April 2012 Archive

Yes, wedding planning has it’s joys… finding the perfect dress, oohing and ahhing over gorgeous blossoms and of course dancing the night away to your favorite jams… among other things. But let’s get real, what makes a party is the beverage.

Our own Lyght House Cocktails brings the bubbly (and more) with her customized mobile bar tending services. From a personal twist on your favorite order, or a premium mix of the standard classics, she’s got the crew to shake up your big day.

Want an inside scoop on her expertise? Join StudioWed at The Wedding Experience on Saturday, April 14th for a full day of interactive workshops, broken up by absolutely delicious cocktail hours. She’s got a slew of new recipes just itching for a guinea pig!

Here’s what’s on tap from the bar!

Sign up now at www.studiowedexperience.eventbrite.com!

Raise your hand if the farthest you’d thought about your wedding was what color your manicure should be on the big night… Anybody?

For those non-Type A’ers, Erica Pruwett, owner of A Big To Do Event has you covered. A list-maker extraordinaire, she presents you with some of the TOP things to start on once you answer the big question. In her own words, here’s Erica’s spiel!

…According to the Association of Wedding Ministers, the average wedding engagement is seven to 12 months.  If you were one of the lucky ladies who got engaged on Valentine’s Day, odds are you will share wedding vows during the months of September to January.  This makes sense seeing as the most popular wedding month in Atlanta is October.  There’s a lot to do between now and October!

So what do you do first?

My very first recommendation is to find a venue.  A couple of questions to ask yourself before trekking all across the Metro Atlanta area:

1. What will my wedding date be? This is a question that you might not be able to dictate.  Especially if you are looking at a September or October wedding, venues may have a limited number of Saturday’s available. That’s when you might consider a Friday or Sunday celebration.  Many venues will discount their food and beverage minimum or site rental fee on those “off” days.

1. What is my general style? Do I enjoy the historic feel of one of Roswell’s Antebellum mansions? Or is it more important to me that the guests can just take the elevator to their room after the reception?

1. Where do I want to have my wedding? One of the biggest trends is to have a mini-destination wedding.  Choose a venue that is about an hour and a half from your home – someplace like Serenbe or a winery in North Georgia.  Having your celebration there cuts down on the number of guests – generally just getting rid of the ones who are just coming for free food.

Secondly, discuss with your fiancé what each of your Most Important Elements of your wedding will be.  Do you have your heart set on a band instead of a dj; is his most important element the food? By bringing him into this conversation early on, both of you will enjoy the planning process more because each of you knows what’s a key ingredient for your partner.

Above all, remember, you are not planning a wedding.  You are planning the first day of your married lives together.  The two of you are planning a marriage celebration.  That’s what is Most Important…

Erica Prewett is a wedding expert and owns A Big To Do Event. You may contact Erica at 404.547.5712 or Erica@ABigToDoEvent.com.

Can’t scribble down notes fast enough? Put down the pen. Erica delivers all of her wedding planning expertise at StudioWed’s The Wedding Experience on Saturday, April 14th. Covering everything from to-do’s, to etiquette to timelines and more, join her and rest easy in your next several months!

Register for your tickets now at www.studiowedexperience.eventbrite.com

Ahhh, the infamous “first look.” A scandalous tradition introduced (we’ll say) by wedding planners inching for more time in their itinerary. At most basic, it’s a private moment created by the wedding team for the couple to see each other before they walk the aisle.

GASP!

Okay, before you shake your head so fast your curls fall, let me give you some opinions from two of our favorite photogs, Project Duo Photography.

“Seeing each other before the ceremony relieves so much pressure from the enormity of what’s about to happen. Everybody is already nervous, sweating and shaky, so being able to have that special moment together, alone before the show begins really helps couples to relax and enjoy it.” -Courtney, Project Duo

“Agreed! It’s the best way to work out those jitters before you have to look poised and mature in front of all your friends and family. Plus, there are so many ways to make it even more special than that walk down the aisle would be. It’s our favorite part of the wedding day.” -Zahra, Project Duo

And, I’ll say, as a bride, there was no question whether we’d choose a “first look” or not. It means more time to spend at our own reception, a more sentimental way to see each other for the first time and a whole lot of pressure off holding back the inevitable emotions!

Here’s a sneak peak of the success in this new tradition… but for more tips, advice and debating, join Courtney and Zahda at The Wedding Experience, Saturday, April 14th. They’ll answer all your questions about choosing a wedding day photographer, tips to remember on the big day and MUCH MUCH more.

Register for your tickets now at www.studiowedexperience.eventbrite.com!

Everyone wants to be that natural beauty – walking down the aisle in her conservative, blushing beauty. And while a natural bride is timeless and gorgeous, here’s a tip from our own Scoobie West for adding that POP of color and drama once its time to party at the reception.

Easiest way to add on the drama, he asks?  Change your lip color!

the natural beauty…

The show-stopper!

Go bold! This is your chance to whip out a bright red lip, a rich coral hue or even that (dare she?) fuchsia stain!

Want more beauty secrets for your big day? StudioWed stylist P3 Lab shares her tips and tricks at The Wedding Experience, happening on Saturday, April 14th from 11am to 5pm. Join us for a full day of hands-on workshops, interactive seminars, cake tastings, cocktails, pop up shops and more!

Get your tickets now at www.studiowedexperience.eventbrite.com!