Themed Weddings Lame or Awesome: Guest Post Emily Jacobson

Intergalactic I Do


Are wedding themes lame or awesome? It all depends on the theme and how far you carry it. Everyone wants to make their big day as personal and memorable as possible. Themes can help you do it. But to choose a weird or peculiar theme just to be unique is to risk turning your wedding into a freak show. 

You also want your celebration to be fun and enjoyable for everyone. That means choosing a theme that won't bore or turn off guests who don't share your enthusiasm about the theme.


Winter Theme: Invites Galore Wedding blog

A wedding theme is a good way to set a guiding principle for all the footwork to come. If you want a theme, choose it after the proposal and the purchase of engagement rings but before setting the date.
You don't want to choose a theme midstream and then have to go back and change everything. 

There are many general themes that will pull everything together. Winter themes, romantic themes and flower themes are all popular and can be low key.


Romantic Bouquet: Sugarplum Invitations, She Walks In Beauty Rustic Romantic Bouquet

Or go bolder with a celestial theme featuring a ceremony outside under the stars, telescopes for stargazing and a planetarium reception.

A vintage wedding is a tasteful way to spice up your wedding, while cultural themes can be unique and personal at the same time. These themes add dash and distinction to your celebration without going too left of center.


Colorful and Cultural Wedding Attire

Remember that although a theme is meaningful and personal to you, it may seem bizarre to someone else. A Gothic wedding complete with black wedding dress, graveyard ceremony, and spooky reception in an abandoned building may be perfect if your wedding guests are all Goth. But if you want to include friends and family from outside the circle, you run the risk of scaring them off.


Lucky In Love Wedding Blog

Another example is the Elvis theme. You may love "The King," but your guests may not relish the prospect of spending an entire day with him.


Elvis Impersonator UK
If an unusual theme is important to you, you might want to limit your guest list to a small group of people who share your enthusiasm, or at least accept you as you are. 



The biggest disadvantage of a themed wedding is coordination. You have less room to manoeuvre and everything has to match. This can create problems down the road. If you want a themed wedding without the hassle of coordinating it, consider a wedding package. There are wedding packages for many themes, and some providers will even create a themed wedding package just for you. You can also hire a wedding planner who specializes in the theme you want.

Thank you Guest Blogger Emily Jacobson. All very good suggestions

Monster Of A Job

Photo from Creepy Cupcakes

Have a good laugh today

It's getting kind of scary out there. You've got no reception hall, you don't like the flowers and your mother is getting on your nerves. BOOOOO! It's the Rocky Horror Show, for real!

Planning a wedding is like haunting , I mean a daunting task. The maid of horror, um I'm sorry honor, is always missing. Everyone is acting strange. Talking about the wedding puts them into a strange zombie like trance. Your even thinking of having no kids at the wedding because Children of the Corn are not cute. Even your fiance` is starting to look like Herman Munster.

I could go on with more metaphors but you get the picture. Planning a wedding is a Monster of a job.

I wrote this in 2007 for an October issue of my monthly newsletter, Let's Get Married! (View the last newsletter here). By the way is fabulously informative and beautifully written :).

Get On The Bus

I got on the bus today for a mammogram. I have to admit I have not had an exam in a very long time. This is dangerous because early detection is your biggest alley in fighting this deadly disease. I jumped at the chance to get examined.

I know that you stop at my bridal blog for wedding tips. This is how I tied it into the wedding stuff. Your entire bridal party can make it a breast exam party. OK get your mind out of the gutter. Make an appointment with the van for the entire bridal party and include his mom, your mom, aunties, and play aunties too. After the exam go to lunch and toast being women taking charge of your health and for healthy results.
American Italian Cancer Foundation
Mobile Cancer Screening
Mobile Screening Schedule
Here's how you can Donate?

Thank you to the staff for the exam and for the information. It was priceless.






Remember, early detection does not mean a death sentence. Knowing is growing. There is support out there for you. JUST GET ON THE BUS!!!

Enter To Win

Photo from Best Spas in Vegas

“ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN” - It’s one of America’s favorite sayings, and now you can "ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN" in Spa Week’s Monthly Giveaway program.

