Reception Seating

Are you hesitating to use assigned seating at your wedding reception? No one enjoys creating a seating chart, but it is well worth the effort.

According to advice given in the April 2011 edition of Brides magazine (pg. 196) "You won't regret making a seating plan. It's an easy way to avoid the awkwardness of looking up from your first table to see a table of strangers trying gamely to make conversation...and failing. ... Bear in mind, too, that people will probably feel comfortable getting up and mingling after the meal without any prodding from you."

I spoke to an usher who was in charge of seating guests a wedding reception just last year. He said, "It was such a pain. I didn't get to enjoy myself at all during the entire reception." Do you really want to make your guy friends or family miss out on the fun of your reception?

One bride stated that she doubted she would get many RSVP's back to even know who is and isn't coming to her wedding. The people you invite to your wedding are friends and family. There should be no problem calling anyone who did not send back their reply card by the requested date.

Plus, once you have all replies counted, you can give your caterer an accurate head count and possibly save yourself money on meals that won't be needed.

Embrace the seating arrangement. After all, you can create a beautiful seating chart to match your decor and even enhance the look of your wedding.

Happy seat-chart making!!!!

www.powerweddingplanning.com

Music for Your Wedding

The music you play at your wedding and reception should reflect your personality. If you love classical music, then play it! Same goes for any other kind of music you love.

If you love rock, rap, or hip-hop music, but aren't sure if it would bother some of your guests, try a twist on your faves. Have a band do instrumental versions of your must-have songs.

Not having a band? No problem! Vitamin String Quartet does instrumental covers of many songs. Listen to their songs on myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/search/Music?q=Vitamin%20String%20Quartet

Just one of their many album covers.

How to Save Money on Flower Decor

Looking for ways to incorporate flowers in your wedding without the high expense???

Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:

1) Use flowers from a relative or friend's garden. (ask first, of course)

2) Incorporate greenery to make arrangements look fuller while saving you some of the flower costs.

3) Choose large bloom flowers, so that you don't need as many.

4) If you are looking to decorate your space, try hanging pictures of flowers on the wall. (Note: this is also a great idea to use in your home!)

Valentine's Day Wedding Inspiration

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I present inspiration for very red, romantic weddings.

2011 Wedding Trends

The expected 2011 wedding trends have recently been released from The Knot. Here, I share their top 11 trends for 2011:

1. Prohibition-Era Elegance: The most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses to wing-tip men's shoes, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn't feel like the Prohibition without alcohol. Couples are serving "moonshine" and Prohibition "bathtub gin" in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away to jazz music.

(Love this ideas? Consider renting the Speakeasy lounge in Janesville, WI for your wedding celebration.)

2. The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, Kate Middleton is going to alter what princess style is all about. Steer away from the ball-gown skirt, the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear such as a tiara and cathedral-length veils. Princess details such as sophisticated sequins and beading will be showing up on everything from the wedding dress to floral arrangements and the cake.

3. Sultry Ballerina Style: This look is inspired by Black Swan. Feature the look in feathered headpieces, shredded fabrics, airy plumes, and a color palette of pale pink and black.

4. Ivy League Chick: Preppy chic is back in a big way, seeping into everything including wedding style. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl) or Ali MacGraw (Love Story). The style will peep through in chic details such as plaids and stripes.

5. Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry's Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love, India will be the "it" country for wedding inspiration. This inspiration will translate through vibrant color palettes such as purples, reds, and golds; lavish decor elements like beading and rich drapery; and exotic, spicy dishes.

6. Wedding Man Caves: Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations, and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding. Expect to find male guests in the new "groom's corner" at the reception.

7. Pre-wedding PJ Parties: Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via slumber parties, complete with matching PJ's.

8. Food Truck Fun: The desire for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings. Brides will be embracing this by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.

9. Haute Desserts: Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes, and Cake Boss. Desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with unique gourmet flavors.

10. Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of "wedding photo booths", wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths as the newest way of wishing well to the happy couple. After the wedding, the couple will easily be able to share the creation online via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

11. Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton's wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon.