Do We Have to Go to Our Own After-Party?

Photo: Christa Strick Photography
 

After-parties are every couple's favorite way to keep the wedding festivities going. After all, who wants to stop celebrating when the lights come up at midnight? But while it sounds like a great idea a few months out, the day of your wedding might be a different story. So can you decide last-minute to skip your own after-party? Our experts weigh in.

Whether you're tired, overwhelmed by the attention, or are feeling a little too tipsy, there's nothing forcing you to attend your own after-party — but that doesn't mean it's canceled! Instead, let someone (your maid of honor or best man, for example) who will be attending know that the guests of honor won't be making an appearance so they can let the rest of your guests know not to expect you. You should also make sure they let the venue manager know you won't be attending, so they know not to try to find you with any questions. Make a point to say goodbye to people as your reception is ending so you can catch any guests you might have missed throughout the night, then head to your room and enjoy a few extra hours of sleep!

Of course, you may want to stop by for just a few minutes to get the after-party going before you head to bed. Grab a water or a club soda from the bar if one more drink just isn't appealing, make the rounds quickly, and then make your exit. Who knows, you may get a second wind!
While you can't force guests to stay all night, even with an open bar, have your wedding party serve as unofficial hosts to welcome guests and make sure everyone is having a blast. And make sure to collect all of those late-night stories during your morning-after brunch!

7 Genius Party-Snacking Tips for Brides

Your engagement is such a social time— drinks with friends, engagement parties, tastings, and rehearsals. These strategies will help you navigate the buffet tables and bars without your dream dress fitting any differently.

1. Pregame before the party.
"Before you head to a cocktail and appetizer party, make yourself a small meal of protein and veggies to eat at home," suggests Carlene Thomas, RDN, author of The Wedding Wellness Workbook: Your Nutrition How-To Before "I Do." "You know there will be lots of starchy options being passed around when you get there!"

2. Wear bright lipstick.
"This sounds so weird, but I find that wearing lipstick makes me more aware of what and when I eat, since I don't want to smear it!" says Thomas. "When I'm wearing no lipstick I have nothing to be a barrier for mindless eating if there's a bowl of chips next to me."

3. Stick to bubbly.
Prosecco, champagne and other brut wines are lower in sugar and calories than other wines or mixed drinks, says registered dietitian Kate Scarlata, RDN, co-author of The 21-Day Tummy. Stay away from frozen or tropical-y drinks like mudslides, piña coladas, and daiquiris— they're packed with extra sugar (and therefore, calories). If you're not a fan of bubbly, "try a single shot of your favorite liquor with seltzer water (zero calories) and a squeeze of citrus or a sprig of rosemary or mint," suggests Thomas. If you're really focused on slimming down, stick to sipping seltzer with a lemon wedge. It tastes good and gives you something to do with your hands, without a hangover or the calories in booze.

4. Grab a small plate.
"Using a small plate and filling it just once is a good strategy," says Scarlata. Letting yourself have a full plate of nibbles (instead of trying not to snack at all, or going back to the table to pick at things over and over) will leave you satisfied, but not overfull.

5. Fill up on veggies.
Hit the crudité and fruit platter first. The more you fill up on fiber-rich carrots and celery (only 25 calories per cup), the less room there is for less-healthy finger foods like creamy dips and chips. "For a smart party plate, aim to make half your plate produce and half your plate lean protein," says Thomas.

6. Pick one: Drink or Dessert?
"If you're dining out frequently or attending a slew of parties, pick a cocktail or dessert to have that evening, not both," says Thomas. "If you're loving the champagne, say no thanks when dessert rolls out. Or if you're feeling dehydrated that day, stick with water with lemon and split a piece of cake with the husband-to-be."

7. Chat it up!
"Switch the focus of the food to the social aspects of the party. Try to spend more time talking than eating!" says Scarlata.

Sitting Pretty: Formally and Informally

Basics for diner seating arrangements.

Whether I’m entertaining a half dozen people or ten people or more, I’ve gotten my seating arrangements down pat. Here are a few basics.
At any table:

• At a seated dinner party, men should remain standing behind their chair until the women are seated.
• Men, make sure you’ve introduced yourselves to everyone before taking your seat. 
• Formal dining may not be part of daily life, but a gracious host always serves his female guests first! And himself last.

For six, ten or fourteen people:

• If I’m hosting a party in someone’s honor, I will always sit at the head of the table with the guest of honor seated directly to my right. If you are a hostess, and feting a male guest of honor, seat him directly to your right. The hostess should sit at the end of the table, nearest the kitchen, with the host at the opposite end.

