Friday, November 19, 2010

Giving Thanks!



(Image courtesy of Lisa Rhinehart Photography: www.lisarhinehart.smugmug.com)

Whew! The summer-through-fall wedding season has drawn to a gentle close, and now we're enjoying a brief break in events while we busily plan for our bevy of beautiful 2011 brides! Things are never slow here at Glass Slipper, but now our attention turns from on-site management to the myriad details it takes to plan a gorgeous and completely smooth wedding. And we're already so excited about our upcoming weddings! We're looking forward to summery June brides and radiant autumn brides...casual beach weddings and elegant country club celebrations...beautifully simple affairs and colorful, complicated ceremonies.

While we're wrapping up the year and starting a new one, here are a few ideas we're currently loving:

1. Special first dances. Yes, you've probably seen the YouTube wedding videos with their crazy Thriller dances and breakdancing...but that doesn't mean you can't put something amazing together for your own reception! Whether it's an impromptu swing dance, a bollywood number, or just a unique little step that the two of you have practiced together, what better way to move into your new life together?

2. Unique buffet bars or stations. You've seen a pasta bar. But how about a mashed potato bar with all sorts of different flavors and toppings? Or a quesadilla station? Or crepes with everything from Nutella to brandy? No matter your favorite food, you can make it into a bar or food station and make people smile.

3. Ditching the old guest book. Instead of having a book, why not have your guests sign something more interesting? One of our brides made a painting of a bare tree, got green leaf stamps, and had everyone stamp their leaf and write on it...and now she can display it in her living room! Other ideas are plates, picture matting, posters, or even cards that you can hang on a pretty wire frame or tree.

A happy and healthy Thanksgiving to everyone from Rachael and Heather at Glass Slipper! :)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Is Autumn the New June?


Hello! We've had a whirlwind summer season, and we'll have more real wedding pictures and stories up soon. In the meantime, we're getting excited about our upcoming fall weddings.

The weather's been cool and breezy for the past few days here in New Jersey, and even though summer isn't over, it sure does feel like fall is in the air! We've been seeing a surge in September and October weddings recently, which brings beautiful autumnal colors, leaf decorations, pumpkins, and even some masquerade-style feathered masks and Halloween candy stations.

So, what are your favorite fall event ideas? Do you like reds and oranges? Burgundy velvets and black branch centerpieces? Or do you favor more of a country autumn decor, with straw bales, colorful leaves, and pretty pheasant feathers? Tell us your favorite color schemes or fall decorations below!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Pretty and Provocative Portraits



For many couples, photography is one of the most important aspects of their wedding day. After all, your entire day can go by so incredibly quickly, and it's wonderful to have gorgeous images of your wedding to look back at later. Photos also preserve all of the work, effort, love, family, and celebration for years to come, so you can share it together for the rest of your life and show it with future generations.

But wedding day photos aren't the only images you can invest in. Here are a few considerations for creating even more beautiful souvenirs of this time in your life.

1. Videography - Wedding videos today aren't like they were in the past. With new developments in editing and video capture, you can have a veritable "movie" made of your wedding day. Some videographers even shoot in HD, and they bring Hollywood-style equipment and lighting to get all of the angles, swoops, and cinematic touches that can make your wedding video look like something out of a silver screen love story. Plus, a good videographer can do it all unobtrusively, as well as work with the photographer to cover all of your most amazing moments.

2. Engagement Photos - Many photographers offer discounted engagement photos if you book your wedding with them, so take advantage and get creative! This is your chance to show off your personality, your humor, and your love - and since it's just the two of you with no distractions, sometimes these pictures can be even more artistic and heartfelt than your wedding day pics. Be yourself!

3. Boudoir and Pin-up Pics - What better way to surprise and delight your groom than to give him some sexy - but classy - pictures of you? Play the bombshell and glam it up...dress up in your loveliest lingerie or swimsuit and have a great time showing off those curves! You can either get these taken on your own, or even make it into a bachelorette party and have all of your girls get dolled up and do their own photo shoots. For example, we adore the girls at Pretty Things Productions. Bettina and Amy will show you how to make yourself into a real retro pin-girl and give you a glamorous photo shoot of your own! You can be sure that your husband-to-be will absolutely love his gift...and he'll be counting the hours until your wedding night.

(Article photo courtesy of Lisa Rhinehart Photography. Lisa is an amazing photographer and can be reached through her website above or at lrhinehart1@yahoo.com.)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!


Hello, all! Hope you're enjoying a beautiful and bountiful spring. We're in the midst of wedding season here at Glass Slipper, and we've been very busy fairies, indeed! Be sure to visit our portfolio for some new additions - and there are many more gorgeous weddings coming soon!

New for 2010 - we've updated our Weddings page to include sample Planning Packages with some very thematic titles.

