By Wanda Lorde-Steele, Wandas Cakes
Planning a wedding
"the second time around" can be loads of fun! When my husband and I
planned our wedding, we wanted to involve our children so we had the
boys invite the guests to their parent's wedding. A niece played the
processional while another niece asked the guests to sign the guest
book. One of my sons lit the altar candles and both of my sons walked
me down the isle. Bruce's son preformed the duties of Best Man.
Scriptures were read by the children and my son played Trumpet Voluntary
at the conclusion of the service. The other son played the first dance
on his saxophone, and to this day, our friends say this was the most
memorable wedding they have ever attended.
You can meet Wanda on March 18th at the Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show!
(703) 830-3866
wandascakes.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
How to ask for a honeymoon instead of another toaster
By Lynn Pirozzoli, The Black Horse Inn
Have you been registering for gifts and wish that your guests would just give you money to use towards your honeymoon? Well guess what? There's a way you can get them to give you money for your honeymoon by registering for it on a website like www.thehoneymoon.com. By creating a honeymoon registry, engaged couples have a place to direct wedding guests who ask "What kind of gift would you like?"
A honeymoon registry allows you the chance to select when and where you want to honeymoon and enables your wedding guests to buy a travel experience as a gift rather than a toaster or dish set. Many couples getting married now a days are older, well established and already merging two apartments or homes. The last thing you need is yet another toaster. Signing up for a honeymoon registry could ensure you get what you really want like (airfare, hotel nights, meals, tours, sports, spa treatments, admissions, spending cash) that friends and family may buy for you in increments. So, don’t be shy--ask them for a donation toward the honeymoon!
Learn more at the March 18th Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show at the National Conference Center. HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
Have you been registering for gifts and wish that your guests would just give you money to use towards your honeymoon? Well guess what? There's a way you can get them to give you money for your honeymoon by registering for it on a website like www.thehoneymoon.com. By creating a honeymoon registry, engaged couples have a place to direct wedding guests who ask "What kind of gift would you like?"
A honeymoon registry allows you the chance to select when and where you want to honeymoon and enables your wedding guests to buy a travel experience as a gift rather than a toaster or dish set. Many couples getting married now a days are older, well established and already merging two apartments or homes. The last thing you need is yet another toaster. Signing up for a honeymoon registry could ensure you get what you really want like (airfare, hotel nights, meals, tours, sports, spa treatments, admissions, spending cash) that friends and family may buy for you in increments. So, don’t be shy--ask them for a donation toward the honeymoon!
Learn more at the March 18th Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show at the National Conference Center. HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Tip from Food Network Winner Jason Reaves
Rustic Elegance
In my time designing cakes in this area, I have heard from countless brides the phrase "rustic elegance" or also "simple elegance". When I hear this I immediately think of Hunt Country, this area holds the perfect combination of the beautiful country outdoors with the refined elegance of historic venues and country manors. As a cake designer I love to design cakes that not only compliment, but also showcase this style. A wedding cake does not have to be huge and elaborate to be a show stopper, clean lines accented with fresh flowers can be just as memorable (and also easier on your budget). A great way to compliment your cake and be creative at the same is by how you display it, for an outdoor wedding try displaying the cake on a cut log with fresh flowers all around. For the winery or stable wedding, displaying the cake on a wine barrel is an excellent way to keep with the venue theme. If your cake design fits perfect with your venue your guests will remember it for a long time to come.
For more ideas, to see photos, and to taste some of my cake creations, please join us for the Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal & Special Event Expo Sunday March 18th, 2012 12 noon to 4pm, West Belmont Place
The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176; RSVP Hotline 1-877-363-3104
At the show you can enter to win a free wedding cake from Market Salamander!
In my time designing cakes in this area, I have heard from countless brides the phrase "rustic elegance" or also "simple elegance". When I hear this I immediately think of Hunt Country, this area holds the perfect combination of the beautiful country outdoors with the refined elegance of historic venues and country manors. As a cake designer I love to design cakes that not only compliment, but also showcase this style. A wedding cake does not have to be huge and elaborate to be a show stopper, clean lines accented with fresh flowers can be just as memorable (and also easier on your budget). A great way to compliment your cake and be creative at the same is by how you display it, for an outdoor wedding try displaying the cake on a cut log with fresh flowers all around. For the winery or stable wedding, displaying the cake on a wine barrel is an excellent way to keep with the venue theme. If your cake design fits perfect with your venue your guests will remember it for a long time to come.
