Thursday, November 17, 2011

Theme Thursday: Twilight

Well, tonight is the opening night of the new Twilight movie.  And, since I have a teenage daughter, with a lot of teen aged friends, I will be there.  Since this is all I've heard about for the last two weeks this weeks theme was kind of a no-brainer for me. 

There are a couple of different ways you can go with a Twilight Themed wedding celebration (foregoing the vampire teeth please).  Here are two of my favorites:

This one is a more romatic, woodsy feel.  A lot of lace and natural colors.



I love this look.  Following along with the deep reds and blacks.  Again, very romantic and elegant.  I could see seeting this up in a tent with black chandeliers hung and towering vases of deep red roses.  And, of course, a lot of candles!





Are you having a Twilight themed wedding, or know someone that is?  Send us some pictures and share!  We would love to showcase your wedding.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tip Of The Week: Signature Drinks

The vows have been said and you've sealed it all with a kiss so let's get your party started!  What better way to do this than with a Signature Drink!  I love this idea for wedding receptions.  It is fun, it allows you to be creative, and it just adds an extra festive feel to the  celebration.

Now that fall is here let's look at some recipes for some DELICIOUS signature drinks for your cocktail hour.

Serve a seasonal drink made with rye, Champagne, bitters, blood orange, and maple syrup.
**Give this one your own name**
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 ounces applejack
  • 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • A few dashes orange bitters
  • About 2 ounces Champagne
  • Blood-orange rind cut into strips for garnish

Directions:
Combine applejack, whisky, maple syrup and bitters in a cocktail shaker and shake over ice.
Strain into a 6 ounce martini glass and top with champagne.  Garnish with orange rind and serve.

Pumpkin Pie Martini
Ingredients:
  • .5 ounce Sylk Cream Liqueur
  • 2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
  • .5 ounce Pumpkin liqueur (or pumpkin spice syrup)
  • 1 tsp Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon Stick

Directions:
Pour the Sylk Liqueur and Vodka in a shaker filled with ice.  Shake well.  Add the Pumpkin Liqueur or syrup and shake again.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Top with a teaspoon of whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick

Hot Apple Pie Cocktail
Ingredients:
  • 1 ounce Tuaca (an orange-vanilla flavored liqueur)
  • 5 - 6 ounce warm apple cider
  • whipped cream
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • cinnamon sticks

Directions:
Heat the apple cider.  Pour into a coffee mug, adding Tuaca.  Garnish with whipped cream, sprinkle on cinnamon and nutmeg and add a stick of cinnamon.


Another fun idea is to add an Apple Cider bar to your cocktail hour.  Make a few gallons of this wonderful Cider Punch, dress up your table and you're done.

Ingredients:
  • cold cider
  • orange juice
  • sparkling wine or champagne 
Are you adding a signature drink to your cocktail hour?  What are you going to name it?  What is the recipe?  Share your details...we love to hear!





Friday, November 11, 2011

Fashion Friday: Pronovias 2012

I love Friday's for many reasons, but I think the biggest reason is this ~ Fashion Friday!!

Fashion Week in New York is done so it is time for me to do one of the many things I love most with my job ~ watch the many wonderful fashion shows.  As some of you know, I'm pretty sure I was a bridal gown fashion designer in a past life.  I could watch and draw bridal gowns all day, so to have a legitimate reason to sit back and watch these fashion show {and bring you the best of the best} is like a dream for me.
This week I am starting out with one of my favorite designers ~ Pronovias.  The gowns this year are unbelievable! 

So, without further adieu, grab your notebook and pencil, champagne and a comfy chair...Enjoy!




Do you have a favorite?  Share with us and write down the time.  Happy Friday Everyone!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tip Of The Week: Invitations

Recently, I've had brides call me up with a request... "Please help!  I have been trying to print my invitations and they are coming out crooked and the ink isn't very bright".


Now, I totally appreciate the DIY thing...and Kudos to all of you brides that really want to add your personal touches to your wedding, BUT, doing your own invitations isn't easy.  You need to keep in mind that your wedding invitations are the very first thing your guests will see when they are invited to your wedding. 

Luckily, though, there are enough companies out there {mine for example} that will work with you if you are adamant about doing your own invitations.  Here, at Signature Events by Shelly, we will help you design your invitations and print them, and, if you choose, you can take care of the rest.  Saving you money and allowing you to be more "hands on".

Here are the top five tips to keep in mind about invitations:


  • When to Order

You should be ready to order your invitations when your guest list is final (about three to  four months before).  Your design concept should be figured out about seven or eight months before.  Look for invitation styles that you really like.



  • Do Overcompensate!

Don’t order the exact number you need.  A good rule of thumb is to order 25% extra.  Also, order extra envelopes to leave room for addressing errors.  And, remember that you will need one per household…not one per guest.  Although, any children over the age of 18 living with their parents should receive their own invitation.



  • All in One

You will want to provide your guests with all of the information they will need.  Your invitation supplier should go over all of this as your times, venues, styles are being chosen.



  • Saying Thanks

Remember to add thank-you notes to your order.  The “thank – you note project” begins when you are gathering names and addresses for the invitations.  Do yourself a BIG favor and SAVE THAT LIST!  As you open presents, record the gift next to the giver’s name and address.




  • Signed, Sealed and Delivered

If you are having a destination wedding or marrying over the holidays you need to send your invitations early (10 to 12 weeks before the wedding).  For a local affair, the standard time frame is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. 

Have fun with your invitations and make them personal.  Work with a designer to really create a unique invitation.  Anyone can open a book and choose one...



Monday, November 7, 2011

Fathers and Daughters

With the latest Father/ Daughter dance that has been all over the news {and re-danced for us on GMA}, I thought I would share some of my favorites over the next week. Enjoy!






These dad's are AWESOME!!  Congratulations!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Theme Thursday: Tiffany Style

All of the "bling" and that trademark blue!!  I love this wedding.  The bride is gorgeous, the shoes are to die for, and the ring....ahhhhh {feeling dreamy right about now}.

Some delicious food, chandeliers {absolutely!}, satin ribbon, tower vases with some gorgeous flowers and gems and a smiling bride and groom surrounded by their favorite things!  I am working on a Tiffany themed wedding invitation set right now...ribbons, gems and all!  Watch for pictures.

Here is my favorite Inspiration Board to help with your Tiffany Themed Wedding.




Are you having a Tiffany Themed wedding?  Send us your thoughts and ideas!  We'd love to see!!