For eight, twelve, or sixteen people:

• In this instance, the hostess should move one place to the left and seat the male guest of honor directly to her right, opposite the host. This way you avoid seating two women and two men together.

Plates and flatware:

• If I’m entertaining formally, I will set down decorative chargers, which serve as placeholders and anchor each place setting. For informal occasions, I bypass the chargers and simply set out my dinner plates.
• I’ll often place a folded napkin atop the charger or dinner plate.
• I position flatware in the logical order of its use, to the left or right of the plate, beginning from the outside in; in other words, moving toward the plate. Thus, guests will use the outermost fork for the salad, the middle fork for the fish course, and the innermost fork for the dinner itself. Knives and spoons sit on the right of the plate, again using the same intuitive order. If you’re serving a fabulous soup for starters, the soup spoon goes in the outermost position.  Assuming you’re serving a fish course, place the fish knife in the middle, and the knife closest to the plate is reserved for dinner (make sure you keep the sharp edges of your knives facing toward the plate, with the bottoms of your flatware neatly aligned).
• The knife should only be in your right hand when cutting. The fork should be placed in your left hand and used to hold the food with the tines facing down.
• Only cut one piece of food at a time.
• Once your food is cut, place the knife on the edge of your plate and the fork in your left hand. Turn the tines of your fork upward when eating.
• If I’m serving bread with the meal, I place a small bread plate to the left and slightly above the dinner plate, and lay the butter knife diagonally across the bottom.
• If I’m serving dessert, I place the dessert fork and the dessert spoon right above the plate.
• When everybody is finished, I clear the dinner settings away and bring out the after-dinner items: dessert plates, and if I’m serving coffee, a tray of cups and saucers along with teaspoons, which rest either on the saucers or on the table (your choice).
• Very simply, informal meals require less of everything. You don’t need to go the whole nine yards. Position a salad fork and a dinner fork to the left of the plate, a single knife to the right, and you have the basics for a casual meal. 

- Colin Cowie

What’s a Bro-dal Shower and Why You Should Have One

One of the hottest wedding trends right now is wedding showers for men. These showers are called “bro-dal showers,” and stories about them are popping up all over the internet. Whether you’re having a traditional or same-sex wedding, we think bro-dal showers are a great idea. It’s time for grooms to share some of the pre-wedding fun!


The folks at Buzzfeed featured two bro-dal shower themes that lit up the blog-o-sphere: Batman & Robin and Lumberjack. We were so inspired by these ideas that we just had to come up with a few of our own! Here are five of our favorites:

Speakeasy – Imagine a venue with a hidden bar, posted “security guards,” and posted signs reading “Closed for violation of the National Prohibition Act by the order of the United States District Court.” Ask guests to come in period-specific garb and enter through a lesser-used back entrance to enhance the theme.

Cigar Bar – Find a venue that will allow a cigar bar, maybe a pool hall or dueling piano bar. Offer guests two or three different cigar blends or flavors, and possibly more than one size, such as a mini cigarillo. Top it off with a signature drink or dessert station and you’ll be all set!
All-American – Think vintage baseball or football, or even vintage military (a la Captain America). Serve bro-dal shower fare like popcorn or chips and dip, grilled hot dogs or sausages, sliders, and beer.

Casino Night – You could do a Las Vegas theme and really get guests in the mood for some gaming. Get the poker and blackjack tables ready, set out some dice, and let the good times roll!

Mad Men – Go retro with a 1960’s Mad Men theme and have guests arrive in a suit and tie. Decorate with retro advertisements and serve classy martinis, Cuba Libres, or gin and tonics.

'Bro-Dal Showers' Are Like Bridal Showers For Dudes, Apparently

The wedding and all the other events leading up to it are generally bride-centric affairs. But why should being a guy preclude you from all the fun stuff (assuming you want to be part of it, that is)?
And thus the concept of the "bro-dal" shower was born. It's like a bridal shower, but for guys because "grooms deserve to be celebrated too," says BuzzFeed Life, who recently got the term trending.


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

"More and more guys are deciding against the traditional bachelor party with a stripper and Vegas, and are looking for a more laidback way to celebrate with their friends," BuzzFeed Senior Lifestyle Editor Rachel Wilkerson Miller told The Huffington Post. "And when guys marry other guys, their loved ones often still want to throw them some sort of a party to show their support for the couple."
The BuzzFeed folks threw two separate bro-dal showers for two of their engaged male co-workers, which featured goofy games as well as delicious snacks and drinks.

