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Yes, You Can Have an Ice Cream Cake at Your Wedding

May 7, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Everyone will have an opinion on what kind of food you should have at your wedding. Try to remember that it is your day. If you are looking for wedding menu ideas that will have people talking on your big day, you need to pick items that will stay in the hearts and minds of both you and your guests for many years to come. Many will tell you that you need to stay within the restraints of tradition, I say, you can have your cake and eat it too, especially ice cream cake. Speaking of pure indulgence, there are few things more delightful than a well planned wedding menu.

Afraid of breaking too far away from tradition? Remember that all brides have the right to what they want, especially when it comes to the food served at their event. Your caterer will have several items to choose from. It is important to plan your event properly in terms of food presentation and timing. For example, if you do decide to have an ice cream wedding cake, you will need to have a regular cake to display during the event. Be creative, there is no reason you cannot have a his and her cake. Why not? Whose day is it? Chances are your bridegroom will defer to your decision on most things for the day. Even the most conservative of person is likely to have no qualms telling you, “Yes, you can have ice cream cake at your wedding.” Or “What a fabulous idea!”. It is the perfect complement of your favorite cake flavor delicately layered with a select ice-cream flavor and is nothing short of a divine treat for the taste buds.

With a wide range of rich and delicious foods available and an almost endless array of appetizers, you will be overwhelmed with the task of choosing the ultimate menu for your guests and yourself. Choose wisely and make sure there are plenty of your favorites on the menu.

Remember that if you want a sweet ending that absolutely takes the cake for your big day, you now know that the your best bet is the ice cream cake.

Enjoy!

Party Planning Tips To Enjoy Your Own Party

December 21, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Pulling off a fantastic event can be done with careful planning, a fun venue, and a pinch of luck. Really enjoying your own party is often a matter of personal sacrifice. Your own fun often goes by the wayside with all of the stress and last minute details that come with planning and coordinating a party. The thing is- it doesn’t have to be this way!

With some specific party planning tips, you can throw the party of the year while still enjoying the festivities yourself.

1. Be Detail Oriented
One of the main reasons that a good hostess can enjoy their own bash is because they thought of different scenarios- and planned ahead. Make a list of party must-haves, from food prep to decorations. Writing it on paper or taking notes on your phone or computer can help organize your thoughts. Make sure that you have an accurate body count and plan for several extra guests. You never know who will bring a plus-one unannounced. It is also a good idea to check with your guests beforehand to see if there are any dietary restrictions that you should be aware of such as gluten allergies.

2. Keep it Simple
If you are running the show solo, simplicity is key. Food choice and preparation is going to be a big factor in whether or not you are able to enjoy your party. Making as much of your menu ahead of time as possible is going to help enormously. Another tip is to choose simple, yet elegant appetizers to serve your guests. Sticking with one or two ingredient dishes will ensure a quick prep time. Have food arranged on sturdy trays ready to set out when necessary. Food that does not need to be kept extremely hot or cold is another way to keep it simple. As far as decorating goes, choosing elegant black or white is a great way to make a chic statement without a lot of fuss.

3. Let Yourself Relax and Have Fun
Choosing to relax and let things play out how they may is one of the hardest things for a host to do. Problems will arise but if you planned ahead, they most likely won’t end in disaster. Talk and laugh with your guests. If they see you enjoying yourself, they will too. Take pictures or better yet, designate someone else to! With careful planning and a great attitude, you will be sharing party planning blog worthy pictures of a successful event of your very own!

By following the above party planning tips, you should definitely be able to make your cake and eat it too!

Have Fun!

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

May 26, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life – not the day that drove you into the ground financially at full speed. Whether your budget is little or limitless, there are few ways you can save money on your wedding without compromising what you really want.

Get married on a Friday or Sunday.
Saturday is the most expensive day of the week to get married – especially in the Spring and Summer. If you get married on a Friday or Sunday you could save yourself some big bucks – especially if you schedule your wedding in the late Fall or in the Winter.

Skip the champagne toast.
People can toast with anything they’re drinking. If you’re not keen on ditching the classic toast, you can also opt for prosecco which is still bubbly but less expensive than champagne.

Stick to seasonal items.
Choose fruits that are in-season to save yourself some money on the catering. Thinking seasonally is also important when choosing your flowers. You’ll be surprised at how much choosing in-season items will save you!

Serve signature cocktails.
Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding. Most wedding venues have a “you open it, you bought it” policy which will leave you paying for a bottle even if you only had one sip out of it. Consider offering a limited bar with signature cocktails that all use one type of liquor. You can also choose to serve just beer or wine.

Shop designer or sample sales.
You can save up to 70 percent on wedding gowns, veils and accessories by shopping at sample sales. Your favorite designer’s websites might have a touring list of their sample sales or you can contact a local bridal gown salon to inquire about events.

Combine place cards with the favors.
Add guests’ names to the favors to save on the cost of printed escort cards.