Do you need a "Fairy Godmother" to wave her wand and bring your entire fairytale to life?

Would you like extensive help putting together all of your details and coordinating your "Happily Ever After?"

Do you have your story started, but you need someone to take your "Once Upon A Time" and make it shine?

Or, do you need a "Royal Advisor" to point you in the right direction and take away your stress?

What do you think about the new packages? Like the names? The descriptions? Finding yourself wishing for a fairy godmother for your wedding? Or do you know someone who might love to be a princess for her big day?

Let us know, and please pass us along! :)

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Easy Being Green

In honor of Earth Day, here are a few tips to make your wedding beautifully green and environmentally responsible!

1. Donations - Instead of registering for gifts (or only for gifts), you can register for donations to your favorite nature-based charity or environmental organization. Or, give a small donation for each of your guests, and print up a pretty note in a frame as a favor.

2. Plantable invitations - Print your invitations (or menus, or programs, or escort cards) on paper with seeds imbedded inside. Guests can take them home and plant them for a lasting memento of your wedding!

3. Hemp clothing - Even wedding dresses can be made of natural hemp fiber: http://www.threadheadcreations.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=bridal

4. Local goodies - Try giving honey from a small local farm for favors, using bouquets of locally grown flowers from an organic farm, or hiring a catering company that uses local farm produce and then donating the leftover food.

5. Growing centerpieces - Potted plants or baby trees make beautiful centerpieces and decorations, and they won't die and go to waste the next day!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Day-of Coordinator = Fun Reception!



We saw a great article on The Knot a few days ago, so we thought we'd share it with everyone. It's called "10 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception." And guess what was the number one secret? That's right: hire a day-of coordinator! We couldn't have said it better ourselves! :)

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-reception-planning/articles/10-secrets-to-a-fun-wedding-reception.aspx?MsdVisit=1

There are also a lot of other awesome tips for making your wedding less stuffy and cookie-cutter. We especially like the idea of having a belly dancer do a short, surprise show in the middle of the reception - if anyone wants to do this, we have plenty of dancer recommendations!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

New Wedding Trend: Picnic Chic!


Every year brings new wedding trends and themes, and 2010 is no exception. One of the very hottest trends for this summer is called "Picnic Chic," and it is expected to make appearances at several upcoming celebrity weddings (including, it is rumored, the wedding of True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer).

Picnic Chic is a new reaction against the traditional, elegant, lace-and-satin style of wedding. Here are a few of the major aspects of this theme:

1. Attire. Out with fussy dresses and long white trains. Picnic Chic brides are focusing on gingham and cotton in red-and-white napkin patterns for their gowns. Some are even adding BBQ-stained aprons with funny slogans like "Kiss the Cook" or "Mistress of the Grill." Mosquito netting serves for a beautiful veil, and instead of expensive flowers, Picnic Chic brides carry handfuls of dandelions and onion grass. Bridesmaids can ditch their satin dresses for Daisy Duke shorts and country blouses, and groomsmen can have a blast with dressing up in ant costumes and carrying away food on giant plates.

2. Food. To be truly Picnic Chic, you need to serve the messiest ribs and fried chicken, all slathered in sauce. The wedding cake should be made of Little Debbies or deep-fried Twinkies (or both!). Paper plates and plastic forks complete the look, and don't forget can cozies with off-color slogans to keep everything cold!

3. Seating. Forget chivari chairs and round tables. This year's trend is all about weathered picnic tables with peeling paint and rusty screws. Brides can borrow them from a nearby park or even rent them from new vendors such as Bucky's Backyard Bridal (www.BuckysBackyardBridal.com). Decorate with some checkerboard paper tablecovers and a few dandelions stuffed into beer cans for a classic look.

4. Entertainment. This is a case where the louder and less talented your band is, the better it fits! Ask around town for the high-school garage band with the biggest speakers and coolest name, and you're set. Alternately, pipe some old country music over half-broken outdoor speakers for some ear-splitting fun.

Wedding trends may come and go, but Picnic Chic is here to stay. At least until April 2nd, anyway.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Scintillating Centerpieces!


Whether you go with understated elegance or extravagant opulence, decorations are a big part of the look, feel, and mood of your reception. Centerpieces for your tables are the most front-and-center of these decorations, since you and your guests will literally surround them for hours while you eat, drink, and talk. Here are a few ideas to make your centerpieces really shine.

1. Prop centerpieces. Who says you have to use all flowers, or even any flowers at all? Raise a few pretty and/or meaningful items on cake stands or glass platforms: memorabilia from shared interests, souvenirs from vacations you've taken together, family mementos, or location-themed items.

2. Same color, different shapes. Not all of your centerpieces have to be exactly the same. Try similarly-colored bottles or vases of different sizes and shapes or flowers in the same color family but different heights.