The first one was lumberjack-themed:

With a chocolate tree stump cake ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

Beer brat sliders ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

Skillet s’mores dip ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

And a beard-decorating game.


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

And the second was Batman-themed: 

With a Gotham-themed table setup ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

Cocktails inspired by different characters ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

Quintessential shower games ...


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life

And a photo booth with props, of course.


Credit: Lauren Zaser/BuzzFeed Life


Whether you think the concept is silly or brilliant, you have to admit the ideas are clever and cute. (And they could just as easily be used for a wedding or any other party, for that matter.) For more inspiration, head over to BuzzFeed Life.

6 Ways To Throw A Stress-Free Bachelorette Party

If you were deemed with the daunting task of planning a bachelorette party for your bride-to-be, the initial thought that probably popped into your head was, “This is going to be a piece of cake.” Or NOT! Here are six ways keep it stress-free:

Investigate Ideal Spots 
Whether your BFF’s bash is a surprise or not, you should pick a spot based on her personality because not every gorgeous gal dreams of jet-setting to Las Vegas to mimic the movie The Hangover. Think: is she laid-back, outgoing, adventurous, classy, or trendy? Find out where to host the last fling before the ring here.

Estimate The Entourage 
Grab the guest list to reference as a resource. The smaller the crowd, the more expensive, and the larger the crowd, the less expensive. Also, ask if they live near or far. You might have to meet in the middle as a compromise. You would not want to fly coast-to-coast or drive during rush hour traffic to barely make it in time for the first pop, fizz, and clink of champagne bottles. Ultimately, you should try to be thoughtful of the those traveling.

Communicate via Conversations 
Schedule a planning period at a local coffee shop to create a checklist. Google Hangout or Skype those in that could not stop by for a caffeine boost. One of the major topics to discuss are dates. The event will most likely take place in either the spring or summer months, so you will have to be understanding of vacations that might already be booked with significant others. From there on out, use a giant, group email thread to chit chat.



Determine A Dollar Amount 
Pick a price that is reasonable (and realistic)! And let the leading ladies know what is included like:
- Airfare 

- Gas 

- Hotel room  

- Rental property 

- Security deposit   

- Breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner  

- Drinks 

- Extracurricular activities 

- Favors 
 
Pass Out Projects 
Delegate tasks out to feel accomplished together as a team! One person is in charge of going grocery shopping (or making a libations list), one person is in charge of reserving tables at restaurants, one person is in charge of organizing an outing, one person is in charge of choosing a craft, or one person is in charge of getting a game.

Stock Up On Swag 
The traditional attire of the bride-to-be wearing white and bridesmaids wearing black is still trending for a night out on the town. Score a stylish sash too! It is also becoming fun to liven up the festivities with other adorable matching accessories.

16 Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Bridal Shower

Photo by Braedon Photography

Do take the initiative to plan it.
Don't plan the entire thing yourself.

Whether you're the honor attendant or a family member, it's never a bad idea to get the bridal shower conversation going (and the earlier the better!). But just because you're game to coordinate and lead the charge doesn't mean you have to take it all on yourself. Enlist the other members of the bridal party and even the families of the bride and groom to give input and help out too. The best way to go about it is to get everyone together and ask what each person wants to help with instead of assigning duties. Anyone who is hosting should be included on the invitation as well.

Do organize a theme or group activity.
Don't make the bride uncomfortable.

Having a bridal shower theme or planning out a group activity will make the planning easier, and it's a talking point to bring together college friends and grandparents. But before you start making plans to have a sex toy demonstration or take everyone bungee jumping, ask the bride if there's anything they would be uncomfortable with. If it turns out they're anti-tradition and want to have a get-together that doesn't include the classic games or gifts, then you should respect that and come up with something they'll enjoy -- even if it isn't your thing.

Do pick a date early on.
Don't forget to ask the VIPs for their availability.

Even if you're planning to wait to host the bridal shower until shortly before the wedding, you're going to want to make sure you pick a time when most, if not everyone, can come. Figuring out multiple schedules can be a lot of back and forth, so it's best to start early and pick a date way in advance. Depending on where guests live, they may need to make travel plans, but if most people are local, you have more options. It's possible not everyone will be able to come, but there are at least a few people in the immediate family and the honor attendant who should definitely be there, so their schedules might be the deal breaker.

Do ask the bride for their guest list.
Don't invite anyone who isn't invited to the wedding.