Make your own favors.
Making your own chocolate covered almonds and bagging them as favors is an inexpensive and delicious way to save money on favors.

Rent a house for the wedding and lodging.
Renting a house can act as a wedding venue, housing for out-of-town guests, and a secluded honeymoon venue for when the guests leave.

Unexpected Wedding Expenses to Watch Out For

May 12, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Unexpected wedding costs to watch out for.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes… THE BILL… (Input dramatic music here). A common mistake that most couples make is not leaving a little extra wiggle room for unforeseen wedding expenses.

As you prepare your wedding budget, avoid getting heart palpitations upon receiving that hefty bill by being prepared for the unexpected. Here are the top unexpected wedding expenses to watch out for:

Uncle Sam. When checking all your vendors’ estimates, clarify if the sales tax is included in that price.

Delivery Fees. Almost anything and everything you need on your big day can be delivered – for a price. Be sure to ask what the deliver fees are ahead of time so you can budget wisely and be prepared.

Gratuities. Most of the time gratuities are not included in the initial wedding budget. Make sure you read the fine print in your contracts and estimates to see if your caterer is already adding that extra 20%. Make a list of all the people you need to tip included the band, DJ, photographer, florist, caterer, hairdresser, coatroom attendant, drivers, bartenders, servers, etc. Also make sure you have cash on hand on the day of your wedding. It’s a good idea to prepare tip envelopes ahead of time in order not to forget anyone.

Postage. Special envelopes – like the kind you’re probably sending your fancy invitations in – usually have an extra surcharge. If you’re including stamps for the RSVP envelope that’s also another added expense most couples forget about. Don’t forget about the stamps and envelopes for the thank you notes!

Wedding Party Gifts. It’s customary that you show gratitude to your bridesmaids and groomsmen for all their time and hard work. On average, it’s recommended that you spend between $75-$150 per person. This can quickly add up, so include this cost in your budget.

Set-up fees. Even if you’re bringing your own liquor you’re still likely going to end up paying a bar set-up fee or a cork fee. If the venue is helping set up your event on the big day, ask if they have a set-up fee as well.

Cake Cutting Fee. You can have your already overpriced cake..but if you want to eat it too, you’re probably going to have to pay a cake cutting fee first. These costs are a provision for the plates, forks and servers.

How to Put Together The Ultimate Wedding Planning Notebook

April 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

When planning your wedding, organization is key. Having a wedding planning notebook where you can keep everything in one place is extremely helpful to keeping your sanity. With so many different kinds out there, it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the perfect wedding planning binder for you. With these tips on how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook, you can channel your inner DIY expert and create your own!

Things you’ll need:

A binder
A clear zip pouch to include fabric samples, business cards, etc.
Post-it notes. Because who doesn’t love them?!
Dividers and tabs for the different sections
A whole puncher
Calendar printable

Label your dividers to create these categories:

Important
- Calendar with all appointments and dates marked
- Planning timeline & checklist
- Vendor contact list
- Vendor contracts
- Wedding party contact sheet
- Family & guest list contact sheet
- Wedding day emergency kit checklist
- Wedding day timeline
- Checklist of everything you need to buy for the ceremony and reception
- Checklist of all responsibilities
Budget
- Wedding budget worksheet. Include percentages for each aspect as well as a sheet for what has already been spent
- Important payment dates and deposits
- Splitting the wedding tab? Include a guideline for divvying up the costs.
Ceremony
- Copy of ceremony text
- Questions to ask your wedding officiate
- List of processional & recessional order
- Contracts
- Officiate contact information
- Costs & tips
- Music playlists, DJ and band contracts
- Décor
- Seating arrangements
- Program
Reception
- Timeline of reception (dance, cake cutting , toasts, etc)
- Music
- Rentals
- Décor
- Setup info and instructions
- Menu
- Beverage list
- Playlist with special songs
- List of people who are toasting
- List of people to thank at the reception
- Favors
- Cake
- Guest book
- Photo booth
- All relevant contracts
- Exit sparklers/flowers/bubbles
- Reserved seating signs
- Toasting glasses
- Band contact info, pricing, etc
Guests
- Mailing addresses & contact information
- RSVPs
- Dinner choices
- Gifts received
- Thank you notes sent list
- Guest hotel info
- Welcome bags
Attire
- Bride
  - Schedule of fittings
  - Dress
  - Jewelry
  - Bag
  - Shoes
  - Lingerie
  - Veil
- Groom
- Bridesmaids
  - Dresses
  - Accessories
- Groomsmen
- Mother of the bride
- Ring bearer
- Flower girl
Photographer
- Contract
- Must-have photo list
- List of everyone needed for photos
- Props
Florist
- Contract
- Pricing & budget
- Ceremony arrangements
- Reception arrangements
- Bouquet arrangements
- Boutonniere arrangements
- Family member flowers
Rehearsal
- Venue contracts
- Décor
- Caterer contract
- Menu
- Vendor contact list
- Rehearsal dinner planning checklist
- rentals
Miscellaneous
- Honeymoon plans
- Honeymoon planning checklist
- Transportation
- Gifts from bride and groom
- Registry info
- Registry checklist
- Best man and maid of honor duties

