Do You Really Care!?

Hello!


Found this article, courtesy of Broke-Ass Bride.  Thought it fit me and my blog pretty accurately. My comments/thoughts are in Purple!


Things to Avoid the Wedding-Industrial Complex. AKA Things you don't absolutely NEED to have for your nuptials!!

1. Formal Engagement Photos
The New York Times won’t print engagement photos unless the couple’s eyebrows “are arranged on exactly the . same level.” If you think about this policy, it  makes perfect sense. After all, if you can’t play Sudoku on the brow lines, why bother?  I'm give or take on this one - Formal Engagement pics aren't necessary, but they are always great pictures to have of you and your significant other, where you're not wearing a white gown and he's not in a tux.  Something different and you can adjust what you what to fit your personality!

2. Diamond Wedding Bands
Too many rocks on the hand could mean too many rocks in the head. The diamonds on your engagement ring should be more than sufficient. Besides, extra rocks just mean more callouses on your palm. Too many diamonds. Not necessary. If it fits, go with it, but for me, it's too complicated, too much. Simplicity is best!

3. Cake Server Sets
Your manicured hands are going to cover those curvaceous and be-ribboned handles throughout the 10 seconds you’ll actually put the implements to use. It all comes down to whether you want to pay a couple hundred for engraved silver you’ll never use again. Seriously SERIOUSLY not worth the extra cash.  What else will you ever use it for? Big waste of money.

4. Classy Guestbook and Pen Set
The only person who’s going to see the cover of the guestbook is the poor schmuck you corralled into saying, “Would you like to sign the guestbook?” Besides, those $100 pens never really work for more than 10 minutes. Cool idea, Do so as you please, but don't spend a fortune and formal guestbooks are so outdated and so impersonal.  DIY.  Come up with your own creative interpretation!

5. Bride and Groom Exchange Gifts
I thought your were giving each other the gift of yourselves. Silly me. If you really want to give something tangible, try a simple, heartfelt note written. Now that’s something worth treasuring. Not sure how I feel about this one. Gifts are always nice, but sometimes, the heartfelt note will do just the same!

6. Monogrammed Aisle Runner
Why walk on a carpet when you can walk all over your own names (or squiggly initials). A free-floating runner is just another obstacle to trip on as you trip your way down the aisle. LAME. Seriously, Don't do it. Nobody really cares that much! 
 
7. Groom’s Cakes
Wedding cakes serve two purposes: They make great photo props and single ladies like to slime the undersides of their pillows in hopes of sweet dreams. What purpose does a groom’s cake serve besides lining the trash bin. along with the baker’s pocket? I say it's a do or a don't.  If the groom is serious about the wedding planning and wants to have a part in it, and really wants to feel included, it's a good way to incorporate him.  Knock yourself out. Otherwise, don't do it just for fun. Too much cake that you'll be eating for months afterwards!

8. Padded Guest Lists
Sure it took a village to raise you, but does the entire village need to attend your wedding? Whatever, do with nametags as you will!

9. Wedding Planners
Some venues require brides hire wedding planners, which suggests they’re getting a huge kick-back. Some planners are worth their weight in gold, but others create more headaches and chaos. (Remember semi-hysterical Anthony Marantino from “Sex in the City?”).  Ha, in my never ending search to be an event planner, I completely disagree. Take the burden off yourself, so you can enjoy your day with (Hopefully!) no disasters. Wedding planning simply want you to have the day of your life and for you to enjoy it as a whole.  We try not to be a mountain of chaos!

10. Limousines
Sure it’s fun to stand up in the sun roof and shout “woo-woo,” and it’s cool to legally drink in a super-stretched car, but it’s a lot cheaper to just pack a whiskey flask in your purse and borrow a friend’s sedan. 50/50

11. Videos
Videos are more than expensive, they’re dangerous in the wrong hands. Remember the bride who ended up on YouTube after the clumsy best man shoved her into the pool? Thankfully, the videographer was facing the wrong way when her dress slipped to waist level.
Years after the wedding, many couples say they’d much rather have spent the money on professional still photos than a video they seldom watch.  While videos are cool, pictures are so much worth the cash.  You can almost get the same thing from expressions!