There is a new contest every month and you can log in here or go to Spa Week.com for contest info.

This month, you have an opportunity to win an entire skin care collection from Pevonia Botanica Skincare, Anti-oxidant or Brightening Serum from Skyn Iceland, hair products from Redken and Pureology, a lip gloss that benefits skin cancer research and so much more! In this economy, no one can turn down a free gift, so share these amazing giveaways with your bridal party and check them out for yourself (enter here). These amazing giveaways only last through December 1 so log on to www.spaweek.com/giveaways and ENTER TO WIN!

See what NYC Spa Week Customer speak out.

The Caribbean Destination Wedding Expo

The Caribbean Destination Wedding Expo

Saturday October 31, 2009
11am to 5pm
Radisson NE Hotel
2400 Old Lincoln Highway
Philadelphia, PA

215.638.8300

Tickets $15.00

This event has real goodies for you to enjoy. The Caribbean cocktail bar, Live Caribbean Music, and Refreshments makes it a destination event I do! This Wedding Expo has great planning ideas that are all doooos and no booooos. There will be so much see, be sure to get there early to enjoy the all presentations and the Fashion Show.
And won't even have to say Trick or Treat to get the gift bag, plus you may win a prize.

The Caribbean Destination Wedding Expo

Para Senoras Y Senoritas

A Rose Is A Rose


You'll be singing that Aretha Franklin song, Spanish Harlem with this rose clip from Maya's Ideas Etsy Shop. The shop is a garden of beautiful accessories like flower clips and headbands that have a cool femininity you want on the big day. What is even more beautiful, as a member of Etsyaoc.ning.com, 10% of their profits go to The Atlanta Food Bank.
Visit Maya's Ideas for these beautiful accessories and more.

This Just In

Sorry to bring you this info so late, but I just found it in a tweet myself. Guess that is why you have to keep up with this Twitter Stuff.



Lion in the Sun of Park Slope is happy to announce our second
Brooklyn Bridal Blogger Evening
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 28th from 7 to 9 pm

Get excited to meet our wedding pros and bloggers as they discuss their favorite real weddings and real wedding tips. Delectable snacks and treats to be provided by Naturally Delicious.

Vane from Brooklyn Bride
Anne from “I will” to “I do”
Sarah from Brilliant Event Planning
Xochitl from Always a Blogsmaid
Loren from Naturally Delicious



Everyone will receive a 10% off coupon on future purchases at Lion in the Sun AND 10% off your Naturally Delicious menu if you book by the end of the year.

If you are interested in attending, please email shop@lioninthesunps.com and put “RSVP October 28th event” in the header.

Get Ready For The Big One

The Wedding Salon
November 2, 2009
4pm – 9pm
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th Street, NYC


Silvia Weinstock

The Wedding Salon features the must-have products and services for brides-to-be. At this one day event, you will meet face-to-face with the hottest vendors including Sylvia Weinstock, David Tutera by Faviana, CECI New York and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings!

See spectacular table decor, dresses, honeymoon destinations, invitations, musicians, photographers, florists and more! Learn the latest tips and trends for your wedding and find your missing vendors. There will be complimentary beauty services for brides from Bobbi Brown The Studio as well as a couture fashion show! Cocktails, Cake Tastings and Fabulous Gift Bags!

Now for the really good stuff! Use this promotional code for discount tickets:
CNY9P at www.WeddingSalon.com to get $15 promotional tickets ($50 Value, Admits 2)

For more information, call 212.631.7777 or email Info@WeddingSalon.com

Properly Cuffed

Everything Golden by Kaur Funktion

With flecks of gold this unique glass cuff link is apart of the Kaur Funktion Collection.
Authentic Italian glass that is infused with color. This is a fine gift for a man with distinguished taste and the perfect accessory for a beautifully tailored suit.

Wedding Salon Discount Tickets

The Wedding Salon
November 2, 2009
4pm – 9pm
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th Street, NYC

The Wedding Salon features the must-have products and services for brides-to-be. At this one day event, you will meet face-to-face with the hottest vendors including Sylvia Weinstock, David Tutera by Faviana, CECI New York and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings!

