Help Support Breast Cancer....

While Purchasing Your Gown! During the month of October, Brides Against Breast Cancer offers amazing designer gowns for a fraction of the price. From $99 and up, you can have a new gown, straight from the designer, with the proceeds going to a great organization. I think that is worth a short trip to the Portland, OR area.

Here is the address for the store:

Milwaukie Marketplace

10890 SE Oak Street

Milwaukie, OR 97222

(next to Tuesday Morning)

Exit Stage Right

Many couples wonder how they should exit the venue. There are so many ways to personalize the exit and create a memorable look. In the next few posts, I will talking about some ideas - other than bubbles.

I love the look of sparklers for a wedding exit. Some cities or counties don't allow fireworks, and they definitely count. But if you are lucky enough to live somewhere that permits them, then it is definitely worth considering. Sparklers Online is a great place to purchase the sparklers. They offer them in three different sizes, depending on the look and the amount of burn time you want.

Displaying them in decorated galvanized buckets filled with sand will not only put them out for guests to see, but will also be a great place to extinguish them when you are done. You can also add personalized matches, which are very affordable and add alot to the look.

Gorgeous Wedding Gowns, Without Breaking the Bank

One of the number one things brides want to do is find THE dress! While dress shopping is one of my favorite parts of the planning process, it can also be very stressful. Most brides think they know what they want...until they go to try on gowns. A bride who thought she wanted simple, can often change her mind to sparkly and intricate. Whereas, a bride who thought she'd go for the glamour, ends up with a simple, yet elegant gown. Whatever you think your style is, don't decide on it 100% until you try on dresses.

That being said, once you know what style suits you best, you can start looking into some online resources. Not all brides are into the idea of "previously loved" gowns. But if you are willing to at least take a look, check out Once Wed. They offer a classified service for wedding gowns. Some have been previously worn, but others have not. Some brides order two (or three!) dresses because they can't decide. Then when it comes down to it, only wear one. So, some dresses on there are new with tags, some just never been worn. The least expensive wedding dress on there that I have seen is $60!

To Vow or Not to Vow...

Many couples wonder about whether or not they should write their own vows. Some view it as a stressful addition to a lot of planning, while some embrace it. When making this decision, you should sit down with your beloved and decide together. If your wedding is following every tradition to the letter, then writing your own vows may not be the best fit for your wedding.

However, if you are taking a more non-traditional approach to your wedding, writing your own vows is away to uniquely express your love. If you have too much to do and not enough time, but like the idea, the internet is your friend. If you Google wedding vows, you will find sites that provide wedding vows for you. Just pick and choose what you like and create your ceremony from that. Check out My Wedding Vows for ideas.

Also, some officiants will create a ceremony with you, for you. Note that not all churches will allow you to deviate from their own religious wedding vows, so make sure that you are even allowed to change the ceremony before you craft your own.

More on the Guest Book

If you can't already tell, I like to find ways to personalize your wedding. Especially some of the smaller details. Most people read through their guest book once or twice and then it collects dust on the shelf. I came across a great idea on the Snippet and Ink blog.

The couple used Blurb to custom create a guest book using mementoes from their courtship (i.e. ticket stubs, photographs, etc.) They also had room for guests to sign. You could just do photos from your relationship, have room for people to write a message....the list goes on. Starting at about $20, it is an inexpensive way to create a keepsake that you will enjoy for years to come!

Another Unique Guest Book Idea

In previous posts, I have talked about alternatives to the traditional guest book. I came across a website that gives such a unique alternative! Serendipity-Crafts offers a unique twist in the form of a platter. Guests can sign their names on the platter, giving you a usable guest book to enjoy for years to come. How does it work? Special pens are used to write on the platter. While the ink used is rated as dishwasher safe, I would recommend a careful handwash, just in case. If you don't want to use it as a serving platter, then a nice plate stand will be great for displaying your "guest book."

They offer several sizes and many different monogram styles. If you already have a monogram that you are using throughout the wedding, they will use your current monogram. In addition to monograms, they have several pictures and other styles from which to choose.

