Friday, December 30, 2011

Spotlight On

Here in Port Gamble we wish you
   a happy, happy New Year!!!


Be please safe!!! And be sure to check out our website for events in town on New Years Eve!!!

Happy Planning!!!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Your Reception Style

Just like you choose a cake, dress and photographer to fit you and your fiance's taste, you can also choose a reception. Here are the pros and cons of the various reception types, which one are you?

Brunch Reception:
Pro: For brides who love sunrises and breakfast foods, 
brunch weddings are a beautiful thing. They are 
 generally less expensive than evening weddings 
and because of the early start you can enjoy a leisurely 
            rest of your day or get an earlier start on your honeymoon.

            Con: The early start time means less set up time 
and chances are that not all of your guests will be 
          morning people. 

Lunch Reception:
Pro: For brides that want something a little more nontraditional
a lunch reception is perfect. Not only does it have the benefit of
being budget friendly but you can also do creative things like serving
picnic baskets or providing lawn games. 

Con: Guests may feel weird drinking and dancing in the 
middle of the day so expect a more subdued reception. 

Champagne and Cake Reception:
Pro: For brides who want something sweet and simple this is perfect.
This is also a great option for a second, or third marriage where you
want to celebrate but don't necessarily want an extravagant affair. 
Cake and champagne receptions are without a doubt the least expensive.

Cons: Without food your guests probably won't linger 
so it may be over faster than you hope. You may also have to
eliminate some aspects of a more traditional reception.

Cocktail Wedding Reception:
Pro: Cocktail receptions are ultra modern, trendy and stylish. 
The offer a great ambiance that should get guests up and dancing
Without seating assignments guest will be more likely to
mingle and you will also be able to fit more guests if you have smaller space.

Cons: Without a meal guests will be more likely to drink more, 
so it may not save you as much money as you hope. Also, lots of
alcohol with nominal food is a dangerous combination when it comes to
toasts, dancing and most importantly driving. 

Dinner Wedding Reception: 
Pro: A full on traditional dinner reception will make your guests feel
special and well taken care of. It will also appeal more to parents and
grandparents who are probably urging you to follow tradition. 

Con: Dinner receptions are not only expensive but are also usually
more stressful and time consuming to orchestrate. 

I hope this help gives you an idea of what reception best fits you and your fiance's wants and needs!

Happy Planning!!!


Friday, December 23, 2011

Spotlight On

All of us in Port Gamble want to wish you and your family a 
Very Merry Christmas!!!
We'll be back to blogging again on Monday, December 26th!!
Enjoy your holiday!!!

Happy Planning!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Few of My Favorite Trends

With so many weddings here in Port Gamble, we see a lot of trends. We see them come, we see them go, we see them outstay their welcome. Here are a few of my favorite up and coming trends....
 {RSVP Song Request Cards}
 {phonograph cocktail hour music}
{custom illustrations}
 {craft boxes for kids}
 {Interactive Food Stations}
{lively first dance}

Some other favorites include:
-Cigar Roller
-espresso bars
-take home cake boxes
-posted schedule of events to keep guests hanging around

Happy Planning!!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Spotlight On

Looking for something fun to do this New Years Eve? 
Join is for an 80's "ROCK the Timbers" News Years Eve Dance Party! At the historic Port Gamble Theater, first event of its kind here in 60 years!

Hosted by DJ Wingammi, photobooth, refreshments and lots of great 80s retro tunes and dance floor! Party Favors and a maybe a few big surprises!

ALL ages event with tickets at: Brown Paper Tickets

The first 150 people will get a free ticket for the photobooth from Olympic Photo Group and a party favor!

Rock the Timbers--New Years Eve 8PM to 1AM! Be There or totally be square, for sure.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Idea Bug

Here are some fantastic ideas I discovered on Martha Stewart Weddings...