For more ideas, to see photos, and to taste some of my cake creations, please join us for the Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal & Special Event Expo Sunday March 18th, 2012 12 noon to 4pm, West Belmont Place
The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, VA 20176; RSVP Hotline 1-877-363-3104
At the show you can enter to win a free wedding cake from Market Salamander!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Decor Lighting for the Bride Tip
Lighting is one of those things that people don’t think about when they walk into a room for an event. Guests at a wedding don’t sit around talking about how pretty the lighting is. They talk about the complete package of décor: the bride’s colors, the way she has chosen to execute them, the pretty bows on the chairs or how lovely the centerpiece floral arrangements are. You’ll never hear someone say, ‘those purple lights look great!’ But what will they say without them? Depending on the room you’re in, they might notice how boxy, how cold, or how generic the room looks. They might even notice that the bride’s décor is missing something, especially if we’re talking about an event hall or hotel banquet room. Flowers and ribbons will only get you so far. If you want to create a night for your guests and family – AND YOU – to remember, what you need is lighting décor.
We'll see you at the March 18th Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show!
We'll see you at the March 18th Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Bridal Tip: Choosing Wedding Favors
By Sweet Memories Heirloom Pastries
Wedding favors can be traced back for centuries and across cultures. Until recently, in the United States, brides (and grooms) would give a special gift of appreciation to their parents, and their wedding party; now the tradition has grown, once again, to include the entire guest list. Wedding favors have been given throughout the centuries by the Bride after the wedding ceremony, to her guests as a gesture of appreciation and hospitality. Now, it is the bridal couple, who give the gift. Typically these tokens are placed at the seats of their guests, if a meal is being served, or they are displayed on a table for the guests to pick up as they leave to take home.
The gift of choice given by those early brides up through the early 1900's were edible confections such as sugared almonds, fine chocolate, special cookies (this is where Mexican, Danish and many other wedding cookie variations originated), or some other specially created delicacy. They were carefully wrapped and always well received. In the early twentieth century wedding cakes became 'white', replacing the centuries old tradition of some sort of fruit and nut cake, which represented good fortune and prosperity. The fruit and nut cake became the grooms cake which was cut and wrapped for each guest in an elegant manner. The gift was supposed to be put under the pillow that night, and according to lore, ensured the guest would have sweet dreams and a blessing of joy.
So where does this leave you? First: know your budget and stick with it. $3.00 per guest doesn't seem like much until you multiply it by your guest list, add tax and possibly shipping…. the budget can be blown before you blink. The point of the favor, throughout time, is to be a little token; a ''thank you for sharing in our day." The good news is you have affordable, budget friendly, alternatives to the over given candles, picture frames and many other "cute" items which guests often wonder what they will do with.
Early brides had the right idea; an edible delicacy. Sweet treats can be personalized or customized for your guests, can be very budget friendly, and you will be appreciated for your thoughtfulness. Current, popular edible wedding favors include cake pops, monogrammed cake truffles, a hand decorated cookie, heart cut-out shortbread cookie with decorative detail, two or three small wedding type cookies, mini cupcake or petit fours, to name a few. Typically these are individually packaged, further coordinating with your wedding vision and adding very little, if any, extra cost. Concerned for a gluten-free or vegan guest? You can easily have theirs adapted to meet their dietary needs.
Keep your wedding favors simple, you have history to back you up. Don't break the bank, your guests want to share in your joy, not in your despair over all the bills left to be paid. Wedding favors should embody the joy of your special day and what says that better than a fabulous bite of something delicious? As the incredible flavor takes hold, a smile will bloom on their face and a Sweet Memory will have been created! And that is perfect.
See you at the Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show & Expo on March 18th!
Wedding favors can be traced back for centuries and across cultures. Until recently, in the United States, brides (and grooms) would give a special gift of appreciation to their parents, and their wedding party; now the tradition has grown, once again, to include the entire guest list. Wedding favors have been given throughout the centuries by the Bride after the wedding ceremony, to her guests as a gesture of appreciation and hospitality. Now, it is the bridal couple, who give the gift. Typically these tokens are placed at the seats of their guests, if a meal is being served, or they are displayed on a table for the guests to pick up as they leave to take home.
