#TipTuesday: Five Tips You Need To Know About Choosing Wedding Music

So now you’re engaged. You’ve taken the first step toward one of life’s most fulfilling relationships. Congratulations! Now that the initial announcement has been made and you’ve celebrated your big decision with family and friends, it’s time to start making those wedding plans. Elements like date, location, food, invitations, guest list, where to register, dresses, tuxes; it can all seem overwhelming.

But think about it, how many of these items will your guests remember in 10 years? They might remember the location and your dress, right? For all of the time, effort, and yes, emotion that goes into choosing the elements of your wedding, very few end up being long-term memories of your special day.

Other than the bride and groom themselves, of all the elements of a wedding, the music (good or bad) is one of the most memorable aspects of the day. So, it is too bad that music is often an afterthought in the planning process, sometimes being left until just a couple of weeks before the wedding day.

While music isn’t the focus of your wedding day, it does set the atmosphere of the day. An inspirational soloist or a really cooking band playing tunes hand-picked for you and your family make everyone happy. At the same time, a band that isn’t experienced at doing weddings, isn’t very good, or can’t adapt to special requests can be a real downer.

So to help you make the best possible choices for your wedding music, here are five things to remember:

1. Start planning your music early. As plans take shape, your wedding day will take on a character of its own. Including music at the beginning of the planning process will ensure a good fit with your vision for the day. It will also make sure that your wedding budget includes enough dollars to get you what you want.

2. Decide what type of music you want for yourselves and your family. There are probably hundreds of options in your community for wedding music. As you go to the marketplace, knowing what will make you and your family members happy will save you time, money and regret after you’re married.

3. One stop shop. You will save money and time by working with a musician or booking agency that offers a wide range of options. You may want a classical singer for the ceremony, a swing band for the dinner and family dances, and a rock and roll band for late night festivities. Booking these three types of musicians separately will probably cost you hundreds of dollars more than if you work with someone that has access to all three styles.

4. Always hear the bands you are considering, preferably live. It is surprising how many brides and grooms choose wedding musicians without ever hearing them perform. Reputable musicians and agents will readily offer you samples of their work, or even better, dates when you can hear them live. Avoid choosing musicians based solely on the recommendation of a friend, family member or through social media.

5. Ask questions. One of the main reasons music planning gets put off is brides and grooms feel intimidated talking to musicians. They feel they don’t know enough about music to make good choices. Any reputable musician or agent will be happy to answer any questions you have about choosing music. Always look for people who take the philosophy that “there is no such thing as a bad question.”

There you are, five tips that will help you get you exactly what you want in your wedding music. A little bit of concentrated effort early on in the planning process can make the long term memories of your wedding day especially sweet.

Source: foreverbride.com

#TipTuesday: 31 Tips To Make Sure You Enjoy Your Wedding Day

1. Wake up refreshed.

youtube.com / Via thematthewandkallieshow.blogspot.com

Get to bed at a decent hour the night before so you can be your best. For this reason it’s wise to plan bachelor and bachelorette parties at least a week ahead of time.

2. Eat a breakfast that is high in protein and complex carbs.

Bonita Suraputra / Flickr: 21185968@N00

This food will take a while to break down in your body and keep you going, which is important since brides and grooms can go long periods without eating.

3. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

You want to be able to relax and have a good time with your bridesmaids, not stress over whether you’ll finish in time.

4. Wear a dress shirt when getting your hair styled.

Flickr: splurj

Brides often wear T-shirts that have to be pulled over their freshly coiffed hair at the end. Dress shirts, however, can be unbuttoned without doing any damage to your beautifully done hair.

5. Grooms should make a list of all the things they need to do on the morning of the wedding.

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Bridesmaids are great at helping a bride remember everything. Groomsmen are less helpful in this regard, though they are more likely to bring beer.

6. Speaking of groomsmen, it’s a good idea for the groom to discuss expectations for behavior.

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Guys can get pretty crazy at a reception. If you want a level of decorum it’s best to spell that out before someone tries to do a body shot off your grandma.

