is money an appropriate gift for a wedding?

Well, technologically speaking “NO”, money is not an appropriate gift. But the question that I ask you, is “WHY”

Yes, asking for cash as a wedding gift is TACKY but what if you could do it in a polite, hip and cool way. “It’s not rude to request money as a wedding gift,” says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette. “However, it’s extremely important to ask politely.

There are some cool and innovative ways to incorporate monetary gifts into your special day. The very popular Money Dance is a great idea. The guests pay a dollar to have a dance with the bride and groom. This is a great way for the couple to interact with guests at the wedding.

Another is having a money tree or money/card box . This is a great option because some people really don’t know what to get, especially if they have homes, are coming together and already have everything.

Honeymoon registries are also very common. This is a wonderful way to get a great honeymoon. A honeymoon is set up by the couple, the guests are informed about the registry the same way as others, by word of mouth, guests can then go and pay for certain aspects of the honeymoon. They can upgrade the room, add excursions, breakfast in bed or chocolates and champagne.

There are also some great resources out there for getting monetary gifts for down payments for mortgages. If a couple is in the process of buying a house this is a great idea to help get the down payment together. “A Perfect Wedding Gift.com” is an amazing website that allows a couple to register and then guests can go to the website and purchase a monetary gift for them. The money goes into an established account for the couple for a down payment. Another great site is Bridal Downpayment.com. and SunTrust Mortgage also has a bridal registry available.

The main thing to remember is that asking for money or unconventional gifts is not bad, just be mindful of how you are doing it. Make sure to always ask politely and in the right situations. You should never put any information about registries and wanting cash for gifts in invitations. This should be information that guests get through word of mouth.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special

Wedding Planning Workshop

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:25:00 GMT

It's been a long time!!!!

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:07:00 GMT

Hey Everybody,

I hope all is going well. I have been ultra busy.

I am now teaching Wedding Planning at University of Richmond as well as running my business. Along with doing Wedding Planning Socials and Wedding Planning Workshops.

It is a crazy time of year.

Look out for some of the latest updates on the websites.

Ok, off to conquer the world, one wedding at a time.

Look out for my next post on "How to be a creative bride"

Personalizing Your wedding

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Every bride wants THEIR wedding to have their personal stamp marked on their special day.

There are so many ways to do this but the most popular and easy is MONOGRAMING. This is the newest trend in weddings and wedding planning.

A monogram is a combining of initials in an ornate fasion. Monograms are a key way to implement your personal touch. There are several areas that you can add your monogram that can really make an elegant effect.

Monogrammed aisle runners are a great way to incorporate your monograms into your special day. These can be as ornate and bedazzled as you want. If you get the urge you make these on your own.

Mongrammed table cloths. I love this idea, especially for the bride and groom table or head table. You can position the monogram on the table cloth as to it can be seen by all of your guests during your wedding reception.

You can also do Monogrammed Dance floors so that when you are doing your first dance people can see your specially made initials. You can also do lights on walls so that your monogramms shine on the wall behind your head table or sweetheart table.

Monogrammed stationary, is also a great idea. You can tie the monogram into the whole planning process, from start to finish, including the invitiations, save the dates, thank you cards, response and place cards. This would really be a great idea for a complete infusion of your monogram.

Pictures can also be used to personalize your wedding. You can incorporate pictures throughout your whole wedding. The same way as mongrams; invititations, save the dates, thank you cards, etc. People love to see pictures of the bride and groom. You can use pictures on each table for table numbers or for place cards, with frames.

When you personalize your weddings, you are allowing your guests to not just come to a wedding but to come to YOUR wedding.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers

Making Your Event Special, LLC

www.makingyoureventspecial.com

How to get your Groom involved in the Wedding Planning Process?

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:29:00 GMT

First you must decide if your groom wants to get involved. There are many fellows that don’t want to be involved in the whole wedding process. They just want to allow the bride to take care of everything to ensure that it is exactly what she wants. Some guys feel that they just need to show up and look good. “Tell me when and where and I’ll be there.” These are the types of guys that will let the bride take care of everything and for the most part stay out of way, UNTIL there is something that he definitely wants or doesn’t want.

Second, if you do have a groom that wants to be involved in the process.

