Unique Wedding Memento

Came across a unique wedding memento website today………

www.keepsakeweddingrugs.com

This is another unique way to personal the spot where you exchange your vows…….The rug can be customized in several colors and designs right on the website along with previewing it before purchasing………..

You can then have the Keepsake rug for your front door entrance to your new home.

If you want to learn more about the Wedding Keepsake Rugs you can visit them on there website where you can even see photos of all of the designs………

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

What a great way to ask that special girl to be part of your wedding….. We found these cute gifts at www.favorideas.com   … What women does not love chocolate and it can be personalized in your wedding colors or your gals favorite colors…….  Click on the link below to read more about them….

Will You Be My Bridesmaid? Gourmet Chocolate Bridesmaid: $12.95.

Featured Decor Inventory Item- Cherry Blossom Tree

Special Moments offers a planning package ( Treasured Moment) that includes complimentary use of all of our Decor Inventory. We are featuring the New Cherry Blossom Tree  in this blog post for you to get an idea of what you can do with the Cherry Blossom Tree  for your next event.

Anybody else have any ideas of how this beautiful Tree could be used for an event?

Dish the Dirt in a Cute, Fun Way!

We located another great idea when we were blog reading today that we had to share. This one is from One Wed’s.com Blog….

 

When I think of my best friends and sisters, several hilarious, (semi)embarrassing stories come to mind… stories that always bring a smile to my face, followed by a good, hearty laugh. And I know that my besties have some ammunition stored up on me, as I’ve had my fair share of not so proud moments

dirty-laundry-fun-way-to-share-stories-at-casual-outdoor-wedding-bachelor-party-bridal-shower

Mélangerie

I came across this “Dirty Laundry” guest book kit by New York based design consultancy Mélangerie Inc, and thought it was the perfect way to dish the dirt, in a decorative, fun way. Now, since weddings are special, joyous occasions, we recommend that participating guests keep it “clean” (no pun intended)… but what a cute way to remember those comical encounters, funny moments between the bride and groom, unexpected happenings that made you blush, and more!

The “Dirty Laundry” guest book set comes in 6 different color themes, and for only $35, you get…

- 40 note cards (10 t-shirts, 10 tank tops, 10 pants, 10 skirts)
- 48 mini wooden clothespins (to clip up notes with)
- 8 yards of clothesline
- 1 coordinating prompt label that encourages guest’s to write notes (shaped to fit on a 50 fluid oz. Tide detergent bottle)

All packaged up in an adorable mini laundry bag with space to fill in the event date!

How great would this kit be for a casual outdoor wedding, bridal or engagement shower, or a bachelor/bachelorette party? I know the next time I’m a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding, I’ll be scooping up one of these “Dirty Laundry” sets!

Romantic Candlelight

I must confess, I am a hopeless romantic, and I believe that fact has a lot to do with the profession that I’ve chosen. If you classify yourself in the  hopeless romantic category and you are looking to exchange your vows in a setting that is totally romantic,  consider the  lighting. While lighting is often overlooked, it can be incredibly impactful in setting the mood for your ceremony.

I have always loved the idea of an intimate ceremony surrounded only by family, close friends, and flickering candlelight. What a beautiful, memorable way to share your promises, commitments, and eternal love with one another.

candlelight ceremony

Electronic Invitation Service

I read about pingg several times before in the blogosphere and yesterday was the first time that I actually used it as a test - Can I tell you: I am so over that other electronic invitation service. pingg claims to be the “ultimate in event management” and, by George, I think it’s very close!

The invite designs are very clean, stylish and modern. What I also like about it is that you can upload your own designs, logos or graphics. This is awesome if you’ve already had a custom logo or monogram created for your event. With the pingg Designer Series, you can have access to original artwork to make your invites works of art! There is a choice of many exclusive (and complimentary) designs from up-and-coming talent as well as established artists. Additonally, for $10, you can search their extended gallery to find just the right image.

What I like best about pingg is the ease of use and the simplicity of the event management details. I was able to import my guest list from either email or that other electronic invitation service: easy-peasy! You can use the surroundSend(r) feature and send your pingg invite five different ways: email, SMS, print, personalized website or via social media, like Facebook. As an end-recipient, I love the simple yes/no/maybe buttons embedded directly in the email. No new screens to open and look at, if I don’t want to. After the invitations are sent, you can manage the event from one place and even send THANK YOU NOTES after the event is over.

It’s freakin’ awesome! I HEART simple organization. Need a guest list at the door of your event? pingg can print and import confirmed attendees! And your guest list is updated each time a guest RSVPs, so you’ll never leave anyone off the list.

So enough of me gushing about pingg-my new best friend in online invitation and event management. Go on over and check it out for yourself. And, although I’d hate for my bubble to be burst, I’d like to hear about ALL opinions of this service, if you’ve used it. Please feel free to share your pingg experiences.