7. If you bought new shoes for the big day, be sure to break them in ahead of time.

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Otherwise you’re liable to feel awkward in them and have sore feet.

8. Don’t overdo the perfume.

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Heavy perfume can make you feel nauseous and even attract bugs.

9. This goes for you too, grooms.

Remember, a little cologne goes a long way.

10. Hire a wedding coordinator if possible.

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Couples often decide to cut this expense, but coordinators let you enjoy your day by keeping drama at bay. Favored by Yodit Events can take care of all your wedding needs! Choose from day of coordination, partial planning or full planning.

11. If you can’t hire a wedding coordinator, let your bridesmaids handle some of the day-of logistics.

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They’re literally falling over themselves to help.

12. Don’t forget a wedding day survival kit.

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A typical one includes a first aid kit, tampons, a Tide To Go stain remover pen, and anything else that might fix a minor emergency.

13. Take a few selfies.

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These candid shots make a fun counterpoint to your photographer’s stylized professional shots.

14. But other than that, put your phone away.

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Nothing is happening that’s more important than your wedding, OK?

15. Get loose before you walk down the aisle.

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Do some light stretching to release tension and get your blood flowing so that you don’t — gasp — pass out. Hey, it happens. Check YouTube.

16. Stop to take it all in during the ceremony.

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Ask your officiant to include a “deep breath” moment so you can look over the audience, gaze at your spouse, and burn the memory into your brain.

17. Make a five-minute dinner date.

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Taking the time to enjoy a full meal is almost impossible with so many guests clamoring for your attention, but a five-minute dinner date — where you grab a few bites and enjoy your new spouse’s company — is more manageable.

18. If five minutes is too much, get your food to go.

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Arrange with the caterers to send a couple to-go boxes of food with you when you leave the venue. They’ll be glad to do it.

19. Be magnanimous.

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Greet everyone with a smile even if it’s your second cousin whom you haven’t spoken to in a couple years because she said that thing (you know what I’m talking about). No one likes an angry bride, and you won’t like being one either.

20. Similarly, stay poised during the best man and bridesmaid’s speeches.

If something inappropriate is said it’s best to let it pass without having a big reaction. Many people will have missed it, but they won’t miss you screaming at the best man.

21. Give a thank you speech with your spouse.

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It’ll feel good to thank your parents, grandparents, and guests (especially those who traveled great distances) for making such a momentous occasion in your life possible.

22. Arrange for group photos at the reception.

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Have the DJ call over college friends, co-workers, and teammates for a few quick group photos. Your photographer may suggest doing these before the reception, but save the more formal, time-consuming shots for the wedding party and family only.

23. Be careful with alcohol.

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This is a day you’ll want to remember clearly for the rest of your life, so make sure you don’t drink too much (that’s for doing at your friends’ weddings). One tip is to drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

24. Pack flats for the reception.

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Sophisticated ballet-style slippers look great with a wedding dress, so bring a pair to put on when you want to cut loose.

25. Appoint someone to save you from chatty guests.

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Inevitably someone, whether it’s your great aunt from Poughkeepsie or the dad of your old college roommate, will talk your ear off seemingly unaware it’s your wedding day. That’s why having someone to politely pull you away is a must.

26. Have a moment with each of your parents.

Flickr: toastforbrekkie

Brides dance with their fathers and grooms dance with their mothers, but there’s no moment on the schedule for your other parent. Make one.

27. Don’t do the cake smash.

Brides, you still have people to see and photos to take, so you don’t want to get cake in your hair and on your dress (nor do you want to reapply makeup). Grooms, this is not how you want to start married life. Trust me on this one.

28. Give the DJ a list of songs you want to hear.

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This way you’re more likely to hear your jam than “Y.M.C.A.”

29. Make sure you dance.

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Your favorite tunes are playing, the dance floor is packed with people you love, and you have reason to celebrate! With conditions like that even grooms who “don’t dance” will regret it if they don’t let their inner Bacon loose.

30. Have a relaxed attitude about the wedding night.

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If fireworks explode, awesome. But after a long day many brides and grooms collapse in exhaustion. Don’t worry… there’ll be plenty of time for fireworks later.

