Don't forget that as of May 27th we've started our Soiree Birthday Wedding Day Giveaway! You have until June 27th at midnight to submit your heartfelt letters of love! We'll choose the top 2-3 letters, and then it's up to our fellow readers to vote! This is a great chance to be able to relax and truly be a guest on your wedding day!
Click here for contest details and rules!
~Happy Planning!
PS- do you like our snazzy new Giveaway logo? Thanks to Designhergals.com!
Have you entered our Birthday Wedding Giveaway??
Easy Layout Idea For Your Outdoor Event
Making sure everything will fit perfectly is key to avoiding mishaps on the actual wedding day- especially if you'll be having a tent! It can be daunting to start a layout from scratch on a private residence property. But when armed with a few tricks and tools of the trade, you'll be sure to have accurately accounted for your space.
A large part of my background is in mortgages and residential lending. With more and more of my weddings becoming blank-canvas, private property parties, I knew I needed to find fast, efficient ways to create layouts. I do have great resource programs that will create room layouts to scale in a matter of minutes, but I found that I still needed an overhead view of the property to make sure I had the lot accurately portrayed. Enter the County Assessor. By going to the website, you can enter the address, retrieve a picture of the house and then view an interactive sky view map. You can create a pdf of the map to email, or even just print it out as-is.
While you'll still have to take measurements of your property, this map will at least serve as a starting point for your layout and a great visual aid to key vendors such as your party rental manager. Google your county assessor's webpage for help with property addresses in each county. Be sure to take note if there have been any major additions or changes to the lot, however, as the assessor will not always have the most up to date lot and parcel information.
~Happy Planning!
A Soiree Birthday Giveaway!
Today is my Birthday! And if you've been around for a while, you know how I feel about my birthday!
However I do consider myself a sharing person- so what better day than a birthday for a giveaway!
**Updated Contest Details With Ashki Photography Below**
From now until June 27th at midnight (MST), you are welcome to enter to win a Day Of Coordination service for the 2010 season- that's right your wedding day is on us (an up to $800.00 value). Our Day of Coordination always starts 2 months before your wedding and includes everything you need for a fantastically smooth wedding: vendor confirmations, contract review, layouts and set up instructions, advice and guidance, rehearsal orchestration, and plenty of hours on your wedding day.
But wait- that's not all. Cyndee Wanyonyi of Ashki Photography has offered to add to the winnings- she will gift a complimentary engagement session plus a custom framed signature matte with your favorite image. This takes the total winnings to approximately $1200.00 in services and products.
Contest details and rules are as follows:
* Send us an email to blog@weddingsbysoiree.com with a letter describing your favorite qualities about your relationship and/or your fiance. Tell us a little bit about how you two came to be and why you should be the winners! Please include a picture of you and your fiance.
* Entry letters must be 300 words or less
* Your wedding must take place in 2010 and is subject to our availability. You cannot have already contracted with us or have a current proposal (sorry, lovelies!), and you cannot already have a wedding coordinator or photographer.
* The top 3 entries will be featured here on the Soiree and Ashki Photography blogs and our readers will be able to vote on the final winner.
* Giveaway includes Day of Coordination service and fees only for local Boise and McCall weddings, plus a complimentary engagement session and custom framed signature matte ($1200.00 total products and services).
* Contest entry ends at midnight on June 27th, 2009
* The winner will be announced Friday July 3rd, 2009.
Good luck and we can't wait to hear from you!
Happy Wedding Day Randi and Robert!
Today is Randi and Robert's long-awaited wedding day. We've been working together for over a year now, and I absolutely can't wait to see everything set up. With their whimsical touches (think argyle, a chalkboard, and a labradoodle puppy named Bear!) and their summery color scheme of yellow, brown, and green, it's going to be amazing. Photos and commentary to come soon!
Robert is hilarious and is genuinely an extremely nice guy. Randi has the best personality, completely with her dry wit and humor- I love these guys!
Congratulations Randi and Robert, you're both so deserving and I can't wait to see you two finally be married!
~Brandi
Rustic and Garden Party Wedding Finds
Are you planning a rustic wedding? I've always think it's best to take an idea and just run with it- make it so your guests are constantly surprised and delighted at every turn. So if you're planning a natural wedding (think barn wedding, reception in the meadow, English Garden, dancing under the stars), why not let nature shine through at every turn?
I love these colorful matches featuring nature, insects, or birds. They have a vintage feel to them, and even the bug designs still look classy to me!These would be great as a favor idea.
I thought these chalkboard garden stakes were the cutest idea. I can see them being used as table numbers or even food labels for a buffet. These would even be great for a home party.
I couldn't pass up these zinc place cards either- they would be a great touch to a table with a rustic centerpiece. You can also check out the zinc gift tags- if you have the budget, they would make a perfect touch to your favor boxes.
These twig nests can be used as part of your centerpiece decor, or even as part of your buffet display (bread bowl, anyone?).
Finally, these Pussy Willow napkin rings would be a gorgeous finishing touch.
~Happy Planning!
{Photo Sources}
Pictures 1-5 Areohome
Picture 6- Gearys
Design Inspiration: The Brocade Design Blog
I heart Brocade Home. And I thought for sure the world was ending when last fall brought rumors that the company was going out of business. Good thing my temper tantrum worked, and it's still here today! And with it comes a new Brocade summer collection and a blog full of great design inspiration.
Just looking at a Brocade Home catalogue can get your heart racing and your imagination brimming with ideas for just about every facet of your life: your wedding reception, your much-anticipated annual party, or even just for your home, so imagine what the company's blog will do!
