Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Since most of you will be out of town this weekend and I'll be running between weddings, I figured I'd leave you with a fun blog to read. Kate over at chicbride has tons of great ideas to peruse through. To give you an idea, here's some photos stolen from the blog:Who wouldn't want to look at more photos of polka dotted shoes??

She also owns a boutique in San Francisco called ooma! I've never even been to the west coast (bad, I know...) but if you're out that direction please stop and say hello to Kate for me. Enjoy & have a great long weekend!

Soiree Series: Trendy Tabletops

Here's another tabletop from the DC ISES competition! This tabletop was designed by Nick over at Multiflor and DC Rental:
Look closely at the details. I've never seen anything like this before! The acrylic table was filled with rose petals and glassware, silverware, and china were set on top of little acrylic cubes to hold them off of the roses. While the glassware and plates were certainly different than your standard hotel ballroom ware, check out the silverware. It's ergonomically designed with that loopy bent handle:
I really liked the trailing flowers off the corners of the table and the funky clear acrylic stools:
Multiflor's centerpiece was simple but beautiful. The orchids and candles draw your eye to the center even though there is a flurry of floral activity down on the table:
What do you think of this creative tablescape? Would you ever have anything this trendy at your wedding or would you steer more traditional? Tell us in the comments and you can win 2 tickets to the Washington Bridal Showcase!

Happy Accidents

"I just want my day to be perfect."

We hear our brides say this all the time. But what does 'perfect' really mean? While in an ideal world we could get everything right every time, something usually goes wrong at every wedding. Our job at Soiree is to make sure the bride and groom remain happy and oblivious until they return from their honeymoon.

For instance, we've had multiple limos not show, cakes delivered that are the wrong design, the improper number of tables set for dinner, flowers in the completely wrong color, missing bouquets, had caterers that run out of plates/silverware/glasses/etc, and even bridesmaids getting 'sick' during the ceremony or passing out.

I was reading a cute blog posting from Mackenzie over at Something Old, Something New where she talked about a random mishap on her wedding day. Appropriately entitled 'Happy Accidents,' the post is more about maintaining a sense of character and uniqueness at your wedding. To learn more about Mackenzie just check out her invitation company, KenzieKate, and also her interview at the Blue Orchid Blog.

Similarly, Miss Plum over at WeddingBee created a laundry list of things that went wrong, including a very sweaty groom, cutting into the styrofoam cake layer, and mismatched bridesmaid footwear.

While accidents aren't ever intended, they're usually not harmful to anyone and are most certainly memorable. These little imperfections are the reason your great aunt Maude had such a good time and why your cousin Harry can't stop talking about it. Of course as a bride your biggest challenge will be seeing past the awkward moment, deciding to deal with it later, and enjoying yourself on the day.

What are you worried about going wrong on your big day? Or if you're married, what happened that wasn't in the plan? Comment below and you could win two tickets to the Washington Bridal Showcase next weekend!

Soiree Series: Trendy Tabletops

Here's another beautiful tabletop idea from our local ISES chapter's friendly competition in June. This table was designed by Party Rental, Ltd. and the floral arrangements were provided by Amaryllis:
I really love the beautiful pintuck overlay and the thick silver-edged square plates. Did you notice the height of this table? Check out those legs on the barstool-style chivari chairs:
This design would be ideal for a winter wedding or even for a summertime wedding if you add some bright colors to the centerpiece and use an accent napkin in a bold hue. Even those chair pads could be swapped and instantly transform this cool wintry wedding theme into a spacey, clean, hip, and modern event. What do you like best about this tabletop?

Photos are again by the amazing Rick Martin. Please don't take them without giving him proper credit.

Oh Preston!

Wahoo!

Preston Bailey has a blog! Here at Soiree we swoon over anything Preston, so this is really exciting news. If you don't know who Preston Bailey is, check out his website to see the amazing floral and design work he does for weddings.

All Dressed up and Nowhere to Go

I thought this article was kind of cute, about a group of friends who don their bridal gowns once a year just for the heck of it. See the full article here!

Soiree Series: Trendy Tabletops

In honor of the tabletop competition we're entering at the Washington Bridal Showcase on September 9th, I figured I'd feature a few great tabletop ideas! These were seen at the June 2007 DC ISES chapter meeting at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Crystal City and prepared by ISES members in our area. Here's our first:The table was designed by the folks over at Creative Parties: Select Event Rentals supplied all the 'basics' like the linens, china, and cutesy ballerina chair toppers: Finally, Galleria Florist provided a magnificent centerpiece complete with submerged roses, curly willow, and crystals strung from sheer pink ribbon:Even though this team didn't win the competition, I think they did a really great job tying in the 'pretty in pink' and 'ballerina' themes. It's just so dainty and perfect for a bridal tea, shower, or a fantasy princess wedding.

Also, these photos were taken by the very talented Rick Martin for the ISES event and do not belong to me. Please don't use them without giving him the props he deserves. If you're looking for a great wedding photographer, you can read more about Rick's work on his blog!

What's your favorite part about this tablescape? Comment below (include your email address) and you could win two tickets to the Bridal Showcase!

Ann Taylor's Celebrations

Need an easy way to get your bridal party coordinated? Try Ann Taylor's Celebrations line! They just released the latest season and this year's designs are particularly flattering. The nice thing is that you can pick a color and let your bridesmaids choose their own style, size, and order it themselves online. Easy as pie!

Here's some beautiful bridesmaid options:Paired with some adorable little heels:They have bridal gowns too! I like this one:And a perfect lace bolero jacket for modesty at your Catholic ceremony or for warmth during your winter wedding:They also have a lot of great things on sale right now (can you say....shoes for $30?) so check it out sooner than later!