**Added bonus: for you eco-chic couples going green for your wedding, pingg is a great tree-saving (thus O2 producing) alternative to traditional invitations

5 Fun Dessert Bar Ideas

Candy and Dessert bars are becoming very popular at wedding receptions for the guests to be able to indulge in a variety of treats at their own pace and taste…. Why not add a twist on the interactive candy bar or pre-made dessert bar and offer your guests interactive dessert stations, where the guests create their own dessert from the various components displayed…

Fun idea # 1

Candy Apple Station

A candy apple station is a fun dessert station idea for a fall wedding. The guests can dip the apples in melted caramel, candy or chocolate  and then in various additional toppings and wrap and take home or enjoy there.

make_your_own_candy_apple_station

 

Fun Dessert Idea # 2

Banana Split Station with all the fixings… If you are not a banana fan, then have a Sundae bar with ice cream cones or if that is not retro enough.. Then offer a coke float station…

Banana Split Sundae Bar

Banana Split Sundae Bar

         

Ice Cream Cone station

Ice Cream Cone station

Coke Float Station

Coke Float Station

Fun Dessert Idea # 3
 
Smores Dessert Station is another fun idea for guests. There are many ways to set-up this station. 1 way would be outdoors with of course a campfire for the guests to toast the marshmallows around the fire.. What if you do not have that option. Then you will love the inspiration photo below:
Smores Dessert Station Ideas

Smores Dessert Station Ideas

Fun Dessert Idea # 4
 
Fruit and yogurt parfait station is a fun dessert idea and a healthy alternative to all the sweet ideas we have already suggested. The picture below shows how elegant you can set this type of station up with martini glasses or champagne glasses and let the guests design away..
Fruit & Yogurt Parfait Station

Fruit & Yogurt Parfait Station

Fun Dessert Idea # 5
 
Cupcake station is another unique interactive dessert station. You can have the various flavors of cupcakes already iced and let the guests add toppings or sprinkles to them.. Here are a few photos below to make the cupcake station fun…
Cupcake station

Cupcake station

  
cupcake station idea

cupcake station idea

ice cream cone cupcakes

ice cream cone cupcakes

                                                                                            

The New Candy Buffet AKA Popcorn Bar

There has been a huge craze for candy buffets, but have you considered an alternative? We introduce to you a flavored popcorn bar… a.k.a. the new candy buffet.

Candy bars and buffets are very popular and have become an integral part of today’s wedding receptions. We don’t see any signs of this trend slowing down, either. We can see what’s great about it, though:It looks good as a part of the decor for the reception
It’s interactive for the guests
Candy is a wedding favor that 95% of your guests will enjoy

So put a twist on the been-there-done-that candy buffet: why don’t you offer a gourmet popcorn bar at your wedding?? It will still engage your guests, it can look fantastic inside your venue and it’s tasty!

To figure out how much popcorn you need, we would probably allot 1/4 to 1/3-gallon of popcorn per guest.

popcorn buffetTo save on costs, I would look for original and unique glass containers in places like Michaels, Ikea, thrift shops and antique stores. And there’s always the option of renting containers. One trick that many miss is to limit the size of the containers. I would only use small to medium containers, with only one or two large containers. Five to seven small or medium containers definitely give the look of more goodies as opposed to three large containers, although it’s holding the same amount of popcorn. Remember–presentation is everything!

We would liven up the table by adding  linens or table runners that match the colors and scheme of the rest of the reception. Votives, flower petals, seashells or scattered gems would also liven up the buffet. You really don’t want it to look bland. It should be inviting and appealing to your guests. It should almost scream out: “Come scoop me. . .” Gilded frames for the signage would be beautiful touch, as well.

We would stage the containers at different heights on the table using lifts/risers. This makes access to the popcorn goodies easier, but it also adds drama to the table. We would definitely stage the favor bags and boxes, too, because they are a part of the presentation as well. Stainless steel or silver scoops would round out the look for my gourmet popcorn bar.

Your gourmet popcorn bar is sure to be a success at your next special event or wedding reception. Who doesn’t like to pick and choose their own delicious take-home treats?

 What different ideas do you have for bars or buffets? We’d love to hear your ideas!
PopcornBar with guests

Mini Burgers & Sliders for Parties of all Kinds

miniburgerThe cheeseburger just got a makeover! The new look is one that puts less strain on your belt and your budget. Mini burgers and sliders are becoming the next fad in the food world. These teeny burgers are full of taste and pack a punch for those that prefer a bold and spicy taste. They are as versatile as the hamburger, just smaller.

Whether you are having a backyard barbecue or a glamorous cocktail party, these tasty and stylish treats can go on any menu. These teeny pockets of beef that used to be seen as greasy and cheap are now sleek and glam! They have made appearances on magazine covers, in restaurants, and everyone loves them.