While you're planning for your wedding or event, I encourage you to request catalogues to be sent to you- you'll be amazed at some of the ideas you'll come up with!
~happy planning!
{Photo}
Preparing Your Guests For An Outdoor Wedding
Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception? While getting married alongside nature is always beautiful, guarantee your guests will see the beauty too by taking these few extra steps in your planning process.
Mention In Your Invitations If There Will Be Grass or Sand
Even just a simple line on your enclosure card will do : " Our wedding will be outside on the grass, so be sure to bring shoes you can move in!"
This will let your lady guests know to wear shoes that won't aerate the grass or have them stuck in one spot; if they still decide to wear heels- at least you warned them!
Another great gesture in addition to this is to provide fun dancing-friendly shoes such as flip flops.
Provide For The Elements
Getting married in the heat of the summer? Be sure to provide shade, even if your ceremony is only going to last 15 minutes. Consider umbrellas for the ladies, or rent market-style umbrellas to shade the aisle or guest tables. When mapping out the spot for your ceremony altar point, go to the spot at the time of day you are planning on for the ceremony. Make sure the sun isn't shining right into your guests' faces. 
If you think there's a chance of a cold chill in an evening wedding, consider lap blankets, renting heaters, and even a warm drink such as passed hot chocolate for your guests.
Plan For Nature
Getting married by the river? Whether you are or not, the possibility of bugs and/or mosquitoes is still there- look into bug remedies and possibly even consider having the area sprayed a day or two ahead of time.
These gestures for your guests will ensure a smooth, memorable day- and will sure to win you the prize for Hostess of the Year!
~Happy Planning!
{Photo by Amore Photography And Design}
Finding That Perfect Dress For Wedding And Party Season
The season has officially started, and if you're like many, your first wedding or gathering is right around the corner. But what to wear? If you're in need of a great summer party dress or the perfect cocktail dress for that outdoor wedding, here are a few places to help you on your search:
edressme.com is the powerhouse of all dress sites- you'll find any style: cocktail, evening and sundresses; the site even breaks it down into easy-to-browse categories, such as Garden Wedding and Island Wedding, ensuring you'll show up in style and in the perfect ensemble.
Anthropologie is always a go-to for fun, bohemian, and often vintage flair (with a little kitsch!) dress varieties.
JCrew, long known for their easy, relaxed and breezy style, coupled with their Weddings and Parties Collection is sure to direct you to the perfect frock.
Happy Planning, and Happy Party-Going!
The W.in.e K.L.U.B
Women in Entrepreneurship Keeping Ladies United in Business, or better known as the W.In.E K.L.U.B, is an awesome new networking group striving to support women with their businesses and their dreams. Each monthly meeting features new sponsors, and is held at and promotes a different venue here in Boise.
This month's meeting is on Thursday May 7th, and will be held at Ono Hawaiian Cafe from 5:30-7:30. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Ono, and there will be a no-host bar for your beverage of choice. Raffle prizes and a good time are guaranteed! Any women in business hoping to promote their businesses, make new connections and friends, are welcome to attend.
If you'll be planning on attending, please rsvp to Jennifer Spano; wineklub@rocketmail.com.
Hope to see you there!
~Brandi
Mother's Day Gift Idea For Your Inner Recessionista
If you're still wondering what to get your mom for Mother's Day, and/or are worried about getting something that won't break the bank yet will still be meaningful, this gift idea is for you.
This year, rather than spend beaucoup bucks on a bouquet of flowers (to tell you the truth my mom is really good at not watering them anyways!) or walking around aimlessly through a store just trying to find something that would fit her, I decided to do something from the heart. Stemming from both my budgetary needs and the fact that I became a mother this year, I decided to come up with 100 memories of my mom that meant most to me.
I spent 8.99 on this decorative box and 3.95 on a pack of pretty stationery papers to write my memories on. Then I spent the last week writing down all the memories that have stayed with me all these years.
You can do several variations on this idea- consider putting your notes in transparent glassine envelopes or even make a scrapbook filled with pictures and memories. You can even consider using this idea for your bridesmaids or other important people in your life that you'd like to honor.
What are some of your great recessionista ideas for Mother's Day?
{Box and decorative paper both from Cost Plus World Market}
Tips To Make The Most Of Your Dress Fitting
When your wedding gown arrives, 99% of the time it will require some alterations to make sure it fits you like a glove. And with often only one or two appointments with your seamstress before you walk down the aisle, it pays to come prepared- these tips below will help make the process a little more seamless!
Purchase and bring with you the exact undergarments you'll be wearing on your wedding day. Whether you'll be wearing a bustier with boning in the bodice or a strapless number, it will make a difference in how much your seamstress takes out in certain places. Sometimes, it will also help you to decide which type of undergarment will work best with your gown as well.
Wear the exact heel height. Even an inch or two will make a huge difference in whether you're tripping on your hem all day or showing too much shoe.
Have your seamstress show you different styles of bustles. You may find that the style you were imagining didn't have the same effect on your dress, or you may find one that just works better. On your second fitting appointment, be sure to have the seamstress show you (and one other person) exactly how to bustle your dress.
Move around. It may seem like a perfect fit as you're standing still, but many times you'll find out too late (on your wedding day) that your dress just won't stop slipping down. Once you're pinned in and the hem is pinned up, be sure to walk around and raise your arms a bit- just make sure you're walking with ease and that bodice stays in place.
~ Happy Planning!
{Becky in her Maggie Sottero gown. Photo by Amore Photography and Design}
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