Planners Beware - Email Scam

Sorry brides, this one is for my fellow planners. A little over a week ago, I received a strange e-mail from Elizabeth Hyde Johnson, saying that she needed me for her day! She went on in a long rambling e-mail about herself and her fiance, etc. I will put a copy below. Needless to say, I responded and went back and forth a bit with her. Then today she asked for my physcial address, not just a P.O. Box to send an international cashiers check for my deposit. Here is where the scam comes in: An international cashiers check may clear your bank, but the Federal Reserve holds it for 90 days to ensure that it is legit. If not, the bank rescinds the funds. A lot of planners are getting caught in this. They get the deposit and put it in the bank. The check is "accidentally" made out for too much money. Then "Elizabeth" says that they need for you to send the extra to a different account in Africa via Western Union. Yes, some have gotten caught up in this scam. Luckily I did not, but want to warn others. Check out The Bridal Party LLC's blog to read the stories of those who did fall for it: . Below is the e-mail:


Hello ,

How are you doing? Thriving!!!

My name is Elizabeth Hyde Johnson , from Enfield in middlesex UK (England ). I will be coming to Tacoma , Washington after my shopping trip with my Husband Michael Green who's French by nature to start his new work with the Coca-cola in Tacoma , Washington . And just before then we will be getting married on the 4th of October , 2008. We need a good wedding planner to take care of our wedding both reception and ceremony.
We require the best for the best memories for we & our children in future and as a matter of fact we have budgeted 25,000 US dollars for this special event.

Also, the ceremony and reception event will be taking place in a location and we are expecting at most 50 guests on the day of our occassion because most of our families in Europe and in the United Kingdom will be present for the occassion.

However, we would like you to know the reception and ceremony will be taking place @ 1 location which the ceremony event would be in a garden location or outdoor while the reception takes place indoors, we are still about to make reservation though but we are making progress with that.
Please let us know if you're able to help .

Sincerely,


Lizzy & Michael

It is from: Elizabeth Hyde Johnson [lizzytamydoorhyde@yahoo.com]

Best of luck!

Kids Tables = Relaxation for Parents

When planning your wedding, whether or not to invite kids is a big decision. For some, the choice comes easily, but for a lot it is a lot harder. If you are on the fence, because you fear the kids might be disruptive, consider having a babysitter or a kids table.

The beauty of a kids table is that it is within sight for the parents, but still gives the little ones somewhere that is their own, with things for them to do. You can get creative, with this kids party table from Garnish. Don't have the time for that kind of creativity? Check out Kids Wedding Fun for premade buckets of activities for kids.

Think those are great ideas, but are too close to the wedding to order? All you really need is some butcher paper, available at Paper Zone, as well as many school supply stores. Butcher paper is great to use as a table cover for the kids table so they can just draw on the table! Get some crayons and coloring books, maybe a few toys from Cost Plus World Market, and a kids table is made!

Lanterns to See

Paper lanterns are making a huge comeback this wedding season! The last time anyone saw this many was the 1970's and they were not as colorful or festive! Today's brides are realizing that this is an affordable way to spice up any ceiling. The lanterns look especially good in a tent or a huge open space, like a barn.

While you have the choice of lighting them or not, paper lanterns are a great way to add lighting to your wedding if you can't have an open flame. Luna Bazaar has a huge selection at great prices. They also offer LED lights to make your lanterns battery operated, with up to 20 hours of light time. If you need all 20 hours, then that is a party that really keeps going!

Wow it is hot! Well, for Seattle at least. And since I am looking at an outdoor wedding this weekend, this seems like the perfect time to share a very popular and practical idea with you!

Bamboo fans are great to use as placecard holders or to attach programs. Not only do they make the table or chairs look great, but they provide your guests with a way to cool themselves off on these warm, sunny, summer days. Bliss Weddings Market carries them and they are relatively inexpensive. And the guests can then take them home as favors. One expense, two uses! Stay cool!

Green Favor Ideas, Part Three

There are so many ways to make your wedding "green" without making your wedding feel eco-friendly. Favors are a great place to do this. And yes, I am going to talk about a favor other than food!