Instead of starting from scratch, you should ask the bride to help out or make suggestions for the guest list. But before you send out invites, just do a quick double-check that everyone who's being invited to the bridal shower will also be invited to the wedding to avoid any hurt feelings.

Do give some guidelines for gifts.
Don't make the gift giving too raunchy.

Come up with a theme for the gift giving that ties in with the party. Share the couple's registry info, but let guests know they don't have to just stick to that if they have something else in mind – the bride might also love off-registry items, like activities for their honeymoon or gear for all of their hiking adventures. Our only advice here: Remind guests that the shower is an all ages affair, and while something tongue-in-cheek, like an artful karma sutra coffee-table book, will probably go over okay, you may want to avoid anything outright naughty, like sex toys and triple X-rated lingerie (save those fun goodies for the bachelorette party!).

Do send shower invitations
Don't go overboard on the paper.

Once you have all the logistics together, you should definitely send out invitations, even if most of the guests have helped out with planning the bridal shower. If a lot of guests are coming from out of town, the earlier you send them, the better—at least two months before if not earlier; if most people are local, four to six weeks should be just fine. That doesn't mean you have to go nuts with the invites -- those cute ready-made cards available at any card store are great. And you can even go paperless for this one with the help of a graphic designer or an evite service.

Do serve something to nibble on.
Don't cater an entire meal (unless you want to!).

Having some type of food is a must, whether it's inspired by breakfast for dinner or a sweets table. Consider catering if you're throwing a large party, but you could even make some of the main dishes and then supplement with catering additions, or have other guests contribute as a potluck. As long as the party doesn't cover all of dinnertime, for example, you don't have to serve a full meal. Light snacks or hors d'oeuvres or a continental breakfast of pastries, fruit and coffee are plenty. Just let guests know on the invite so they're prepared.

Do have a loose schedule.
Don't make it too detailed or strict.

Keep the momentum rolling by having a general idea of what you'll do at the beginning, middle and end of the shower. You may need to enlist the help of some other hosts for the gift-giving portion (you'll need at least two people -- one to bring each gift to the bride and another to write down who gave what). Just because you have a plan doesn't mean you have to control every single second. If The Newlywed Game inspires everyone to share their own hilarious stories, let it roll. But having a plan is helpful in case there's an unexpected lull in the party.

5 Rules to Surviving Your Bachelorette Party

We’ve rounded up some of our top bachelorette party survival tips so you won’t wake up in the morning regretting a thing.

1. No Cameras Allowed
Tell your girls to leave the cameras at home for your night on the town. Sure there’s a temptation to capture every moment but ask yourself -- do you really want those images splattered across Facebook? Instead, take a few photos at the start of the night before you head out so you’ll still have something to look back on.

2. Leave the Mini-Skirt at Home
You never know what your girls might have planned, so it’s probably best to leave your shortest mini-skirt or dress at home. Who knows? What if they’re taking you to that bar with a mechanical bull -- you’d hate to miss out on the fun just because you wore the wrong attire. Plus, you'll want to be comfortable on your big night.

3. Load Up on Water
When you’re out with your best friends having a great time, it’s pretty easy to lose track of how much you’ve had to drink -- until it’s too late. Mix up your drinks with shots of water or have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. It will save you from having a major headache the next morning.

4. Food: Eat Simple
Even if you’re a foodie, try to eat fairly plain foods the night of your bachelorette party. You don’t want to head home early because of something you ate. And for that matter, eat light and be sure to have snacks throughout the night. That way, you won’t feel groggy after a big meal, and mixing in some snacks while you’re drinking will prevent you from getting sick.



5. No Phoning Home!
You’re there to spend this night with your girls -- so don't call your fiance every five minutes to remind him how much you love him. He knows. Trust us. If you simply cannot part with your phone, hand it to one of your bridesmaids and let them know they're in charge.

-- Amy Eisinger

The 6 Types of Weddings Everyone Attends at Some Point

In a lifetime, chances are, you will go to weddings. A whole lot of them. They will take place near and far, across the country and maybe across the world, and sometimes right in your own backyard. Though each wedding is the same in some ways -- each one at heart a celebration of a couple getting married -- they will all be different, not only because of what they are, but also for who you are at each event. Here are six that you’re likely to encounter, and how you might approach them.


1. The Hometown Return. If you're like me, you left the town you grew up in after graduating high school, and maybe your parents moved, too, which means you really haven't been back in quite a while. Then your dear friend announces she's engaged, and the wedding will be back home. There, you'll awkwardly refer to her mom and dad by their first names, and you'll reminisce fondly about that high school boyfriend who isn't there at all, having recently eloped to Hawaii. Good for him, you will think, toasting everyone yet again. And you'll mean it.


