Candy Buffet -- Something Sweet, Something Sour

Pink and Yellow Candy Buffet Photo by Alice Hu Photography

The yellow and pink of this buffet is refreshingly spring-like, perfect for either a wedding or a wedding shower.  Tempt your guests with some sweet and sour!

Pops and Pigs (OK with a title like that how can you resist?)

Pigs In The Blanket Lollipops? From Abigail Kirsch

New York caterer, Abigail Kirsch operates exclusive venues and caters events in the New York area.  She tries to offer your guests some unique presentations of some well known and well loved food.  That little extra 'twist' will thrill you and your wedding guests.

A great example of Abigail's work are these pigs in a blanket pops who are formally described as:  Blanketed Frank Lollipops with crisp onion ale batter, and maple horseradish mustard sauce.  This pulls the perennial favorite of pigs in a the blanket into the 21st century where their reincarnation lets us all enjoy our guilty favorite since it's gone gourmet!

DIY (Do It Yourself) Lily Garlands

Lily Garland from Martha Stewart

Scent your wedding/reception with garlands of lilies.  Lilies are most abundant during the spring wedding season but you can always use silk lilies during other seasons.  For long spaces or double layer strands (see picture), wire several garlands together on the day of the wedding.  Use florist wire and string up 16 blooms each in sections, then cover wire with beautiful ribbons.  Be sure to remove the yellow anthers from the lilies because the pollen from them will stain.  For directions for these garlands visit Martha's web site or see all her other incredible DIY ideas for flowers for your wedding. 

Per Martha Stewart directions for Fragrant Garland of Lilies:

Thread 26-gauge wire through first bloom; attach at base with floral tape (or, for an end, tape wire to base of a closed bulb). Then slide on second bloom, to overlap previous flower a bit; tape base. Repeat until you reach desired length, leaving wire for hanging.

Romantic Veils From Etsy.com

Veil designed by Romantic Rona, photo at her Etsy web site.

Want a unique veil? One that doesn't cost a fortune but looks like it does? Romantic Rona designs veils for your wedding that will make you look like you've invested in french lace.  Head over to Rona's site on Etsy to see more of her incredible creations.

Red! The Rebel Bridal Shoe. Are You A Rebel?

Red is the color of romance and brides these days are showing their rebellious side by wearing some red under their white wedding gowns.  Whether it's wearing red shoes or a red garter or a tiny red thong, while it use to be 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' the new color is red! So in the midst of your wedding you can stop and think about how hot your are for the man you love!  These shoes by Valentino and Alan Pinkus. 

Italian Sodas -- Delizio!

Simply Sweet Blog photo of bright colored Italian Sodas

The designers and caterers at Simply Sweet suggest Italian sodas keep things fresh and fun at your wedding. Guests can choose their favorite flavor(s) and create the beverage...DELIZIO!

Wine is not just for sipping anymore!

Wine and Cupcakes from: Enjoy Cupcakes

Amber Vandervliet who is the pastry chef at Enjoy Cupcakes was inspired to combine her love of wine with her love of mouthwatering cupcakes.  She recommends adding cupcakes to your sweet table in lieu of a large wedding cake. 

Some of Amber’s best selling wine infused cupcakes are:

Chocolate Blackberry Syrah – Chocolate, syrah infused cake, filled with dark chocolate Belgium fudge, topped with blackberry frosting and a wine soaked blackberry that’s rolled in sugar crystals.
Citrus Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc soaked cake, with fresh grapefruit, lemon curd center and frosted with a wine, cream cheese frosting that’s speckled with citrus zest and topped with wine soaked sugar crystals.
Cherry Vanilla Merlot – Merlot vanilla cake, soaked with cherry puree, vanilla cream filling, topped with vanilla frosting and a Merlot soaked cherry.
Pomegranate Chardonnay – Chardonnay cake with a Meyer lemon pudding filling, cream cheese frosting, topped with pomegranate seeds, lemon zest & candy pink pearls.

And the list goes on and on! Stop by and visit her site and see all the wonderful concoctions she offers for your enjoyment.

Wedding Chic

Photo and order from: Wedding Chic

Looking for a wedding resource book to help turn your ho-hum wedding into a luxury wedding worthy of the stars? Try reading Wedding Chic by Colin Cowie.  Available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.  Cowie, party planner to the rich and famous, offers 1001 tips to manage everything from your ceremony to your reception.  Enjoy!

Quotable Quotes for Brides

"A bride at her second marriage does not wear a veil. She wants to see what she is getting."
Helen Rowland, American jounalist and humorist tells it like it is!