12. Engraved Invitations
Hang the expense. Collating all that paper is exhausting. There’s the engraved wedding invite; the totally unnecessary tissue paper; the engraved reception invite; the engraved RSVP card; and possibly a SASE RSVP envelope. All are stuffed in a spiffy envelope that you then have to stamp and hand address.
Unless they have a vested interest, people look at all that paper for a few seconds, send back the response card — if you’re lucky — and toss out the rest. Invitations are the first impression, I say go with what you want and sometimes, it's worth the cash to get people excited.  If it's a lame, boring invite.  People generally put their expectations low and will RSVP accordingly! Well, unless you're family, or super-close friends. But the on-the-fence people will respond accordingly!

13. Rented Tuxedos
Have you ever known a little boy who dreams of growing up to look like a penguin?  Pish Posh. Do as you and your fiance/e feel! Tuxedos are definitely handsome, but so is a regular suit and tie!

14. Personalized Matches
Unless you hang out with a lot of smokers, tokers and/or candle freaks, these suckers are going in the trash. Ew, and holy old school. Don't even try this. 

15. Matching Bridesmaids Dresses
Let your bridesmaids wear any dress in their closet and you’ll still be speaking after the wedding. Every bride should be forced to watch “27 Dresses.”  Every bride is different.  I know I imagine both different and the same for different reasons. You never know until you have to plan the shindig.

16. Make-Up Professionals
Rule number one: The skin on your face should match the skin on your arms and back.
Rule number two: Your fiance is marry you, not the make-up artist.
Rule number three: It’s a lot cheaper to visit a department store make-up counter for a make-over. Just be sure to buy something when you’re finished, like a base color that matches your skin tone. Whatever, sometimes it just is nice to get your make-up done by professionals and to have everybody look their best.  However, if it's a matter of meeting your budget or not, it should be one of the first things to go.

17. Bustles
Is baby desperate to get back — to the late 1800s? If you want to catch a train, call Amtrak. Depends, traditional or modern? Different dress at the reception or not? Your dress may not even need a bustle. Irrelevant. Moving on...

18. Expensive Shoes
Listen up. NOBODY CAN SEE YOUR FEET UNDER THE DRESS! Unless you’re wearing a cocktail gown, of course. Then go hog wild. Agreed. But if you want to go for the big bang effect - color my friends. Color. But nobody cares if you're wearing Louboutin's or not!

19. Wedding Favors
Personalized tote bags; sterling silver bubble tubes; soy candles in cunning bags; monogrammed M&Ms, water bottles and lip balm…stop me before I vomit cash.  Hehe right? My cousin gave away the centerpieces for her tables.  It was a mad dash, but nobody really seems to care if they receive a favor from your wedding.  They're there to celebrate your marriage right? Shouldn't that be gift enough?

20. Dry Cleaning the Wedding Dress
Like you’re EVER going to wear it again. (Thanks to MyExWeddingDress.com for the photo.) Not sure.  Depends on dirtiness.  But, you're seriously never going to wear it again, regardless of the memories.  Let the stains be memories also!


Things Upon Which I Order You To Spend Money
1. Professional Photographers
Trust me: Uncle Fred or brother-in-law Ed can not take photos “as good as any of those fancy-pants professionals.” Pay a pro and you’ll never regret it. Goodness, hire two! You don't want to miss any moment of this! Even the ones you can't be a part of because you're greeting so many people!
2. A Divorce Dance Video
Just in case things don’t work out, follow the example of the couple who created a divorce video patterned after “Jill and Kevin’s Wedding Entrance Dance,” viewed 52 million times on YouTube and featured on The Office and the Today Show. Well, whatever floats your boat!

Tradition? What tradition?

When I was little, I believed all weddings were the same. It was held in a church. The bride wore a big white gown. The groomsmen all matched along with the bridesmaids.  The same schtick was repeated by (I assumed) the same minister guy for every couple out there.  There'd be dinner, dancing, and all through the reception the kids would clink their glass every three seconds just to make the wedding couple kiss! (Not that I was ever that child...)