2. The First One to Which You Bring a Love Interest. Taking a date to a wedding, whether you're just starting out in a relationship or have been together for years, carries its own emotional weight. We tend to look at the marrying couple, all that joy and love surrounding them, and measure ourselves and our relationship against theirs. "Will we be next?" you may think. Stop thinking that! You're simply bringing a date to a wedding; no measurements are truly needed, other than those that occur organically. Trust that they will.


3. The "Destination." Here's a question for our wedding-going times: What truly constitutes a "destination"? Never mind -- you're headed to a gorgeous, possibly sandy but maybe grassy or even mountainous, effortlessly sunny (fingers crossed the weather holds!) spot a decent number of miles from your home -- maybe you need a passport, maybe you don't! Once there, you and the other guests will bond while drinking from coconuts full of rum or cool, tall glasses of frozen goodness and dance freely among the wild palms of a meticulously managed resort. You can balance your checkbook when you get back home. For now, have fun.


4. The One to Which You Are the Date. The day will come in which your boyfriend or girlfriend or maybe that person you've promised to marry if you both turn 30 and still haven't found "the one" (hint: don't marry this person!) looks at you, possibly with a stunned expression, and says, "I just got invited to a wedding." You will look back comfortingly and say, "OK, we got this." Note, however, that it will be different this time, being the one who is connected via another and therefore a little bit separate. This is a good thing. It's your chance to support your date in the ways that date has previously supported you, and you will learn a few things about the both of you.


5. The Wedding You Regret. Chances are, you're not regretting this wedding because it happened. You're regretting your behavior there...whether you drank too much, flirted with the wrong person, fell into a cake, arrived late, brought a date who wore the wrong thing, or said you couldn't go and then later wished you had. On the plus side, sometimes the mistakes you make, and the apologies and heartfelt conversations that follow, bring you closer than ever -- and frequently, they make for the best stories.


6. The One to Which You Go (Happily) Alone. Going to a wedding by yourself can feel a bit like going to the airport alone, in the best way possible. You're about to set off on an adventure, and you can do it your way: Speed through crowds and security at your own pace, while away the hours at your leisure. At this wedding, you can weave from crowd to crowd seamlessly, at your own volition and discretion; if there are attractive strangers, you can flirt. If you feel like leaving, you can leave. You report to no one! So, if you're single, why bring along a date you don't really know all that well, or even like, if you can go with your own wonderful self? I have no idea.

10 Ways to Ensure Your Wedding Guests Have an Absolute Blast

Photo: Ira Lippke Studios

Obviously lush flowers and a gorgeous venue are some of the elements of a beautiful wedding, but picture-perfect décor doesn't ensure an epic party. Score a 10 out of 10 for overall experience by following these simple yet effective tips that will have your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.

1. Ask for Song Requests
To ensure everyone is having a great time and dancing the night away, have your guests request a song via the invitation response, recommends Key Largo wedding planner Lynn D'Ascanio of Dasignerevents.com. "Give this list of songs to your DJ, along with the name of the person who requested each song. That way, if the dance floor starts to thin out, the DJ can play songs off of the request list." This pretty much guarantees that the person who requested the song will get up and dance and encourage others to do so as well.

2. Don't Let Your Friends and Family Talk Forever
"Many fun events have been driven into the ground by deathly long speeches," points out Lynn Jawitz, owner of Florisan Wedding and Event Design in NYC. To keep the party popping, ask your speech givers to keep their toasts short and sweet.

3. Remember to Thank Your Guests
Speaking of speeches, it's important to let your guests knows how much you personally appreciate them coming. "It's hard to believe how often this simple step is overlooked," notes Jawitz. "Bite the bullet, make a speech (keep it short, of course) and just genuinely thank your guests for dropping their lives that day to share it with you."

4. And Keep Them in the Know
According to D'Ascanio, the best weddings are the ones that are organized and follow a timeline. "When the events of the day unfold in a timely manner, and the bridal party and guests alike are not left standing around wondering what's next or where they should go or what they should be doing, the entire day seems flawless."

5. Add in an Element of Surprise
Who doesn't love a special surprise at a wedding? "You could hire a group of singers or dancers disguised as wait staff to break out into song or dance during dinner," suggests D'Ascanio. Or you and the groom could perform a practiced dance routine yourselves for the first dance, offers Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions. "A 'wow' factor can be memorable and will ensure your guests have a blast."


