Exceptional Wedding Experiences
While I know “Say Yes to the Dress” has a nicer ring to it, it is far wiser to proceed with caution when it comes to wedding dress shopping. Did you know that buying a bridal gown generates the biggest number of consumer complaints from engaged couples? Here are some tips to help prevent a […]
It’s bridal show season, and that means some of you will be receiving lots of emails over the next few months. If you are like me, you probably find an overloaded inbox to be both annoying and overwhelming. Here are some tips to stop the madness before it happens: 1. Have a plan – Don’t […]
We’ve been waiting for years to have a venue that showcases Cincinnati’s spectacular rooftop views – and now we have two! The 21 C Museum Hotel (pictured above) can host rooftop wedding ceremonies while the Residence Inn Top of the Park on East 4th Street can accommodate up to 75 guests for ceremonies and receptions. […]
You have family you love, perhaps sisters and cousins… Then there’s your best friend since the 3rd grade… Then, you really love your soon-to-be sister-in-law… Oh! And what about those sorority sisters? Choosing a bridesmaid may seem simple but to finally sit down and make the list, you may have pause for thought. “If I […]
Did you see the article featuring i-do Boutique in Eastsider magazine? Here’s my favorite excerpt: Having recently tied the knot myself, I can finally testify to the sheer terror of planning an actual wedding. In the moments just before the ceremony I was an anxious wreck. Me, the self proclaimed Zen Bride, could not have […]
The photo above is a testament to a long and happy marriage. Phyliss Tarrant has just turned 100 and along with her husband Ralph, 105, it makes them Britain’s oldest married couple. If you happen to read the New York Times, you may have seen the op-ed piece called “How Marriage Survives” by Justin Wolfers. […]
Last week we had a mother of the bride in the boutique looking for a portable champagne bottle with a built in “flute” for the bridal party’s ride from the church to the reception. She had seen them while watching the Academy Awards. A little searching on the internet led us to the Cinema Party […]
I had often been told by past clients that the top layer of wedding cake that gets frozen until the first anniversary never tastes very good when eaten a year later. When I discussed this with Carol Lanner of The Bonbonerie, she explained that the taste a year later depends on the preparation before freezing. […]
Here’s a cautionary tale for brides to be. This weekend we worked with one of the most organized brides we have ever had. I was sure the wedding day would go exactly as planned. Not so fast! When I arrived on the scene, my client was in tears because she did not like her flowers. […]
(In our own backyard) I am often asked for advice on what a bride and groom should give to their parents in appreciation for a wonderful wedding. A little over an hour from Cincinnati is a very special place called the Murphin Ridge Inn. It is the perfect “get away” for a mother and father […]
In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to spend your wedding dollars wisely. When trying to decide between a flat rate per guest for 4 hours of open bar or being billed by the drink, consider 3 things: your guest list, your comfort level with not knowing the final bill up front […]
I was talking with one of my brides today who asked how she could suggest her wedding guests give a gift to a local charity instead of giving a traditional wedding gift to her. She is not the first to ask, and it made me feel very lucky to have clients like her. How wonderful […]
A wedding is a joyous occasion — no matter how big or small, expensive or inexpensive, glamorous or simple. Whatever type of wedding is planned, at the end of the day, it boils down to two people committing their lives to one another. Sounds easy, right? Nothing stressful about that idea, especially when two people […]
Argh! Public speaking for some is the equivalent of having bamboo shoots shoved into their fingernails, but a couple of tips will help wedding-day toasts from becoming awkward, embarrassing, or just plain boring. For the bride and groom: Prepare a list ahead of time of who is giving toasts, and make sure the MC or […]
When it comes to your wedding day, the goal is to not only look stunning to everyone in attendance, but to take your groom’s breath away! When you choose your gown, consider the following suggestions: Don’t worry about trends. Focus on what works for your unique body type. Necklines can make the difference! For example, […]
Being a bridesmaid is an honor – but being a bridesmaid can be expensive. In fact, recent statistics estimate that between the dress, travel, gifts, and accessories, a bridesmaid may spend up to $1600. Consider these ideas to help control the costs for your bridal party: Select color swatches (think Home Depot paint aisle!) […]
As Father’s Day approaches, let’s explore some creative ways to honor dad during the wedding! Remember that Tinkerbell necklace that dad gave you for your 8th birthday? Incorporate it into your bouquet to honor your first love. Plan a special dance with your dad that will both entertain your guests and remind your dad that […]
Tipping your vendors is an expense that can be overlooked when writing the wedding budget. Some vendors will include gratuity in their fees, so check your contracts. Be sure to make a list of who should be offered gratuity and factor in those costs on the front end so that you’re prepared on the wedding […]
Looking for inspiration for your something blue? How about these creative ideas? Blue shoes are a growing trend that really add a beautiful splash of color with your stunning white dress! Speaking of shoes… at the rehearsal dinner, take your white shoes and a blue Sharpie. Ask your bridal party to sign your shoes. Their […]
Congratulations! You’re engaged! Possibly the first thing you thought of while you were admiring your ring was, “What kind of wedding will I have?” Perhaps you already know. Maybe you’ve envisioned a grand, traditional ceremony in the perfect shades of pink since you were five. Or, your romantic heart wants a one-of-a-kind shabby chic event […]
A few years ago I received a call from Helen Fox, a volunteer for Granny’s Garden School.The group had a program where they charged a minimal fee to give gardeners all they needed to succeed in growing enough food for their family with enough left over for a food pantry donation.One of the items they […]