I always believed that every wedding had the same criteria to follow, so once I figured out that this was not true, my mind was absolutely blown.  I think that's how I began my obsessions with weddings and parties.  They were all different! And you could use certain things, and leave other things that you didn't want.  (Well, maybe except for the whole exchanging of vows, rings etc.) But you could do it how you wanted, and you got to call the shots.  It was the most amazing concept to me, and I couldn't get enough!

One thing I believed to just be a part of the tradition was that the bride always wore a veil. Clearly things change and veils can change length, color, shape, materials etc.  Or, the bride didn't even need to wear one at all! GASP!

I girl I went to school with got married this past weekend, and as I was browsing her pictures from the big day, the only thing I could look at was her beautiful headband! It fit her head and hair just perfectly, and gave off the classiest of vibes that any bride hopes for! So naturally, I'm completely obsessed and need to have one right this second.  You know, for the wedding of mine that's coming up soon? (Only a hint of sarcasm there...)

After browsing the web for a bit, I came across Twigs and Honey Lace's headbands, flowers and basically wearable art for the big day, in lieu of a veil.  I'm definitely contemplating one just for events I attend - perhaps they come in different colors? I certainly hope so!

Plus, I'd kill for this model's hair, it's absolutely gorgeous! 

Passion

I'm hitting a creative idea lull, so today's entry will be quick, simple, and to the point.  Even though it doesn't directly deal with parties/weddings etc. But it's just something to consider trying!

If there's something I steadfastly believe in, it's passion.  Whatever you do and love, go forth with everything you've got.  It shows and will always pay off big in the end.

The following dances are from different seasons of my favorite summer show on Fox - So You Think You Can Dance.  The reason the dances are so good, is because they truly gave it everything they had, and it's just brilliant to watch.  All of them.









This one slingshot Jeanine (the girl) into the lead with 3-4 weeks to go!!

Crazy Fun!

Howdy!

I hope ya'll had a wonderful weekend!

Parties are meant to be fun.  I know that me and my friends love to have a hootin' hollerin' good time.  We're always looking for a laugh, and being together just makes us goofy!

To ensure that you and your guests have a joyous event, the host/planner can set out some props for the attendees!

Some of the best props are effortless, easily accessible and an accessory to to your friends already colorful personalities! Sunglasses, fake mustaches, fake lips, and of course, crazy headbands are always a good idea!

Having them in buckets within reach of your guests is also a good idea.  This way, they can grab them if they like, and ignore them if that's the case!

Some ideas from Bride Scouts:

Fail.

Alright, so this may (is) not quite on the topic of event planning, but I find it to be slightly relevant, in the fact that, this is what I'm currently dealing with, and the ever-famous phrase, "expect the unexpected".

I've always been fond of quick fixes, and how to solve a stain, politically incorrect phrasing, as well as any type of blunder or gaffe.  One of my favorite solutions that's not super well-known, is the deodorant fix.  So you got some white deodorant marks on your favorite shirt/dress etc.  Never fear - the easiest and quickest way to fix this is to rub the stain with the same fabric.  Lift the bottom of the shirt/dress and gently rub away the white stains.  I've found it to be effective in nearly 95% percent of the deodorant marks I've gotten on my clothes.  Very simple and so lucky to be able to be rubbed out!

This past week I've run into what I feel is a million (possibly an exaggeration) kinds of stains! We have had Coke on the carpet, I've seen two completely ruined dresses and a third one caught quickly enough that the stain was easily enough removed (knock on wood, it's still early! :) )

My friend happened to get an eyeliner stain on a favorite dress of mine, and while it seemed impossible to remove, through Oxy-Clean, and K2R Dry Spotlifter, the tenacious and feisty side of me came out and rubbed the living daylights out of the stain.  There were a few choice words between me and the eyeliner (it's fault, not mine! he he!) I was able to rub most of it out.  We'll see once I run the dress through the washing machine, but for now it seems to have been nearly completely rubbed out! (again, please knock on wood!!!)

I bought a brand new dress this weekend - more of a swimsuit cover up, but still cute nonetheless.  But being Alyssa, the oblivious gal, I definitely got popcorn oil all across the front of the bust of the dress later in the evening.  In my valiant efforts to remove the impossible, I attempted to douse the stain in dish detergent.  Unfortunately for me, the ditz, I didn't completely read the label.  Dish detergent definitely has a warning, "Do not spill on fabric, as this detergent contains chlorine bleach".  Whoops. So my 1-day-old dress still has the oil stain, as well as giant bleached blob across the front bust of the dress.  Cue to me pounding my head on the table. Seriously?