31. Remember why you’re there.

nextexitphotography.com

Amid all of the fun and celebration be sure to take a moment to look over at the person you’re pledging your life to and reflect on the incredible journey that lies ahead of you both.

Source: Buzzfeed.com

You're Invited: Royal DC Cocktail Party

This early-April weekend in DC will culminate in an elegant cocktail party, decorated with the handiwork of the class members and Karen Tran herself. With a purple and gold themed floral display, this cocktail hour will be nothing short of a royal affair.

 What: A Royal Cocktail Hour

When: April 10th, 2014 from 7-9PM

Where: Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the Portrait and Hirshhorn Rooms

Attire: Cocktail Attire Requested

Tap into your regal side and join us for an event you will not want to miss! Sip wine, savor butler passed hors d'oeuvres, and experience the jaw-dropping wedding vision that Karen Tran and her DC workshop bring to life. Enjoy the design and accommodations arranged by me, JoAnna Bayliss, of JoAnna Dee Weddings! You may even find yourself in the slow-motion photo booth provided by videographer East West.

Tickets are limited

$45 tickets available here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-royalty-cocktail-hour-with-karen-tran-tickets-11112103601

For more information visit: http://www.districtroyalty.com/#

Tip Tuesday: 20 TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS

There are (literally!) thousands of types of flowers, and infinite combinations of colors and arrangements that you can create with them. So how do you narrow it down to the perfect blooms for your wedding? Start with these basic, must-know tips.

First, Know Your Budget

Have a good idea of what you're ready to spend on flowers before getting your heart set on specific blooms or arrangements. The cost of wedding flowers ranges widely (typically between $2,000 and $6,000) depending on the types of flowers you choose, how delicate those flowers are and, of course, how many arrangements you'll need and how elaborate they'll be. So set your budget, then look for inspiration -- not vice versa.

Then, Spend Wisely

Focus your flower budget on the areas of your wedding that will be in the spotlight. Your bouquet, a signature element at the ceremony (like the huppah or pedestal arrangements) and reception centerpieces should top your list of priorities. Use leftover cash on the extras like decor for the cake table, guest book table and cocktail hour.

Visit a Flower Shop...

There's more to wedding flowers than roses and peonies, so don't miss out on the blooms you didn't even know existed. (Some lesser-known types not to miss: craspedia, proteas, scabiosa and gloriosa lilies.) Find out what's out there in person by taking a walk through the biggest nursery or flower depot near you. Ideally, you'll go exactly one year before your wedding date so you'll see what colors and flowers are in season and will be readily available to you.

...Then Home Depot (Seriously!)

For color inspiration, visit the paint aisle of the local hardware store. Pick up a few swatches that you love and bring them to your meeting with your florist to get each of your creative juices flowing. Other good sources of color: Visit a fabric store, which can drum up ideas for both color and texture, or simply take a look around your apartment to see what colors you loved enough to choose for your home.

Prioritize, Then Plan

Think about how important flowers are to you in the grand scheme of your wedding. If the answer is "very!" then consider planning elements of the day around your dream flowers. For example, if you know you want lots of peonies, pick a date in late spring (when they're in season) and a classic venue to complement them.

Complement What You Love

Speaking of prioritizing, your wedding flowers should enhance whatever element of the day you want to emphasize most. Are you big on food? Plan to have centerpieces that fit in with the dishes on the table, like low, long centerpieces in wooden containers. Want your wedding party to be the stars of the show? Spend extra effort planning individualized bouquets and boutonnieres for them.

Look to Your Dress

As one of the first major purchases you're bound to make, your dress can inspire the style of your entire wedding and your flowers -- especially your bouquet. Choose a floral design that will photograph well with your gown. If you buy a sleek, sheath dress, a simple bouquet of calla lilies and similar arrangements will accent it well, while a loose, just-picked bunch of wildflowers looks great with a romantic, lacy gown. Also something to take into consideration: your height! If you're petite, ask for a smaller bouquet that won't overwhelm your frame.