3. Natural accents. Even if you use some flowers, try throwing in some unique natural touches. If it's a winter wedding, use pinecones and pretty reaching branches. If it's a beach wedding, try seashells, sea glass, starfish, and sand dollars. Or add in unusual plants like succulents, fresh herbs, or even cacti!

4. Potted plants. For a more rustic, natural look, use potted plants instead of cut flowers. Send them home with your guests, so they can plant them in their own yards as a lasting reminder of your wedding.

Not only will interesting centerpieces add mood and excitement to your decor, but they give you one more way to express who you are as a couple. And isn't that truly the centerpiece of your wedding day?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Dreaming of Color Schemes

Today we have a special guest article from one of our favorite invitation and stationery designers, Kelly Schwartz of Custom Invitations by Kelly. Visit her at http://www.custominvitationsbykelly.blogspot.com/ or give her a call at (732) 406-0758 for more information.

Kelly says:

"While working with some of my clients for 2010 Bridal season, I have noticed a few trends. Pink, in all shades from pastel, to magenta, and coral have been a common thread in many of the invitations I've been working on. The second color trend I've noticed this season is blue. And while I am not quite ready to share with you what I am currently working on, I would love to share with you one of my favorite "blue" weddings from this past year, Christina and Patrick.



"Christina and Patrick's wedding took place in September at the Dolce, Basking Ridge. The couple wanted to incorporate elements that reflected their personalities, clean, modern, and elegant. I created a custom invitation set, save the date cards, and a creative reception booklet placed at each setting. While, this set was simple, it definitely had an impact and is one of my personal favorites from 2009.

"For anyone who is not sure what color scheme to chose for their upcoming wedding or event, blue is a great choice, whether you chose cobalt, teal, navy, baby, or sapphire blue works for almost every season! Pair it with black like Christina and Patrick, for a modern twist.

"Other favorite blue combinations:
Navy Blue paired with Bright Pink
Sapphire Blue paired with Teal
Spa Blue paired with Chocolate Brown
Cobalt Blue paired with Yellow and Lime"

Thanks, Kelly! Be sure to visit her website or write her at kellyschwartz526@gmail.com for an appointment or samples.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2010 Bridal Trends We Love!

2010 is now in full swing, and already there are some cute, sassy, and fun wedding trends emerging. Here are a few that we're definitely in love with:

1. Wedding shoes in bold colors or prints. Whether it's hot pink, leopard print, or gingham, brides are letting a little personality peek through under the white skirts.

2. Birdcage veils. We love the retro, glamourous look of a delicate birdcage veil. Add in some pastel feathers or a vintage-look ornament to complete the look. It's timeless and yet so modern.



3. Useful favors. Couples today are eschewing the little bag of jordan almonds in favor of must-haves such as purse hooks, cute bottles of sunscreen, personalized water bottles, sewing kits, or even keyboard dusters! Finally, a wedding favor that your guests will keep for years.

4. The return of the "getaway dress." It's the end of the reception - time to change into a gorgeous new outfit for your "getaway"! This dress can be any color, not necessarily white, and adds a fun twist to the reception dress idea.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Sweets for Your Sweetie: Dessert Trends for 2010


Sure, the entrees and drinks at your celebration should be amazing, but don't forget about those scrumptious desserts! Wedding trends for the past few years have been all about incorporating more personality and escaping from the norm, and sweets are no exception. Here are a few ideas to give your desserts some pizzaz:

1. Add some variety. She wants cheesecake and apple pie, he wants tiramisu. Many couples are opting for many different desserts served beautifully on tiered stands. Or go for a pastry table and get a little bit of everything! This could be great for your budget, since it can be far cheaper than the usual elaborate wedding cake.

2. Rent-a-cake. Want a fancier cake than your budget allows? Want a daring cake with balanced tiers and impossible angles? Consider renting one! Rented cakes are made of styrofoam and plastic, so they won't melt, won't droop, and they'll look perfect all night long. A secret compartment in the back holds enough cake for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, and once they wheel away your rented cake, your guests are served sheet cake in any flavor and filling you want. It's cheap, it's realistic, and you can even design your cake yourself.

3. Everybody loves cupcakes! Long ago, the traditional wedding cake was an arranged pile of small sweet cakes. So, why not revive this tradition and have cupcakes at your wedding? Whether you have a full-sized cake shaped like a giant cupcake, a host of cupcakes on decorated wire racks, or a custom tier stand for your little sweets, it will be memorable and beautiful.

