These wild violets are vibrant and fun!  Reveling in the idea that less is more, it’s a sophisticated centerpiece that brings so much life to your table.  Whether your reception is held in a fabulous garden with plenty of natural color or you’re using a garden theme in a reception facility, these do-it-yourself centerpieces will steal the show with their simplicity and sweetness.

According to the Elfster.com website, these beautiful wild violets from the garden can be transported to the table or counter in seconds, and it’s a great way to recycle old and mismatched drinking glasses that you’re still holding onto because they’re too cute to get rid of! A cluster of different heights and sizes looks the best on a table.  All you’ll need is a collection of odd drinking glasses, several dug-up wild violets (or other small, weedy flower) and a little moss to cover the soil.

Here’s how to make them:

1. With your fingers or small trowel, dig up individual small flowers, leaving a chunk of soil still attached to the roots.
2. Tuck several small plants together inside each glass, topping off with a thin layer of moss.
3. With proper watering (the soil should be lightly moist), these centerpieces will thrive for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

If you don’t have a garden, simply visit your local garden center and purchase the plants.  Not only are they a lovely addition to the table, but guests can take one home as a unique, eco-friendly wedding favor.  Perfect for spring and summer weddings, complete the display on the table with bird cage place card holders or personalized seed packs favors if you decide to keep the flowers for yourself.

Wedding Trend Alert: Bridesmaids are Doin’ It For Themselves!

Mismatched bridesmaids dresses are nothing new. Wedding pundits have been touting this trend for several years. The bride selects the dress designer and the fabric, and she lets her bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies.

The 2010 twist? Brides are choosing the color and simply handing it over to their bridesmaids, who then have the freedom to find an off-the-rack dress from any designer, in whatever style makes them look fabulous.

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Brides are discovering that this DIY bridesmaid thing takes a bit of the pressure off them. Meanwhile, bridesmaids are delighted to know they’ll not only look good the day of, but if they choose wisely, they’ll be able to wear the dress again. It’s a win-win! If you like this idea, go for it! A word to the wise–tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be to avoid one bridesmaid in a floor-length, beaded evening gown and another in a casual, short sundress.

Take No Chances!

Don’t wait until your wedding day to let your bridesmaids surprise you with their choices. Ask  your girls to let you have a look when they’ve found a dress (or two or three) that they like, so you can make sure each dress complements your color scheme and coordinates well with all the other dresses. They’re your friends, and they won’t disappoint you. In fact, they’ll be grateful for your confidence in them as well as the liberty to choose their perfect bridesmaid dress. At the same time, you’ll probably be so thrilled with their choices that you’ll kick your bridesmaids gifts up a notch!

Just for Fun!

I thought it would be fun to show you what you might wind up with if you let your bridesmaids surprise you with their frocks on the day of your wedding. Let’s say you want your attendants in bright red…

Boy, how times have changed. It used to be that an engagement photo was just that–one photo.  Traveling to the nearest Olan Mills Studio for a perfectly posed photo was just about all it took.  But now, that just won’t do.  Stepping up process, it’s no longer a photo–it’s an event!  Orchestrated and planned by the couple and their photographer, these engagement photos bring the relationship front and center, showcasing the couple’s fun side, interests, where the live or even give a glimpse of how they met.  It’s a veritable expose!

With all that going on, it’s important that these babies turn out right.  To get the most out of your wedding engagement photos, True Photography suggest these tips (and from the look of their amazing photos, they’re right!):

1)  Long exposures can help create great movement in the shot.  Everyone knows that the world doesn’t stand still when you kiss, but this picture says that it certainly feels that way.

2)  Showing that you have fun together, shows how much you love each other.  Look for ways to incorporate your personality into the shot.  A good photographer can also catch the natural, spontaneous fun you’re having that day as well.

3)  Bring a very simple prop that will add interest to the photograph. (Hey, I wonder if a unique wedding favor qualifies as a prop?  Talk about adding interest!)

Having been to my share of bar-hopping bachelorette parties, I know how much fun they can be—except for the designated driver (who, at an added expense, may be a limo or cab driver.) Unless one of the women on the guest list doesn’t have a taste for alcohol, there’s always one (the designated driver) who spends the evening on the outside looking in as the others make champagne toasts, sample martinis and get a little crazier than usual.

I’m here with another bachelorette party option that lets every guest have a good time, and they’ll all feel better when they leave than they do when they arrive. Arrive where, you ask? It could be your home or a plush hotel suite booked for the night—either way, it’s a safe place for the night (or day). And you might also wonder how you’ll leave feeling better than when you walked in. Simple…

Ahhhhhh-mazing!

