Fashion Inspired

Need a little inspiration for a personalized look on your wedding day? Well event designers turn to the fashion industry to forecast the hottest design trends as inspiration for ceremony and reception decor.  Everything from fabric texture to color inspired by the fashion industry will grace wedding reception tables worldwide.  Take a look at these spring 2011 trends.

Great combination for colorful bold looks!

Lace is still a favorite in wedding decor.

Animal print table linen coupled with a hot solid color for the edgy bride and groom...hot!

Adorable prints are still in order for a festive look.

 Sheer overlay and solid linen.... timeless.



If you're stuck on ways to create a fabulous look for your wedding decor, please feel free to contact us today!



Pics via Imaxtree.com (Elle)

Monique

Your Budget and You

Discussing your wedding budget with your wedding pros can be a bit awkward but it's essential that you're honest about what you can realistically afford.  When asked what the total budget will be for a wedding I often receive the response "I won't know until I start to price different things (i.e. florist, cakes)". WRONG! The bottom line is it doesn't matter what things will costs if you know you don't have the budget anyway.  Save yourself a little time and discuss your finances before meeting with your wedding pros; stick to your budget and hire a good wedding planner.  A good wedding planner will not recommend services that are beyond your reach.

Monique

Photo via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1408

Pick a Seat

Undecided about seating arrangements for your sit-down dinner reception? Well let me offer a few suggestions. You have a couple of options here: open and pre-assigned seating. Open seating allows guests the flexibility to select their own companions and sit where they choose. With pre-assigned seating, guests are assigned to a specific table and/or seat. You can use a unique seating chart and table numbers or names that tie in to your overall theme. Regardless of your selection; do your guests a favor, have a hostess or assistant who is familiar with the room layout and table numbers direct your guests to their assigned area. There's nothing worse than forcing your guests to go on a scavenger hunt for their assigned table.

Monique

Photo via  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987

Father/Daughter Two-Step

Ahhh!! The father/daughter dance….so lovely. Okay, enough already. The father/daughter dance is not only special to the bride but sentimental to dear old dad. Why not make this moment all about him. Yeah, we get it, this is your day or no way but dad is letting go of his “little girl” so let him shine if only for a moment. Besides, you’re just going to cry all over his tux anyway. Find out what dad’s favorite dance tune is and surprise him with it for the father/daughter dance at the reception. It’s fun, it’s memorable, and your guests will love it! Just be sure to check out the lyrics beforehand. You don’t want to hear some Rod Stewart, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” lyrics playing in the background while you’re dancing with your father—not a good look. Shake a tail feather!

Monique

Should I purchase Flowers Online?

In these tough economic times, I get asked this question a lot.  Ordering flowers online can be a nail-biting experience especially if you don't know a whole heck of a lot about flowers.  Well, allow me to make this process easy for you.  First, start by selecting the type of flowers that you want for your event.  I know that there are so many lovely buds to choose from but narrow down your choices to those that you REALLY want with your budget in mind.  Second, start researching online floral companies.  Some are actually registered with the Better Business Bureau for online businesses.  Once you've narrowed down your choices, start comparing the company's guarantee and delivery policies for the best options.  Finally, pre-order the flowers that you would like to have for your wedding.  You will not only get a first-hand look at the quality of the flowers but the timeliness of the delivery.  By all means, have a back-up florist on stand-by just in case. 

Simply Monique,

Back to Business

Yep! we're back! Took a little break to re-organize and re-energize but we are ready to bring you short bursts of energy with our straight talk blog posts on everything weddings and events.  Beginning Monday, July 19th, we will be posting to the blog twice a week; Mondays and Wednesdays. So stay tuned.

 Monique 

Camaraderie at its Best!

On April 17, 2010, I had the opportunity to attend the "I DO" Brunch for wedding planners created and hosted by the wonderful Ms. Linnyette Richardson-Hall of Premier Event Management and her rock star team. Allow me to sum up this English Garden themed event in one word- Phenomenal. This was a time for wedding planners from near and afar to network and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as guests. There were big beautiful hats, good food, music, and great camaraderie. Here are a few shots just in case you missed it.

Monique

Birdcage Centerpiece

Wedding Cake!

Yes, this is a corset!

Enchanted

Getting any ideas?

Life's purple pleasure

Rip the Runway Hat Competition

Groomzilla?... Could it be?

You bet there's such a thing as groomzilla.  We have focused so much attention on Bridezilla that we have forgotten about her trusty sidekick, GROOMZILLA.  Believe it or not, the groom to be would like to be included in the wedding planning process at some point; not necessarily detail by detail but they want to be included.  So, if you notice that your sweetie is starting to turn into a sour lemon and questioning your ideas and the details that you have worked so hard to formulate, be patient.  Keep him abreast to what is going on.  Perhaps, ask him if he has suggestions about food or music.  Hey, they may not have a clue but it is their special day too.