6. Opt for a Short Ceremony
If possible, try to keep your ceremony simple and short in length. "A long, drawn-out ceremony takes away that guest energy level at the onset, and sometimes it cannot be recovered for the reception," warns Jenkins.

7. Give Birthday Shout Outs
Does your BFF have a birthday on the same day as your big day? Or is it his parents' anniversary too? "Have your MC acknowledge any birthdays and/or anniversaries with a dedicated song during the reception," advises Daniela Grafman, wedding & special events coordinator at Vision Entertainment Group LLC. People love attention. Plus, it's just a sweet gesture.

8. Hire a Great Band or DJ
After all, they can, in fact, make or break a party. Florida wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner, recommends looking for a high energy performer, while being careful not to choose an annoying personality to be your MC. "Great vocals, great dance moves and great spunk will have everyone up on their feet until it's time to go home. Seamless song transitions and the ability to read the crowd when they want to hear more of the same sound or a desire to switch to a different sound is where a DJ's talent also comes into play."

9. Provide Transportation
If you're hosting a destination wedding or your wedding is in a remote location, be sure to provide transportation for guests from their hotel to your wedding and back, says Lauren Randolph, founder of My Hotel Wedding. "This way people don't have to worry about driving home drunk, which guarantees that they can party harder."

10. Allow Your Guests Plenty of Free Time
This is particularly important if you have a destination wedding or a bunch of guests in from out of town, says professional wedding planner Sandy Malone of Weddings in Vieques. "Back to back activities after a long trip will run them into the ground. Let them have some time and space to explore and they'll be refreshed and excited at all of your events." We concur.

4 Must-Haves For An Epic Bachelorette Party

By: Simone Hill

 

Having an epic bachelorette party isn’t rocket science. You only need a few basic (and hilarious) items to take it from boring to bail out in ten seconds flat.



1. You Need A Headpiece!

PrettyGoodThings.Etsy.com

You want everyone you encounter (the limo driver, the mini-mart clerk, bartenders and cute guys at bar) to know what’s coming when they see your entourage. Crazy colored wigs, tiaras and witty hats will do the trick in a pinch — but the mini-veil screams, “It’s my bachelorette and I’m here to party.”

2. A Booze Container (For the Pre-Party)

TheKnotShop.com

Let’s be real, you’re probably going to have plenty of booze to get the party going. And while you don’t necessarily need a flask to make that happen, these neon flasks are way too cute not to have on hand. Who says debauchery can’t be fashion-forward? $43, TheKnotShop.com
3. An Outrageous Accessory Or Two

MyRingPop.com

When it comes to getting outfitted for a bachelorette party there is no such thing as over-the-top. Oversized kitchsy rings that light up or even personalized Ring Pops for all the ladies (yep, you read that right — they’re new!) are a fun idea.
4. A Hangover Helper Kit

Photo: SimplyBloomPhotography.com

Take care of the morning-after with a little personal hangover helper kits. Must-haves include bottle water, Advil, Alka Seltzer, chapstick, a cooling eye-mask and flip flops or foldable flats (because no one should have to walk home in heels). If you don’t have time (or the will) to make your own, you can buy ready-made kits or just have over-the-counter remedies on hand like Aspirin. Blowfish also works wonders!

5 Reasons It's Still Cool to Have a Photo Booth at Your Wedding

It seems like every time a fun new trend hits weddings, someone is already declaring it "over." The photo booth is one of those trends; it's gone from a fun novelty to a common occurrence at every wedding. Now many couples are worried it's played-out. But before you put away the funny props and fake mustaches, here are five reasons it's still worth it to have a photo booth.

1. It's a good source of entertainment. Having a few activities besides dancing at your reception is a good way to make sure all your guests have fun. Sometimes people just want a break from busting a move, and the photo booth provides a nice escape. It's also a good place for people to gather and socialize.

2. It creates a wedding keepsake -- for you and your guests. A lot of guests will appreciate having a photo of themselves with their friends, their kids, or their date. But even if they don't care about that, you will love having fun pictures of your wedding guests. If you think of it like a modern guest book, it seems silly to skip it just because it's been done before.

3. Your guests don't spend hours looking at online inspiration. While your also-engaged maid of honor might think photo booths have become a wedding cliche, that's probably because she's got wedding planning (and attending!) fatigue. But your older relatives and guests who don't attend many weddings will likely still find the photo booth totally delightful and fun.

