HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Dear Friends-
Fill your heart with new hopes, reach out for new opportunities and celebrate the New Year!

The team of e-vents: a wedding and event planning company

Vendor Spotlight - Wedding Paper Divas

As some of you know, I LOVE getting mail (not bills). Always have - from the time I was a little planner. I especially love getting my mail now that I am a wedding and event planner. I receive all sorts of great items from vendors which can be shared with my clients.

Yesterday was no exception - I received some beautiful stationary samples from Erika Barnes with Wedding Paper Divas. The colors are vibrant and simply gorgeous. The quality of the card stock is 5 star.

Here is a little bit about the company from their website:

"Wedding Paper Divas was created by three friends who share a love of giving and receiving high quality stationery. Seeing paper and hand-written notes increasingly taking a back seat to email and digital communications, we set out to restore the excitement and the days of announcements, invitations and "just-because" notes in everyone's mailboxes. Having worked in ecommerce in Silicon Valley for many years and sharing a passion for new technology that makes people's lives easier and more convenient, we were inspired to build a website that made shopping for paper fun, easy and even better than the store shopping experience. As recent newlyweds ourselves, we were especially drawn to the wedding market after personally going through the frustrating experience of trying to shop for unique, high-quality wedding invitations online. Since our parent company, Tiny Prints, launched in Spring 2004, we have been very fortunate to serve our very loyal and passionate customers who share our same appreciation for giving great stationery. We love what we do and find great joy in helping brides-to-be find the perfect design and paper that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.Wedding Paper Divas, a recent addition to the family to Tiny Prints, offers only exclusive designs and stationery found nowhere else online or offline. We work with well-known to up-and-coming artists who design wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations and thank you cards just for Wedding Paper Divas. And because we use the latest in digital printing technology, you are guaranteed the highest quality printing and extremely fast turnaround.Please also visit our family stationery brand, Tiny Prints, for fresh, modern photo cards, announcements and invitations for all of your family's special occasions."

The Valentine's Day cards are one of my faves. Couples married in 2008 can share a special Valentine wish with their family and friends and include a picture from the honeymoon or even one of their favorite wedding day shots.

Make sure you stop by their site and see all they have to offer. You will NOT be disappointed.

Thanks, Erika for making my day yesterday!

Have a Love-ly Day!

Photos: Wedding Paper Divas

HOLLY & WILL are MARRIED!

What a beautiful wedding on 12/27/08. Holly was a gorgeous bride and Will made for quite the handsome groom. The weather was absolutely wonderful - a balmy 65 degrees in Indy in December!

More details and lots of pictures later!

Wedding Trends for 2009

As we look forward to the new year, there are many happy brides just beginning their planning process. I have recieved lots of questions concerning trends for the new year. Here is my list of some of the trends for 2009:

• Smaller weddings with fewer guests

• Destination weddings or destination type weddings closer to home

• Accent colors on dresses and cakes with the most popular being greens and blues

• Increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services

• Increased use of green and echo friendly products and services

• Simplified decorations, centerpieces and wedding invitations

• Increased use of online RSVP’s vs. traditional mail-in RSVPs

• Off-peak weddings; Mornings, Afternoons, Fridays, Sundays, October becomes the new June

• Buffet meals, Hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions

• Cheesecakes, cupcakes and miniature cakes

• All-inclusive packages

I especially love the idea of the off- peak weddings. Your pricing can be drastically reduced when going off-peak.

Photo credits: The Knot (top photo collage)

Mark Eric Photography (bottom photo)

Glitz and Glam (or how to clean your ring)

This holiday season will see many a newly engaged woman with a sparkling ring on her finger. I love seeing engagement rings! The beauty and promise of the future they hold continue to thrill me. I still love looking at my ring and remembering what it means. I always keep my ring cleaned. I was thrilled to find a blog post on From I will to I do on how to keep your ring clean. I tried it and it works. Shinier than EVER! Head on over to see the post, but make sure you grab a cuppa something - believe me you'll be there reading for awhile. She has some GREAT things on her blog.