Soy candles! Soy candles are great because they use sustainable resources and are biodegradable. They emit less toxins into your home and smell great! Almost everyone will enjoy taking home a candle from your wedding, to enjoy in the months to come.

Candles and Favors carries them in individual jars, which you can personalize with a label and choose from a variety of scents. Just another way to help sustain our environment!

I'll Take That To Go!

If you have not already figured it out, I love food as favors. Well, I should say that I love food! If you are having a rockin' reception, with dancing late into the night, think about having a tray of doughnuts and cups of coffee for people to take with them. Nothing is better for late night munchies than a nice snack for the road.

By having them prepackaged in wax-lined bags, you can ensure that your guests will feel free to grab one on the way out. Customize a stamp, and personalize your bags before you stuff them. Guests will really remember that you thought about them at the end of the night and sent something home.

Popcorn Bar!

In keeping with my theme of finding unique twists for your reception, I came across a very cute idea on Sparkliatti's blog. Popcorn Bars! With 16 flavors to choose from, Dale and Thomas' Popcorn will help you provide popcorn for a favor buffet with enough variety that even persnickety Uncle Bob will find something to enjoy! The 2-gallon tins come in 3-flavor cominations, with 3 varieties to choose from. They serve about 25 people and are a great way to add something different to your favor bar! Think about doing a custom bag or box to go along with it, and you are ready to go! As always, I love Beau-Coup for favor boxes. They are relatively inexpensive and have a lot of options. Or you could do the popcorn theme all the way and get popcorn boxes from Snappy. At only $10 for 100, it is a great deal and a fantastic way to carry the theme.

Blogs are Abuzz - About Walmart?!?

Yes, it is true. Wedding bloggers everywhere are all abuzz about Walmart. Martha Stewart recently released a wedding collection for Walmart. There are some super cute items there, for a VERY good price. (Obviously, it is Walmart after all!) My personal favorite is the Martha Steward Party Favor Boxes. What a great price for somethign that is cute. The favor boxes are a great place to save a little money and still get an adorable box!

Candy, Bar?

Favors.....so much to say! A new trend in wedding favors, is a candy "bar", read buffet. By choosing to have different sized and shaped containers for you buffet, you create a fun, whimsical look. Stick with candy in your color theme, which is easy from Candy Warehouse. They sell candy by color and you can soon have your own candy buffet up and running!

Adorbable scoops allow guests to pick their own candy. They can be found many places online for as little as $2. Need something to put the candy in? Think about Beau Coup's chinese take-out boxes. You can personalize them with custom labels. Beau Coup also has a lot of other container options if the take-out container does not fit your theme.

By allowing guests to create their own favors, you are giving them a unique memory and a fun activity at your reception!

Green Favor Ideas, Part Two

I am a huge believer in giving back, as well as going green. So, on that note...Another great favor idea is really a favor to someone else. Just Give is a great website that allows couples to donate money in your guests' name as a favor. You can get certificates to inform your guests what charity their favor is for.

Still want a fun favor for your guests, but like the charity idea? Have your house pretty well stocked and don't need to register for much? Just Give also has a wedding registry. In lieu of gifts, your guests can donate to your wedding registry of charities.

Personalized Monograms

For those of you who know me, know that 1. I am originally from the Deep South and 2. maybe because of this, I LOVE monograms. I think monograms are such an elegant way to personalize weddings, bath soap, towels, bags....well you get the gist.

I came across a great site yesterday, Wonderful Graffiti Wedding. They create custom monograms that are easily removable for doors, windows, walls, mirrors, or pretty much anywhere else you could think of to add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding day. If you don't love monograms like I do, no worries! In addition to monograms, they do sayings, favors and much more.

Destination Weddings and MTV!

You may be thinking to yourself - what do these two things have in common? I had never associated the two until today. MTV, yes MTV called me this afternoon! They are doing a True Life Series on Destination Weddings. So, if you are getting married in a destination wedding this July or August, feel free to contact me so I can get you connected and you can possibly be on MTV.