Have a Spaaahhhhhhhhhhhh Party using a mobile spa service—the latest in luxury! Instead of having to travel to a spa, where you might be limited to what you can do in terms of food, drink and fun, you can have a mobile spa come to your home or some other location (like a hotel suite) where the food, drink and fun is all up to you! No one has to leave until the next morning, so you and the other guests can party as hard as you’d like without worrying about anyone’s ability to drive themselves home.

All Your Wants and “Kneads!”

Mobile spas offer virtually everything available at brick-and-mortar spas, including facials, skin treatments, massage, manicures, pedicures, and more. All you need to provide is the food, drink, bachelorette party or bridal shower favors and some music. The mobile spa comes to your location and transforms it into a lovely oasis of tranquility, pampering each and every guest, who can sip champagne and nibble on a decadent array of delights while she waits for her turn on the massage table. For anyone who overindulges, a plush chair or comfy bed is close at hand.

It’s a win-win for everyone, who goes home looking and feeling fabulous (unless she had one too many pomegranate mohitos…)

As we all know, the dessert is the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful celebration or a delicious meal.  But, how many times have you wanted to have a nice cake for someone’s rehearsal dinner, baby shower, bridal shower or even wedding but didn’t have the funds or time to get a fancy, high-dollar cake?  Well, have no fear–Cake Vases are here!

Who wouldn’t want a cake like this?!

I discovered this nifty little gadget the other day, and I just had to share it with my do-it-yourself brides and party planners.  It helps turn a regular, store-bought cake into a work of art.  Simply add the fresh flowers to this unique vase.

The great thing about it is that:

• It keeps the flowers fresh and in water the whole time–no wilting!
• It keeps the flowers AWAY from the cake–no need to worry about stems in the icing.

Here’s how it works:

Having a cake artisan create a cake like this would cost well over the $27 it actually did.  How’d we do it?  Easy!  We took a regular grocery-store cake ($10) and added the fresh flowers (a bouquet from the same grocery store at $17) using the Cake Vase.  Voila!  A beautiful cake at an even more beautiful price.  Do you know what you can purchase with the money you save on the cake?  Spring wedding favors to thank your guests, just like these.

Did you know you can purchase one wedding favor from Favors in the City to see if you like it before you order dozens of them? This goes for bridal shower favors and baby shower favors, too!

Seeing—and Touching—Is Believing…

I don’t know about you, but I always like to see, touch and evaluate what I’m buying before I plunk down my money. Of course, that’s often virtually impossible when I buy online, which is a super way to get things that might not be readily available in brick-and-mortar stores in my area. For the most part, I like and keep what I get about 97% of the time. It’s the 3% that disappoint and need to be returned—a small hassle, wouldn’t you say? And you’re back to square one searching for the product you still want/need.

Usually, the disappointment is in quality. It looked so good on TV/my computer screen/in the newspaper or magazine ad. Up close and personal—not so much. And when it comes to something uniquely important, like, oh, I don’t know, let’s say wedding favors, I would want to make absolutely sure I’m 100% thrilled with everything about it before I give it to even one guest.

Sample an Example of Your Favorite Favor!

With their no minimums* policy, Favors in the City lets you purchase single samples of one or several favors so you can get the full effect of each favor and make sure it’s the one for that once-in-a-lifetime day you’re planning. When a company is confident of their product quality, sending you a sample shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll be charged the unit price of the product sample(s) plus shipping and handling. Once you place your final order, Favors in the City refunds your original shipping cost. Meanwhile, you can sit back and relax, knowing that, when your wedding favors will arrive, they’ll be exactly what you envisioned!

Just another favor to you from Favors in the City! Gotta love ‘em!

* Except on personalized items, edible favors or items sold in a set.

It’s easy to cheer on the groom when you’re raising a personalized glass full of your favorite beverage.  Giving bar accessories as groomsmen gifts is a great idea for just about any guy.  Whether you’re adding to their fine collection of drinking glasses that are perfect for entertaining or special occasions or giving them a personalized flask, you’ll find these gifts quite refreshing.

Decanters and Pitchers

Stylish and packaged for gift giving, this personalized decanter lets your groomsmen drink in the memories of your special day each time they pour a glass.  The classic craftsmanship of this elegant decanter is outstanding, accented by a single initial for a tasteful and distinctive presentation.  Wouldn’t this be a wonderful addition to their bar or kitchen?  It’s an elegant gift that’s not just for groomsmen and can be given to the fathers, ushers or other male wedding participants, as well.