Complement Your Venue

Once you book your reception site, choose flowers that will look like they belong there (wild, rustic flowers might look odd in a formal ballroom, while glam arrangements decked out with crystals might not fit with a garden venue). Take into consideration the height of the ceilings (high rafters call for taller centerpieces, which might look cramped in a space with low ceilings). If your florist isn't familiar with the venue, plan a site visit so you both know what you're working with.

Think in Seasons

Don't make decisions about flowers or colors before knowing what blooms are available for your wedding date. Spring and summer have the biggest selection of flower types and colors, while you'll be more restricted in fall and winter. Peonies, cherry blossoms, ranunculus, lilacs and anemones are popular blooms that have limited peak seasons. Some top flowers that are available year-round: roses, calla lilies, hydrangeas and cymbidium orchids.

Pick a Personality

Still stumped about your flower style? Rummage through your closet. Who's your favorite fashion designer? If it's Kate Spade, maybe your flowers will be monochromatic, but bold and bright. If your drawers are filled with J. Crew, a preppy, streamlined look might be for you. Consider putting together an inspiration board of a few things you love -- a photo of your favorite dress, a vintage postcard and a swatch of fabric, for example -- to show your florist your style.

Don't Expect Exact Colors

You might be able to find table linens in that perfect shade of pink, but flowers are a different story. Color-matching with a natural living thing like a flower can be frustrating, if not impossible -- flower colors vary vastly, even if they came from the same plant! Instead, think in terms of color families (think: light greens or pale pinks) rather than precise shades picked out of a Pantone book (like cerulean blue or lavender).

Go Classic for Your Ceremony...

Your ceremony flowers -- the bouquets, boutonnieres and those at the actual site of your vows -- will probably be the most photographed flowers of the day. Keep your ceremony arrangements on the clean and classic side so your pictures will stand the test of time.

...But Creative for Your Reception

For the party, there's much more room for creativity (that's right -- your ceremony and reception flowers don't have to match). If you're itching to experiment with funky colors or unusual arrangements, the reception centerpieces and other decor are the place to do it.

Mind Mother Nature

For an outdoor wedding, your flowers will probably be delivered and installed several hours before the event starts, meaning they might be sitting in the sun. Not all flowers can withstand heat or wind, so work with your florist to choose flowers that'll stay fresh for your venue. The same goes for boutonnieres and fresh flowers for your hair.

Envision Your Tables

When planning your centerpieces, visualize what else will be on the dinner tables. Don't let candles and favors upstage your tall, glam centerpieces. On the other hand, a minimalist arrangement might look too spare if there aren't other accents nearby.

Don't Forget About Your Guests

Don't let your flowers get in the way (literally) of your guests' having a good time. Be sure that centerpieces aren't so large that they'll block conversation across the table. If you opt for tall arrangements, display them in thin vases or clear glass containers so guests can see each other.

Think About Flower Alternatives

Nonbotanical decor can be gorgeous, especially for your reception. For a vintage wedding, a pile of old, meaningful books can make a great centerpiece (not to mention conversation piece) or arrangements of colorful veggies might be just the thing for a barn setting.

Personalize It

Making your wedding flowers extra meaningful can be as simple as adding your grandmother's brooch to your bouquet or carrying the same flowers down the aisle that your mom did -- or it can be as complex as using a photo of your family's home garden to inspire your entire floral vision.

Trust Your Florist

We've heard it over and over: The happiest brides are the ones who picked a florist they loved, then let them do their thing. Most likely, your expert has experience from hundreds of weddings and knows those little secrets about everything from choosing your flowers to last-minute adjustments. So trust her instincts as well as your own.

Show Them Off

After your flowers are set, make sure to show them in their best possible light. Plan for lighting that will enhance their beauty, like pink pin spots to highlight fuchsia centerpieces or amber room lighting to complement romantic all-white flowers. And choose simple, not-too-busy linens that will enhance your flowers, not detract attention from them.