Laura & Jeysson's Wedding Video

Laura & Jeysson's wedding video is up! Check out the link here. I also have a cute photo of Laura and her flower girls, from Ruben Photography:
Blue Sky Films is one of the best wedding film companies in DC! If you don't think you need a wedding video, please check out their website first. Their samples will just blow you away. Plus, Martin and his crew are simply a joy to work with (professional, nice, helpful, friendly, responsive... need I go on?).

Congratulations, Laura & Jeysson!

While cruising Something Old, Something New, I came across a great favor website that carries these cute damask favor tins:They even have these favor tags to match:Sometimes finding details to tie together a wedding or party can be difficult, but AccentTheParty.com makes it easy. Check out their blog for even more party ideas!

A laugh for a Friday

This one just made me smile:

I hope you have that much fun at your wedding!

Save the Date: Washington Bridal Show on 9/9/07

It's that time of year again! Time for the Washington Bridal Showcase. This year's show (and January's) will be held at the Dulles Expo Center since the Patriot Center is undergoing renovations. That's actually a good thing, despite the further drive for some, because they can feature more vendors, show the limousines inside, have a bigger stage, and....host a tabletop competition!

Soiree has entered to compete with a tabletop and we played around with a centerpiece idea for a few hours last night (who says field trips to Michael's aren't fun?). We're also working with Party Rental Ltd. to show some rockin' rentals that you usually don't see at weddings. We're really looking forward to it!Anyhow, here's the basic information for the show:

* Sunday, September 9th, 2007
* 11am-5pm
* Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, VA
* $10 a ticket or $8 if you buy online
And some helpful tips if you're a rookie:
* Bring a backpack or large tote bag with comfortable straps. You will get SO much literature and the free bags you'll get from After Hours dig into your hands after an hour.
* Use the After Hours bag for fliers you pick up but don't want to look at later. Trash it on your way out the door.
* Pack a plastic grocery bag for 'food trash' like toothpicks, cupcake wrappers, plastic forks and plates, etc. Trash cans are usually few and far between.
* Wear comfy shoes! The floor of the expo center is concrete and you'll be standing for at least an hour.
* Skip the fashion show and talk to the vendors you're interested in. This is the quietest time of the show and you'll get great one-on-one time. This is also the best time to check out the chocolate fountain!
* Get your rings cleaned for free! I love the ring cleaning vendors since having a shiny new ring makes you feel like a giddy happy bride again.
* Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of vendors, people, or information. Shows are all about information-gathering and you can take it slowly and browse at your leisure. I get easily frustrated by crowds but just go with the flow and take your time.
* Create an email account only for wedding stuff. You will get inundated with advertisements, spam, and it won't die until you're on your second child. Be sure to sift through it every couple days -- sometimes there are deals and coupons you can use.
* Bring labels with your name, email address, phone number, wedding date, and wedding location. Vendors you're interested in will want this information and it'll save you time from filling out forms. Plus you can enter a lot of raffles this way!
* Keep in mind that if you "win" a honeymoon but just have to go to a 3-hour seminar on pots and knives, it's probably a scam. They will also try and sell you a timeshare and an RV while they're at it.
* DO leave small children and their strollers at home. DON'T leave your bridesmaid or fiance or mom at home.
* Ask about vendor offers at the show. Some offer coupons or discounts if you set up an appointment. Bring your datebook!

If you want FREE admission to the show, comment below and I'll pick a lucky winner to get two free tickets! Of course you have to promise to stop by our booth and say hello but I swear we don't bite.

Soiree Series: Things OUI Love

Look at these pretty rooms, straight from the pages of the OUI magazines that Kim sent me! I love the natural light and fabric draping of the first and the purple and pinspot lighting of the second: Can you see the photographer in this one?

Creative Wedding Proposal

Check out this awesome wedding proposal:

You can also read more about the proposal on the groom's blog!

Congratulations Tamara and Russ!

Tamara and Russ tied the knot at beautiful Mount Airy Mansion in Upper Marlboro, MD this past Saturday. The ceremony was outside and the weather couldn't have been better! The reception was inside the mansion and every last detail was thought of.
Tamara was the definition of a "DIY Bride". From the programs to the favor boxes, to menus and a candy buffet, everything was done with precision. The colors of the day were turquoise and orange, and the paper lanterns were a very vibrant touch to the sunroom/dance floor. DJ Kemcee kept the guests on the dance floor all night.All of the vendors did a fabulous job - Cakes by Tracey, Gateway Florists, Len Spoden Photography, Pineapple Alley caterers, and MRM Designs, Inc (makeup). You can see a few more photos on Len's blog!I'm so happy to have worked with Tamara and Russ, and I can proudly say that the entire day was smooth sailing, thanks to my wonderful assistants, Mallory and Kischa.

Bouquet Centerpieces

The What Junebug Loves! blog recently posted ideas for using your bridal bouquet as a centerpiece. I think these ideas are beautiful and ideal for a bride on a budget or even just someone who doesn't want to waste flowers. If you already have a centerpiece plan these would look great on the guestbook table, favor table, placecard table, or as decoration around your venue. Even bridesmaids bouquets can be used in these scenarios:

Check local thrift stores for glass cake plates and vases to display the bouquets. Tying long ribbon around the stems adds a little more 'flair' to each arrangement.

Soiree Series: Things OUI Love

Following the floral and '60s themes we've been seeing in these OUI magazines, I also noticed a lot of hooded gowns and capes. I think this is a beautiful idea for a winter wedding but would personally want to take it off for the ceremony and use a veil.What do you think? Would you wear a hooded gown or cape?

FunnyBuggy Sale!

Looking for invitations? Check out funnybuggy! They're currently having a sale on selected wedding invitations so check 'em out. Here's a few of my favorites: