Make Dad Feel Special on Father's Day!

As a self-proclaimed "Daddy's Girl" I absolutely love coming up with fun ideas to celebrate Father's Day that he will appreciate! No matter where I am in my life or who I get married too, my dad will always be the first man I loved to love me back!

One of my favorite quotes is "I'm my Daddy's Girl and my Mommy's World". It perfectly describes my relationship with both of my parents that I adore. But as my dad's youngest child I know that he has a little soft spot for me and have definitely used it to my advantage :) So its only right that I give readers some ideas on how to make your Father's Day special for your big guy!

1.) Honor all the father figures in your life with free eCards for Father's Day.

2.) Plan a fun activity or themed dinner party that he will enjoy!

3.) Find the Perfect Gift Idea on Pinterest. Try this Easy DIY BBQ Pack with homemade rub and sauce!

NEW Lovely Bride Opening June 15th in Georgetown!

 

On June 15, Lovely Bride DC is opening amongst the gorgeous cobbled streets of Georgetown. We can hardly wait for Washington brides-to-be to discover another great wedding vendor to make their special day even better!

Lovely DC is located in the oldest neighborhood in the District, Georgetown. Be sure to take some time to wonder among the cobblestone streets and gorgeous historic homes. The neighborhood is rich in D.C history, but also an amazing place to explore in search of wedding inspiration.

Happy #WeddingWednesay & Bridal Gown Shopping #DCBrides! Contact us for all your planning needs today! Lovely Bride’s new DC salon will be located at 1632 Wisconsin Ave NW, Second Floor Washington, DC 20007. For more information, visit www.lovelybride.com.

We Heart @JonathanAdler’s NEW! Bold @PaperlessPost Designs! You Will Too!

Even though I am obsessed with fine paper and invitations, I occasionally use and recommend Paperless Post! Its classy, easy and very affordable. So what better way to set the tone for your summer soiree or even wedding (Still frowned upon to send wedding email invites, but I sympathize with my budget brides so if you're gonna do it, do it fab!) than with a Jonathan Adler invitation? Paperless Post's latest collection with one of my favorite designers is going to be a sure hit! Jonathan Adler collaborates with online stationary company, Paperless Post, to create 50 new invitations and cards. Here are some of my personal favorites....

(Perfect for a Girl's Night Out!)

(How Cute! Love the Coral and Mustard Yellow Combo for a New Baby Girl. Tre Chic!)

(What better way to say your Crazy in Love!)

Wedding Wednesday: #FavoredVendors NextWed.com

This Friday, A new website called NextWeb.com will be launching to purchase and/or sell gently used, or new wedding items including Bridesmaid dresses!!

Via Heather the President, "If you have items you would like to post in advance of the launch, email pictures, descriptions and the price you want to sell it for to heather@hjplanners.com . There is no fee to list your item. If you would like to list your item after the launch, you can do so by setting up an account and posting the item."

No need to let all of those wedding items collect dust around your home, sell them! Let us know how the site worked out for you.

Sweet Inspirations for any Wedding Event

When you see M&M's typically you don't think of anything wedding related. However, Punchbowl teamed up with M&m's to inspire invitations, party decor and favors. Check out a few of Punchbowl's ideas below.

Table Decorations: To create custom table decorations for the engagement party, display personalized MY M&M’S® in tall martini glasses in the center of the table or at each place setting. Create an M&M’S® assortment in the wedding colors, and add a message or even a photo of the happy couple.

Personalized Favors: The easiest way to add a sweet personal touch to any wedding event is with personalized favors. When you order custom chocolate candies, you can send guests on their way with a delicious treat that commemorates the bridal shower. Place the chocolates in a pretty votive, tie with ribbon, add a monogram, and include a special note to guests. Each favor can be part of the place setting and guests will have a sweet reminder of this very special day.

Snacks & Sweets: Whether the bachelorette party will take place over the course of one night or an entire weekend, your guests will appreciate having snacks and sweets to nibble on during the festivities. To add class and elegance to your food table, set up a candy bar with large glass apothecary jars and metal scoops so guests can help themselves. Order personalized chocolate candies from MY M&M’S® featuring the bride’s wedding colors, a favorite saying, and even her photo! Label all the other food on the table with cute names like “Dan’s-a-Lucky-Man Dip” or “Bride-to-Be Bruschetta” to celebrate the guest of honor.

For the full M&M's inspiration from Punchbowl click here!

Bridal Collection Hits Target...Yes Target!

The last couple of weeks I have posted a few retailers that now have bridal collections. A few were shocking to me, but none were more shocking than the news that you can now buy Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaid Dresses at the one and only Target.

Target is known to have wide array of products, but I would have never guessed they would extend their brand to wedding dresses. I mean really...who would think to go to Target for their wedding dress? All of the dresses are priced below $130, so if you are on a tight budget Target may be the place for you. The dresses are very simple and could definitely be dressed up with accessories. I'm not a huge fan of the dresses, but you be the judge. Would you buy your wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses at Target?

