Top 5 Wedding Day Emergency Kit Must Haves

Have you ever heard the old Cub Scout motto, "Be prepared". Now, I've never been a Cub or a Scout but as a coordinator I, like most professional coordinators, come to a wedding armed with an emergency kit. My kit, of course, is a collection of products and tools I find essential for dealing with any unexpected situations that pop up and turning potential issues into achievements. Usually, every kit is different because every kit should have the tools the professional feels work best for them. Would you like a peek into my kit? I'll forgo my funky favorite items (i.e.: duct tape, staple gun, etc.) but I will share my top 5 list of "must haves" for a Bride's big day:

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

It's moments before you walk down the aisle. The dress - gorgeous, hair - perfect, and the make-up is flawless. You are a stunning, vision to behold and you should remain so the entire day. Unfortunately, especially for Bride's with oily skin, that may not be so easy as it sounds. Every Bride should glow on her special day but perspiration could destroy beautiful make-up and a shinny face doesn't take the best picture. I keep Oil Absorbing Sheets by Clean & Clear close by so the Bride may discretely blot the her face before pictures and throughout the event.

Tide to go

Is your wedding gown White, Ivory, Cream, or even Blush? Most Brides dream of the perfect dress however, one drop of soda or wine could taint the most breathtaking gown. If find the small "Tide to Go" minis easy to carry. I keep them and a small hand towel on hand just in case wedding cake finds it's way to the train of the gown.

Bounce Dryer Sheets

O.k., I know it sounds funny but yes, I keep Bounce Dryer sheets in my emergency kit. And no, I don't plan on doing laundry during the reception but for outdoor weddings these sheets are great. Rub a sheet over a gown or tuxedo, stuff a sheet in a back pocket, or nestle one discretely in your undergarment. The dryer sheet will repel insects without the smell of bug sprays or messiness of lotions that stain.

Scotch Lint Mini Rollers

Like the song said, "Every Girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man". I admit, I love the way men look in a well made and fitted tuxedo. Of course, nothing takes away from that look than dozens of little white spots on a crisp, dark jacket. It only takes a few seconds and a couple of quick swipes with the Scotch Lint Roller to give the Groom his swagger back.

Colgate Wisps

"You may now kiss the Bride!" Breath mints are great to refresh your breath during the day but after a meal a quick brush may be in order. From the first kiss as 'Husband and Wife' to the first kiss after the reception dinner I've discovered that Colgate Wisps are a handy little item to quickly keeping my Client's teeth bright and breath fresh... smooches!

O.k., that's enough... can't give away all my secrets.

Cheers!

Why the Dancing Wedding Precession (entrance) was a hit!

If you haven't seen it, don't worry you will. Check your inbox at work and your emails from your family or friends - odds are someone has forwarded it to you... "JK Wedding Entrance" video. Almost overnight the video (which can be found on YouTube.com) has become a worldwide hit! This video featured an ultra energetic Bridal party turning the aisle at a wedding into a not so impromptu dance floor as they performed a semi-choreographed routine down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever". The video of the precession has even made to mainstream news and media outlets like Today on NBC.




So why has this wedding processional video created fans all over the Globe? I believe it boils down to one idea... we are sick and tired of bad news and people like feeling good! Weddings, by their very nature, are usually joyous occasions designed to nurture feelings of a new beginning, care-free fun, of hope, reassurance, and of course love. These themes are no only showcased in the video but seem to be amplified by the participates (including the wedding guests who immediately join into on the fun).



Oh, don't get me wrong, there is something timeless, romantic, and enduring about Cannon in D major playing softly in the distance to herald the coming of the Bride but we seem to live in a time when we are all bombarded by News Casters and Politicians pouring out an endless stream of economic statistics that seem to focus on the worst. Most of us have "economy information overload" and as we impatiently (very impatiently) try to ride-out the global changes there is something up-lifting about seeing people having so much unrestrained fun. Family and friends letting go and sharing in the unbridled gleefulness of the moment, of the day, and having fun - it's simply infectious. No wonder the video has been seen well over 6 million times in the short 6 days it's been posted.



I've seen it at least 3 times myself and I have to admit, I still get a smile every time I see the Bride dancing down the aisle at the end of the video; bouquet held high in the air, meeting her Groom midway, and the two of them two-stepping their way to the Officiant. The lesson: Let's stop worrying so much about life's (and the economy's) temporary status. Things are going to get better... there's hope, comfort, and great times to be had right now so enjoy love, family, friends, freedom, and life with reckless abandon!