See spectacular table decor, dresses, honeymoon destinations, invitations, musicians, photographers, florists and more! Learn the latest tips and trends for your wedding and find your missing vendors. There will be complimentary beauty services for brides from Bobbi Brown The Studio as well as a couture fashion show! Cocktails, Cake Tastings and Fabulous Gift Bags!

Now for the really good stuff for promotional tickets $15 ($50 Value, Admits 2) Use code EBNYCP at www.weddingsalon.com or call 212.631.7777

DIY: Table Top

This fabric is 108 inches wide and the stripe goes across from selvage to selvage (the edge of the fabric that is woven so the fabric does not unravel)



Fabric available at:
Fabric House Inc
214A W. 39th Street (btwn 7th and 8th Ave)
NYC, NY
212.944.7016

You have seen the basic table cloths that are lovely but B-A-S-I-C. I found these beautiful stripe organza fabrics that were 108 inches wide. With that width you may not have to piece it together.

It may seem simple enough to just cut and throw it over the table, but not so fast. If you want a nice clean finished look here at MonkeySee.com there are about 6 how to video steps to take you through the process.

Ask And You Shall Receivith

The bride and groom toppers measure 4 inches high by five wide or the smaller is about 3 1/2 inches both ways.

I have been in a search for unique and cultural cake toppers. In a recent post, Dancing Hearts, the wheat hearts that are intertwined are perfect for a wedding that is themed, green, natural, or even cultural.
The husband and wife etsy shop does not have any cake toppers displayed so I asked if they make cake toppers and she came up with these items. I just love the work and thought it was unique and interesting.

Reids Weeds is a husband and wife team effort. He, John, does all kinds of wood working and she, Kathy, creates wheat sculptures.

Something Blue, Something Beautiful

Dorian Webb: Silver Dome, Peruvian Opal, Drop Earring

Financial Intimacy

Financial Intimacy by Jacquette Timmons

Your sweetheart is a real catch. He/she loves you, all your quirks, and that funny little wrinkle on your chin. Awwwww how sweet, but will you show your sweet your bank statement or even give them your bank pin number. OK wait a minute, I know, you don't know how sweet your sweetie really is.

Do you have Financial Intimacy? I bet you don't, but if you are not completely honest you may be headed down the line for divorce. The #1 REASON FOR DIVORCE in America is Financial issues. So all that planning of the most wonderful day in the world goes done the drain.

Get on the right track with Financial Intimacy. Author and financial advisor Jacquette Timmons will have an open conversation about love, money, and intimacy at her book signing.

Wednesday October 21, 2009
7:00pm to 9:00pm
at the Tea Lounge
837 Union Street (between 6th/7th Ave)
Brooklyn NY
212.807.9599


The Tea Lounge

Photo Shop: Dante Williams Photography

Dante Williams Photography



Cool Blues

Did You Know?

African American women will die of breast cancer more than Caucasian women and the types of breast cancer is more aggressive. You can help and make a difference.

Circle of Promise



I recall a few months ago I had a client who's mother is a breast cancer survivor. She shared her compelling story with me during a very difficult time when I was loosing my mother. I really appreciated her "testifying" with me. When her mom passed away, she had been caring for her and then got the diagnosis. As she says, her mom moved over so she could fly. Today Vernel is full of light and love. Her daughters wedding was gorgeous and she lived and laughed to see it all which is what it's all about. Keeping our loved ones with us.

Breast Cancer has come a long way since my grandmother died of this terrible decease in the late 60's (she never smoked) but for many African American Women it is a death sentence. There is much work we can do.
The Circle of Promise vows to empower African American Women with the tools and information so they can take charge in their own lives. You can mobilize your entire bridal party, family and friends to get on board.

Join The Circle
Join The Quilt
Host An Event
More

Smooth Operater

I love mango and banana is not too bad, but I love mango. In my search for an African Themed wedding drink, I came across the Mango-Banana Sundae. I loved the way this sounded but I wanted to share something that felt a little more weddingy:)


Photo and recipe from Party Planning Menus

I found this smoothie that was very close to the Mango-Banana dessert.

