Inspired Ideas

As the temperature grows cooler, the days shorter, and the leaves begin to fall, I find myself thinking of winter and winter weddings. Snowy unions are one of the newest trends, extending the once notorious wedding season of May to October on through December and January.

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year. The return to time-honored traditions, passed on from grandparents to parents to children imbues the season with a classic polish - much like a black and white photograph. Whether its attending a Christmas Vigil mass lighted by candles and red poinsettias, passing presents around a darkened living room lit by thousands of twinkling lights, or even passing a football with loved ones on snow filled lawns at twilight, the holiday season is rich in memories and traditions.

Memories and traditions are a common theme shared by weddings and Christmas alike... As a young girl, I remember the sweet scent of baking cookies and the myriad hues of frosting bowls, as my sister and I helped decorate the dozens of cut-outs for visiting guests. In a nod to this memory, I have fallen in love with cookie cutters for decorations and favors.

A unique way to accent a linen napkin versus the common napkin ring, these decorations do double duty, serving as a sweet take home for guests. Share your favorite cutter from childhood days or find one that speaks to your new husband and future life. Not only will your guests think of your wedding as they bake cookies in the days and years to come, but you may just impact a future little girl or little boy's childhood memories. Sweeten the deal with a small bag of homemade cut out cookies - a surefire way to send your guests home sated.

Until next time,

XOXO
A.R.

The Art of Planning

Planning a wedding hovers between two extremes - the creative flair and the financial drudgery. However, thanks to Martha Stewart (I'll admit she's kinda a secret goddess), the monetary details are simple and sweet to handle in her new tools section.

The tools range from a Vendor List (oh so helpful when trying to keep who you have booked straight) to a Budget Spreadsheet (just enter in your budget and presto, MSW provides their breakdown with sections for you to enter in the actual amounts, payment schedules, and payments).

Since I have a background in web development and usability (BORING!), I love this site for its cute icons, sugary pink presentation, and EASY TO USE functionality (even for those technically challenged like me - I know, I know I am in web development but I don't do the tech stuff, I just "manage" (a.k.a. order) people around)...

The best things I am sure you will love as much as I do are:

• Users can post vendor reviews
• The system can plot vendor locations on a map
• You can do seating arrangements, a particular help if your venue doesn't use Delphi or another meeting matrix system.

Who said planning couldn't be fun?

XOXO,
A.R.

Bridal Bliss

As a soon to be bride, I have fallen in love with wedding planning. Let me correct that, I have become obsessed with weddings. From designing a concept, to picking colors, to planning the favors, the entire process has become a passion of mine. Everytime I hear someone is planning a wedding, my first instinct is to offer to help. Heck, I am willing to plan the whole thing!

Unfortunately, a career in wedding planning is not a possiblity at this time (my love of traveling, books and clothing in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. makes it impossible, I mean, I do need to eat...). Therefore, I am starting this blog to talk about all things wedding (the upside, my friends and fiance don't have to listen to me blather on and on - see I am thoughtful!).

So welcome to Bridal Bliss...