What can he do?

I like to say that the grooms can involve themselves in the wedding planning process as little or as much as they want to. They can contribute to the venues and vendors because you do want to know if they like or dislike something. This will really make it easy on you, the bride because you will feel as though you aren’t doing everything on your own.

Most times if you do ask a groom what they want to be involved in they will usually say that they will help with picking a site for the reception and ceremony and maybe even vendors. “Yes, I like that cake” or “No I don’t like that DJ”. But as for getting detailed information, I don’t find that a lot of grooms will contribute on this aspect. Details are definitely not always high on their list.

Finally, all you have to do is ask. Usually if you ask, grooms will give their opinion and help.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Trying to lose those last few pounds before the wedding.

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:21:00 GMT

Everyone feels that they have a few pounds to lose before their big day. What are the best ways to do it?

The best way is by eating right. You don’t want to not eat because this can be just as detrimental as eating too much. You just want to eat right and in the right portions. So many people will say “OH, I’m eating a salad or vegetables”, but will eat 2 or 3 more portions than they should because it is good for them. Or add things to the salad or vegetables that make it unhealthy, especially certain salad dressings or toppings for the veggies.

You also want to make sure that you are exercising somehow. It can be walking; running, aerobics or anything that you enjoy that increases your heart rate. There is a multitude of things that you can do. The more fun you have doing it, the more likely that you will do it on a regular basis.

Some people also enlist the help of a personal trainer to make sure that they are on track and keeping up with their goals. A great one is Craig Coles of “Goal 4 Life”, http://www.goal4life.net/. His company stands for Gain Overall Athletic Leadership. They are a great resource for the motivation and push that brides need to shed those last few pounds. Craig offers a FREE consultation to anyone who is interested in their services or improving their athletic ability. They also offer FREE testing to find your fitness baseline so that they are able to identify any weakness and begin to overcome them.

Personal trainers will cost a little more than the regular gyms but they are totally worth it. They can really be the driving force that makes sure that you're meeting the goals that you set for yourself.

Keep these tips in mind when you are getting ready for your special day.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Favors: Edible and Useful

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:58:00 GMT

When guests leave your wedding the single most important thing to them are the FAVORS. These are the things that guests will take away with them that will remind them of the joyous time that they had on your special day.

The most important thing to remember when picking out favors is to give something that guests can eat or that they can use. Most people want to walk away with favors that are useful.

To You a favor, http://www.toyouafavor.com/, an internet based favor company, has some great ideas. The cutest pizza cutter that you have ever seen would serve as a great practical wedding favor.

What is better than having your guest walk away with a cute little notepad, that incorporates something old, new, borrowed and blue, that they can write down all of the wonderful things that happened at your spectacular wedding.

There is nothing more practical or nice than coasters that can be used as place card holders, personalized photo frame or even a great way to incorporate your wedding date and names.

Food is also always a good idea. Any of these cute boxes can be filled with your favorite chocolates, nuts or treats.

All of these great favors can be purchased at http://www.toyouafavor.com/

Happy Planning
Shafonne Myers

Making Your Event Special, LLC
www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Choosing styles that are reusable.

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:54:00 GMT

Who hasn’t been in a wedding where their dress was hideous? You never wanted to see it again much less have to wear it. But times are a changing. Long gone are the taffeta dresses with the puffy sleeves. Designers are making bridesmaid’s dresses more sophisticated and practical.

When choosing bridesmaid’s dresses make sure to think about all of your girls. Not all girls are built the same, so make sure to decide on something that will complement all body types. Two-piece dresses can really come in handy when dealing with different body types because people can get a style and fit that works best for her. Also make sure to incorporate colors into the decision. Pinks and peaches look good on all body types. Don’t forget about black and navy. The darker colors are definitely making a come back.

The lengths of the dresses also make a huge impact on the reusability. Cocktail and tea length dresses are very popular and can easily be reused. The longer evening gown lengths can still be useful but not worn as often.

There are so many styles for bridesmaid’s dresses so make sure to really consider your bridesmaids when deciding on the dresses because they do have to pay for them. The more they like the dresses the more they will be willing to pay for them.