Mango-Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:

1 mango
1 banana
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup ice

BLEND IT!!
Serve this to your guest in small juice glasses.

Kissable Cause

Great Lips Great Cause

Clinique products has always been Allergy tested and fragrance free. Which means it has always been good. Now they are even better with the Lip Gloss key chain. The perfect bridesmaids gift.

Limited-edition trio of Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 minis on a keychain. Comes with 2 charms: a Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon and a Clinique 'C." In Air Kiss, Kissyfit & Whisper. $10 from your purchase (during the month of October) helps support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Photo Shop: Hazelnut Photography

Hazelnut Photography



Perfectly Coiffed

Pink Poetry

Photos from Forever

Creating a personal drink for the wedding is a popular feature that couples and guests get a kick out of. I found something to make it real easy and you could give back at the same time.

Odwalla has designed a special Pink Poetry Smoothie loaded with natural ingredients like Plums, Apples, Dark Sweet Cherry, and more. Yum, and the promise of $25,000 dollars to BCRF.

This is the easy part, just pour into glasses and serve the guest as they enter the cocktail hour. Your napkins can reflect the info about the special drink and the meaning. It is a win win for everyone.


Odwalla Pink Poetry

Top 10 Wishes

Wishpot is a new, online social shopping site that makes wishes come true. This can happen with the simple click of a button! Taking the guessing out of gifting, the ingenious website lets the bride and groom-to-be let their family and friends know exactly what gifts they want on the big day, with smart, easy-to-use bridal registries. A win-win situation, the bride and groom are ensured to receive the gifts they want, while wedding guests are ensured to find the perfect gift, at the perfect price. These wish lists can be anything in the world and today electronics are what couples are wishing for. Here are the top 10:

1. Nintendo Wii Console
2. Apple Macbook Pro Notebook
3. Canon EOS 400D Digital Camera with 18-55mm + 75-300mm lens
4. Apple iPhone
5. Le Creuset® Caribbean Blue Round French Ovens
6. CB2 Stemless Cocktail & Wine Glasses
7. DeLonghi Perfecto BC24 Indoor Grill
8. KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set
9. iRobot Roomba 4230 Remote Scheduler Robotic Vacuum
10. Calphalon Contemporary Cutlery 17-Piece Knife Set

For more info Wishpot's Most Popular Items
See My Wish List for Weddings

Save The Ta Ta's

Breast cancer takes more than breasts from a family. It mothers, daughters, aunts, wives, friends, and a spirited person who is loved. Save The Ta Ta's is an organization that takes the approach that laughter heals and any woman going though this serious battle needs to laugh even if it is for just a moment.
Save the Ta Ta's does do serious work.
Founded by ta-tas® Brand Clothing, The Save the Ta-tas Foundation is committed to fighting cancer at every stage, including education, prevention, research, community outreach, and emotional support for those struggling with the disease.

The Save the Ta-tas Foundation has pledged at least $50,000 over the course of two years to The Concern Foundation, partnering with them to fund a dedicated breast cancer researcher. The more funds we raise, the more researchers we can fund.

Innovative and new, this organization is determined, like its founder ta-tas® Brand, to end this devastating disease - with a smile of course! Laughter heals, log onto Save The Ta-Tas for more info

The Skinny Is Coming

A website for discounts on skin care products coming soon: The Skinny

Wedding Salon Bootcamp

The Wedding Salon

If you haven't been to any of the The Wedding Salon's Boot Camp Events, shame shame shame. They are not the big splashy events that make you feel like the vendors are shouting at you "HEY WHEN IS THE BIG DAY? ARE YOU THE BRIDE? HAVE YOU PICKED YOUR....". By the time you get out of the event you feel like eloping!

The Wedding Salon Boot Camp events are intimate presentations where you can ask the experts questions and find out more about their services up close and personal.

You are invited to:
The Wedding Boot Camp
Featuring Special Guest Speaker
Bee Kim
of
The Wedding Bee
The best wedding planning advice from Wedding Experts
Learn the latest trends and money saving ideas.

