Cool Traditions

Group Photo of All Your Guests
Having a guest book is a great way to have notation of who was at your wedding. If your having a smaller wedding or you have the ability to take a picture high enough to get all your guests in the frame, I suggest doing this cool new tradition! Such a cool look.

Menu of Grandmas Recipies
I love tradition and when brides take a piece of themselves and their history and put it in their weddings. If you have the ability to work with a caterer that will use your recipies or if you have enough family that can help out, pull out those foods that you remember from growing up and use them as your menu. Using menu cards that give a small story about each dish or a memory about it from either the bride or groom will make it more special and tell your guests why you picked it.

Combined Ethnic Cuisines
This can be tricky but can be done. If you both have different ethnic backrounds, show it in your menu. What's wrong with mixing Mexican foods with Italian??

Presenting Your Mom the Bouquet Instead of Tossing It
I have never seen this done but I love the idea! So sentimental and special. She can dry it and have something to remember that day for the rest of her life.

Dancing to Your Parents First-dance Song
Even if it is outdated or no one will know it, just ask your DJ to make an announcement or even better, if you have pictures of them dancing to the song you can show that in the background while you dance. Such a great tribute to them and your family!

Read more...

Tips to {SAVE} on your Caterer!

Most of the time the caterer will take up a HUGE chunk of your budget so here are a few tips to help you make that chunk a little smaller....

1. Be Picky - Look into venues that allow you to choose any caterer not just theirs or off their list (which may not fit your budget). Do the math before you book.

2. Keep it Simple - You don't need tons of choices for your guests. Even your buffet can be limited to two entrees. The more simple you make your food choices by keeping in mind the prep time, the less your caterer will charge you.

3. Consider NEW Companies - Just because they are young and new to the business, it doesn't mean they can't handle your event. Most likely they will charge less but do your research and ask a lot of questions. Make sure you get a referral and do a tasting.

4. Stay in Season - Keep your menu to foods that can be easily obtained by your caterer. The more they have to pay to get it for you, the more you will pay.


5. Resist an Upgrade - Use your calculator to really figure out how much your bill will go up total before you say yes to those $3.00 upgraded mushrooms. For 250 guests that can be more than $750 dollars on top of the basic package.

Read more...

Goodies For Welcome Bags

When your preparing for out of town guests, why not pamper them with some goodies that make them feel more at home and ready to sight-see the town.

Think of things that mean something to you or would be practical for your guests. Put some thought into it and you can't go wrong!

In case you need a little help...





1. Sunscreen
2. Stamped Postcard
3. Disposable Camera
4. Starbucks Card
5. Wedding Day Itinerary
6. Flip-Flops
7. Map of the Area
8. Bus Routes
9. Taxi Contact Information
10. Local Restaurant Guide

Read more...

Thank-You Note Tips

1. Divide and Conquer: You don't have to write them ALL on your own. Enlist help from your groom and separate the thank-yous by who's side the gift came from.

2. Say "NO" to Procrastination: I know you have alot going on after the wedding and honeymoon to get back to your regular daily schedule. But if you put off your thank-yous it will get harder and harder to get them done. Try to get them out with-in two weeks to a month after the wedding.

3. Receive Cash?: Be classy about it and thank them for the gift and let them know what it's going toward. Mentioning the amount can be tacky, so leave this detail out!

4. Never Mention Broken Gifts: If a gift arrives broken don't let the sender know. Notify the store it came from to exchange it.

5. Use an Actual Thank-You Card: None of the following should be used- Facebook, Twitter, phone call, e-mail, text, or e-card.

6. Group Gift: Send a thank-you to ALL of them. Personalize it and make sure they know you noticed it was from all of them.

7. Skip Adding Photos: They can hold up the process and make it so your cards go out late. They are cute though if you can get them fast enough.

I personally love stationary! Check out Wedding Paper Divas when your looking purchase. They have great products and the brides I have worked with that ordered from them said they had great service and it was easy to order from them!

Read more...

don't forget to enter our giveaway

don't forget to enter the current giveaway of free day of coordination from lilly lynn events!

click here to enter, contest runs until january 3rd!!!!

Read more...