Amazing & Free Wedding Planning Printables We Love:

Wedding planning timeline printable from Russel and Hazel: http://www.russellandhazel.com/PDF/WeddingTemplate.pdf
Wedding planning binder printables from Botanical Paperworks: http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/blog/read,article/573/free-printables-wedding-planning-binder
Martha Stewart Wedding Planning Printable: http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf3/wedding_workbook.pdf
Buzzfeed Printables Every Bride Should Know About:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/free-wedding-printables#.epBPY5zDx7

NOTE: Plan your wedding or event on LocalPartyPlanner.com and make use of our bride’s workbook which allows you to:

Add your own vendors
Keep track of hired & pending vendors
Manage a to-do list
Keep notations on each vendor and the event planning process
Track all budgets
Keep track of multiple events all in one place (reception, rehearsal dinner, brunch, etc).

How to Avoid The Biggest Wedding Budget Pitfalls

April 16, 2015 admin Leave a comment

You’ve been dreaming about (and obviously planning) your wedding day since you were a little girl. Thanks to Pinterest, wedding planning is a whole new ballgame these days. However, all these endless ideas can really wreak havoc on your budget. Knowing wedding budget pitfalls and preparing for unforeseen costs is key to avoiding a minor heart attack when being presented with a swoon-inducing bill.

Plan the wedding you’ve always dreamed of without cleaning out your savings account with these tips on how to avoid the biggest wedding budget pitfalls.

Being unreasonable when setting your budget too low. Sitting down and planning a wedding budget is one of the first things you should do after getting engaged. However, many couples tend to experience sticker shock when they start talking to vendors and realizing how much it actually costs to have their fairytale wedding in the real world.Sound familiar? If this happens to you, make sure you revisit and reassess the budget conversation to be more reasonable. Don’t just start splurging because you think you need to.

Wedding Parties & Events. When you initially discuss your wedding budget, be sure to specify if that budget include all the other wedding parties and events (engagement party, bridal shower, engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, etc). Depending on the size of your family and friends, these parties can all add up to almost as much as your wedding!
Spending too much on extras. Be careful when you’re purchasing extra-nice favors, expensive bridesmaids gifts, jewelry, wedding programs and accessories. Although these extra details can start out as small expenditures, they can really add up to a large amount.

Bridal Accessories. If you’re a fashionista bride and want to wear Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks as you strut down the aisle, remember that you’ll probably never wear those white shoes again. If you wouldn’t have it any other way, think about at least opting for a nude pair so that you can wear them again after your big day.

Talking To Mom & Dad About Contributing Towards Your Wedding

March 24, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Money is an incredibly tough subject these days, especially when dealing with an expensive event like a wedding. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help lay out the rules of etiquette when it comes to talking to Mom and Dad about contributing towards your wedding. .

Talk to Your Fiance
Before saying anything to Mom and Dad, sit down with your fiancé and discuss your expectations. Make sure you get to a point where you both agree on your vision and how much it will cost. Be honest with each other about both families’ financial situations; you may find that you have to scale back on your original idea.

Be Polite

Whether you speak to Mom and Dad by phone or in person, you need to be very polite when asking for money. “Ask, ‘Do you feel comfortable making a contribution to the wedding?’ Then let them suggest what’s best for them.

Spell Out the Details
Once money is offered and accepted, other issues arise. Will your parents assume that they’ll have more control than you’d like? You’ll have to be clear that the buck stops with you and your fiancé. At the same time, be aware that their contribution does mean that they’re involved. Also, make sure they know that you’re asking for a gift, not a loan. Don’t borrow money. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt.

Avoid Hurt Feelings
Remember that there are two sides of the family now: yours and his. If your own mom and dad offer to pay for half the wedding, you should run it by your future in-laws before you agree. Bruised feelings may result whenever people are put in a position to pay more or less than other people. This isn’t always about wedding etiquette, make sure you’re comfortable with who pays for what at the wedding. The same goes for divorced parents—discuss asking for money with both separately in order to see what each is comfortable with.

Budget Wisely
Once you’ve accepted family contributions, create your wedding budget. Your job as a couple is to stay on track. It wouldn’t be proper wedding etiquette asking for money from your parents and then go over budget. If you’re planning to save up money yourselves during your engagement, decide how much you can set aside each month and keep a running total as you go; for each couple this will be different. For extra motivation, keep your tally displayed on your fridge. We suggest using a debit card for wedding-related purchases, so that these costs are immediately deducted from your account, making it easier for you to stay on top of what you have left.