No matter how old your ring is, make sure to go to your jeweler regularly to have the prongs and diamonds inspected. all reputable jewelers will clean and inspect your ring for free if you purchased from the. It is so worth the time to do this. As your ring ages, you will no doubt bang it on something. Getting it inspected will insure that all stays put. also- be careful in pools and hot tubs. The chemicals can loosen your stones.
What hints- tips do you have for keeping your ring cleaned? Please share and.....

Have a LOVE-ly day!

Photo credit: Jonathon Thrasher Photography

MERRY CHRISTmas

The e-vents team wishes you and your family the Merriest Christmas of all. Take the time to share the joy of the season with your loved ones.

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

What family traditions do you and your family observe for the Holiday Season?

Every Christmas Eve, my husband and two yorkies enjoy a nice little dinner and a Christmas movie. Then, the next day my extended family gathers at my sister and brother in laws home for gifts and dinner. We have such a great time. This will be baby Gabrielle's ( my niece)first Christmas that she will enjoy ( she's so much fun right now). Brandon (my nephew) is getting older, but I so enjoy my time with him. In fact, his gift from us this year is guaranteed to make everyone laugh - Rock Band World Tour ( shhhhh - don't tell him yet). We don't have any unusual family traditions, but I LOVE our traditions none the less. What are your traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? I'd love to hear them and so would my readers.

Have the Merriest Christmas of All!

Erika

I am so honored that Jenny from Practically Perfect gave me this award.

The award says that "This blog invests and believes in proximity - nearness in space, time, and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

Thanks, Jenny. I am so happy to have met you in the blogging world and hope to continue our friendship!

I'll pass the award on to:

Chicole::Intermixed

Le'Penn Designs

Bridal Opulence

The Bridal Party

Tiffany the Coordinator

Crossroads Cottage

K Sherrie + Co

Italian Wedding Customs and Traditions

It is customary in Veneto for a couple to walk to the wedding chapel together. While on their way to their nuptials, the townspeople place obstacles in the brides way. This is done to see how she will react to domestic situations. For example - if she picks up the broom placed in her way, she will keep a clean house. If they place a crying child in her way and she stops to help, they believe she will be a wonderful mother.

In other regions, the couple is given a log to cut in half using a double handled saw. This demonstrates their partnership in love and marriage.

Sunday marriages are considered to be the luckiest.

The actual wedding ceremony (sposalizio) is performed by a priest or civil authority. Old church tradition warns against marrying during Lent or Advent. A lengthy celebration begins with mass , then dancing and feasting into the wee hours.

Food for fertility -

Confetti ( candy coated almonds wrapped in mesh bags to throw at the couple.

Twists of fried dough powdered with sugar tied in a bow which is called a wanda.

The food at the wedding is just as important as the wedding iteself. Guests are served as many as 14 different courses along with wine and other beverages.

Guests are served sweet liquor and strong drinks by the Best Man before the dinner. This gives the guests a chance to taost the happy couple with "Per cent'anni "which means for one hundred years.

Desserts are a HUGE part of a traditional italian wedding. Many times, there is no wedding cake.Instead, there is a cookie cake. The bride and groom begin a line of dancing guests and everyone takes a cookie as they pass by. Non-dancing guests are allowed to take cookies after the cookie dance is finished. Why not have an espresso and cappucino bar set up for your guests as a nice addition to the desserts?

Use regional colors for your wedding decor. Think of Tuscany. Another option would be to incorporate the colors of the Italian flag - red,white and green. Think - red roses, white linens and sage- if the tradional bright colors aren't to your liking.

photo credits: jules photography

New Series

Dear Readers,

e-vents is starting a new series featuring Wedding Traditions from all around the world. I think it is such a wonderful element to include a little bit of your family traditions into your wedding. Unfortunately, many of the traditions have been lost as time has passed. Why not incorporate them into your wedding? This is the perfect way to share your heritage with your guests. It is also the perfect way to honor your loved ones and to learn about your future husbands background. The research can truly be amazing. Share a bit of the traditions in your programs.