Source:http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-flowers/slideshows/tips-for-choosing-your-wedding-flowers.aspx

Tip Tuesday: 15 Cheap Wedding Ceremony Decoration Ideas on a Budget

Whether your wedding is in a big, elegant church, or a rustic, old garden, or at a white, sandy beach, the backdrop and decorations of a wedding ceremony can really make a lasting impression. And luckily, a pretty ceremony doesn't have to cost a fortune. When it comes to ceremony decorating, less tends to be more. Additionally, you can save some money by being creative and keeping it simple. Here are 15 ideas for decorating your ceremony while sticking to your budget.

Save Money on Ceremony Decorations at a Church

1. Use Your Venue’s Decorations If you’re getting married in a church, see what decorations they have for you to use. Many have candelabras which can add sophistication to your ceremony. Also, you may not have to decorate at all if you plan to get married during Christmas or Easter time when churches are already adorned with flowers and greenery.

2. Use Candles Instead of Flowers Candles are a lot cheaper than wedding flower arrangements, and can often be more romantic. Use them at the altar, to line the aisle (make sure they’re in fireproof bags or enclosed in glass to prevent fire hazards), or even in place of bouquets.

3. Get Some Potted Plants In the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, they lined the aisle of the beautiful Westminster Abbey with big, potted trees creating an English garden atmosphere. You can do something similar by bringing some potted plants from home or borrowing a few from a friend.

4. Buy Lots of Tulle There are so many fun things that you can do with tulle to decorate, but here are two of my favorites. The first thing you can do is create a canopy effect with the tulle. Have a few friends hang some from the center of the ceiling and then drape it down to the corners of the altar or stage. To complement the tulle canopy, use tulle to make bows to put on the pews or rows of chairs.

5. Decorate the Altar Only If you have a beautiful wedding venue already, there is no need to go overboard with your decorations. Perhaps all you need is a simple arrangement at the altar.

6. Decorate Your Own Unity Candle This is a fun and easy project that can be done in less than one hour. Go to a craft store and buy a plain, white candle that is at least two inches in diameter. You will also need to buy a ribbon (at least two inches wide) and some sequins. To assemble your own unity candle, glue the ribbon around the bottom of the candle and then glue the sequins on the front of the candle so that they spell the first letter of the groom’s last name.

7. Go Shelling                                                                                                                                                                                   If you live by the beach and have access to free shells, put them in clear vases or hurricanes to be used as wedding decorations. Although shells would be a great addition to a wedding near the ocean, they would also be a beautiful added surprise to a landlocked wedding as well.

8. Throw Down Some Flower Petals Even if you do not have a flower girl, you can still throw down some flower petals along the aisle. This can be done as part of the decorating process before the guests arrive. Flower petals are inexpensive to buy compared to actual flower arrangements, so if you really want flowers but don’t want to spend the money, this is a great way to add them into the decoration of your ceremony.

Save Money on Ceremony Decorations Outdoors

9. Pick a Naturally Beautiful Setting Outdoor garden, beach, or mountain weddings are already decorated for you. For example, if you’re getting married at a farm, throw down some hay bales for seating and you’ve got a rustic, but romantic aisle to walk down. If you want a garden wedding, make sure you get married in the spring when all the flowers are in full bloom.

10. Have a Focal Point There needs to be some sort of focal point that you and your spouse-to-be meet at to be wedded. The focal point will act as a frame around the event. Some of the most common options are arches and gazebos. First check to see if you will have one provided to you by your venue. If not, you can buy one, rent one, or make one. Unless you are a carpenter or a handyman, you should probably opt to rent one. I suggest renting an arch since they are typically cheaper than gazebos and look just as nice.

11. Hang Some Christmas Lights If you are getting wed in the evening, white Christmas lights are a must. And if you’re renting an archway, it would be the perfect place for the lights. Also consider hanging lights in some of the trees if you will be in an outdoor setting.

12. Mow the Lawn This may seem obvious, but if you are getting married in a backyard, start working on the lawn early to ensure that it will be ready in time for the big day. If the yard is kept up with regularly, it will look better for the wedding. Also, start early to plan out what flowers and plants you want to feature. Planting bulbs months in advance will save you from buying more expensive flowers to plant the week before the wedding.