Happy Planning
Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Picking Bridesmaids….. Dun, Dun, Dun

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:21:00 GMT

Choosing bridesmaids SHOULD be an easy task. Right? WRONG!!!! I have had soooooo many people come to me and say “My fiancé wants me to have this person in the bridal party but I don’t really know them.” This is becoming more and more common, especially when there are siblings involved.

Typically if either the bride or groom has siblings, or close friends they are considered shoe-ins for a spot in the bridal party. BUT WHY? When choosing who is going to play a part in your special day do you want someone that you don’t know that well? NO, you want to have someone that means something to you and has played a huge part in your life.

Remember, these are the people that will be around you throughout your whole wedding planning experience. You want to pick someone that you get along with and that can get along with you. There is a lot of responsibility and honor in being a bridesmaid and you want to have someone that knows this responsibility and who will cherish and honor the role.

It can also be very expensive to be a bridesmaid, the functions that have to be attended, the gifts, the attire; all of these things have to be purchased by each member of the bridal party. Someone who may not have a personal connection with you may not be as welling to do this.

There are so many other roles, individuals who are not as close to you but may want to still play a part in your big day, can hold. They can read scriptures or readings during the ceremony. They could also be ushers or hostesses. All of these are still very important jobs that will allow them to still feel included.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special
www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Wedding Etiquette: What do we do?

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:09:00 GMT

So many people think that THEIR wedding will be something toooootally different. One, like no other, one that no one can top but when they get right down to it, they always end up with wedding etiquette questions. How do we do our first kiss? What is the order of the processional and receiving line? These are just a few of the more popular questions that tend to come up in conversation.

The first kiss is meant to be the first time that you and your fiancé show the world and your wedding, that you are officially husband and wife. It is a cherished moment that you all don’t want tainted with a gratuitous open-mouthed, tongue quenched, make-out session. You definitely what to keep it nice, sensual and sophisticated.

The order of the processional depends, a lot of times, on the religious background of the couple.

Most religions tend to go in this order: Grandparents of the groom, Grandparents of the bride, Mother of the bride, Officiant, groom, best man and groomsmen (if they are not walking down the aisle with the bridesmaids. Bridesmaids: starting with the one that is farthest from you in the line up, Maid of Honor/ Matron of Honor, Ring bearer and flower girl (they can come down separate or together). Last but not least, the bride and her father (or whom ever else is given this wonderful task)

Receiving lines have always been a much-debated addition to ceremonies, which can prove to be very useful. Whenever people come to your wedding you want to make sure that they feel important. Receiving lines give guests the pleasure of physically congratulating you and your family without feeling like they are intruding while you are trying to enjoy yourself at the reception.

The order of receiving lines is as follows:
Mother of the Bride, Father of the Bride (optional) Bride, Groom, Mother of the Groom, Father of the Groom (optional), Bridesmaids and Groomsman (both are optional). There are numerous variations as to the order, including no men, along with no bridesmaids.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
http://www.makingyoureventspecial.com

Brides, De-stress Yourself: RELAX

info@makingyoureventspeciallive.com (Making Your Event Special) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:50:00 GMT

This is definitely harder said than done. Just the mere thought of planning your wedding causes more stress than most people experience in their whole life. The reception, the ceremony, the dress, the wedding party, the cake, the groom, the parents, ohhhhhh my goodness, I am getting stressed out just writing about it.

The single most effect thing to de-stress yourself is to RELAX.

I have experienced the ultimate in relaxation: REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a superbly relaxing treatment that applies pressure to the reflexes on the feet, thereby releasing tension, reducing fatigue and improving physical balance to the entire body.

I must admit that I was a little spectacular at first but the second that I walked into Paula Quick’s Bridal Reflexology sanctuary, I was flabbergasted. From the enticing aromas, to the holistic and feng shui ambiance, I was transformed from a ball of stress to a flowing sheet of linen. She massages your feet, hands and ears to rejuvenate and stabilize your body, in addition to improving circulation, releasing blocked energies and eliminating toxins.

I would definitely recommend this to any bride to calm her jitters or to unwind from a hard day of planning. This can also be used as a retreat for brides and their bridal party or a relaxation for the wedding party the day of your wedding.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne Myers
Making Your Event Special, LLC
www.makingyoureventspecial.com