The gift of choice given by those early brides up through the early 1900's were edible confections such as sugared almonds, fine chocolate, special cookies (this is where Mexican, Danish and many other wedding cookie variations originated), or some other specially created delicacy. They were carefully wrapped and always well received. In the early twentieth century wedding cakes became 'white', replacing the centuries old tradition of some sort of fruit and nut cake, which represented good fortune and prosperity. The fruit and nut cake became the grooms cake which was cut and wrapped for each guest in an elegant manner. The gift was supposed to be put under the pillow that night, and according to lore, ensured the guest would have sweet dreams and a blessing of joy.
So where does this leave you? First: know your budget and stick with it. $3.00 per guest doesn't seem like much until you multiply it by your guest list, add tax and possibly shipping…. the budget can be blown before you blink. The point of the favor, throughout time, is to be a little token; a ''thank you for sharing in our day." The good news is you have affordable, budget friendly, alternatives to the over given candles, picture frames and many other "cute" items which guests often wonder what they will do with.
Early brides had the right idea; an edible delicacy. Sweet treats can be personalized or customized for your guests, can be very budget friendly, and you will be appreciated for your thoughtfulness. Current, popular edible wedding favors include cake pops, monogrammed cake truffles, a hand decorated cookie, heart cut-out shortbread cookie with decorative detail, two or three small wedding type cookies, mini cupcake or petit fours, to name a few. Typically these are individually packaged, further coordinating with your wedding vision and adding very little, if any, extra cost. Concerned for a gluten-free or vegan guest? You can easily have theirs adapted to meet their dietary needs.
Keep your wedding favors simple, you have history to back you up. Don't break the bank, your guests want to share in your joy, not in your despair over all the bills left to be paid. Wedding favors should embody the joy of your special day and what says that better than a fabulous bite of something delicious? As the incredible flavor takes hold, a smile will bloom on their face and a Sweet Memory will have been created! And that is perfect.
See you at the Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Show & Expo on March 18th!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Smart Scheduling for Your Entertainment
By Olivera Entertainment:
Smart scheduling for your special event is a key element. Factors to consider:
1. Smooth transitions from one part to another ensures you use your guests’ time wisely. Keep the party
moving, and your guests will be appreciative and return for your next event.
2. Compose an entire spreadsheet for the event, including each specific movement, action, and timing by every vendor involved. This will help you identify moments when you can overlap items, and ensure
you are prepared every step of the way.
3. Whether speeches or announcements are long or short, have them in writing, and determine exactly
when and by whom each item will be delivered.
4. It is advisable to have each emcee and speaker practice with the microphone immediately preceding the event.
5. Make sure the person scheduled to speak is staged correctly at the proper time and ready to go.
6. Give the audio and video people a complete copy of the spreadsheet, to ensure all information is heard and seen as you have planned.
7. If planning an event during rush hour, add a half hour earlier start time for everyone with a specific time schedule.
8. Set-up time is prior to the event. Make sure the area or room is available for set-up, and the set-up will not interrupt the event in any way.
9. Transportation and hotel arrangements need to consider the time of day and length of travel to ensure
attendance at the event is prompt.
10. If contracting a dance band for your event, consider using a few of the band members for cocktail and dinner music, rather than hiring separate musicians, helping keep costs down.
You can contact Olivera Entertainment at HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
Smart scheduling for your special event is a key element. Factors to consider:
1. Smooth transitions from one part to another ensures you use your guests’ time wisely. Keep the party
moving, and your guests will be appreciative and return for your next event.
2. Compose an entire spreadsheet for the event, including each specific movement, action, and timing by every vendor involved. This will help you identify moments when you can overlap items, and ensure
you are prepared every step of the way.
3. Whether speeches or announcements are long or short, have them in writing, and determine exactly
when and by whom each item will be delivered.
4. It is advisable to have each emcee and speaker practice with the microphone immediately preceding the event.
5. Make sure the person scheduled to speak is staged correctly at the proper time and ready to go.
6. Give the audio and video people a complete copy of the spreadsheet, to ensure all information is heard and seen as you have planned.
7. If planning an event during rush hour, add a half hour earlier start time for everyone with a specific time schedule.
8. Set-up time is prior to the event. Make sure the area or room is available for set-up, and the set-up will not interrupt the event in any way.
9. Transportation and hotel arrangements need to consider the time of day and length of travel to ensure
attendance at the event is prompt.