4. Just because a wedding trend is popular doesn't mean it has to be abandoned. If think your photo booth is going to be the coolest thing ever that none of your guests have ever seen before, you may need a reality check. But if it's just a new wedding tradition that you happen to like, who cares if it's been done before? Some elements of your wedding will be personalized and unique, but many others will be part of bigger traditions that started out as hip trends before becoming ubiquitous.

5. Every photo booth is different. The vibe at every wedding is so different, thanks to everything from the time of day and the venue to how strong the bartender is mixing drinks. That means every photo booth will be different too. Even if people are over taking pictures with their dates, they might love a chance to take silly pics with old friends or relatives whom they haven't seen in a while. Also, it's 2013...we're pretty sure no one is over taking pictures of themselves.

These are a few of my Favorite Things.... Diamonds, Desserts and Dress for Success!!

On Tuesday event, Scott and I were invited to the 2nd Annual Robbins Brothers Diamonds and Dessert event at the Glendale Location. The event highlighted Simon G. Jewelry and Dress for Success.

 

 

Some of the great vendors featured included Cake Moments, Noor in Pasadena, Serve The Goddess Mobile Spa Services and Petal Blush Love.

 

Here are some of the highlights of the evening....

 

 

 

 

Tracey and Diane from Robbins Brothers.. We missed Shulie this year but I am sure she is enjoying her vacation.

 

 

 

Tracey and Diane with Natasha Burton from Cosmo Magazine... She is newly engaged and in the stages of planning her wedding! Very Nice Lady.

 

 

 



 

My better half and I

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon G Jewelry....It was to die for!

 

 

Cake Moments and the FAB cake for display.

 

The ladies of Cake Moments and Petal Blush Love

 

The pins of Petal Blush Love.

 

 

They stole my heart with the Red Velvet Cupcakes....OMG SO TASTY!

 

 

My Manicure from Serve the Goddess... Too Cute

 

The Swag Bag!

 

I have to also note that Noor made Fabulous Pomegranate Sangria but I forgot to take a picture of them... It was an excellent cocktail and refreshing for the summer.

 

Its always great to be apart of any event with Robbins Brother but also for such a great cause. Dress for Success does excellent work and if you have yet to check them out, Please do!

 

I am looking forward to many more Robbins Brothers event and great things from all the vendors and Guest.

 

 

 

 

 

Engagement Party Ideas That Won't Bore Your Buddies

By I Am Staggered, USA


While your friends are excited you’re engaged, the thought of being forced to use the “right fork” while watching a photomontage set to a Celine Dion track is enough to make them homicidal. Celebrity Event Planner (and Staggered Event Expert, Peter Otero) shows you how to throw an engagement party that won’t bore them to tears.


Engagement parties are regarded as the traditional formal announcement of a wedding more frequently celebrated at a fancy restaurant or dinner party at home. While tradition can be a safe and predictable foundation for a party, we all know the most outstanding ones are remembered because of the unexpected fun had by all. For guys, the minute we hear about an engagement party, we either curl our lips or ...yawn!


Get Involved.
So with all due respect to Cyndi Lauper’s girl anthem, “girls just wanna have fun”, they aren’t the only ones. Guys want to have a blast too! There are a wide variety of themes and styles to decide on that can ensure a fantastic time. Get involved in the planning process and voice your opinion. The male perspective can usually offer a unique twist to a "lovey dovey" feminine approach. Your buddies will appreciate you for thinking of them. I am not a big fan of themed parties, though I am constantly asked to design them. But when I do, I like to pay very close attention to every detail. That is what makes a party unique and personal. So be as creative as you want and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.


Remember, It Doesn’t Have to Be Stuffy.
If you’re going for a more casual approach, think of fun and unexpected venues as opposed to the more traditional ballroom, banquet hall or restaurant. A local pub, bar or favorite watering hole can be a fun alternative. Prior arrangements can be made so that you have a sectioned off, semi-private area for your guests that may include your own bartender. If the place does not serve food you can arrange to have food delivered or have it catered. This allows everyone to have a good time in a very relaxed atmosphere. You may also want to be proactive and think of designating drivers or offer a car or taxi service for those guests who really make it a point to toast all night long celebrating the union of love. There’s always at least one or two in the group...maybe more!

There’s also a big trend now in upscale bowling alleys that are equipped for private parties. This makes for a fun filled night of laughter, luck AND some losers...with possible back aches too. Some places have great food, drinks and music with a “clubby” feeling. If not, a regular old school alley can be just as fun. Anything can be arranged to fit your tastes and budget. Everyone has a fun time; participants and spectators alike.