We'll travel the world as we reveal wedding traditions across the globe.

Would you like to include your wedding pictures in an upcoming segment? Just email them to me (see the email address to the right) and I'll include your photos in the segment specific to your tradition. Be sure to let me know who your photographer and planner was so I can give full credit.

I hope you enjoy the series!

Photo credit: Roxanne Parker

Friday Fave - Kate Spade

Brides (or anyone) looking for some beautiful jewelry need look no further than the new jewelry line at Kate Spade. They have a WONDERFUL selection of items sure to please just about anyone. I became a fan of Katie ( as my friends and I like to call her) about 10 years ago. Her purses and shoes are absolutely gorgeous and well made. imagine my delight when I found out about the new jewelry line. These items are perfect as bridal jewelry as well as Attendants gifts.

Many of you will remember my post about brooches a few posts back. Here are two that are to die for from the Kate Spade collection:

Looking for a bracelet? Try this on for size:

Just for fun- here are some other gorgeous KS items:

THE BEST PART? You can get 30% off now at Kate Spade. Hurry sale ends soon!

What about gifts?

I have been asked many times - "Should I send my gift to the couple or take it to the reception?"

While my take on this it is much better for all involved if you have the gift sent to the couple BEFORE the wedding day. The bridal couple doesn't have to worry about having someone in charge of transporting said gifts to the couples new home. The giver doesn't have to worry about carrying the gift to the site. There are no worries that the couple may not receive the gift.

Most stores offer free shipping on bridal registry gifts. Traditionally, gifts are mailed to the couples new home address or to the address on the R.S.V.P. envelope. ( Brides - just be careful of what address you use.)

Even though that is my preferred way, it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask the couple or someone close to them what they prefer. I have NEVER been to a wedding where the couple doesn't have a gift table and an attendant to accept gifts.

What's your preference- I'd love to know!

Have a LOVE-ly day!

photo credit: Potterry Barn

Please sign on the dotted line ....or the IMPORTANCE OF VENDOR CONTRACTS

I can not say this enough......make sure you have signed contracts from all of your vendors. Although I am sure all of your vendors have the best intentions, anything could happen that could ruin your day. With a contract, you'll have some sort of recourse. I can not tell you how many times I have referred to a vendor contract when planning weddings and events. Most times, just to review specifics. However, there have been several times where I have had to gently remind the vendor of the promises made to my client.

Before signing your contract, make sure the following are included:

*Day, date and time contract is signed
*Day, date, time and location of wedding ceremony and reception
*Delivery dates, times and locations
*Complete list of services to be provided, including the number of hours, breaks, etc.
*The appropriate attire for the vendor
*The name of the contact person or person in charge of your wedding
*The bride's name and contact number
*The groom's name and contact number
*The mother of the bride's name and contact number
*The name of the wedding consultant and contact information if applicable
*Alternative service or merchandise in case of a problem
*Amount of deposit paid and payment schedule
*Cancellation and refund policy
*Last date to make changes to services or provide final guest count

I would also suggest that you research the company your vendor will use in case of an emergency. Who knows, it could be Cousin Lenny who only uses disposable cameras - who wants that???

Be sure to read the fine print as well. Remember, you don't have to sign the contract right away. Take your time to look it over and then sign.

Make sure you keep all copies of contracts in a safe place and review them often.

If at all possible, pay by credit card. There are special federal consumer protection laws that protect all payments made with a credit card. If you can prove that the service that you contracted for were not provided, you can usually get your credit card credited for the amount of the deposit.

Have a LOVE-ly day!

photo credit: ARTFOOL

We have our winner for The Special Guest contest!

Congrats to Practically Perfect! Please e-mail your address to erika@e-ventswedding.com and I will mail out your prizes!
Thanks to everyone who participated.

Special Guests Contest

I want to personally thank all of my special guests for following my blog and for always leaving such awesome feedback. I really do appreciate each and every one of you. Since you all are so great, I have decided to conduct a special drawing for my Special Guest.