Helen Rowland died before I was born but she is just as relevant now as she was then! And just as funny as well!

Snowcones Cool Your Guests Palate for Summer Weddings

Snow Cones cool your guests off and cleanse their palates.

Having a summer wedding in a hot location? Why not consider having a snow cone buffet?  Think how great it would be to have a nice and cool snow cone after dancing up a storm! Another option is ice pops in gourmet flavors from Hammerpress in Kansas City MO.  Imagine going back to your childhood and enjoying a nice and cool ice pop! Yum!  Fresher than Fresh Snowcones and yummy ice pops bright and cold specialty items for your wedding reception.

Dry Soda -- For the Health Concious Bride and Groom

For a great non-alcoholic option for wedding drinks try Dry Soda.  Photo courtesy of: Dry Soda

Dry Soda offers you flavors like cucumber, vanilla bean, juniper berry, lavender, lemongrass, blood orange and rhubarb in a healthy drink option.  Serve with springs or pieces of fruit, veggies or herbs. These drinks are great as non-alcoholic options for your wedding or shower or you can check out the alcoholic drink recipes on their web site. They also offer recipes for interesting food options that you may want to try for a romantic night at home.  Isn't it about time to try something that not only tastes good but is good for you? Dry Soday is it!

French Heart Shaped Sugar Cubes Decorate Your Wedding Coffee and Tea

Love is in your coffee? Go to: French Heart Shaped Sugar Cubes

All Photos courtesy of   Dallas Wedding Planner Blog

Remember it's those tiny details that will make your wedding stand out from another bride's wedding.  These heart shaped sugar cubes are that little 'something extra' that will do just that.  These heart-shaped cubes hang on the side of tea or coffee cups and add that little something extra. 

The sugar cubes are sold in boxes of 64 cubes at a price of $24.95. 

Seduction...

Photo courtesy of Avon.com

OK, now that I have you hooked, I'm promoting a product that I just tried and am totally in love with.  It's called Moisture Seduction and it's a new lipstick by Avon.  It comes with all sorts of bells and whistles, a SPF of 15 and it's moisturized so it feels like it has chap stick running through it. 

I have to say I'm not a big lipstick wearer, in fact although I have some in my purse I rarely put it on but I do go through chap stick all the time! While it's a little more expensive than the cheap chap stick I buy, the color and SPF of 15 in it and the moisturizer combined all have me hooked. 

Some of the colors look a little dark in their catalog but lighten considerably when you put them on.  They're on sale for $4.99 (plus tax) now but will be $8.00.  At this price you can't NOT buy them.  I have four (I know I know...I was totally seduced!) You can buy them at http://myavon.com/cvecchione or from you local Avon rep.  If you'd like a catalog email Carolyn and she'll send you a catalog, although it's fast and easy to shop her web site.  Thanks to Carolyn I tried out the 'plum gorgeous' and although I rarely wear darker lipstick this looks great, not too dark at all.  My next three purchases? Some pinks and a nude. 

These lipsticks at like the potato chip ad that says "I bet you can't eat just one"...these lipsticks are "I bet you can't buy just one!"

(Please note: I was provided with a sample of this lipstick to try for free.  I was not asked to blog about it, nor was I compensated  for blogging about it other than by the free sample.)

Hammered Bead Bracelet for Bridesmaids

Item available on and photo courtesy of: http://www.eileenfisher.com

This hand-hammered bead bracelet on leather (18k gold plated over 3.5mm silver beads) is an unusual gift from Eileen Fisher for your bridesmaids.  You can also purchase earrings to match.  Available in silver as well as 18k gold plate.  Add earrings or buy a similar necklace on Eilenn Fisher's web site.  Note, the metal work design is ethically crafted by artisan communities in rural Thailand.  The faux suede makes the bracelet an adjustable fit so no worries about the bracelet being too big or small. 

 

Flowers That Won't Wilt For Your Wedding

Do It Yourself Felt Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Photo by Claire Marika and directions at:

http://www.thebridescafe.com/index.cfm?q=diy&StartRow=5

Looking to save money on your bouquet and boutonnieres? Visit The Bride's Cafe and see how to make felt floral bouquets and bouts.  This is a relatively simple DIY project although it may take some time so don't leave it until the last minute!

Or if you'd rather work with crepe paper go to http://wednesdaycustomdesign.com/blog/category/diy/P3 for ideas for a similar crepe paper bouquet seen below.  Use as bouquets or centerpieces.