 Sewing weights into the hem of bridesmaid dresses will help to 
eliminate a potential Marilyn Monroe moment.
 Use mini sticky notes when working on seating charts
so you can easily make changes. 
 Give your guests a little help on what
to write in your guest book by providing prompts.
 Simplify reception setup by organizing decorations
into plastic tubs according to table. Including a
picture of how it should look will also help things
go more smoothly.
 Involve your maids in the fun by letting them
vote on wedding wines. 
 Keep the peace by providing activity boxes
for younger guests. 
Ease minds by providing bridesmaids with 
everyone's contact information, as well as
details on their dress, shoes, duties, etc.
And don't forget to tell them how much 
you appreciate them. 

Happy Planning!!!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Spotlight On

Port Gamble Presents

Over 100,00 Christmas lights
Children's Activities in Santa's Workshop
Fireworks (Saturday only)
Christmas tree lighting (Saturday only)
VIP Party
Holiday Shopping
Fantastic food options

Happy Planning!!!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

How To: Wedding Shows

With wedding show season just around the corner I thought it would be a good time to share some advice on how to navigate wedding shows. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of a wedding show.

1. Create a separate email account (gmail or hotmail are easy to setup and free) and use it for all those giveaways, mailing lists, etc. That way once you are married you can go through and delete the whole account. However, I would suggest giving your personal email to any vendor that you've decided on and will be working with for your wedding. You want them to be able to contact you easily.

2. Create labels with you and your fiances name, address, wedding date, email and phone number and print off several sheets. There are dozens of things to sign up for at wedding shows and you'll be far more efficient if you don't have to stop and write all your information out every 30 seconds. 

3. Wear clothes that you feel good and are comfortable in. If you are going to be trying on dresses make sure you are wearing appropriate underwear. You could also bring a pair of heels about the height you think you'd like to wear so that you can try them on with the dresses. 

4. Bring a day planner/appointment book so that you can immediately write down any consultation appointments that you make. Be sure to jot down the phone number in case you need to call and cancel.

5. Most of the vendors will offer great deals if you book during a wedding show, so bring along a checkbook in case you find the perfect venue, dress, caterer, etc. But always ask about cancellation policies. 

6. Bring a list of what you are looking for (venue, catering, photography) so that you can target those specific vendors and avoid getting overwhelmed by all the unnecessary options. 

7. Know your budget

8. Provide vendors with any information that you already know, colors, guest list, theme, etc. 

9. Bring a camera. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures of decoration ideas, dresses, etc. But be sure to always ask permission before snapping a picture. 

10. Make a day of it. Wedding shows require a lot of patience and energy so bring along friends and family that will be happy wandering, waiting and debating for an entire day.

Hope these suggestions will help to make your wedding show experience a success!

Happy Planning!!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Spotlight On

Tonight is the Opening Night Gala for The Port Gamble Theater Company's production of                                It's A Wonderful Life


There will be a wine bar as well as appetizers from Little City Catering. Tickets are $23/25 and can be purchased online or at the box office. 
For more information, to purchase tickets, for the full run schedule or to see what shows are coming up 
visit their website

Thursday, December 1, 2011

It's Time For a Little Advice

I think it's safe to say that weddings can be incredibly stressful, timing consuming, money sucking events and the last thing you want is for all your time, energy and hard work to be in vain because of a simple misunderstanding.

To avoid catastrophe I suggest filling in your entourage (parents, wedding party, siblings, etc) with all aspects and details of the wedding day.

Once your big day comes around you are not going to want to be bothered with dozens of questions, nor is anyone going to want to bother you.

Here are some of the things you should make sure that the VIP's in your party know...
1.What time you are allowed into the venue(s)
2. The setup/break down responsibilities of the venue staff, the caterers and your wedding party
3. Arrival times/phone numbers for the caterer, photographer, DJ, cake, etc will be showing up
4. A problem solving contact person (that isn't the bride or groom)
5. A tentative schedule of events for the day

Explaining how you want things to flow, delegating tasks and proving detailed information will ease the stresses of not only your close friends and family (who are graciously helping you) but it will also help to relieve your mind and let you relax and enjoy your big day.

Happy Planning!!!