Confetti: To Toss or not to Toss

Many of our brides question whether to partake in the age-old tradition of the bouquet toss at their wedding receptions.  Most of our brides this year are deciding to forego this tradition and consider alternatives. 

The history of the bouquet toss goes back to fourteenth century France, where guests viewed a bride as especially lucky on her wedding day, and would clamour to tear off pieces of her dress for their own good fortune.  Eventually, brides began to rebel against this practice and tossed their garters to guests, and later, their bouquets.

While there is something to be said for tradition, some people prefer not to call out all their single friends to catch the bouquet in the hopes that the one who catches it will be the next to marry.  Here are some alternatives to consider:

1.  The Anniversary Dance - This is a dance for all married couples at the wedding.  During the song, the emcee asks people who have been married less than a certain number of years to leave the dance floor.  The couple who has been married the longest remains and is given the bride's bouquet.

2.  Have a "dance off" for the bouquet - invite males & females to the dance floor for a dance off.  Form a circle in the middle of the dance floor where guests dance one by one in the middle.  The dancer who wins the most admiration from the crowd or from the bride & groom gets the bouquet.

3.  Give the bouquet to a special female in your life to honor them.

4.  Do the bouquet toss, but open it up to anyone (single or in a relationship) who wants to participate.  As a fun extra incentive, offer a prize such as cash, a restaurant gift certificate or a spa package!

5.  Keep it!

Confetti: Free Wedding Websites from Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Paper Divas is a company that I frequently refer my brides & grooms to for a variety of invitation and stationery needs.  They have a stylish collection of contemporary styles that I love!  For a limited time only, they are offering free wedding websites.  You can choose from over 35 of their stationery designs, and it comes with many more features.  What I think is so great about this is that the design of your site can match your stationery and the overall theme and feel of your wedding.  You don't find this with any of the other free sites.  So head on over to Wedding Paper Divas and see what they have to offer before this deal expires!

Confetti: Wedding Gratuities

As we are approaching the busy wedding season, I thought it would be a good time to share some thoughts and advice on tipping all those service providers who work so hard to make your wedding day a success.

Some things to consider:

• First and foremost, you should keep in mind that a gratuity is a discretionary expression of gratitude for service that exceeds expectations.
• In general, if a vendor owns their own business, you would not normally tip them unless you feel they have gone above and beyond for you.
• Gratuities are often included in the bill or contract, so be sure to read carefully to avoid double-tipping.

The following is a general guideline to get you started thinking about wedding day gratuities:

• Limousine Driver:  15-20% of the total bill
• DJ:  $50 and up
• Clergy Member (priest, minister, rabbi):  Usually a donation ($75 and up)
• Public official (judge, city clerk, etc.):  Usually a flat fee ($75 and up), although some will not accept it
• Waiters, Waitresses, Bartenders, Banquet Captain, Banquet Manager:  15% for servers, 15-20% for captain/manager, 10-15% for bartenders
• Coatroom Attendants:  $1 per guest (or pre-arrange a flat fee with your venue)
• Parking Attendants $1 per guest (or pre-arrange a flat fee with your venue) 
• Photographer, Videographer, Wedding Coordinator, Florist, Baker:  Only for extra-special service
• Organist, Musicians:  $20-$25 each
• Hair and Makeup Stylists:  15-20% of the total bill

If you have a wedding coordinator, they can distribute gratuities on your wedding day. Our clients provide us with sealed envelopes at the wedding rehearsal, and we take care of this for them. If we feel that a vendor has not met or exceeded expectations, we may choose to advise our clients of this and adjust the tip accordingly. If a vendor they may not have considered tipping does an extraordinary job, we make sure to advise them of this as well. If you don't have a wedding coordinator, you can give this job to a trusted member of the bridal party.

Confetti: Win $1,000 in wedding invitations and stationery

Jean M is a great company that offers invitations, stationery, favors, accessories and more for your wedding. Their style is clean and contemporary, and they also offer stationery for the DIY bride. I am a big fan of their circular menu cards! They announced a sweepstakes today where one lucky couple can win $1000 in wedding invitations, stationery and a free consultation. To enter click here.