Cheers and blessed wishes!












Janel B. Keen
CEO & Artistic Director

Romance in the Sun - Table in bloom!

Nestled away in the rolling landscape of Historic Williamsburg Brides and Grooms recently gathered to experience a little "Romance". I had the sincere pleasure of participating in yesterday's "Romance in the Sun" Show Brides Bridal Show at the elegant Colonial Heritage Club in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Colonial Heritage Club, moments away from fun and fabulous outlet mall shopping, hosted a delightful wedding show. Our booth, featuring a fresh and deliciously exquisite color combination of vibrant tangerine, lime and lemon, was the talk of the event.

Before

As always I began with a concept illustration laying out the design to created. I displayed this "Before" drawing on an easel in the corner of the booth I called "The Gallery" and invited Brides to come in look at the "Before" and "After" and participate in a survey for a chance to win a fantastic gift!

After

A vivid lime green cloth was draped with a crushed orange overlay and the table was elegantly accented by the rich gold ballroom chairs.

The place settings were layered in gold, white, lime green and burnt orange. The luxury accent? Handmade napkin rings adorned with a stunning, live sunset colored roses in full bloom and embellished with a crystal.

The centerpiece was an lavish arrangement of fresh fruit and flowers. Lanterns not only added a romance element but delicate, warm light. Three tiers of robust cluster of roses, lilies, and mums created height and a floating, cascading effect over the table. This feeling of height was only enhanced by a handmade hanging chandelier adorned with flowers and suspended candles.


Did you miss us at this show? If so, I invite you to come out and see us on August 30th at the up-coming "Endless Summer" Bridal Show at Great Wolf Lodge Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. For more information or to purchase online tickets visit http://www.showbride.com/... see you there!

Of Wine and Waterford (4 of 4) Everyday Celebrations!

Of Wine and Waterford (3 of 4)

Of Wine and Waterford: Part IV Everyday Celebrations!

As we come to the last in our four part series featuring our Fine Crystal Education Resource Waterford Crystal, "Of Wine and Waterford", I can't help but take stock in this splendid time of year and of summer entertaining. A season that seems ideal for casual and chic outdoor entertaining and all the fun that can can bring.

I admit, I've cherished many of those relaxed yet stylish gatherings. A cool comforting breeze greeting guests on a warm summer evening. The sunset painting the sky a delicious array lavender, pink, and orange as a group of joyful friends laugh and lounge on a patio or deck - indulging in cocktails. This is the season of the outdoor cocktail party. Planning a fun, sophisticated and even funky cocktail party has many components including knowing which glassware will complement the beverage and theme party decor.

Here is a quick Everyday Glassware Guide which will take you through the various cocktails and alike specialty beverage drinks for summer celebrations:

- Cordials & Liqueurs
- Decanter & Carafe
- Martini & Margarita
- Hiball & Goblet

Cordial & Liqueurs:

Specifically designed to enhance the body and bouquet of dessert wines or your favorite liqueurs. They can be fruity or even flavored to taste like candy.

Martini & Margarita Martini:

Delicate with a wide, shallow bowl. Also known as a cocktail glass. Margarita: Shaped to allow crushed ice to fall into the well while offering a wide rim for salt.

Hiball & Goblets:

Hiballs are cocktails that are made of 2 beverages (example Vodka and Cranberry juice). Hiball glasses can also be used for one soft drinks as well as one mixed drinks. Hiballs hold 12-16 ounces and are also good for iced teas. Like Hiball glasses, Goblets are used to serve non-alcoholic drinks such as water or ice tea. Goblets (also referred to as Water Goblets) are usually the largest glass at a table setting and mot basic glassware you'll find on a table.

Decanter & Carafe:

A decanter is a container for keeping and/or serving spirits or wines. Decanting enhances many wines. Typically decanters have a stopper to prevent air from entering the chamber. A carafe is an open-top container with sides fluted outward at the top. Perfect for serving wine or even sangria - the fabulous summertime beverage!

I hope you've enjoyed our series "Of Wine and Waterford" and I encourage you go out this summer, visit a local wineries, to responsibly explore wines, and feel confident.

Cheers!

We'd like to thank Waterford Crystal for being our education partner and resource. I look forward to more opportunities to work with them in the near future. We invite all our followers to visit Waterford.com to experience their full range of exquisite crystal products.