Tickled Pink Brides - Orlando, Florida's Premier Wedding Planner

Invitations by The 2u Collection

    If you've yet to click the sidebar link of our latest Partner, you are missing out!  The 2U Collection's Amy Morelli is the Creative Director behind this custom and creative line of event invitations, stationary, and paper products galore.  Her work always reflects the customer's unique style, making for incredibly chic save-the-dates and invitations that are a precursor to upcoming weddings and events. 

    Recently, 2U Collection was commissioned to design a complete collection of paper products for an "English garden" themed wedding.  At the initial design consultation, Amy learned of the groom's English heritage and the bride's sophisticated style.  The bride planned to use doves in a nest as a cake topper, so Amy designed bird-shaped escort cards to place in topiaries along the walkway to the garden.

    The invitations were made of classic white linen paper, English Rose accent paper, and pastel green linen envelopes.  They were embellished with leaf and flower-imprinted ribbons and antique brass rose buttons as a seal.

The double-sided menus also featured cute pink birds and a garden theme.

    Finally, Amy created a unique and sentimental alternative to a guest book.  Wish cards allowed guests to write their wishes for the couple's future, ensuring years of memories each time the special notes are read.  2U Collection also supplied a beautiful silver and teal keepsake box to store the wishes.

 

    What a perfect example of the endless possibilities to infuse style into each detail of a wedding celebration.  Thank you, 2U Collection, for the wedding inspiration, and to Liga Photography for the images!

Real Wedding: Nichole and Jim

    Over the past few months, I've had the honor of working with bride and groom Nichole and Jim to plan their 3/21/09 wedding at the Country Club of Orlando.  This couple was such a delight to work with, I am a little sad that the planning is over!  Nichole really infused her own classic style into the wedding with shades of navy, green and ivory throughout every detail.  Greenery Productions did a fabulous job of developing her color palette into floral and candlelit decor that fit Nichole and Jim's vision perfectly. 
   
    Overall, the wedding day went so smoothly, but who could have anticipated the gale force winds during the ceremony??  Almost every wedding has a slight hiccup during production, and this wedding ceremony is one I'll always remember with the unity candles and a huge vase blowing over just before the bridal party's processional!  But the show must go on!  Luckily, our team of coordinators, florists, and the club's staff came to the rescue immediately, gracefully and discreetly cleaning it up and carrying on.  Nichole and Jim still got down the aisle on time and were married in front of all their family and friends.  Thanks, everyone for being a part of this special day, and please enjoy a photo slideshow by Abby Liga below.

Proposal Planners: The Next Big Thing

   

    Only very recently did I stumble across this up-and-coming phenomenon known as "Proposal Planners".  Girls, little did you (or I) know that some of your soon-to-be fiances are currently working with hired professionals to assist them in creating the perfect and customized proposal to sweep you off your feet.  After a thorough meeting with the future groom to hear about his girlfriend and what makes their relationships special, a proposal planner creates the most unique and romantic engagement customized to that couple.  The planner works with the groom to plan and implement the big surprise, whether it's a candlelit dinner on the beach or a hot air balloon ride over the city.  Diamond-buying assistance can also be provided.  From what I've found online, this service can cost as little as $250 and into the thousands depending on how outrageous a plan you're looking for.

    To any gentlemen readers:  Whether or not your proposal needs professional help, here are some things to consider.

• Thinking of your girlfriend and her family, is it important that you first receive her parents' blessing?
• Would your girlfriend want an audience for the proposal or would she feel more comfortable if you were alone?
• Consider the jewelry she currently wears and any hints she's given in regards to rings she likes.  Are you confident in a ring choice or should you ask a friend to assist? 
• Should you arrange for a photographer or videographer to document the proposal and her reaction?  If you don't want to hire a professional, ask a potential groomsman.
• Are there any special locations that have significance in your relationship?  It could be the restaurant where you went on your first date, the high school you graduated from together, or the island where you took your first vacation as a couple.  Bringing back those great memories might be a good place to start in choosing the perfect proposal.

New Wedding Cost Calculator

   

 Wondering what couples in your own state or around the country are spending on their weddings?  Try Real Simple's Wedding Cost Calculator, with statistics brought to you by Costofwedding.com.  The breakdown is very detailed, and is a good estimate for brides-to-be who are just starting their wedding planning.  You can select any of the 50 states, and compare states to see the different in wedding spending trends.  Below are the stats on my sunshine state of Florida:

Attire: $1,883 to $3,115
Bride accessories: $239 to $396
Groom accessories: $126 to $208
Groom suit/tux: $173 to $286
Hair/makeup service: $126 to $208
Headpiece/veil: $224 to $371
Wedding dress: $995 to $1,646

Ceremony: $2,170 to $3,590
Ceremony accessories: $140 to $232
Ceremony decorations: $418 to $691
Ceremony location: $488 to $808
Officiate/pastor/priest: $175 to $290
Rehearsal dinner: $949 to $1,569

Entertainment: $2,419 to $4,003
Ceremony/reception band: $1,426 to $2,359
Ceremony/reception DJ: $544 to $901
Ceremony/reception musicians: $449 to $743