Wedding Ceremony Tip

If you are getting married soon, you may want to keep this important piece of advice in mind. Your left hand should be free of your engagement ring during the wedding ceremony so that your wedding band can be placed on your left ring finger, closest to your heart. If you can't bear to part with your engagement ring, you can simply wear it on your right hand for the ceremony, then put it back where it belongs afterwards. Or, you can have a family member or close friend keep it safe for you. Just another one of the endless details to consider! :)

{Photo from The Knot}

Confetti: Unique fundraising idea

Last night, I volunteered at the first ever Handbag Happy Hour event to benefit AIDS Community Services. The event was held at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, and I am sure it was quite a successful fundraiser. Ladies of all ages from across the region attended and had the opportunity to bid on new and previously loved designer and distinctive purses. There was a silent auction and a live auction. The live action included purses donated by Susan Lucci and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and these were very popular! There were many generous companies and individuals across Western New York who donated purses and raffle prizes to make the evening a success. I haven't been to Salvatore's in a while, and was impressed with their appetizers and presentation in general. On the way out the door, ladies had the opportunity to pick up even more purses at bargain prices ($5-$20)! Needless to say, everyone left happy and with some new goodies.

This was an awesome idea for a fundraiser (wish I had thought of it!), a great way to bring women together, and I am sure that it will be very successful for years to come.

Confetti: Win an Engagement Ring!!

What are you doing New Year's Eve? If you are the lucky winner of my client's contest, you could be proposing marriage on stage at the party of the year - The Ice Ball! In addition to being an awesome party, they have just announced a fabulous contest - The Ultimate New Year's Eve Proposal Contest. The Ice Ball has teamed up with Mills Jewelers in Lockport and the Hampton Inn and Suites Buffalo Downtown to present one lucky winner with an engagement ring and the unique opportunity to propose marriage on stage at Midnight. This contest offers a grand prize of:

• $2,500 towards the purchase of an engagement ring from Mills Jewelers in Lockport
• A Jacuzzi Suite at The Hampton Inn and Suites Buffalo Downtown (valued at $500)
• Two Dinner and General Admission tickets to The Ice Ball (valued at $250)

Entrants can submit their stories online and will be judged on content, creativity, and originality. Full contest details can be found here.

How's that for saving some money on your wedding? :)

Confetti: The Wake Wins an Outstanding Event Award

Last February, we coordinated The Wake - an annual fundraiser for the Irish Classical Theatre Company. The event recently won an outstanding event award for 2009 from the Buffalo Niagara Event Professionals! This was the first year Distinctive Occasions had the privilege to be involved with the event. Thanks to a fabulous committee, dedicated staff and volunteers the event was such a success!

Over 500 people turned out on a cold February night to bid a raucous, Irish-style farewell to our dearly departed friend, Aidan Doogood. Tickets included wine and beer, food, live music by Penny Whiskey and Stone Row, and interactive entertainment. A funeral procession led by a bagpiper kicked off the evening’s festivities, complete with Irish dancers. The deceased’s coffin was processed out of a hearse parked outside the entrance. “Mourners” participated in the “Reading of the Will” (live auction) the “Estate Sale” (basket raffle), and mingled with with Aidan’s bereaved “family and friends” (local actors).

This was an outstanding event because all of the elements aligned in a seamless way which led to its success. The theme of the event was carried through in every aspect of the evening. The marketing campaign, the choice of venue, the activities, the food & drink, the entertainment, and the décor all supported and enhanced this unique theme. The venue, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, fit the event perfectly. The building, with its expansive space and stained glass windows actually looks like a church. The marketing campaign by Crowley Webb created buzz and anticipation, setting the tone for the event. Posters featured cartoonish depictions of Aidan’s “family and friends” who were then played by actors at the event. Beer coasters were distributed to local pubs and taverns offering discounted tickets, and the website cleverly incorporated the dark humor of the event. Attendees arrived expecting a great party, and they were not disappointed. The unique nature of The Wake encourages interactive participation, and attendees participated wholeheartedly. They served as pallbearers, gave toasts, danced, and sang songs to the departed, all under the direction of Father Malarkey who presided over the event. There was strong community involvement from local businesses, who gave both monetary and in-kind donations. Buffalo’s own Flying Bison Brewing Company brewed a signature oatmeal stout, Irish Tears (“Stop yer cryin’ and drink.”), especially for the event. The Gourmet Store created delicious Irish themed foods, and used clever names such as “Deadly Dessert Bar” and “Blarney Stone Bruschetta” for the food stations. Décor included Irish beer bottles used as vases with farewell messages to the departed written on them. The fresh approach taken by the committee helped draw new attendees and encouraged a festive and spontaneous atmosphere. This was the fifth year The Wake was held, and revenues increased despite the economy. It was well organized and well run, and attendees celebrated in true Irish fashion.