13. Use a Theme to Guide You I went to a wedding not too long ago that had an amazing “Zen” theme throughout. Some of the decorations included paper parasols, lanterns, and bonsai trees. They even had rock gardens as the wedding reception centerpieces to complete the theme. What’s great about using a theme is that you only need a few elements to make a big impact on the overall impression of the ceremony.

14. Light It Up In addition to white Christmas lights or candles, other ways to light up your evening are to use luminaries, torches, and lanterns. Use what is most appropriate given your particular wedding venue. Also, keep in mind whether or not children will be at your wedding and if it would cause any issues to have open flames.

15. Blow Bubbles Although this may sound childish, bubbles can actually add an elegant touch if done correctly. If you’re going to use a bubble machine, make sure that the machine is out of sight and that the bubbles are not coming out too quickly or too slowly. Also make sure that the bubble machine is not too noisy.

The key to successful wedding ceremony decor is simplicity. Clean, elegant flower arrangements, a few strategically placed candles or some potted plants to add a little greenery are all you need to create a romantic and memorable ceremony. Less is more – which ultimately means more money in your wallet.

How did you decorate for your wedding ceremony? Were you able to keep the cost of decorations low? Send us pictures of your big day at helen@favoredbyyodit.com

Source: http://www.moneycrashers.com/cheap-wedding-ceremony-decoration-ideas-budget/

Wedding Wednesday Chalk Inspired Wedding Trends!

Anyone planning on bringing in some chalk details for their day

I love the idea of incorporating chalk details in your wedding – such a modern + whimsical accent for your day! This super pretty shoot styled by Vintage My Wedding + photographed by Love Is A Big Deal is full of lots of ideas to bring this artistic trend into your wedding. I think it would look perfect for a loft or warehouse venue, right? Love the idea of using placemats instead of guest cards! A chalkboard backdrop allows for lots of fun options! From photo booth backdrops to leaving sweet messages to your dessert table backdrop, the options are endless!

Source: http://greenweddingshoes.com/chalk-inspired-wedding-ideas/

We're getting close to Labor Day. You know what that means...Party Time!

Labor Day is approaching fast. Take the day off, fire up the grill, and throw a party! Stars and Stripes or in!

Setting a both beautiful and simple table like this allows for plenty of good conversation and fun. I love the look of blue napkins and plaid table !

How cute are these Fireworks Fans from Martha Stewart? These festive, easy-to-make fans are ideal for last-minute Labor Day entertaining. You can cluster a group of them in a bowl to create a celebratory centerpiece or place one on each place setting as a colorful and cooling party favor.

Here is a easy Labor Day Recipe for Ciroc Watermelon Punch!

• In a blender put de-seeded watermelon chunks and a little ice.
• Blend until liquefied.
• Add in a few drops of Ciroc Vodka (Try the New Ciroc Amaretto Flavor!).
• Mix well.
• Pour into tall glasses.
• Muddle in 1 or 2 fresh mint leaves.
• Serve with ice cubes.

Ahhh...so refreshing & Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!!!

Instant Show Stopper, #DIY Hand Glittered Paper Lantern

Wow all of your guests at your next big event with showstopping #DIY Glittered Paper Lanterns. So easy even a caveman could do it! : )

Materials:

• Paper Lanterns
• Glitter in the color of your choice
• Glue Spray

Directions:

1. Cover the place where you will work with paper so you can reuse the glitter that will not stick on the ball again.

2. Cover the ball with the glue and immediately pour glitter on it.

3. When the first layer is dry, do another one to cover all the parts that are still appearing.

4. When you finish spray glue in the entire surface one more time to fix the glitter well.

Source: http://www.socreativethings.com/creative-paper-lantern-decorations/

OWN & Tyler Perry D.C. Preview Party at B.Smith's

Last month I had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite D.C. Publicists, Candice Nicole PR and 135 St Agency for the D.C. preview party for Tyler Perry’s new scripted series “The Haves & Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor,” on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.