Simple Centerpieces

there is no rule that says your centerpieces have to be mind blowing or super expensive. here are a few ideas for those of you who want to put more money in a different part of your budget. whether it is to use simple brush or wheat like below or using different height vases with submerged flowers, the most important thing is to make sure every aspect of your wedding reflects you!

do what you feel is in your budget and what fits both of your personalities. if you need help some planners and florists will do an hour consultation just to brainstorm. if you are interested in a brainstorming consultation, feel free to contact us kim@lillylynnevents.com

happy planning {k}

also be sure to enter ourday of wedding coordination giveaway!!!

Read more...

Wearing a Second Hand Gown...Do or Don't?

These days there are so many websites and consignment stores that sell used wedding gowns. Now there is nothing wrong with going to one of these sites or store but keep a couple things in mind. Same with if a family member such as your mom or aunt offers you her gown.

Do consider the offer. Not only will accepting the offer keep possible tensions to a minimum, it will also reduce the cost of the ceremony. Seeking out something new can run into the thousands. So if your big day has a budget, this is one way to stick to it. Plus, if it's your mother's dress, you could do your vows vintage-style. This will add to the traditional tone of the big day, which is what fairy tale weddings are all about.


Don't dare to wear it the way you get it. It's unlikely it will fit you perfectly so be prepared to alter the size. It's your big day, you don't want to be remembered as the bride who wore her best friend's dress, just not quite as well. Also, sporting family heirlooms on the big day is always fashionable but, at a generation or so old, the heirlooms themselves often aren't. With a little nip, tuck and chuck of the shoulder pads, a seamstress can work wedding dress-wonders.

Photo by Dinea de Photo - Located in Olympia WA ( FABULOUS Lady to work with!!)

Link

Read more...

{Sneek Peek} Brittany and Stephens Wedding

There are way more pictures coming in a few weeks when I get them from the awesome photographer April who photographed the wedding....

Saturday Aug 29th was a great day for a wedding. The sun came out and the rain stopped long enough to have Brittany and Stephens wedding outside at the beautiful Kubota Park in South Seattle. The reception was held at Mayflower Park Hotel in downtown Seattle. Andrew at the hotel was great to work with and the food was awesome.

Here are a couple pics to peak your interest and I will put up more later :)

Read more...

LLE {hearts} Decorated Aisles

When I work on weddings and when I attend them I get lots of ideas and find things that I like better than other things. One of the things I {heart} is a great aisle! Whether it has candles or flowers, as long as it pops!

Here are a few examples:

Read more...

Win $25 from myweddingfavors.com

myweddingfavors.com is offering one lucky winner at $25 gift certificate towards the stylish favors of their choice. What a thoughtful way to say thank you to your guests on the big day. Their large selection includes ideas to please every design sense and wedding vision. To enter all you have to do is post a comment. The winner will be chosen at random on August 28th... good luck!

"LOVE" Frosted Coasters

Mini-Lanterns

Read more...

Till Death Do Us Part....

... or not.

That is the question in an article that Fox News.com released.

With the high numbers of divorce and they attitude that if it doesn't work out you can just marry someone else later, some are changing their vows from " till death do us part" to "For as long as we continue to love each other," "Until our time together is over" and "For as long as our love shall last".

These alternative vows are popping up all over these days and some say its just a sign of the times. Understanding that the divorce rate is pretty high, I personally still believe you get married once. I have heard the term " he/she will make a great first husband/wife". What an odd way of looking at spending your life with someone. Just assuming that you won't make it with them and going through with a wedding anyway. How odd??

Same for those who know on their wedding day that they are making a mistake and going through with it anyway. I understand the embarrassment and the money spent but your true happiness and what is best for you, should come first.

What do you think? Are you in favor of using "till death do us part" or one of the alternatives?

Read more...

93% of People Admit to Getting Lost

When planning an event make sure to add directions to the location. Even if it seems simple enough to you, others who are not familiar with the area may not find it so easy!

* Print the telephone numbers of the wedding venues somewhere on the card.
* Ask someone who is unfamiliar with the area to test the directions
* Take road closures and construction into account




{LINK}

Read more...

Piperlime Wedding Shoes??? Who Knew!

Anyone who reads my personal blog will know I {heart} shoes! In fact I used to buy them and hide them in my closet thinking it was wrong to buy a new pair each week. My parents used to think I was crazy when I lived at home and would get to the point I would want to get rid of some and when I laid them all out.... Ta da! They covered the entire living room floor!!!!