For Weddings and Funerals?

I know, it sounds beyond bizarre, but I thought I'd offer it as an option for those of you looking for a non-traditional (wow and it sure is that!) wedding and reception hall.  Have to admit when I first read about this in Bloomberg Busninessweek I was freaked out, but then, well, I guess different strokes...so for those of you who might be interested, here's a synopsis of their article.

 

 

Funeral Home-- After Revamp

 

Since the profit margins have been shrinking on traditional funerals as more and more opt for cremation, funeral homes are starting to offer fancy full service event planning and all the perks that go along with it as a way to provide the baby boomer generation with the convenience of 'one stop shopping' for a memorial ceremony that is more a celebration of the loved one's life that includes it wasn't a great leap for many funeral homes to start renting out their spaces for other events—including weddings.

 

 

                       Funeral Home -- Before                                      

 

One funeral home in Oregon converted their chapel into a multipurpose center for families of any denomination thus offering  them the ability to accommodate secular families, Jewish families, Muslim families and more.  This family center has a catering kitchen that used to be a flower room as well as a huge screen for multimedia presentations.  The owners put in slate floors, a 7 foot fountain, a comfortable couch and used paint reminiscent of a Tuscan farmhouse.  Near the outdoor cemetery they added a gazebo and a waterfall.  These offer dual uses for scattering ceremonies or wedding ceremonies!

 

 

Family Center for Celebrations of Life

All Photos and Info from Bloomberg Businessweek

The owner's goal is to assist families wherever they plan to hold receptions.  His future plans include assisting with travel arrangements and adding partnerships with local hotels and travel agents.  If this sounds like the work of an event planner, much of it is, it is also where funeral directors see the greatest possibility for growth in their industry.  So moving into the wedding industry isn't a great leap for a funeral director who is willing to put the work into making the change from funerals to holding and planning family events of all kinds.

  

 

Candle Centerpieces For Added Glitz From Surroundings.com

 

All designs and photos courtesy of Surroundings at: http://www.surroundings.com/

 

Surrounds.com offers a selection of candle centerpieces that you can use on your tables at a fraction of the cost of a floral centerpiece.

 

 

Whether you are looking for glitter or gold or a floral look, Surroundings has something for every bride and event planner.  Take the time to browse their site and see which items suit your wedding personality.

 

Surroundings offers shapes and colors that will coordinate with any decor.  Their centerpieces are easy to put together ahead of time so there is no rush the day of the wedding to put things in place.  Not only that but their glass pieces are designed to be used with candles so no exploding bowls of water if you're using floating candles.

 

Coral Inspiration Board

Inspiration Board courtesy of: http://2.bp.blogspot.com

 

Considering a coral wedding? This inspiration board gives you great ideas for accenting your wedding and making plans for everything from cakes to decor.

Download and Print Has New Wedding Invitations

t

Photo and download at: http://www.downloadandprint.com/

Download and Print has some new wedding invites and response cards ready for customizing and downloading to make diy'ing your invites fast and easy.  Highly recommend their products.  Not only beautiful but incredibally easy to execute.  Additional invites available on web site.

Walk Like a Lady at Your Wedding

Did your mom ever give you those not so subtle hints to stand up straight, keep your shoulders back etc.?  If so she and you will love the Couture Allure's Fashion Blog post on how to walk like a lady and how to sit like a lady.  As you plan you wedding is the perfect time to brush up on these skills without having to listen to mom's nagging! Head on over to http://coutureallure.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-charm-school-how-to-walk-like.html where you'll get all the tips you need to be the perfect lady (or at least posturally (hmm not sure that's a word, but) perfect lady) on your wedding day.  So stand tall and visit this blog.  Also if you're interested in vintage fashion this blog will keep you entranced for hours!

Sequin Favor Bags

Looking for a wedding favor idea that glitters? Try these sequin favor bags from http://www.lunabazaar.com/.  Add some chocolates, colorful candies, lavender, flower petals, soaps, seashells, or any little gift.  Bags come in an assortment of colors.  You can mix and match them to accent your wedding colors. 

Custom Chalk Boards by Dana Tanamachi

All Photos from: http://www.danatanamachi.com/chalk/ and http://www.100layercake.com/blog/archives/10913

Dana Tanamachi does custom chalk boards for your wedding or events.  I was blown away when I saw the photos posted on 100 Layer Cake and Dana's own site. These creative and inspired works of art provide an inspired backdrop for your wedding day.