Monique

All About the Veil

Wedding veils continue to be a preferred accessory to pulling off the perfect wedding day look.  However, wedding veils have taken on a new twist and that would be the bird cage veil.  Check out these vintage but chic looks as a compliment to your wedding gown.

castlebride.com

A Red Hot Look

Who says that your bridal gown has to be all white?  Take a look at these red hot numbers for a Valentine's themed wedding.

Pic from Maggie Sottero Collection

Pic from Maggie Sottero collection

Can't forget the shoes compliments of Nordstrom

One of the many services that we offer at Professional Touch Affairs LLC is that we can help you with that oh so difficult selection of the perfect wedding gown when you select one of our custom wedding planning packages.  We have the inside track on the hottest bridal salons in th area.  Contact us today.

Monique

February Posts

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching.  For the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring posts dedicated to this special day.  So, stay tuned for ideas, great gift finds, and savvy words of wisdom.

Monique

"Ain't Misbehavin"

It appears that having a bad attitude has become a widely accepted part of life.  However, it should not be an acceptable part of conducting business.  As wedding professionals, we are afforded great opportunities to network with one another and build strong relationships.  Sadly, there are some that are intimidated by a smile or the mere receipt of a business card from an unknown wedding vendor.  In layman's terms, they are completely clueless to how effective the right relationships can be to the success of their business.  For example, can you imagine the number of referrals that can be received from a wedding planner to a photographer if the experience with that photographer was a pleasant one?  It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to see the potential here.  So, the next time a new or unfamiliar wedding vendor introduces him/herself to you, don't look at them like they just stole your car but reciprocate with a smile and show a little interest.  You never know, that "unfamiliar stranger" could be an angel in disguise when you face your next business challenge.

Monique

Your Wedding, Your Movie

I can remember watching a movie that was so bad that I should have been reimbursed for pain and suffering.  Well, weddings are a lot like movies.  So, here are a few tips to ensure that your "movie" is a box office hit:

• Hire the best that you can afford- knowledgeable and professional wedding vendors are a must.  These life savers will be key players in making your vision come to life.

• Listen to your "movie" director- your wedding coordinator will be your ally.  Listen attentively and communicate your requests clearly.

• Choose "movie" characters that are a good fit- select bridal party members based on the premise that they are supportive and truly important to you not because you feel obligated just because they asked to be a part of your wedding day.  Think about it, would movie director James Cameron have selected Jeff Foxworthy to crack jokes during the movie Titanic just because they may have shared a couple of beers together?–I don't think so.

• Finally, enjoy the show- trust that you have made the right decisions and let the "actors" and "behind the scenes crew" do their thing.   Lights, Camera, Action!

Monique

We're Back!

Any wedding planner/designer worthy to be in this profession understands the importance of constant and consistent professional development which is why we attended The Special Events Conference in New Orleans last week.  We have been armed with wonderful information which we are ready to use as we move forward.  Take a look at some of our favorite pics from the conference.  Enjoy!

Monique

Yes, this is actually made out of cardboard!

Ultra chic look from Wild Flower Linen

Dazzling!

A whimsical look for the adventurous

Ahhh! The Wedding Toast

I am sure that we can all remember attending a wedding reception where a toast was given that lasted entirely too long or embarrassed the bride and groom.  Well, this is where good planning can come into play.  First, pick and choose your speakers very carefully.  Generally, the BM and MOH will do the toast.  Let's face it; uncle buck's inebriated version of your love story is not necessary.  Second, have a time-keeper present.  Any toast over 1-2 minutes is a eulogy.  Finally, do the toasts in the very beginning before the speakers have a chance to down a few shots of tequila.  Trust me; you will be glad that you did.

Cheers!

Monique

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They're Back!

Just when you thought that wedding favors were a thing of the past, they are back with a vengeance.  As a rule of thumb, guests want something that they can eat or enjoy in their home.  Hands down, I prefer to nosh.  Now, I am not talking about those funky old jordan almonds wrapped in tulle.  No offense to those who think that this is the crème de la crème but something a little more imaginative is preferred.  Try sinking your teeth into these babies.

Mini brownie pops from littlethingsfavors.com

Monique

Smaller is Better

2010 weddings are definitely going to hit home.  Couples are falling in love with smaller more intimate gatherings at home with smaller guest lists but personalized elegance.  So, we designed a few tablescapes that captures that intimate feeling.  Take a look.