Don't miss this year's party to die for! Save the date for Friday, March 12th, 2010 at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. For more information, visit www.PartyToDieFor.com

Confetti: Pantone Spring 2010 Color Trends

Pantone, the global authority on color, recently released its Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010. If you are searching for colors for your next event, this may help provide some inspiration!

According to Pantone, "Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010. Vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the color palette, while practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers."

Check out these lovely colors...

Confetti: Fun with towels

Over the weekend, I attended a bridal shower for a friend who is getting married soon. It was a lovely shower with teal and pink accents. The bridal party and the hosts dressed in pink - too cute! I bought towels off her registry, and made this towel cake with them.

Instructions...

-Take 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, 4 washcloths
-Roll them together and secure using fishing line on the top and bottom of each layer (you can also use pins if you prefer)
-Stick a dowel through the middle of the cake for support
-Cover the fishing line with two layers of ribbon
-Hot glue silver jewels onto the ribbon (or anything else you want)
-Thread crystal flowers through the fishing line and behind the ribbon
-Take silk flowers, cut off most of the stems and leaves with wire cutters, and stick them in between the layers of towels and on the top
-Finish it off with a pretty bow on top

This was a really fun project, although it definitely took a lot of time!

Playing with towels reminded me of this great company....Le Viette makes towels to resemble desserts, and you can use them as favors, gifts, etc...

{source: Le Viette)

How adorable are these?!!

Confetti: Women's corsages - pin it on or slip it on?

I wanted to address the subject of corsages for the females involved in your wedding. Customarily, corsages are ordered for the Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and any other females you would like to honor such as Grandmothers, Aunts, Godmothers, Ceremony readers, Sisters, and so on.

While this may seem like a trivial thing to worry about in the scope of your wedding, it is one of the many details that I come across on a daily basis and I wanted to bring it to your attention.

Traditionally, women wore pin-on corsages, and some florists still suggest these. However, I find wrist corsages to be much more practical. You can even order pretty bracelets to enhance the look if you don't like the plain elastic. As someone that pins on corsages for multiple weddings, I find the pin-on's for women to be particularly problematic. If the woman's dress is not made with a substantial material, the corsage doesn't always sit straight on the dress. So I am forced to poke multiple pin holes in the dress, or pin it all the way through to their bra, and sometimes the corsage still doesn't sit straight - especially when the dress is made of a lighter weight fabric. The woman is left to worry about their corsage all night, when they should be focusing on the wedding and having a good time.

At a recent wedding, I had two women who were unhappy with the pin-on corsages the bride had chosen for them. They asked me to convert their pin-on's to wrist corsages on the spot. Being the resourceful planner that I am, I was able to do this and everyone was happy! But you may not have these resources at your wedding, so it is best to plan ahead. Please take into consideration what the women are wearing, and it doesn't hurt to ask them which type they would prefer to wear. That way everyone will be happy and be able to enjoy the day to its fullest!




{Source: Pin-on corsage, Wrist Corsage}

Confetti: King & Queen of Hearts Stamps

I HEART these new King & Queen of Hearts stamps on sale at USPS.com How adorable would these be on your wedding invitations?!
Helpful tip - Make sure to weigh your invitations before purchasing postage, as many standard invitation sizes may require more than 44 cents.

Confetti: The Least Appropriate Wedding Songs Ever

NPR recently asked its listeners to send in stories about inappropriate wedding songs. People have some funny stories! Here are a few gems...


