Thursday, September 29, 2011

Tasty Tip

One consistently adorable trend we've seen this year in Port Gamble is the candy bar. I'm sure you've seen one before, a table of glass containers that are filled with a variety of tasty confections. 

If you are thinking about/planning on having a candy bar you should check out Nostalgic Candy, there online store is filled with a variety of unique and vintage candies that will charm and delight your guests. 

Some of my favorites are ...
{old school Necco Sky Bar}
{vibrant candy buttons}
{original candy cigarettes}
Happy Planning!!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

thoughts on dress changes

The other day someone asked me about my thoughts on brides having two dresses and changing. After spending some time thinking about the matter I came to this conclusion.

I think it's adorable when a bride changes from a formal wedding dress into something shorter and easier to move around in HOWEVER I think it's excessive when a bride changes from extravagant formal gown to extravagant formal gown.



Whether you have already bought two dresses or are just toying with the idea, the most important question to ask yourself is this--

What dress do you want to be in for what pictures? 

There are two most commonly used changing times, the first is between the ceremony and the reception and the second is just before the exit.

I have occasionally seen brides change solely for dancing, which gives you a third option.

If you have already decided that you will be having two dresses here are some things to consider--

Did you get two dresses because you absolutely couldn't choose between them or for comfort?

If you absolutely couldn't choose between them, decide which one you want to be in for dinner, toasts, cake, etc and tailor your schedule accordingly. (so you aren't spending the whole night changing)

If you are changing for comfort decide whether the second dress just an exit dress or for dancing. If you are just planning on exiting in the dress, consider changing into it for the last dance of the night and then make your grand exit. This way you can change while your guests are still dancing so they aren't standing around waiting for you.

If the dress is going to be used for comfort during dancing, decide whether you want to change before or after the big dances (first, daddy, etc).

And regardless of when, where or how many times you are changing you will need to decide if you want to pick one hairstyle/makeup combo that works for all of the dresses or talk with your stylist about what styles will easily transition from one to another.

Finally, remember this -- whether you have one dress or six, the most important thing is that you feel happy and beautiful all night.

Happy Planning!!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Hostess With the Mostess!

I'm sure that you have heard over and over again about how this is YOUR day and that you should get whatever YOU  want. "YOU'RE the Bride" they enthusiastically proclaim
However, before you get too wrapped up it's important to remember that a wedding is still a party
and you (and your family) are still the hosts so it's your responsibility to make sure your guests are comfortable and well taken care of.

Here are some ways you can consider your guests comfort and ensure a fantastic experience!
         Seating -- There should be enough seating for all your guests - even if you are only doing cocktails and lite snacks. You shouldn't ask your guests to juggle hor dourves, cocktails, purses, etc or to stand for hours on end, especially older guests. There should also be comfortable seating for older or disabled guests. Hay bales and benches are adorable but set aside some more comfortable chairs (preferably with backs) for older guests. You should also consider spacing, how close guests are to other guests, speakers, drafty doors and bathrooms.
         Bathrooms -- For most venues this won't be an issue but if you are choosing to transform a space that wouldn't typically be used for weddings make sure that there are enough bathrooms and that they are easily accessible to all guests. If you are getting married at a friend or family members house you will probably need to rent port-a-potties, unless you are having a very small gathering (30 guests or fewer). Not only will this eliminate long lines but it will prevent any damage to the septic system of your gracious friend, since most private homes are not designed to handle that volume of waste.
         Parking -- Note the available parking at your venue and see if it's possible to cone off spaces for VIP's and elderly guests. If you are getting married in a big city and the only parking is street or garage, let guests know ahead of time. Figure out where the nearest garages are and see if you can negotiate a discount for your guests. If you are feeling generous and can afford it paying for parking would be incredibly thoughtful. Also, having a responsible friend or family member act as valet for guests (or just elderly and disabled guests) would have a lasting impact.
         Temperature -- I've been to summer weddings in buildings without air conditioning and winter weddings in buildings without heat and let me tell you, they are equally miserable. Consider the time of year, the time of day and the forecast and provide something to increase the comfort of your guests. If renting heaters or fans isn't feasible see if you can provide blankets and hot beverages or paper fans and iced drinks for during the ceremony.
         Activities -- Taking photos after the ceremony is still popular among brides but if you are going to go this route it is important to keep your guests informed as well as entertained. Typically photos take about an hour. Stress to your photographer that you want to get these done as quickly as possible so you don't keep your guests waiting. Have the officiant make an announcement after the ceremony that the bridal party will be doing photos from 4p-5p and that the bride and groom have requested that the guests head over to the reception site and enjoy hor dourves and cocktails . If you aren't serving alcohol you can have a mocktail hour as well as lawn games, board games, photo booth, etc. Most guests are going to be thirsty, hungry and looking for a bathroom, so keep that in mind.
          Appreciation -- Chances are anyone invited to your big day has been a significant part of you and/or your spouses life and it's important to make them feel special and appreciated on this day. For out of town guests it is always thoughtful to provide a welcome basket of local treats or home comforts. Consider inviting guests that will be in town longer than one day to the rehearsal dinner and/or post wedding brunch. Another thoughtful gesture is to include a 'marriage dance' during your reception where you call all married couples to the dance floor and slowly eliminate couples by asking those who've been married longer than five years, ten years, twenty years, etc. You can than recognize the final couple with a bouquet, champagne or another small gift, as well as asking for a piece of advice. Finally, don't forget to send thank you cards to all those who attended your wedding (whether the brought a gift or not). My favorite thank you's include a picture of the couple on their wedding day or from their honeymoon.