There’s nothing better than pairing good pizza with cold beer (or good wine). Whether at a local pizza parlor, restaurant or private home, it can be a delicious way of saying “we’re tying the knot”. Look into buying out the local pizza spot or hiring a chef to make “pies on demand”. Make it instructional and interactive. Guests participate if it’s entertaining and well thought out. Create new recipes or follow traditional ones. Offer a variety of beer to go with different pizzas. Make sure to keep it casual and family style. If it’s anything like my house, the best times are shared in the kitchen–around food!


Make It an Event and Allow Everyone To Participate.
If your style is classier, try a wine tasting party. And if you don’t have the option of going to a local winery, there are plenty of books on the subject. This is another great way to engage your guests and enhance their understanding of wine. Make it fun and educational by conducting blind tastings or form wine tasting groups. The more palates there are, the more perspectives on a particular wine you’ll have, and the better you increase your awareness of a wine’s complexities. To maximize your wine tasting experience, hire a live cigar roller to roll a stogie just for you and your guests. If that’s not doable, then consider buying an assortment of good cigars from your local tobacco shop. Not only will some women think it’s sexy and try it themselves, but your mates will give you major brownie points for thinking of them.


Not Into Creative Theme Parties? Keep it Simple.
You can never go wrong with a simple, sexy, cocktail party. Have a wide variety of great food, cocktails and different music to suit all tastes. Make it comfortable for everyone. Create an environment that allows for mingling. It’s a great way for families and friends to meet, and get to know each other. Hire a bartender to prepare and serve cocktails. Come up with personalized drinks menu. Go to your local florists and get beautiful flowers that will enhance the space. Consider hiring a baby sitter to care for and entertain the youngsters while the grown-ups focus on just having a good time. For an alternative twist at the end, offer a post-dessert coffee tasting paired with gourmet chocolates. And if you really want to make it spectacular, turn it into a black tie event; a fun and clever way to set the tone for the wedding.


The most important thing to remember when planning an engagement party is that it is a happy, joyous occasion. With that in mind, the possibilities are endless. Make it truly memorable and unforgettable. Put your stamp on it and have fun with it!



I am Staggered USA (www.iamstaggered.com/usa) is a top Men’s Wedding Site and the brother site to I Am Staggered UK (www.iamstaggered.com), the #1 Men’s Wedding Website in the United Kingdom. @Iamstaggeredusa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Crabby, Pianos and Rest

Hello my Blogger Buddies, Here is my weekend recap..... Friday was such a sad day with the shooting in Newtown that Scott and I decided that it would be good to get out and do something good. Since Jacelyn was gone with my brother to do their annual birthday celebration, Scott and I headed to the Boiling Crab for an early dinner. I love the kids but it is nice from time to time to go out and spend some time with just Scott and I... Here are a few pictures.

 

You can write on the walls so of course I had a Sharpie in my purse and went to work.

 

Boiling Crab Time...

 

 

Shrimp, Crawfish and Cajun Fries... So Good

 

Scott and the King.....

 

The aftermath.. It never had a chance.

 

After dinner we headed back home for Netflix and some rest.

 

Saturday, I had to get up early to get Jacelyn to her Delta Academy Day at USC. Since she went to that, she missed the Panther Banquet this year so I went on her behalf. She got her regular award along with the Most Spirited Cheerleader for 2012...GO JACELYN!

 

 

After the banquet, Scott and I headed to the local winery for a few items and then over to Sgt. Peppers for Luisa's Birthday Celebration.

 

Luisa is my old co-worker that became my fast friend. Her birthday is on the 27th so she has already started her birthday celebrations... Here are a few photos:

 

 

The Birthday Girl!

 

 

 

The Piano Guys... So Awesome

 

 

The Duck Fart Shot... Interesting to say the least.

 

 

Post Wedding Cheesecake ..Thanks Patrick.

 

Sunday was a Lazy Day... I was so tired from the long week that I stayed in all day and got some rest. I did get up to make some dinner and some champagne of course...

 

 

Smothered Pork Chops with Four Cheese Potatoes and French Green Beans...

 

Juice...LOL

 

 

Here is what is on tap this week:

 

1. The grind is still on.

2. Errands as usual

3. Guest Prep (Sissy is coming home!!)

4. The name change continues...

 

Since I mentioned that... I finally name it to the Social Security and change my name!!!

 

 

 

 

Everyone have a great week!!!!