Favored by Yodit Events coordinated the floral decor for the event. The client wanted something simple and fresh within a reasonable budget and thanks to my good friends at Fluer we were able to make it happen just in time for Actresses Tika Sumpter (HHN) and Patrice Lovely (LTN) to sign autographs and meet and greet with guests.

The evening was filled with wine and cocktails and a quick Q&A at one of my favorite D.C. landmark establishments, B. Smith’s Restaurant located in The Union Station (Great place for weddings and large private events too!).

Loved watching the full episodes!

Press Info:

http://www.oprah.com/own-the-haves-and-have-nots/First-Look-The-Haves-and-the-Have-Nots-Video http://www.oprah.com/own-love-thy-neighbor/First-Look-Love-Thy-Neighbor-Video http://www.oprah.com/own/First-Look-Tyler-Perrys-Two-Night-Two-Series-Premiere-Video

Photos by: Surpass Visuals

You're Invited: Truckeroo is Back on Friday April 19th! Hire a Food Truck for Your Wedding!

Food trucks have been the latest hit in food trends in cities all over. And it seems that DC couples love the idea of a food truck at their weddings too! Truckeroo is a monthly festival held at Half and M Street, SE across from Navy Yard Metro Station. Over 20 food trucks take part of the event, so its the perfect place for a new couple to scout out some possible caterers for their upcoming wedding. Its also a great date night in the midst of the the stressful wedding planning process (when you don't hire Favored team lol!) with plenty of drinks at the bullpen, cornhole, and live music for the first truckeroo of the season.

If youre thinking of having something fresh instead of traditional catering, a food truck can provide another food option for your wedding – whether it’s as the main meal, some fun bites between the ceremony and reception or as a late night snack. Any foodie couple will love the idea of local, gourmet food options for their wedding. Who needs banquet food when you can have mobile grilled cheeses, tacos, burgers, ice cream and more delivered right to your wedding?

Food trucks might not be suitable for a traditional wedding, as guests might be expecting a sit-down meal, but they’re ideal for casual, outdoor celebrations. Some would say a food truck at a wedding is tacky, but I think not. You have so many gourmet options nowadays. Because many trucks are small businesses, they can personalize menus and customize the service, usually at a less expensive cost than traditional catering.

Spring 2013’s Trend: Long Live The Party Dress! @RenttheRunway

 

Being a self proclaimed "Party Girl turned Party Planner" means I wear  lots of dresses. Since I don't have a closet the size of Oprah's yet, I try to save money & space by finding new ways to look the part. Now that wedding season & summer parties are quickly approaching I thought it would be good to share  one of my favorite go-to spots to find inspirations & trends for my style, Rent the Runway!

Rent the Runway is a company with a mission – to democratize fashion and empower women to feel beautiful every day. And every time I have worn a dress from this online closet on the go I have received tons of compliments.

The online retailer just released a some great Spring 2013 Trends for dresses and accessories for any guest of a wedding or special event leading to the big day such as the Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner & Honeymoon Looks To Love!

Read RTR's Here Comes the Guest

Oscar Watch Party Ideas

 

Roll out your red carpet and get set to be a winning Academy Award Party host with some of our favorite ideas to hosting an Oscar Party! With a little planning, small details and a touch of sparkle, get ready to surprise your guest. In the end, it's all about having fun and celebrating the films that have brought us joy and inspiration during the past year.

Oscar Bingo

Download Bingo cards (pictured above) and play along as you watch the show! (Nine different cards available) Download

Oscar Ballots

Predict the winners using these downloadable Oscar ballots. Coming soon! Download

Cocktails

Leave your guests speechless by serving a champagne punch or cocktail – ideas provided by Moët & Chandon, the exclusive champagne of the Oscars.

We have you covered with cocktails, food, games and decorating ideas. And the award winning party goes to... you. Enjoy!

Redskins Football Party Ideas

Whether your jumping onto the Redskins bandwagon or have been a longtime fan like my older brother, Binyam (his whole basement is Redskins inspired)! You too can celebrate this amazing time for our hometown team!

Here are some fun ways to incorporate the "Burgundy & Gold" at your next Redskins football party, a get-together while watching the game, or tailgating! #HTTR