10. If contracting a dance band for your event, consider using a few of the band members for cocktail and dinner music, rather than hiring separate musicians, helping keep costs down.
You can contact Olivera Entertainment at HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wedding Traditions and Customs
By Lynn Pirozzoli, VP of Hunt Country Celebrations and CEO and Owner of the Black Horse Inn. Acknowledgements to Linda Vaughan Special Affairs LLC, an event planning company. www.special-weddings.com.
Do you ever wonder why a particular wedding custom is practiced? Many couples incorporate customs into their weddings but often do not know the origins of these traditions. Here are some common, and not so well known, customs and traditions:
Wedding Gown Color: The original wedding gown was red. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck for the couple. Pakistani brides often wear red on the third day of the wedding celebration, when the marriage rites and ceremony are performed. In Biblical times and during the Middle Ages, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns because it was the traditional color of purity. Today the color is represented in the practice of “something blue” for the bride on her wedding day. In ancient Greece and later during the Victorian era, white was worn to represent purity and innocence.
Wedding Veil: Originally, Roman brides wore veils. Traditionally, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, and it was believed that veils disguised brides and protected them from evil spirits. In early European times, marriages were arranged and brides were bargained. Once the transaction and ceremony were completed, the marriage was irreversible. Often, the bride’s father would veil her until after the ceremony so that the groom would not see her, just in case he was not pleased with the arrangement.
Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen: It was once thought that both the bride and groom were vulnerable to forces of evil; therefore, the best man’s duty was to protect the groom on his way to the church. Groomsmen and bridesmaids were dressed in attire similar to the bride and groom in order to confuse the evil spirits until after the ceremony took place.
Wedding Flowers: Traditionally, the bridal bouquet had different flowers, each with special significance (i.e. roses for love, lilies for virtue). In ancient marriages, the brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity. Greek brides carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love. Orange blossoms, the world-renowned wedding flower, were chosen by the Spaniards to represent happiness and fulfillment, because the orange tree flowers and bears fruit at the same time. During earlier times of “primitive marriage,” when the fear of demons was common, brides carried stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits.
Jumping the Broom: This is an African American tradition that began during slavery when couples were not allowed to marry. The couple would hold hands and jump together over a decorated broom. If they could jump and land together, it signified their marriage would last. Today, many African American couples still jump the broom after they are pronounced husband and wife and before the recessional.
Ring Finger/Wedding Ring: Egyptians believed the Vein Amoris or “Vein of Love” ran from the heart to the third finger of the left hand. The diamond was a popular gem for the wedding rings of the ancient Greeks because they believed that the stones were teardrops of the Gods and reflected the flames of love.
Do you ever wonder why a particular wedding custom is practiced? Many couples incorporate customs into their weddings but often do not know the origins of these traditions. Here are some common, and not so well known, customs and traditions:
Wedding Gown Color: The original wedding gown was red. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck for the couple. Pakistani brides often wear red on the third day of the wedding celebration, when the marriage rites and ceremony are performed. In Biblical times and during the Middle Ages, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns because it was the traditional color of purity. Today the color is represented in the practice of “something blue” for the bride on her wedding day. In ancient Greece and later during the Victorian era, white was worn to represent purity and innocence.
Wedding Veil: Originally, Roman brides wore veils. Traditionally, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, and it was believed that veils disguised brides and protected them from evil spirits. In early European times, marriages were arranged and brides were bargained. Once the transaction and ceremony were completed, the marriage was irreversible. Often, the bride’s father would veil her until after the ceremony so that the groom would not see her, just in case he was not pleased with the arrangement.
Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen: It was once thought that both the bride and groom were vulnerable to forces of evil; therefore, the best man’s duty was to protect the groom on his way to the church. Groomsmen and bridesmaids were dressed in attire similar to the bride and groom in order to confuse the evil spirits until after the ceremony took place.
Wedding Flowers: Traditionally, the bridal bouquet had different flowers, each with special significance (i.e. roses for love, lilies for virtue). In ancient marriages, the brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity. Greek brides carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love. Orange blossoms, the world-renowned wedding flower, were chosen by the Spaniards to represent happiness and fulfillment, because the orange tree flowers and bears fruit at the same time. During earlier times of “primitive marriage,” when the fear of demons was common, brides carried stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits.