Send in the Clowns (Judy Collins)
At my first wedding in Tahoe, we quickly found a minister to perform the ceremony without discussing the details. Everything seemed fine as I walked up to the preacher, except that the bridesmaid was doubled-over in laughter. I was only vaguely listening to the lyrics... --Darol Allen In 1978, my sister walked down the aisle to "Send in the Clowns." My mother picked it out, and to this day defends her choice. --Carrie Yankello Wow! Someone else chose "Send in the Clowns"? That was the best laugh my date and I ever had at a wedding. --Teresa Labella


You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin' (The Righteous Brothers)
My husband has been a wedding DJ for over 20 years. He has lots of stories about weird wedding song choices, but my favorite is the couple that requested "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " for their first dance. Stunningly oblivious to the lyrics, or even just the title, they explained: "But we love Top Gun!" --Dana Robb


Just A Gigilo/I Ain't Got Nobody (Louis Prima)
During the '80s, one of my cousins got married for the second time. Since her first was an elopement, she did a nice job with a church, harp and flute with organ for the music. It was all quite dignified; her father performed the ceremony. The reception was on the ocean, also very nice. When the master of ceremonies introduced the couple for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. XXX, the wedding band played "Just a Gigolo." Everyone under the age of 30 erupted into hysterical laughter. --Elisabeth Powers

Source and full story: NPR

Do you have any funny music stories to share from weddings you have attended?

Confetti: Bedazzle My Bonbons

If you want to add some bling to your upcoming event consider these fabulous confections. Bedazzle my Bonbons are chocolates covered in glitter, and their slogan "You eat the entire ball...glitter and all" really says it all! I sampled these at a recent conference, and they are truly one of a kind. They are available in boxes to use as favors, or you can stack them on a pretty tray.

{Source: www.bedazzlemybonbons.com}

They even have Bonbon babes who you can hire to serve them at your event. They wear glittery lipstick and serve the chocolates from a tray around their necks like the old cigarette girls. Cute!

Confetti: Wedding Timeline Tips

If you are getting married this summer, chances are you are beginning to think about the timeline for your wedding day. A timeline is a great tool that helps keep everyone in the loop, from your wedding party to your vendors. It also forces you to plan things out in advance - instead of just flying by the seat of your pants on your wedding day. With a written schedule of events, everyone knows their place and you can relax knowing that you have laid the groundwork for the day to run smoothly. You shouldn't have to think about the timeline on your actual wedding day...leave that to your consultant!

One of the tasks of a wedding consultant is to assist you with your timeline and help you think of things in advance that may present problems. Here are some things to consider...

*The wedding ceremony begins at 2:00 - the limo is picking the bride up at 1:00, and she will arrive at the church at 1:30. Where will she go for a half hour? Does the church have a room for her to wait in? Many churches do not have areas for the bride wait, so she may want to consider arriving later. Plan ahead, and ask the church in advance what their policies are.

*Cake Cutting - If you are serving wedding cake for dessert, the venue may require you to cut your cake before dinner. A traditional timeline puts the cake cutting after dinner. Make sure to check with your venue regarding their policies so that you aren't taken by surprise.

*Photographs - Make sure to speak with your photographer in advance to plan the timing of photographs. Many photographers are particular about when they prefer to take shots. Make sure that the flowers will be arriving prior to any photographs needed. For instance, if the bride is doing portraits at her home before the wedding, she will want to make sure the flowers are delivered on time for these photos.

These are just a few tips to get you thinking about the way the day will flow. If things don't time out exactly as planned on the wedding day, don't let it get you down. After all - the only time that really matters in the long run is when you say "I Do!"

Confetti: The Importance of Shopping Around

I am decorating an upcoming wedding for one of my brides, and I was searching for julep cups to hang from the pews at her wedding ceremony. These small julep cups with detachable pew clips are perfect. We can get double use out of them by attaching them to the pews at the church, and then taking the clips off and using them as part of the tablescape at the reception.


I found these online through a popular wedding favor site for $5.42 each. I thought this was a bit expensive, so I did some more searching on google for a better price. Flowers & Supplies offers the exact same product for $2.39 each! The florist told me he wasn't even able to find them for this price.

Lesson learned - don't always go with the first place you find online when searching for wedding items. Many retailers increase the price the minute they hear the word "wedding." Be a smart shopper and you can have the same beautiful wedding for a fraction of the cost!