Cocktails, tastings, and more

Wednesday October 21,2009
6:00pm to 8:30pm
For Complimentary Tickets use code:WBBNY10

The Harvard Club
27 West 44th Street
NY, NY

Register for this event space is limited
The Wedding Salon.com (click Events) or call 212.631.7777

No Time For Cancer

20% of the retail price goes to Breast Cancer Research



Big companies with big hearts and Coach is one of them. This Coach Watch, Francine Breast Cancer Awareness Watch, featuring a pink patent strap and unique white dial designed with colorful outlined numerals and minute track. The stainless steel case back is etched with the breast cancer ribbon motif.
20% of each watch sold from September 15th through December 31st. Now that is a lot of time and money. Available at Coach.com

Relax, Relieve, Rejoice!

Khamit Kinks will be transforming the salon into a soothing spa on
Sunday October 11th (Columbus Day weekend).
If you’ve decided to have a staycation don't stay home. Treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering. Come and be swept away by our luscious offerings.
Make your appointment today, then get ready for the pampering.
212.422.2600
Just mull over the menu:
RELAX

mini facial & massage

70 mins. $95

RELIEVE

Cinnamon/clove massage & Organic facial

2 hrs. $170

REJOICE

Hot Stone Massage, Organic facial & Feet Retreat

3hrs. $240

Ala Carte

mini facial 30 mins. $50

mini massage 30 mins. $50

Cinnamon & Clove Massage 50 mins. $90

Organic Facial 50 mins. $90

Hot Stone Massage 50 mins. $100

Feet Retreat 40 mins $65

Khamit Kinks
327 Gold Street
Brooklyn NY
212.422.2600

Fried Chicken Dinners For A Cause

Cornbread Diner


SIMPLY SENSATIONAL INC.

BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER BRUNCH

10/10/09

@

CORNBREAD DINER

1436 FLATBUSH AVE

BROOKLYN, NY 11210

“Southern Diner”

TIME: 12PM – 2PM

TICKET: $20.00
TELL A FRIEND AND BRING A FRIEND
FOR MORE INFO: STEPHANIE 347.451.5812/simplysensationalevents@gmail.com

Look at this Menu:

Starters: Fresh Fruit Cup, Garden Salad

Main Meals:

*Make own Omelets (Choose any 3 fillings)

*French Toast w/Ham, Pork Bacon or Turkey Sausage

*Cheeseburger w/Fries or Onion Rings

*Southern Fried Chicken w/2 sides

*Buttermilk Pancakes w/Pork Bacon, Ham or Turkey Sausage

* Fried Whiting w/Grits & Eggs

* Barbeque Chicken w/2 sides

Hot Coffee, Tea, Ice Tea, Lemonade or Fountain Sodas

“Tell a friend, bring a friend and support the cause”

proceeds go to American Cancer Society- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

“Come walk with us Oct 18, 2009 Prospect Park”

Another Drink of Summer

Now that we are in the midst of fall and winter is cool on it's heels, summer wedding ideas get pushed to the back of the garage with the grill. But your wedding is next summer and you want to plan now.
I found this great summer drink that you can get the taste now and enjoy on the big day. Ummm my apologies if you go in mad search for a watermelon, but it is worth it.

Watermelon Lemonade


Source: Recipe Zaar
Ingredients

* 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon

* 2 (12 ounce) cans frozen lemonade concentrate
* 4 cups water

Directions

1.
1
Place watermelon in a blender or food processor.
2.
2
Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth.
3.
3
Place lemonade concentrate and water in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
4.
4
Add watermelon.
5.
5
Mix well.
6.
6
Garnish with additional watermelon if desired.

Serves 12 cups

Get Schooled

Brides & Grooms Get Schooled on “First Dance” from Professional Dancer & Designer of the Ultimate Comfy Wedding Shoe at whiteCHICAGO

Does the thought of dancing in front of all your closest friends and family make you a little nervous? Angela Nuran says no more fear on the dance floor!