Flowers: $1,520 to $2,517
Boutonnieres/corsages: $133 to $220
Bride bouquet: $113 to $188
Bridesmaid bouquets: $181 to $300
Ceremony flowers: $324 to $537
Flower girl flowers: $37 to $61
Reception flowers: $732 to $1,211

Gifts and Favors: $763 to $1,263
Gifts for attendant: $353 to $585
Gifts for each other: $285 to $471
Gifts for parents: $125 to $207

Invitations and Stationery: $721 to $1,194
Bridal shower invitations: $75 to $125
Guestbook: $37 to $61
Invitations & reply cards: $319 to $528
Personal stationery: $101 to $167
Save the date cards: $123 to $204
Thank you cards: $66 to $109

Jewelry: $4,624 to $7,651
Engagement ring: $3,441 to $5,693
Her ring: $694 to $1,149
His ring: $489 to $809

Honeymoon/Planning: $3,767 to $6,231
Honeymoon: $2,771 to $4,584
Bridal consultant/planner: $996 to $1,647

Photographer/Videographer: $2,624 to $4,341
Photographer: $1,520 to $2,514
Videographer: $1,104 to $1,827

Reception: $11,688 to $19,338
Reception beverages/bartender: $1,656 to $2,740
Bride/groom hotel: $208 to $344
Cake: $400 to $663
Cake knife set: $32 to $53
Cake topper: $31 to $51
Reception decorations/centerpieces: $800 to $1,324
Favors: $267 to $442
Reception food service: $5,639 to $9,329
Reception location: $1,834 to $3,034
Reception rentals: $821 to $1,358

Transportation: $724 to $1,198
Car rental: $226 to $374
Limo rental: $498 to $824

Central Florida Bride magazine photo shoot

Several months ago I worked with photographer Garrett Nudd and Central Florida Bride magazine to style an editorial shoot for the magazine.  It's on shelves now, and I wanted to show off some of the gorgeous pics that Garrett captured.  Our venue was the Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando, and our team included Solutions Bridal who provided gowns, Headdress Designs' unique headpieces that I had so much fun playing with and finding creative ways to use to compliment the gowns, flowers by Flourish Productions, and Janet Mednick from On-site Beauty.  The day was so hot and sticky, but you would never know it looking at these models. 

 

 

 

 

 

Myweddingfavors.com Coupon Codes

   Shopping for wedding favors has never been easier thanks to all the great ideas on the internet.  The prices are low, and quality merchants can get your favors shipped quickly and without hassle.  I've used www.myweddingfavors.com and have always been happy with the service, prices, and quick shipments. Below are some coupon codes to get you started.  Happy shopping!

• FREESHIP175 - Free Shipping on Orders $175+ (U.S. Ground Shipping Only)
• SAVE5 - Save 5% (no minimum)
• SAVE10 - Save 10% on orders $150+
• TAKE25 - $25 Off Orders $200+

Being Each Other's Ring Bearers

    This morning I've come across possibly the greatest wedding ceremony idea I have seen in a long time.  In fact I'm jealous I didn't do this at my own wedding, where we did not use a ring bearer, but had the best man hold the rings for us (a job many couples entrust to the best man).

    Why haven't I seen this sooner?  Props to peonies.and.polaroids as well as Blush Events for sharing the idea.  A groom and his bride can wear each others rings tied on ribbon to their wrists for safekeeping throughout the ceremony until it's time for the exchange.  If anyone has done this or plans to, I'd love to see photos of how you incorporated it into your ceremony!

Planning the Wedding Menu

   What will your wedding dinner menu consist of?  Most likely the answer is "chicken", the universally accepted entree for weddings that we see (and eat) time and again.  Most couples choose entrees from a catering menu and look for something that fits the budget and will be liked by all or most of the guests--both of which are important constraints.  But why not add some of your own flair to the menu, whether it be from your culture and heritage or simply your favorite foods?

Asking your caterer for a special food request is not unheard of, and you won't know if it's possible if you don't ask.  Are ropa vieja and platanos your favorite foods?  Do you prefer carrot cake to yellow, white, or chocolate?  Ask your caterer if it's possible to come up with a price for your custom menu and you may be surprised at the possibilities.  Many caterers I work with, both private and at big hotels, are happy to create something special as long as they have ample time to perfect the dish and order ingredients.  Original touches included in your dinner menu add pizzaz and something unique to your wedding celebration that guests will appreciate and enjoy!

A signature appetizer (ex: Pierogies, Swedish meatballs, mini cheeseburger sliders, coconut shrimp) and complimentary cocktail are a perfect way to incorporate your favorites into the wedding.  On a budget? (who isn't, really?)  Create a laid back atmosphere by serving "heavy" hors d'ouevres that can be eaten while standing and mingling, like a loaded potato bar, macadamia encrusted mahi fingers, and grilled veggies on a skewer.  This way you may not need all the courses required for a sit down dinner, and you save big on fewer tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces.

Real Simple's Wedding Reception Menu Ideas article is a great place to inspire your palette, and see ideas for menus at sit-downs, buffets, cocktail parties, and casual barbecue-style weddings.