Z Weddings Magazine

Z Weddings Magazine is the newest follow-up to Your Wedding And Event Book, one of Boise's best vendor referral and planning resources for brides and grooms. The magazine version was introduced last year, and served to be a more contemporary resource, with planning articles and real wedding inspirations.

This year, I'm thrilled to say that Soiree has been selected as Production Coordinator for the magazine, so we'll be a major part of the fabulousness in the magazine.

Our winter/spring edition will be coming out in December, and will feature our Cover Model Contest winning brides' real weddings, more detail photos for inspiration, and lots of planning resource articles and features such as Ask The Expert and Behind The Scenes how-to's.

The magazine is set to come out bi-annually, and if you ask me, the magazine is getting better and better. From time to time I'll be posting questions and polls regarding the magazine, so I hope you'll participate and help us make this the best local planning and inspiration source for Boise and Idaho brides.

Happy Planning!

The Hottest New Trend In Weddings?

I was fortunate enough to have received a jaw-dropping email from Mary Dann the other day. Mary had a gorgeous wedding at the Pelican Hill Resort in California, one that I'd heard much about. Never thought I'd get to see the details- in this fashion especially!

Americhip, the company that brought us the singing greeting card some 20+ years ago, has designed a line of "video magazine" products. Along with producing these innovative magazines for fortune 500 companies, they've also introduced a line for brides and grooms.

Now couples can capture the moments of their wedding day and download them to a video album that same day. With the capability to hold up to 45 minutes of content, push buttons to tell the entire story in chapters, and rechargeable batteries, this just may be the newest trend in wedding albums.

This featured couple was the first to receive their video album- you have to see their reaction here. No really, go. Now. (Then come back). Can you believe they were able to see this while they were still at their wedding?

Americhip also offers additional products in the bridal line- Save The Dates, Video Memory Books, and even Invites. Prices range from $85-$395 depending on product and quantity chosen. For more ordering information and inspiration, visit Marydann.com or myvideomyvoice.com.

Thanks to Mary for sharing, and happy planning!

Wedding Planning App for iPhone and iPod Touch

If you're a loyal Apple customer, and you happen to be planning a wedding- your life just got a little better. Introducing: iWedding, the downloadable wedding organization app for your phone or iPod Touch.

Guest list management (complete with guest count, meal choices, and rsvp), To-Do lists, and even budget data is tracked in this little gem. Export your notes and numbers to an online iWedding account to assure your fiance that you are still under budget, and integrate the app with your contacts/address book, because you're a busy gal and shouldn't need to take the time to re-enter everything. Create your seating arrangements on the go, and view inspirational photos at the drop of a hat. What more could you ask for?

Apple is magical. Happy planning!

Great Party Planning Books

While blogs, wedding and fashion magazines tend to be on my nightstand and computer more frequently than books, there are some books of note that stay in plain view on my bookshelf in the office at all times. Some are more hostess-oriented, others strictly weddings, and still others are more geared toward parties. Here are two great books for planning a party in general:

The Last Minute Party Girl: Fashionable, Fearless, and Foolishly Simple Entertaining



Erika Lenkert is blunt and to the point in this book full of entertaining and decorating techniques, recipes (easy ones, at that), ideas, and most importantly: Erika makes sure you (the hostess) look smashing at all times (you are the party goddess, afterall).Who could ask for anything more out of a book?

This book has repeatedly made its way into my kitchen when I need quick, easy recipes for impromtu parties or get togethers.

The Party Planner, By David Tutera



While some of the designs featured in the book are a little over the top, his overall design advice can be easily applied to every day parties or weddings. Creative favor ideas, lovely ways to display and serve your menu, and practical planning tips make it well worth the read.

What other books can you recommend?