Although some of these suggestions may seem excessive, it is to your benefit to make your guests feel comfortable and appreciated. The more fun your guests are having the longer they'll stay, and wouldn't it be a bummer to put all this money into a wedding where all your guests were gone within a couple hours? I recently read one of those 'local wedding spotlights' in a magazine and the couple said their goal was to not have anyone look at their watch even once throughout their big day, what a great goal!

Happy Planning!!!
{PS - look for part two tomorrow where we showcase some beautiful ideas for keeping guests comfortable}

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Words for the Week

Have yet to confirm the validity of this but it sure is a sweet thought...


Happy Planning!!!

Friday, September 16, 2011

PG Experience

Come visit the Port Gamble Wedding Staff at the Tacoma Wedding Expo this Saturday and Sunday!!!


Happy Planning!!!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Testimonial

                     (On recommending Port Gamble Wedding Venues)

"Most definitely! Staff was always available to help and quick at answering any questions. Very thorough with the planning process which put me at ease. And it's just an overall GORGEOUS venue." -- 2011 Bride

Happy Planning!!

Friday, September 9, 2011

PG Experience

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Gamble Bay Coffee

Located just off Hwy 104 in Port Gamble, Gamble Bay Coffee has 3 windows, drive through and adorable patio area.

Come by for one of their delicious coffees made with organic, free trade, shade roasted beans from Grounds for Change!

Not feeling coffee? They have other great options like Chai tea or Italian sodas!

You can also choose a sweet treat from their assortment of Mirracole Morsel Cookies or Sluy's doughnuts!

You can also visit them online at their websiteFacebook or twitter!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Testimonial

"Yes (I would recommend Port Gamble wedding venues) you can't beat the location...it's amazing." -- 2010 Bride

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

photography

 after the vows have been spoken 
and the rings exchanged

after the toasts have been made
and the first dance had

after the cake has been eaten 
and the bubbly is gone

the only tangible memories of your wedding day
will be the photos that were taken. 

In this age of digital photography and Facebook it's hard not to be tempted to have your amateur photographer friend take your wedding photos in an effort to save a few bucks. Or even to forgo professional prints for a digital CD that you can upload to all your social networking sites. However, I cannot stress it enough, the only tangible memory of your wedding will be your photographs. A good wedding photographer will be able to highlight all the most special elements of your wedding.

Here are some tips for not only finding the perfect photographer but for ending up with the album that you want as well.

1. Befriend Your Photographer -- I don't necessarily mean this literally but you should certainly connect with your photographer enough that you feel honest and comfortable with them. The more you connect the more comfortable you will be, and the more comfortable you are the less forced and consequently better your photos will turn out.

2. Understand Styles -- In my opinion there are three main styles used for wedding photography.
 Portrait - these is all those classic, straight on shots of the couple, their families and the bridal party.
 Editorial - these are all those artsy, high fashion-esq pictures you've been pining over in the magazines
 Photojournalism -these include those priceless candids of flower girls covered in frosting and your first dance

3. Start a folder -- Whenever you find a picture that you really like (online, magazines, old photos, facebook) put it in your folder. I'm talking physical folder, not a mental memory folder but a real, tangible folder. Basically anything that you can bring with you when you meet photographers. Make a note on the picture (or on a sticky note attached to said picture) that says what you specifically like about the photo (pose, lighting, angle, etc) and show it to your photographer. This will give them a clear idea of what you mean when you say "I want a really great kissing shot".

4. Trust Your Photographer -- So once you've found your photographer friend, noted the styles you are most drawn to and shared your folder of inspiration, let go of it -- sort of. Give your photographer a list of must have photos (chances are a credible photographer will know the portraits you need but it isn't a bad idea to jot those down too) when I say list I mean not a novel, like 10-15 pictures that are really important to you that may otherwise be overlooked. Once the big day rolls around relax, enjoy the moment and trust that your photographers experience and expertise will provide a picture perfect recap of your big day.

5. Don't Forgo Prints -- I understand in these difficult economic times it can be hard to convince yourself to spend the money on prints. However, prints from your photographer will turn out far better than those you get through the 1hr photo center at Walmart. Also, it will be your photographers top priority to get the photos printed whereas they may sit untouched on your computer for months or years before you ever do anything with them. Definitely keep the disc on hand but I would suggest immediately ordering an album with your favorite shots to display on that adorable coffee table you registered for.

Happy Planning!!!
                                 


Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Weekly Wedding Round-Up

This week's round-up happened to have a theme!

Here are my favorite rainbow items seen this week...
{a unique first look}

{fun ribbon decorations}

{rainbow pom-pom getaway car}

{a fantastic hot air balloon escape}


Happy Planning!

Friday, September 2, 2011

PG Experience

Come visit Port Gamble this weekend and stock up on fresh fruits and veggies from Terrapin Farms before sending the kids back to school! 




Check out their website at www.terrapinfarms.com to see what's in season right now!

The Port Gamble stand will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10a-5p and you definitely don't want to miss them!