Flasks

Of all the groomsmen gifts at Favors In The City, I think this one is my favorite–probably because of the clever design.  No one would ever guess that there’s a small glass inside!  When you look at the center circle, you’re actually looking at the bottom of the glass that fits perfectly inside the donut-shaped flask.   How ingenious–and handy!  Accented with leather trim, the round design is distinctively different.  Personalizing it with a single initial makes it truly a one-of-a-kind gift and keepsake that they’ll use and appreciate.

Wine Bottle Stoppers

Perfect for the wine enthusiasts in your wedding party, this engraved bottle stopper keeps their favorite wine as fresh as when it was first uncorked.  Each time they open a bottle of the good stuff, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness.  With one touch of a button, it easily snaps on or pops off their favorite bottle of wine, making it quite the conversation piece, don’t you think?!

From beer mugs to pitchers, there are lots of great bar-themed gifts to choose from, so you won’t have to give every gentleman the same gift.  Simply, pick the one that best suits their personality and style.

Amid all the craziness of wedding planning, it’s easy to forget that, even though your wedding vendors might be receiving a big, fat check for their services, they also need to be tipped. You can’t just give them one of the extra unique wedding favors you ordered or a handshake and call it a day.

Martha Knows Money!

Our friend Martha Stewart of Martha Stewart Weddings (you may have heard of her) has a detailed accounting of whom should be tipped, how much and how to handle it. Editor that I am, I’m going to provide you with an abridged version of her presentation so you can 1) be reminded that wedding vendor tipping is a must to thank them for a job well done (assuming it is well done) and 2) have a general idea of whom and how much to tip.

Know Up Front!

Keep in mind that some vendors include the gratuity in their fees, so always check. Others will let you choose the amount based on the level of their service. Needless to say, those tips can add up to big money, depending on the size of your wedding. You might want to ask a friend or family member to handle the tipping records and calculations for you, but you should write a personal thank-you note to each vendor after the event—perhaps a glowing recommendation they can use to obtain future customers. Okay. Here we go:

Who: Officiants

How Much: Typically  $75 to $100, separate from any fee you might be charged for the officiant’s time

How: Many religious officiants won’t accept cash tips. To thank them for their services, make a donation to their house of worship or give a gift certificate to a nice restaurant. If your wedding is performed by  a civil employee (judge, clerk or other non-religious official,) skip the gratuity as they might be legally unable to accept. A thank-you note, however,  is appropriate.

Who: Catering Staff (includes catering or banquet manager, servers, bartenders, chefs and other essential workers)

How Much: Typically 15-20% of the catering bill for the banquet manager to share with the kitchen and serving staff. Another option is to offer a flat amount for each worker: $100-$200 for the catering/banquet manager, $50 each for chefs and bakers, $20-$30 each for servers and kitchen staff, divided into separate envelopes.

How: Pay the director of the catering company in advance or hand them to the banquet manager toward the end of the event.

Who: Musicians and DeeJays

How Much: If you book through an agency, musicians and vocalists should be tipped about $20-$25 each and deejays should get at least $25. See details in “How.”

How: Tipping customs vary depending on whether you hire an independent band or deejay or book through an agency. For independent bands that book their own gigs, tipping isn’t customary. If you book through an agency, either the gratuity will be included in the contract or they’ll suggest you give a little extra to each band member in cash. Hand out the tips in cash envelopes at the end of the night.

Who: Stylists and Make-Up Artists

How Much: Just like you would for a regular appointment–15-20%. Assistants (shampoo person, etc.) should get $3-$5 each.

How: Hand out tips in envelopes directly to the stylists or leave them at the salon’s front desk. Cash is fine, or charging tips on your card when you pay for all the services is appropriate as well. If a stylist comes to your home or wedding venue, tip as you would at the salon. NOTE: Hair stylists and make-up artists who own their own businesses are generally not tipped.

Who: Photographers, Videographers, Florists and Wedding Coordinators

How Much: For the above vendors who own their own businesses, tipping isn’t necessary. For photographers, videographers and florists who don’t own the business, tip $30-$50; wedding coordinators should be given $50-$100.  For extraordinary service from any of these vendors, owners or not, think about giving an additional 10% or a thank-you gift—a gift certificate, perhaps, or a print from your photographer showing the vendor in action at your wedding.

How: In envelopes after the wedding.

