Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/184608
Todd Events STEPHEN KARLISCH TODD FISCUS EVENT DESIGN, PLANNING AND CREATIVE SERVICES I f you are for sure keeping your gown as a keepsake, embroider a ribbon and have it sewn in the hem of your dress in blue thread. Write a wish to you and your new husband — it could be a sweet moment to remember. Todd's wow-factor florals When throwing the bouquet and garter, do the garter moment in private. You can then throw the bouquet as you get into your getaway car. It makes for a great picture — and the crowd loves the moment. Bella Flora of Dallas SARA DONALDSON JAIME JONES Go for a "wow statement" by using flowers in fewer places. One of my favorite design elements is to create two amazing and huge Smart Car-sized florals on pedestals and then surround them with tables featuring candles and gardenia details. EVENT PLANNING AND FLORAL DESIGN "Canon in D," you've had your moment. (And what a moment it was.) Our top knot-tying experts say it's high time for a modern spin on those classic, neverout-of-style wedding traditions. Here, the best of the best in planning, catering, florals and more share their tips for freshening up the most conventional I-do details. SARA DONALDSON Replace traditional cake toppers with ones that showcase the couple's personality. BY LAUREN MANG For out-of-the-ordinary invites, have the calligraphy penned at a slant. ALLAN PENN Offer a traditional seated dinner for the first course, but buffets for the main course. We had salads pre-placed at the guest tables, then the buffets were opened for the entrees. Go with a donation made to a charity of the couple's choice in lieu of a favor. Swap the cake and go with these sweet treats from The Original Cake Ball Company. CARRA FREEMAN Lombardi Family Concepts Catering EVENT PLANNING AND FLORAL DESIGN Injecting the bride and groom's heritage into the menu is a great way to infuse classic traditions with modern ideas. Take two different cultures, mix them together and offer different stations, such as an Italian pasta bar with a Spanish paella station. The art of traditional and old-fashioned cocktails with a twist is a huge trend right now. Taking something simple such as a champagne cocktail and adding Elderflower updates a traditional drink in a more modern — and delicious — way. KATHERINE MATHES Mathes and Co. Events and The M Collection EVENT PLANNING, CUSTOM INVITATION DESIGN AND FLORAL DESIGN Incorporate several songs and dances into a first dance mash-up. It is something new and different and keeps guests wanting more. In the wedding program, instead of printing the bride and groom's new address, attach a removable calling card with their new information. Instead of a traditional chocolate groom's cake and white bride's cake, offer different dessert options, such as a bar with different pies or mini-desserts like French macaroons and cake balls. Order mini tambourines and accent them with satin ribbons in the wedding colors, and attach a saying by the couple for the send-off. Instead of printing a standard paper wedding program, one of our brides opted to purchase large antique doors, on which we installed mirrors. With a vinyl application, the program was applied to the mirror and displayed at the entrance of the ceremony for all guests to see. HEATHER WIESEALEXANDER Bell'Invito Letterpress Studio CUSTOM LETTERPRESS, ENGRAVED AND PRINTED INVITATIONS E tiquette states that the bride and groom have six months to Leather-bound guest books write their thank-you available through Bell'Invito notes, but nowadays making someone wait six months before they know you received your gift seems inconsiderate. Use lovely preprinted cards, known as gift confirmation notes, and drop them in the mail immediately when a gift arrives. Rethink the program. Let's be honest, everyone wants to know what was blue, and which sentimental things you carried down the aisle. What's something personal you can share while we patiently wait in a pew for the party to follow? Instead of a head table, set a honeymoon table for two next to the dance floor for the bride and groom. It saves space and resolves the "who gets to sit at the head table?" question. It's intimate and gives the couple a moment to enjoy their reception, take in some needed food and sit across from each other. FEBRUARY | PAGE 30 | 2012 The usually white-and-satin bridal guest book is evolving into a more handsome, less frilly, typically leather-bound book fashioned for the bride and groom's permanent residence.