Wedding Wednesday: From the Runway to Your Wedding

Now more than ever designers are expanding their brand to wedding services. Some have gone the obvious route and created a wedding dress line while others are creating accessories, and even wedding stationary. Oscar de la Renta is one high end designer that used his runway fashions as inspiration for a new line with Paperless Post. See some of his designs below.

Say YES to Bliss Spa

Are you a bride looking for spa services for yourself and your bridal party? Look no further than Bliss Spa located all over the country!

Worst Wedding Cakes

Typically when you go to the wedding, the cake is a huge part of the reception. Now only for a tasty treat, but also to add to the decor. Brides and Grooms spend a lot of time and money to pick the perfect cake for them. I have seen some not so pretty cakes in my time, but NONE compare to the cakes in this list put together by likes.com. Check out a few of the worst of the worst after the break.

 This cake would be perfect at a Holloween Party, at a wedding it's just creepy!

Did Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Blackberry or Christain Louboutin pay for the wedding? If not, dont do it! lol This would be more appropriate at a bridal shower, if done correctly.

I feel like Momma Dee would get this cake for Lil Scrappy's wedding lol. This is so ghetto and gross. If that money is real, bills carry a lot of bacteria and now its on my cake slice?! No thanks...but I will take a few dollars so I can get some real dessert somewhere else! lol

To see the full gallery of bad cakes click here!

Favored by Yodit Dishes on #Scandal Finale & New Fashion App!

If you are obsessed with #Scandal and #Fashion like I am then you will love today's post!!! Our good friends at WJLA/ ABC and Reporter Jummy Olabanji contacted me last week to get my thoughts on this new app, GetThis.TV! All I could say was GENIUS! This website, app allows users to find clothes stars wear on TV most notably the clothes worn by Kerry Washington in her role as Olivia Pope.

Next time you see your favorite actress wearing a beautiful coat, dress, or fedora like the one below from last night's Scandal episode, you can learn how to get it too instantly thanks to Get This TV!

Designed by (@louisegreenhats) Check out their site: http://www.louisegreen.com/

Thanks to everyone who texted, called or was even up at 6:45am this Friday morning checking out the full clip of my girls and I dishing on @abc7news! Cant wait to host more Scandal Watch Parties for Season 3 (Special Thanks to Scandal Creator Shonda Rhimes for making me obsessed!). Stay Connected and Tweet us @FavoredbyYodit!

Read more: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/05/website-app-allows-users-to-find-clothes-stars-wear-on-tv-88909.html#ixzz2TYQKzFYC| 

DIY Cupcake Flower Bouquet

Looking for a new way to display your cupcakes at your next event? Try a cupcake bouquet! It's so easy and will make a cute and tasty centerpiece

Supplies Needed:

• Cupcake Mix
• Piping bag with 1M tip or Buy Frosting in Can with a piping tip already attached
• Frosting
• Flower Pot
• Styrofoam Ball that fits inside of the flower pot
• Toothpicks
•  Tape
• Green Tissue Paper

Instructions:

1. Bake Cupcakes and Frost.
2. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator, so that the frosting will get firm.
3. Place Styrofoam ball into flower pot. Place two toothpicks in each area where you want a cupcake. Make sure to place the toothpicks at a 45 degree angle on the sides to ensure that the cupcakes don't fall off after awhile
4. Slide a cupcake onto each pair of toothpicks, adjusting toothpicks as needed to place cupcakes close together. Cover as much of the Styrofoam as you can
5. Cut green tissue paper into small strips. Fold strips into accordions. Pinch the bottom of the accordion fold
6. Place a piece of clear tape at the pinched part of the tissue paper and stick it to the exposed Styrofoam in between the cupcakes. Make more tissue paper “leaves” until you cover all the uncovered areas. And you are Done!!

For full instructions and pictures, check out http://www.52kitchenadventures.com/2012/04/29/how-to-make-a-cupcake-bouquet/

Congrats to the Class of 2013!!

Congrats to all of the 2013 Graduates!!! Whether you graduated from high school, undergrad, graduate school or even pre-school, you have accomplished something great and now its time to celebrate!!! Sit back, relax and let Favored by Yodit plan you graduation party! Contact us for a FREE consultation! Until then check out some inspiration below...

You're Invited: Carine's Bridal Sample Sale

Mother of the Bride Sample Sale: May 9th - May 10th: By Appointment Only

Wedding Gown Sample Sale: May 22nd - May 23rd: By Appointment Only

You're Invited: DC Road Runners 2013 Singles Mingle 5K

Join Washington DC area singles for an amazing evening run along the Potomac River at the National Harbor. Looking to meet someone who shares your passion for fun and running, or interested in planning a cool date with someone new? The Singles Mingle 5k Fun Run & Walk is for you. While you take in the awesome sunset, smile and meet someone new while on the course.