It was serendipity that they called today, because my blog post I was writing was on destination weddings! So, after that phone call, I decided to modify my original post. :) I just returned from the beautiful Grand Bahama Island and our resort, Old Bahama Bay is a breathtaking place to marry the one of your dreams. Most destination wedding spots make it easy and seamless to plan your big day, especially with the help of All the Details!

Think that the Caribbean is too far? In reality it is not, especially if most of your guests are coming from the East Coast. Most of your closest friends and family traveling from the West Coast? There are plenty of gorgeous spots to get married, such as Cabo San Lucas and Hawaii. Stay tuned for more on these locations. And yes, All the Details does in fact, happily do destination weddings! I will be posting more destination ideas as the months go along - especially in the grey of winter.

Nail Care for the Bride to Be!

Looking for a little pampering before your wedding day? Check out these fun options!
Spa Del Lago is a full service salon. From hair care to pedicures, they do it all! I personally love their facials and their pedicure room is big enough to accommodate a party. It is an ideal place for pre-wedding pampering or a bridesmaids luncheon.

Need just a little nail TLC for your wedding? Try Julep Nail Salon, located in University Village. Or visit their new downtown Seattle location. Fun and trendy, with good service. It is a great place to relax and get your hands in shape for your big day!

On your way to your honeymoon destination? Have a chip in your polish? Stop by Butter London in the Seatac airport. Lacking somewhat in customer service, they do offer the 3 Free nail polish. Better for you and better for your body. What a great way to ensure your nails are in “show off your new ring” shape!

Photo Booth = Guest Book?

Don't want a traditional guest book? Not interested in the much loved photo matte? A hot trend right now for receptions is the rental of a photo booth. This fun addition to your reception allows guests to capture themselves and allows you to create a unique wedding album. It is a great visual record of your wedding. You can even have them mount their pictures and write a note underneath. Photo booths start around $1600, but will keep your guests talking!

Green Favor Ideas, Part One

While I am by no means super earth-friendly, I do try to do my part. Recycling, composting and energy saving are all in my daily vocabulary. I think this way of thinking should carry over to weddings and events. Even if you don't want to have a totally eco-friendly event, there are subtle changes you can make.

Favors, favors, favors....this is such a much-discussed topic. And I will definitely be discussing it many more times in the future. Brides and grooms are always looking for a twist on the wedding favor. Gone are the days of a little, usually monogrammed, figurine that collects dust on the shelf.

Think about giving each guest a seedling they can plant at home. Green World Project has seedlings starting at just under $2, that can have a personalized message. They are packed in a bag or tube, complete with ribbon. Let your guests take something home that will really mean something in the years to come!

A Little About Me

Since I am new on the scene, now seems like the perfect moment to briefly introduce myself. After years of planning weddings for friends, I have decided to take it professional!

All the Details was created from a love of weddings and planning! Anytime I see a bride, I stop and look in awe. Love is such a magical "thing" and if I can help someone create their fairy tale wedding, then life is good! I can go on and on about my background and experince, but I think it is best for you to get to know me through my writings, musings and posts! I look forward to sharing a little of me with you.

My blog is a great place for me to share cool and unique ideas and trends I find. I look forward to sharing my passion for weddings and planning with you, at the same time hopefully inspiring you. I will also be sharing cool websites and blogs I find or like to visit.

Launched!

I am very excited about our official blog and All the Details website launch! After a ton of hard work and research, we are finally ready. I'd like to thank some people who made my site possible.

Kellie Medivitz from Paazca designs is an amazing graphic designer. She worked endlessly to meet deadlines and created my beautiful logo and site design. Thanks Kellie!

Greg Gibson allowed the use of his photos from an event on which I worked. He is an amazing photographer in the Washington, D.C. area. Thanks so much Greg!

Robert Bowen, another fabulous photographer in the Washington, D.C. area, also allowed me to use images. Thanks Robert!

My friends Kylie and Eliot allowed me to take such an active part in their special day; then allowed me to showcase that day in print and on-line. Thanks so much!

My wonderful husband Dane has worked endlessly helping me in more ways than I can count. Thanks for always supporting and loving me!