Friday, August 22, 2008

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!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

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!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

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!

Thursday, August 14, 2008


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!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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!

Monday, August 11, 2008

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.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

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!