On Monday, October 5th, Angela Nuran, professional dancer and bridal shoe designer, is hosting a “Master Wedding Dance Class,” at whiteCHICAGO bridal boutique, located at 222 W. Huron in River North. Beginning at 6:30 pm, brides and grooms with shake their stage fright with a glass of champagne before they learn how to spin, dip, twirl and swirl all the way to the perfect wedding dance. During the 90-minute class, couples will learn the basic steps as well as sample Nuran’s bridal shoes, which combine fashion, comfort and fit for a shoe that can be worn all night without torturing your feet…no more barefoot brides when the music starts!

Sponsored by The Left Bank Jewelry and Wedding Shoe Boutique, the exclusive Chicago retailer of Angela Nuran Shoes and whiteCHICAGO bridal boutique, each couple will enjoy a champagne welcome, prepare for their first dance as husband and wife and receive a complimentary “bridal swag bag!”.
Please register by calling 773.929.7422 or emailing theleftbank@sbcglobal.net.

October 5th 2009
Beginning at 6:30pm
222 W. Huron In River North
Chicago
$65
Register 773.929.7422
email: theleftbank@sbcglobal.net

Patchworked Jacket

Close up of patchwork/ tie dyed jacket with tulle skirt. See more on my TwitPic/cassandrabridal page

Tell me what you think Twitter Me!

Future Dreams

Future Dreams, a charity set up by mother-and-daughter team Sylvie Henry and Danielle Leslie created to tackle breast cancer, has teamed up with nail brand Essie Cosmetics to launch a polish named after the campaign.

A 2008 variety evening raised an incredible £300,000, but Future Dreams hopes its latest venture will raise even more cash. All proceeds will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading breast cancer-beating charity. Every sale counts - you can pick your polish up here at Perfect Nails, or Reiss.

For more info: Help the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Brides Against Breast Cancer

International Designer K. Amato Launching Bridal Collection at whiteCHICAGO

Need a little bling on your wedding day? Let whiteCHICAGO and K. Amato help! On Saturday, October 3rd, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (by appointment only), visit whiteCHICAGO (222 W. Huron, River North) and take advantage of this perfect opportunity to work with international jewelry designer Kristen Amato of K. Amato. Known for her perfect blend of fashion-forward, yet classic pieces, Kristen will be hosting a trunk show to launch her brand new bridal collection at Chicago’s premier designer bridal consignment boutique in River North.

Brides-to-be are invited for a day of bridal bliss, sipping white wine and browsing through earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hair pieces to complete their wedding day look. In honor of National Breast Cancer Month, for every bride who purchases a pink-colored piece of jewelry, 10% of the proceeds will go to benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer, a national non-profit organization which grants wishes for terminally ill breast cancer patients.



The bridal collection is available online and at K. Amato Designs (www.k-amato.com), located at 1229 W Diversey Pkwy in Chicago. Kristen’s designs have been featured in such publications as Vogue, Lucky, People and US Weekly and are a favorite among celebrities such as Rachael Ray and Eva Longoria Parker.
This fall, visit whiteCHICAGO to get your piece of K. Amato jewelry…every girl should have one.
To say “I Do,” please call whiteCHICAGO at 312.397.1571 to book your appointment.

Breast Fest 09, Vote 3 Times

You may know her has the Couture Cake Designer, Margo T. Lewis. The fabulous confections of her company Cake Bliss are legendary. You may not have known that Margo is cancer survivor and she has a story. The invincible Miss Lewis's story is outlined in a film called Margo at the Breast Fest Film Festival 09. Watch, Vote (at least 3 times), and pass the info around.


Survivor is the key word here, Margo is a go getter and with 3 or 4 , (I loose count) of businesses that she has created, one that is an extraordinary is her show house 96 Magnolia. It is an opportunity for her to give back and you too can contribute. Visit the website and see how you can have your cake, eat it, and make a difference. 96 Magnolia

The Breast Fest Film 09 uses the versatile medium of film to frame and explore the spectrum of issues surrounding breast cancer. This annual festival uses films, panels, workshops and speakers to connect people to the breast cancer cause, inspire dialogue, facilitate learning and foster community. Breast Fest is the world's first film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness and is an initiative of Rethink Breast Cancer. Log onto Rethink Breast Cancer for more info.