The winner will receive a few of my FRIDAY FAVES:

• $10 Starbucks Gift card


• Black Blumebox

How to enter: Just leave a comment on this post - it can be anything you like that is wedding related.

Who can enter: My Special Guests Only - but don't worry, you can become a Special Guests just by clicking on the link to the right.You MUST be a Special Guest to qualify.

The winner will be selected by Random.org and will be announced on Dec. 13th!

Good luck and thanks again for the follow.

FRIDAY FAVE

I have a brand new fascination- vintage brooches. Thanks to one of my brides who is all about vintage and class. I remember my mother and grandmother having jewelery boxes FULL of and wearing them. When I was little, I used to LOVE to play with them while "hosting" my cocktail parties (complete with bread hors deourves and kool-aid martinis).

These beautiful gems looks gorgeous as an addition to your headpiece , on your bouquet, even used on a bracelet. Before venturing on line or to the stores, why not check with older relatives and see what they have. I think you'd be surprised to find some real treasures within your own family.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of these brooches. Did you wear a brooch for your wedding? Will you? If so, we'd love to hear your story!

Photos: Fashion Jewelery for Everyone, Earthly Adornments

e-vents CONTEST

With the start of one of the biggest engagement times of the year, e-vents: a wedding and event planning company is having an Engagement Story Contest!Did he get down on one knee?, were you surprised?, we want ALL of the details! The more details the better.Who is eligible?Anyone with an engagement story from 10/31/2008 - 1/31/09

What do I need to do to enter?

1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to erika@e-ventswedding.com (engagement ring pictures are an added touch)

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to erika@e-ventswedding.comPlease note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?*$750 0ff on e-vents: a wedding and event planning company planning services (Platinum package only)

*Dinner for two @ Harry & Izzy's - Indianapolis Downtown (value - $100)

*Romantic gift basket full of chocolates, candles and other goodies!

What are the rules?

*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/31/08 to 1/31/09*Deadline ends midnight 1/31/09 - no exceptions

*Winner will be announced on Valentine's Day 2009.
Who are the judges?

*e-vents: a wedding and event planning company owner, Erika Gregory

*Indy area makeup artist, NaShara Mitchell of Bridal Beauty Studio by Blush

*Managing Partner from Harry & Izzy's, Jeff Smith

*VOTES cast on our blog, http://events-egrego160.blogspot.com/ by readers.

Prizes to be delivered no later than February 28, 2009.So, enter your story or share with friends who may be getting engaged!Be sure to pass along and don't forget to visit us on the web - http://www.e-ventswedding.com/

Photo credit: megan w photography

Entertaining with a Flair........

Looking for something different as a gift for your friend, the bride? Why not purchase a gift certificate. Not just an ordinary Gift certificate, but one she will be thrilled to receive. Pam Monahan of Entertaining with a Flair has the perfect present. She is offering gift certificates customized for your bride. I love this idea. Even more so after meeting with Pam for an event and seeing how passionate she is about her company and products. She has the most beautiful linens I have ever seen. Check out her the info she has supplied on her gift certificates:

Gift Certificates for the Bride

In order to help her plan without a lot of restrictions, why not help her by giving her a gift certificate that she can use in planning her big day.

You can select any denomination and she can use it toward a variety of items such as chair cover rentals, linens, tabletop rentals, favors, custom packages or any decorating services.
Gift Certificates for the Bride In order to help her plan without a lot of restrictions, why not help her by giving her a gift certificate that she can use in planning her big day. You can select any denomination and she can use it toward a variety of items such as chair cover rentals, linens, tabletop rentals, favors, custom packages or any decorating services.
Since we are a boutique party rental company, we can customize a gift certificate just for you. We are located in Indianapolis, and are an accredited member of the Indiana Better Business Bureau.

Please contact us today.

Pam Monahan
Entertaining with a Flair
Indianapolis, Indiana
pmonahan@entertainingwithaflair.com
317.576.9547

Be sure to take a look at her website for brilliant ideas!