Who: Site Staff (coat checkers, powder-room attendants, parking valets)

How Much: Coat checkers/$1-$2 per guest, which they can share; Powder-room attendants/$ .50-$1 per guest, divided among them; Parking valets/$1-$1.50 per car.

How: Some time before the wedding, ask the site manager to instruct workers not to accept any gifts from guests. Pay the workers at the end of the evening–cash in envelopes.  For the parking valets,  give the envelope to the parking manager, who will divide the cash among the valets.

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Who: Seamstresses, Delivery People and Drivers

How Much/How: Seamstresses don’t expect a cash tip, but a small thank-you gift (a photo of your in your gown?) is a lovely way to show your gratitude; $5 each to the people delivering the flowers when they make the delivery; 15-20% of the cost in cash (when it’s not included in the contract) to the limousine driver when you’re picked up;

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAThat’s it! Consider yourself tipped off!

Evidently, guys seem to have a hard time understanding women.  We want them to be mind readers, and figure out our many moods, but they can’t.  Some of them even find it difficult to tell when their girl is in the mood.  Well, after years of mixed signals and misunderstandings, there’s finally some help for guys–at least in the romance department.

Personally, I would think there are a whole lot of other ways that a guy can tell, but just in case, a California company created this emotionally activated lipstick that actually changes color as the woman is more and more aroused.  Once it hits deep red, you know she’s there.  It’s a guy thing, really!

How it works

Based on the same technology as the mood rings from the 70’s and 80’s, “Mood Swing” (as it is so aptly named) works by reacting with a woman’s body chemistry.  It even comes with a color chart so men can really know for sure how aroused their partner is feeling.  And, at $18.50 a tube, it had better be accurate.  Although I can’t imagine wearing this every day.  I mean, would I really want the guy sitting across from me in Starbucks knowing that I’m as hot as my coffee???!!!

What works for me

But, what I would wear–and truly appreciate–is some soothing lip balm.  You know, the kind you get at the drug store or sometimes — if you’re lucky–you receive it as a party favor.  Now that’s the kind of coverage a girl could really use.  That’s why lip balm makes such a fun favor for weddings, birthday parties or whatever.  Everybody has lips, and, as we all know, they tend to get dry sometimes.  Having that personalized lip balm handy will revive our parched lips and even protect them from damage.

So the next time you’re looking for a great gift idea for your guests, read my lips and get some lip balm.

Catering expert, Cheryl Kahn-Bracco, director of  Catering for the Glazier Group (a Manhattan event management company,) gave some insight on what’s right now and what’s so five minutes ago in a recent post on MitzvahMarket.com. Cheryl has “extensive experience in hospitality” and oversees unique events for clients at Bridgewaters, Twenty Four Fifth in NYC and The Beach Resort in Key West, FL.

Let’s take a look at what’s cooking in the catering world this season!

RIGHT NOW: Fried Chicken  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Sliders

RIGHT NOW: Gluten-Free Foods  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Nut-Free Foods

RIGHT NOW: Organic, Sustainable Local Foods  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Processed, Frozen or Imported Food

RIGHT NOW: St~ Germain Cocktails  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Cosmopolitans

RIGHT NOW: Short Ribs  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Rack of Lamb

RIGHT NOW: Lounge Seating  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Assigned Seating

RIGHT NOW: Email RSVP  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Response Cards Sent Via Email

RIGHT NOW: Woopie Pies  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Chocolate Fountains

RIGHT NOW: Root Beer Floats  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Frozen Daiquiris

Okay. Let’s talk about the questions you have, which are probably the same things I wondered about.  We’ll start with a recipe for the St. Germain Cocktail. St~Germain is a liqueur made from hand-picked elderflower blossoms, and this recipe is from the St~Germain web site:

2 parts Champagne* or Dry White Wine** 1 ½ parts St-Germain 2 parts Sparkling Water or Club Soda
Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.Variation: Think of Sarte circa 1947. Be the lemon twist. * Or Sparkling Wine, Prosecco or Cava ** Preferably Sauvignon Blanc

My next question was about  “lounge seating.” Rental companies can drop off and pick up lounge-style set-ups to match your color scheme. These lounges create comfortable, intimate groupings throughout your reception venue, making your event sophisticated and laid-back at the same time. It’s a great look you’ll probably have to pay more for. Here are a few photos I got from Google that give you a pretty good idea of the concept:

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Last one–whoopie pies (also called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or “BFO” for Big Fat Oreo.) A Whoopie Pie is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. Well, I’m on board. Here’s what they look like:

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As always, use what works for you and leave the rest–although I don’t think many of us would leave those Whoopie Cakes behind.