One piece to your wedding attire that I feel is often over looked is your shoes. I totally understand comfort but it drives me nuts when brides wear flip flops! At least pick a great flat that you break in and wear around your house for a few weeks before the wedding.

I think one of my favorite out of the norm shoes I saw was worn by one of my friends Tia. She is married to my boyfriends cousin and at her wedding she wore some great teal tennys! Loved the idea and they fit her personality perfectly! They were a teal sparkly shoe from Ed Hardy.



This morning I opened my email and there was my regular Piperlime.com email. Since I had a minute I thought I might browse through it and stumbled on the wedding shoes. I had no idea they even had a wedding section.

There is a section for bridesmaids and a section for brides. You can even pick the style of your dress and they will show you a shoe that would go with it. Pretty darn cool!

Check out the full selection and all the cute colors they have for bridesmaids on Piperlime.com . They are associated with Gap and Banana Republic.

LOVE the site!

Read more...

"Pink is my signature color" - Shelby Steal Magnolias

A couple years ago I was in my brothers wedding and their colors were a light pink and darker pink. He would crack me up laughing with his impersonation of Julia Roberts character Shelby. He would do the Blush and bashful quote from the movie. It was so funny I would die laughing!!

Anyway this week we are talking pink! So today I thought in honor of one of my favorite movies I would show you some great finds for pink bridesmaid dresses. The one I wore in the picture above was from Macys. Gorgeous dress but still yet to find another event to wear it to!


J.Crew Bridal Collection


$225.00

Banana Republic


$130.00











Ann Taylor


$149.00

Read more...

2009 Top 10 Wedding Songs

"Lucky" by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
Who will like it: The bride and groom and the rest of the lovebirds.
When to play it: The first dance.

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
Who will like it: Everyone.
When to play it: During the cocktail hour or between dinner courses.

"Good Time" by Alan Jackson
Who will like it: The country-music lovers.
When to play it: Right after dinner.

"The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson
Who will like it: The romantics and nostalgics.
When to play it: The cake cutting.

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyonce
Who will like it: All the single ladies.
When to play it: The bouquet toss.

"Beautiful" by Akon
Who will like it: Couples and hip-hop enthusiasts.
When to play it: As one of the first slow songs after dinner.

"So What" by P!nk
Who will like it: All the single guests.
When to play it: Following a slow song to get everyone back out on the dance floor.

"Just Dance" by Lady GaGa
Who will like it: Your guests who like to dance.
When to play it: Once the elderly guests have left and it's time to get the party started.

"Green Light" by John Legend
Who will like it: Couples and any singles who may have paired up at the end of the night.
When to play it: Toward the end of the evening.


"When the Night Comes" by Dan Auerbach
Who will like it: All the couples.
When to play it: As the last slow song at the end of the night.




















{source}

Read more...

Paris Wedding Theme

If you were ever at my house you would know I LOVE Paris due to the Eiffel Tower on my dining room table and all the black and white pictures I have hanging up! Well someday when I have my chance at being the bride instead of planning for someone else....I am considering a Paris themed wedding!

The style and the romantic flare that Paris gives off is amazing! Although I have never been there, it is high on my list to visit someday. Hopefully I will have the chance to plan this wedding sometime in the near future :)

{click on image to see it larger}

Read more...

Vests

Summer weddings can be hot... depending on where you are getting married at. I always feel bad for the groom and his guys who have to stand out in the sun and literally melt in the sun!

Why not switch it up some and have all the guys just wear vests? Like the pictures in this post, there are many ways and styles to make the vest only look work.



Also....LOVE the hats so if your a groom who can rock a hat, why not?

Courious to know..............

Grooms- Would you rock a vest and a hat?
Brides - Would you want your guy to rock the vest and hat?

{photo credit}

Read more...

LLE {hearts} Lanterns

{Click on the image to see it larger}

Read more...

DIY: Summer Favors

Came across these cute Candle Favors that cost under $1 on ProjectWedding.com. They are really cute and perfect for showers and weddings.

Visit ProjectWedding.com for all the information on how to make them and what to buy!

Read more...

Cake of the Week!

Read more...