4. Goodbye Stations. Giving your guests a nice little parting gift is one of this year's hottest trends, and for good reason. Set up a gorgeous self-serve candy station in your wedding colors, complete with pretty ribbon apothecary jars and flowers, or pick a treat that has special meaning for the season or your relationship. Put out some donuts in cute cellophane bags, festive candy apples, personalized lollipops, or for an October wedding, some of your favorite Halloween candy! Be creative, and your guests will love you for it.

5. Edible Favors. Instead of going the usual picture frame or candle route for your table favors, how about giving your guests something sweet? Chocolate is the obvious choice, but you can also pick a specific candy, cookie, or pastry that means something to you as a couple. Love Oreos? Set out some chocolate-covered cookies at each place! Having a beach wedding? How about Salt Water Taffy or sea salt chocolates? You can even have your menus or place cards made out of molded chocolate!

Whatever you decide to do, putting a little personality into your desserts can make a sweet day even sweeter.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Give Themes A Chance!


Themed celebrations have gotten a bad rap recently. Say “I'm having a theme wedding,” and most people will grimace. They will automatically think of guests in garish costumes, outrageous décor, and convoluted ceremonies.

But it doesn't have to be as crazy as all of that. When we sit down with a new client, we often ask them to come up with a theme for their celebration. We're not necessarily asking them to painstakingly recreate their favorite TV show or historical time period (though ideas like these can also be fun and definitely add lots of personality to a wedding!).

Instead, when we ask for a theme, what we are really asking for is a unifying idea that brings the whole celebration together. This idea can be as simple as a color scheme - perhaps the most traditional and popular theme - or something special and iconic to the couple, such as starfish, an Irish Trinity knot, or their stylized initials.

Once chosen, a thematic idea is incredibly helpful throughout the planning and decision process. It's so easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices, so it's nice to have a place to start. If you have a theme, you can narrow your focus and carry your ideas through every aspect of your day, from invitations and menu cards to floral arrangements and customized favors.

Your theme also lets your guests know the style, tone, and even the formality of your wedding. For instance, a beach theme evokes colors of the sea, breezy dresses, and casual elegance. A royal theme calls to mind jewel tones, formal clothing, and formal opulence.

Far from being limiting, your theme can help you express who you are as a couple. Don't be afraid to pick something unique, exciting, and meaningful to you both! Feel free to play with different variations on your theme, and be as general or as specific as you want to be - not every single item must match the theme exactly. Even subtle hints throughout the design will give the wedding a cohesive feel.

Friday, January 29, 2010

2010 Bride's Choice Award!

We're overjoyed to announce that Glass Slipper Weddings and Events has been chosen to receive a 2010 Bride's Choice Award from WeddingWire.com, one of the biggest and most extensive wedding planning sites on the web! WeddingWire.com is also part of Martha Stewart Weddings online, so we're doubly honored by the recognition. More details (and a shiny new award for our front page) to follow soon!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Wedding Planning 101 For Grooms


Okay, so you and your wife-to-be are engaged, and it's time to think about your wedding day. The two of you are probably dividing the jobs, coming up with a budget, and deciding on the details...and then, she says that she thinks you should hire a wedding planner.

A wedding planner? Is that really necessary? After all, why can't you do all of this yourself, or maybe ask some relatives or friends?

Though it can be tempting to believe that everything will just fall into place on its own, or that your friends are able and willing to help you with the details, you should understand that even the simplest wedding can be extremely complicated.

So grooms, let's take a look at a few advantages of wedding planners from your point of view:

1. Peace of mind, both before and during your wedding day. Planning a wedding is hard work, and the stress can take a toll on you and your bride. It seems like the details never end! A planner can help keep your bride calm, give her options, and help her out when she's feeling overwhelmed. That means peace at home and a happier fiancee'. And at the wedding itself, do you really want to watch your bride running from place to place, trying to get everything done? You want her at your side, enjoying the day with you, not stressing about the decorations and worrying about her vendors.

2. Reliability. Sure, you can ask Aunt Matilda to take care of the flowers and tell your sister to manage the vendors. But will they actually do it? Even if they really want to help, they are not professionals, and they will not be able to handle a crisis like a true wedding planner. Planners have seen everything, and they are ready for any problem that comes along. And don't you want your guests to enjoy themselves, anyway? Leave the work to the hired planner!

3. Discounts. Planners not only negotiate discounts with all of your other vendors, but they also know where to get the best items for the best prices. And you'll hardly get your money's worth from your DJ, florist, and photographer if you can't even enjoy them because you're too stressed out.

4. A tireless advocate. Say you do have a problem with one of your vendors, or you need someone to run out to your car for something, or you just need a glass of water. On your wedding day, the last thing you want to do is argue with people or run errands. That's why you have a planner! Planners are your personal assistants, and they work for you, not the catering hall or the hotel.

You only get one chance to have your dream wedding. Don't you owe it to yourself and your new bride to hire someone who can make it come true?