Jumping the Broom: This is an African American tradition that began during slavery when couples were not allowed to marry. The couple would hold hands and jump together over a decorated broom. If they could jump and land together, it signified their marriage would last. Today, many African American couples still jump the broom after they are pronounced husband and wife and before the recessional.
Ring Finger/Wedding Ring: Egyptians believed the Vein Amoris or “Vein of Love” ran from the heart to the third finger of the left hand. The diamond was a popular gem for the wedding rings of the ancient Greeks because they believed that the stones were teardrops of the Gods and reflected the flames of love.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bridal Tip: Music As a Role Player
By: Olivera Music Entertainment
1. The role of music for a special event requires careful planning in order to achieve your desired
goal. Each event is unique, as is the role of the musicians unique. Consider the following
scenarios:Atmosphere, and more atmosphere. It may change throughout your event, and the music
needs to change alongside it.
2. From solemn to lively, or a mix anywhere in between; what tempo do you envision throughout your
event?
3. Is there a theme? Let the music accompany your decor to enhance and give life to your theme. There
are endless possibilities.
4. Is the music to be strictly background? Is the music for background with a bit dancing? Is the music
meant to get everyone on the dance floor? Is the music a featured act looking to capture everyone’s
attention? Is the music meant to make everyone clap their hands?
• The music sets the tone at a special event. Make it memorable!
1. The role of music for a special event requires careful planning in order to achieve your desired
goal. Each event is unique, as is the role of the musicians unique. Consider the following
scenarios:Atmosphere, and more atmosphere. It may change throughout your event, and the music
needs to change alongside it.
2. From solemn to lively, or a mix anywhere in between; what tempo do you envision throughout your
event?
3. Is there a theme? Let the music accompany your decor to enhance and give life to your theme. There
are endless possibilities.
4. Is the music to be strictly background? Is the music for background with a bit dancing? Is the music
meant to get everyone on the dance floor? Is the music a featured act looking to capture everyone’s
attention? Is the music meant to make everyone clap their hands?
• The music sets the tone at a special event. Make it memorable!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The White Mare for the Grooms Procession in Southern Asian Weddings
By Midge Harmon - Harmon's Horse Drawn Carriages
The most important factor in choosing a horse to use for the groom to ride in his procession: Is the horse quiet? Has she been accustomed to the music, cymbals, dancing, and general activity of the Procession? She also should be used to wearing the brocade saddle cover, head and tail dressing, and the brocade breast collar.
A great many Southern Asian groom in this country have never ridden a horse before so they need to have a horse that is quiet and will not intimidate them. The horse handler should be experienced in this type of wedding procession to help give security to both the horse and the groom and to anticipate what is going to take place. This is the most important day of the groom's life and they do not need to be upset by a horse that is dancing around because of the noise and commotion. They want a nice quiet ride with all their family and friends proceeding them on the way to meet the bride's father and family.
The most important factor in choosing a horse to use for the groom to ride in his procession: Is the horse quiet? Has she been accustomed to the music, cymbals, dancing, and general activity of the Procession? She also should be used to wearing the brocade saddle cover, head and tail dressing, and the brocade breast collar.
A great many Southern Asian groom in this country have never ridden a horse before so they need to have a horse that is quiet and will not intimidate them. The horse handler should be experienced in this type of wedding procession to help give security to both the horse and the groom and to anticipate what is going to take place. This is the most important day of the groom's life and they do not need to be upset by a horse that is dancing around because of the noise and commotion. They want a nice quiet ride with all their family and friends proceeding them on the way to meet the bride's father and family.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Welcome to Hunt Country Celebrations Bridal Tip Blog!
This is one of the most exciting times in your life! At Hunt Country Celebrations we have experience in all kinds of weddings, and different members to make your life much easier.
On March 18th, from 12 to 4 pm. we are hosting our Bridal Show & Expo. You'll find every vender you can imagine and lots of ideas.
Keep checking back here for our Bridal Tips and like us on Facebook to follow tips and special offers. Our page is Hunt Country Celebrations. And visit us on the web at HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
On March 18th, from 12 to 4 pm. we are hosting our Bridal Show & Expo. You'll find every vender you can imagine and lots of ideas.
Keep checking back here for our Bridal Tips and like us on Facebook to follow tips and special offers. Our page is Hunt Country Celebrations. And visit us on the web at HuntCountryCelebrations.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)