Well, in the efforts to look at the glass half-full, I decided to run back to Dillard's in order to (hopefully) find the same dress, same size and all.  Apparently God had figured out that I had  had enough! I got the very first parking spot and the very last dress available in this style.  And again, the heavens must have opened up because the last dress, was in my size! So, granted, my dress is definitely double as much what it cost, but has taught a very valuable lesson - Don't be a dummy! Read everything, and take your time!

To correlate this ridiculous situation into event planning, I'm sure everybody has spilled something on themselves, someone else, or the floor at some point, whether hosting an event or attending one.  In this event, I recommend Oxy-Clean.  I don't know what on earth is in this solution, and I'm not asking.  The only thing I'm asking, is for you to bow down to it.  It's the most amazing clothes-stain releaser I've ever seen in my life.  My awesome roommate officially has me hooked on it.  It's really never failed me and it's simply a miracle worker.  I have no other words for it.   I definitely suggest you keep some on hand just in case!

So now, I'm finally at a place where I just look at the first and only dress I've ever completely ruined, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it.  I feel bad throwing it out, it barely got a chance to live! :) Do you have any creative suggestions as to what I should do with it?

It's Summer!

As I've stated before, I love color.  Anything to do with it.   I've always believed that you can use whatever color you want for your wedding or event, regardless of the season.  However, I also believe that they need to be paired with the right color in order to do so.

My latest color obsession is the combination of teal and tangerine.  It's a great way to use orange in the summer, rather than only in the fall (along with the browns and reds).

As found on the SwishList, here's some examples of how to combine the two colors.  It brightens my mood, doesn't it brighten your day as well?

Conversation Starters!!

I am a shy girl.  The real me has a tendency to come out, after I get to know someone for awhile, and that's when people really start to fall in love with me ;).

However, it's a hard thing for many people (including myself!) to start a conversation with a random person at a get together!  When you don't know someone, conversations generally start with your surroundings, or the old stand-by, the weather.  Now, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the weather was a perfectly acceptable conversation piece.  Weather in those parts, has PMS.  One day it's hot and sticky, the next day it's rainy and cold. It snowstorms in May and September and has sunshine and blue skies in January.

I've found that in Texas, the weather does not change, for the most part.  In the six weeks I've been here, we've only been out of the 90's for about 7-8 days total.  And out of those days, it's been in the 100's for about 5-6.  Nothing to extravagant there.  Because the weather is so mundane, I've had to resort to the other tactic - by using my surroundings to strike up a conversation.

For a social event to be successful, you want your guests to mingle and socialize (hence the name...) with everybody else at the party.  Conversation starters are always welcome, even by the most outgoing guests! One way to do this, is to create a board with the past 5-10 years  on it, and whip up some cute name cards of all of your friends.  They can then post these name cards onto this "year board" as to the year they met you.  This can create conversations between your guests as they look to create a common bond - which obviously is you!

Most people can generally think up this common bond tactic themselves, but it can be a decorative piece for your event and reminds perhaps, those who may not be thinking of it!

I've found an example on Martha Stewart Weddings. Have fun!

Quick Fixes

My roommate and I recently had a dinner party for some out-of-town guests.  We had cooked and slaved away all day to make sure the meal was up to par.  "Traditional" Texas fare was being cooked in 104 degree heat - no easy feat!  We had multi-tasked like crazy - getting ready for the evening to come, entertained some guests who had arrived early, and setting up the table.  It was, what I like to call, "organized chaos".

In the midst this organized chaos, I realized that while we had planned and planned and planned, we had a beautiful-looking table, with a bare middle.  With no centerpiece, I felt I had failed as a planner.  While everything turned out well, good food and company (that's all that really matters, right?) I was still puzzled inside as to how I could've created some type of centerpiece to get the finishing touches done.

In order to not be caught off guard like that again, I researched some good, cheap ways to dress up your table for an event or party.  Courtesy of Real Simple magazine, I found some wonderful options just to add a little something extra!! Enjoy!