Sliders for All Ages

Sliders for Small Kids: For younger kids, make fun minis. Have a little slider buffet for them.Buffet-Sliders_640x428 Buffets for small children can add an entirely new eating experience. More often than not, children eat what their mom or another adult puts on their plate. Let them be creative this summer and try something new.

Let them help! They can assist with everything from the preparation (be sure to have them wash their hands after handling raw meat) to gobbling them up! Set out ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Also have relish, cheese, and lots of napkins on hand! Set them up and watch them go. Being able to create their own special burger will be a learning experience and give them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Be prepared to sample from many creative creations.

Sliders for Teens: Tweens and teens also love to have different parties. Make the next one a mini party. Everything is going to be mini for them. Have mini cups, mini napkins, and mini burgers!

Be a little more creative with foods for teens and tweens. Have them already prepared with different cheeses, and some without. Other toppings and condiments like mushrooms, onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, and all of the other traditional fixings should be readily available. Encourage them to create different types of slider and try new things. Teens are often the pickiest eaters and will stick to the same foods in lieu of trying new ones.

Add a little glam. Provide some sliced avocado, tomato, cucumber, and squash for a little veggie touch. Have some dipping sauces available for them as well. Set out barbecue sauce, some different salad dressings, and honey mustard. You can also have some sweet and sour sauce available and even some marinara sauce! The kids will love it and they will have a great time sampling and sharing their ideas. It is a great way for them to mingle without the pressure of finding topics to talk about.

Sliders for Adults: Adults are also going to love slider parties and barbecues. You can serve sliders and mini burgers at sports gatherings, poker parties, and game nights. Make minis that have a spicy buffalo taste as a substitute for wings. Here’s a great recipe to follow:

1 rotisserie chicken, boned and chopped                                                                        buffalo chicken sliders
2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1/2 Cup chopped carrots
2 cups of crumbled blue cheese
2/3 of a cup of buffalo wing sauce
12 split dinner rolls

Mix everything (but the rolls) together and bake in a 400 degree oven in a 9” X 13” baking dish for twenty minutes. Spoon the mixture onto the dinner rolls and there you have it! The guys will love it and it is healthier than beef.

The Glamorous Mini

You can also serve these at cocktail parties. Talk about versatile! You can make a version that is yummy and not at all messy. People will eat them as hors d’eouvres as they sip their drinks. Make a few different recipes if you like. The options are completely unlimited! Here’s a great recipe for wild mushroom beef sliders.
                                                                                                                                                MiniBurgers
Wild Mushroom Beef Sliders

2 pounds of ground sirloin
1 package of dried wild mushrooms
¼ cup of parsley (finely chopped in a spice mill)
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
6 medium shallots thinly sliced
¼ cup of sherry
16-20 miniature buns

In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground dried mushrooms, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and then shape into patties. Place one medium and one large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in each pan. When the oil is hot, place the sliders into the large pan (as many as will fit comfortably, don’t crowd the party!). Cook until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside, usually 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked sliders from the pan to a dinner plate and cover them with foil to keep warm while the others cook.

In the smaller pan, caramelize the shallots, eight to ten minutes. Season the shallots with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then remove the pan from the heat and add in the sherry. Return the pan to the heat and cook away the liquid, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to free up all those tasty bits that are stuck to the bottom. Return the shallots to the pan and cook down. Serve atop the sliders for a gourmet look and taste!

Vegetarian Sliders

Alternatives to beef and other meat-based sliders include veggie sliders. Any veggie that can be vegetarian slidergrilled can also be made into a slider! You can season them how you like to fit every occasion and holiday. You can have a slider bar for those that want to create their own, or set out a few platters full of the tasty mini burgers. No matter your lifestyle, budget, or occasion sliders and mini burgers are versatile enough to suit your needs.

Pop-art Inspired Artificial Bouquets

We subscribe to a lot of event industry news letters and this came across my computer today and I thought it was a neat concept for all of the Eco-Friendly people out there.

This product is offered by Pop Flower Shop

This was the excerpt that came across about this cool product:                            pop flower shop bouquet

Flower arrangements from PopFlowers are made of dirt-resistant, lightweight polypropylene and require no care other than an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. The handmade flowers come on coiled wire stems that can be changed to vary the arrangement. The flowers are 100 percent hypoallergenic and fragrance-free; the manufacturer recycles all post-production waste. The product is shipped using minimal packaging, which is itself biodegradable.

So after reading this brief clip about it: We went to the website to check it out for ourself…The first page of the website gives 10 reasons to use their flowers and after skimming thru the website we find a few great finds and ideas:

 

napkin flower design

 

We love the fact that you can use them for napkin rings.. If they do not have the style of flower you desire, they will customize one for you. I am always concerned when using fresh flowers on the napkins and if they will wilt before the guest see them. This would alleviate my concern:

 

 

The other great idea is the kids at the bottom playing with the flowers. That would be a wonderful idea for a kids table activity at a wedding reception or party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your thoughts or ideas on this product?

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.