Dana is available for custom lettering on chalkboards, chalk walls– basically anything covered in chalkboard paint!

For additional information on Dana's work and to see additional photos visit Dana's web site and 100 Layer Cake.  Both offer inspired ideas for making your wedding day unique.

Steps Covered With Streamers

Photo courtesy of: http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/2010/03/birthday-installation.html

This birthday installation would be perfect for a wedding photo as well.  Get your guests involved in running the crepe paper down some steps for you, it would make some great pics!  You could do multicolored streamers like this photo or three different colors to match your wedding accent colors.  For Philly brides just imagine the steps at the Art Museum or Franklin Institute covered with streamers! I just love it whan a plan comes together!



Tiny Veggies To Serve at Your Wedding

Photo courtesy http://marchedimanche.typepad.com/  

Having a backyard wedding or picnic wedding?  Why not grow your own tiny vegetables and serve them as h’ordeurves? Try tiny purple potatoes and top them with some caviar and creme fraiche, stuff tiny purple peppers and patty pan squash, Tom Thumb carrots with a cooling dip, and exquisite deep orange cherry tomatoes or pear shaped heirloom tomatoes stuffed with your favorite seafood.  Or just let your guests enjoy their fresh taste without any additions.  Look for special seed providers and start your garden early. 

Blue Baby Potatoes with caviar and creme fraiche

Photo courtesy of: http://www.cocktailcaterers.com/

Fingerling Potatoes with Truffles

Photo courtesy of: http://www.cocktailcaterers.com/

French Gourment Teas

           Photo courtesy of: http://www.kusmitea.com

Planning a wedding with a Parisian theme? Serve Kumi Tea to your guests.  Kusmi was founded in 1867 in Russia. Post Russian Revolution the company relocated to France. The original Russian Kusmi was the official supplier of tea to the Tsars of Russia. How can anyone resist green tea perfumed with rose petals? Or one perfumed with orange and cinnamon? Having a summer wedding? Try a frosty Strawberry Iced Tea or Four Fruit Iced Tea. There's one to detox you, one to relax you, and one to increase your natural interest in the other sex (called Sweet Love).  Perfect for a wedding.

Kusmi teas are available in the United States online at http://www.us.kusmitea.com/en/herbal/be-cool/c5/p98/product_info.html.  Their web site also offers special recipes made with a variety of their teas.  Even if you are not planning a brunch or picnic wedding order some for your kitchen at home. 

Interesting Wedding Breakfast Brunch Recipe -- Chocolate Omeletes

Photo and recipe courtesy of: http://www.aliveandcooking.com.au/

I have come across multiple recipes for chocolate omelets but this is by far the easiest and it plates up for an attractive brunch wedding dish.  It is a simple but decadent dish to serve your guests.  Or if you are planning a brunch for that special someone or for breakfast in bed for a lover who is a chocoholic.  Serve with fruit at the side.  Sprinkle the top with Confectioner's Sugar for extra sweetness. 

Chocolate Omelets

Ingredients

(Serves 2)
4 eggs
2 tbsp powdered drinking chocolate (use high quality drinking chocolate which has some sugar in it)
2 tbsp chocolate buttons

Method

Whisk together the eggs and drinking chocolate.

Warm a non-stick pan and pour egg mixture straight in and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Sprinkle over with the chocolate buttons (or as we Americans call them chocolate chips) and place under broiler until the buttons are melted. Do not put too close to broiler or it will get too dry.  Take out of oven and flip closed.  You can also serve it with a side of ice cream or whipped cream or if you are feeling truly decadent, both! Garnish with a mint sprig.

Photo courtesy of: http://recipefinder.ninemsn.com.au

Another option is to fill with fresh raspberries and then fold, sprinkle with Confectioner's Sugar. 

INGREDIENTS FOR 2nd Photo of Chocolate Omelets

6 eggs, separated
¼ cup (55g) caster sugar
2 tablespoons cream
1 tablespoon plain flour
120g dark chocolate, melted
20g unsalted butter
120g raspberries
sifted icing sugar, to dust
ice-cream, to serve (optional)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 190C or 170C fan. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cream, flour and melted chocolate.

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into chocolate mixture with a spatula.

Melt half of butter in a large ovenproof frying pan on low heat. Pour in half of egg mixture. Bake omelet for 3-6 minutes, until puffed and set.

Slide omelet onto a warm serving plate and top with half of raspberries. Fold omelet in half and dust with icing sugar. Repeat with remaining ingredients, except ice-cream, to make another omelet.