Once you cross the finish line, enjoy complimentary refreshments and a really cool musical soundtrack from one of DC’s best DJs. Hang out with us after your run, meet other interesting people, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Register today, the race has a limited number of participant slots available.

Registration Fee:

•$37.50 (pre-event)

•$42.50 (on race day)

Packet Pickup and on-site registration (if available):

•5pm to 7:30pm

Race starts at 8:00pm

When: May 17th, 2013 8:00 PM through 10:00 PM

Location: 200 Waterfront Street Oxon Hill, MD 20745 United States

Click here to register!

Wedding Inspiration: Go Dark During the Summer

Break tradition and pick dark colors for your summer wedding! Just because your wedding is set during the summer months doesn't mean you have to pick bold bright colors. Shock your guests and go for black, dark purples, and dark reds. See below for some inspiration.

Nautical/ Blue Wedding Inspiration

Are you looking for a way to include you and your hubby's love of sailing? Or maybe you want to try a different spin on blues, try a Nautical Theme! A Nautical Theme can be dressed down for a beach wedding or dressed up for a formal outdoor reception. What I love most about the nautical theme is the small details that bring everything together. Check out some inspiration below.

Wedding Wednesday: Recycle Your Wedding!

Looking for a place to sell that cake stand you will never use again, or those table runners you just knew you would keep forever? Check out Ruffled! This site has everything from dresses, to linens, to candle holders. Ruffled is organized by state to make it easy to buy and sell all of your wedding items in your area. So before you pay full price at a popular retailer, check out the recycle your wedding blog on ruffled.com.

RECAP: #FavoredLaunch Event at The W Hotel

(Check out our DIY White Spray Painted Red Stripe Vases; They made perfect floral centerpieces)

Thursday was a good day...and an even better night! This morning, I woke up so happy knowing that everyone who attended had a great time and I was able to connect with each person...even if it was only for a few minutes!

The "invite only" #FavoredLaunch was specifically for everyone who had made an effort to support me in the past or the new business, Favored by Yodit Events! Either you subscribed or contacted me directly to get an invitation for our special event for close friends and family. The room was filled with 150 of past colleagues, socialites, media, bloggers and wedding / event vendors who I look up.

(Me giving my emotional impromptu "Thank you" speech!)

(Guest enjoying the PoshBooth Photo Props & The Favored by Yodit Events Table)

Everyone had a special hand in helping the Favored team in meeting our goal of having a successful #FavoredLaunch and I'm so appreciative to all the continued support.

The event was not only to celebrate the launch of our new boutique event planning firm but to have everyone in the room network, connect and have a little fun. Check out more silly Posh Booth video and pictures here.

Look forward to sharing more "Favorable" moments with you!

Photo credit: Insana Collins and Amora Films

Must-Have Hue: Blue Wedding Inspiration

Something about nice weather that reminds us of the ocean, waves and gorgeous outdoor weddings and events! I have alot of people ask me for some cool ideas to incorporate hints of blues to inspire their marine blue beach weddings!

If you are thinking about having a blue wedding, let Favored know how we can assist in making it "blue-tiful"!

The Digital Bride

Thanks to the internet and social media, wedding planning has changed drastically over the years. Instead of depending on friends and family to help plan every aspect of the wedding, brides are looking to Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter for help. Brides are hiring wedding planners for more Day of Coordination instead of Full Planning. Recently David’s Bridal conducted a study with 500 woman who were “either engaged to be married or were married within the last two months.” Below are some of the results from the study.

The online bride: 59% of brides say online resources like Pinterest, Facebook and blogs are the best places to find wedding inspiration.

Pinterest dibs: With Pinterest celebrating its third anniversary this month, it has quickly become the ultimate tool for brides-to-be. Nearly half of brides (46%) wouldn't use an idea they found on a friend's Pinterest board!

Fittings on your phone: Dress shopping isn't confined to the fitting room anymore! In fact, 68% of brides use technology during their fittings, from texting pictures to family to posting videos on a social media site.

Virtual wedding guests: Now trending, nearly half (49%) of all respondents say they would consider "skype-ing" their wedding.

Digital rule of thumb: 56% of newlywed women think it's important to have social media rules at the wedding.

The dress is off limits: 61% forbid their bridesmaids from uploading pics of the bride donning her dress before the ceremony

My wedding, me first: 52% say the bride and groom must be the first to post a picture of their wedding to a social media site.

Facebook official: Up 11% from 2011, 59% of brides will update their Facebook status to "married" or update their new name within a day of walking down the aisle.

How do you feel about the modern bride and the involvement of social media? Do you think a more traditional approach to the big day is the way to go?

Source: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/wedding.planning.in.the.digital.age/32027.htm