Cut omelets into thick slices and serve immediately with vanilla ice-cream.

Both recipes are good, I like the way the second one looks better.  Try each one and see which you like best and leave me some comments.  Nestle also has a recipe on their web site.  It's all a matter of personal preference, so take some time to taste test recipes.

Be aware there are a lot of recipes on the web for chocolate omelets, some are all chocolate like these, others have just a hint of chocolate.  Taste test them (that's the best part!)

Other Wedding Blogs

Don't forget to check my other wedding blogs listed at the lower right.  They are divided up by category which can help you save a lot of time looking through for the specific things you want when planning your event.  Also don't forget each blog has a search feature that lets you easily look for just what you are looking for. 

Individual Delights for Desserts

Photos and ideas courtesy of Tracey Lau at: http://www.traceylau.com/blog/

 

Perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas weddings or parties these desserts are red and white inspiratioins to every party planner.  White chocolate with cherries make a rich combination for this time of year.  The little extra sprig of mint on the pudding makes the colors stand out more on these mini desserts that are a work of art.  Visit Tracey's blog to see more red themed ideas.  Dipping the cherries is easy and the pudding in single serve dishes is easy and eye-catching.

Heavenly Cake To Serve at Your Wedding

This photo and recipe for individual angel food cake from http://www.thecookingchanneltv.com/

Want to try Angel Food Cake served in individual cups by Kraft (4 oz Kraft ripple cups and demi-tasse wooden spoons) to serve instead of customary wedding cake? Perfect for a wedding buffet!  Low cal for brides who care, pretty and unusual for brides looking for the unique. 

This photo courtesy of http://thinkgarnish.com/

Serve as the Cooking Channel does with Dolche de Leche and berries next to the cake or like Think Garnish does with cocoa sprinkles.  Or choose your garnish of choice.  Mix and match garnish for increased visual appeal.  Think Garnish and The Cooking Channel both note to only fill the containers half way because the cake almost double in size. 

 

This photo courtesy of http://thinkgarnish.com/

Crepe Paper Flowers For the Ends of Your Pews

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings,

Photograph by Gia Canali Photography

Looking foor an inexpensive way to add beautiful flowers to the ends of your pews? (or to add on chairs or doors at your reception? Click the following link to visit Martha Stewart Weddings at: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/crepe-paper-pew-bouquet-how-to?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/eunice-and-daniel#slide_16  for the directions for this and other creative ways to decorate at your wedding without breaking the bank.  Because while it's your very special day the cost of flowers for the end of your pews can really add up in a hurry.  If you are a little bit crafty just visit Martha's web site and follow the step by step directions. 

Ties For Your Groom and his best man and ush.

Ties

All photos courtesy of: http://cyberoptix.com/

Visit Cyberotix.com to find interesting ties for the bridal party.  Whether you are interested in floral or peacock designs or something more exotic Cyberotix has it all.  The more you order the less they cost.

Personalized Swizzle Sticks From BecomingMrsFord on Etsy.com

Photo courtesy of Etsy.com from: becomingmrsford store

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47643708/set-of-25-bespoke-paper-and-photograph

Add some sizzle to your the bar at your wedding by personalizing your swizzle sticks.  At the Etsy.com store, becomingmrsford you can have swizzle sticks handmade from cardstock that is personalized with your monogram on one side and a photo of you and your groom on the other side.  The site offers four different images on each order.  The swizzle sticks are about 2" round and the photos are on the end of a typical wooden swizzle stick.  Check out the becomingmrsford store on Etsy for other personalized products.

Learn Couples Massage -- Philly Area

Photo courtesy of Living Social and Merritt Massage at

http://livingsocial.com/deals/25495-couples-massage-workshop?msdc_id=340&ref=Deal021011_340_7408email

Merritt Massage and Yoga is offering a special through Living Social today to learn couples massage.  They are offering their Couples' Massage Workshop with Hour-Long Massage for $120 (usually $240). 

Merritt Massage and Yoga is offering you a three hour course teaching deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and rhythmic stretching.  They are located in suburban Philadelphia between Chestnut Hill and Flourtown.  The class teaches the basics of massage taught by an expert instructor.  Sign up with Living Social for all sorts of great couples events that you can enjoy with your husband or wife-to-be.  Perfect for a Valentine's Day gift to each other or just as a great way to relax when you are in the middle of hectic wedding planning.  This is a ONE DAY offer so head over ASAP.  Otherwise the cost goes back to $240 (but still a great way to spend a weekend with your honey.