March 31, 2013

No matter what event you are hosting, your home should be "warm and welcoming" to your guests.  Make a genuine effort to show your guests that you care about their well being and you have gone "above and  beyond" the call of duty to entertain them.  Remember a lot of little things add up to one big thing.

So, whether you are hosting a bridal tea or the morning after the wedding brunch, show your guests that you are have truly enjoyed preparing for their arrival.

HAPPY EASTER
Thanks for reading the Simple Seaside Ceremonies BLOG!
Avis Shiveler Brangan
http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com
Venice, FL
941-412-4114

March 30, 2013

Not every item that you put in your partner's Easter basket has to be chocolate or marshmallow . . 

This stone can be obtained through signals.com or by calling 1-800-669-9696.

The I Love You "Written in Stone" is item # HL1342.  Measures about 4" by 6".

PS . . This will also make a great engagement or wedding gift to your new partner.

March 29, 2013

Question from a Bride and Groom . . 

How many appetizers do we need for about fifty people?

Response . . 

Six to eight pieces per person is sufficient.  Friends of mine told me that there were so many appetizers served at a wedding reception that they attended that they did not eat any of their dinner.  I'm sure the person who paid for their two dinners would not be happy to hear that two surf and turf dinners were returned to the kitchen uneaten.

March 28, 2013

An invitation to an event should create excitement and anticipation.

An invitation to an event should include the date plus starting time and the ending time . . a specific location . . the host and/or hostesses' name . . at least one contact telephone number and/or E-mail address . .  and, most importantly, a "respond by" or "RSVP by" date.

An invitation should reflect your theme and/or the level of formality your event will follow.

And if you wish your guests to dress in a particular mode, you need to state that . . "dress to impress" . . "black tie optional" . . "bare feet or sandals for the beach ceremony."

March 27, 2013

Question of the week . .

If you were going to a family function approximately two months before your wedding would you hand out your wedding invitations?  Are you doing this because it is convenient?  Or are you doing this because it will save a substantial amount of money in postage?  And are you fearful that some of these family members will pass judgment on this "in person" delivery method.

March 26, 2013

Something to keep in mind . . 

There are three things that do NOT have a sense of humor . . 

Brides

bureaucrats

and old dogs.

March 26, 2013

Take my hand and say that you will follow me . . 

March 25, 2013

Decorating on a budget?  For less than $20 you can buy a bag full of used kitchen utensils at consignment shops, yard sales, thrift stores and tag sales.  What a great way to decorate a small wall.  Most of these items are just hanging on a simple nail.

And if you are hosting a bridal shower or a Jack and Jill wedding shower shower, ask each guest to bring a "kitchen utensil from the past" and then put all of these items in a cute basket or a big bowl and present it to the guest of honor after all the other gifts have been opened.

And these items are sure to bring conversation and memories about "my Grandmother's kitchen."

March 24, 2013

It's not a good idea to wear a brand new perfume the day of your wedding.  Start shopping for a "new and different" fragrance" at least sixty days prior to your wedding day and wear that new fragrance at least three times a week.  Are people saying to you, "Wow, you smell great" when you wear that new fragrance is a clear indication that you've selected a fragrance that compliments your body chemistry.

Remember . . light layers of a fragrance last longer than one heavy spray or dose.




Thanks for reading the Simple Seaside Ceremonies BLOG.
                                   Venice, FL
                                    941-412-4114
                                    http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com

March 23, 2013

Need a wake up and smell the roses drink "the morning after" your PJ bachelorette party?

Looking for something to serve your friends before you all head to the hairdressers the morning of the wedding?  You know you shouldn't walk out of the house without getting something to eat.

Mango-Berry Smoothie

Prep time 5 minutes

1 1/4 cups orange juice

1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt

2 cups frozen or fresh mango chunks

1 ripe banana

1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

March 22, 2013

Cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide.  The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors such as yellow, orange, red, green, purple pink and golden brown.  Because of its low cost, durability and close visual likeness to a diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia is gemologically and economically is an important competitor for diamonds since the cubic zirconia's commercial production in 1976.  Currently its only competitor in cultivated materials is the synthetic moissanite.

If diamonds are a girls' best friend then cubic zirconia may be your new best friend!

March 22, 2013

O is for home office supplies.  If one of your office co-workers is getting married, consider having a bridal or a Jack and Jill shower with the theme of supplying their home office.  Whether one just pays their monthly bills from home or works several hours a week from their home, sooner or later they are going to need a stapler, mailing envelopes, a tape dispenser, paper, scissors and paperclips.  And here's the best part most of these items can be purchased for less than $10.  And here's another idea . . pool everyone's money and purchase a home work center or desk.

March 21, 2013

Having a bridal shower or wedding or renewal of vows in April or May?  Here's a simple and beautiful tabletop for a springtime event!  

Every event should have a eye appealing focal point.

March 20, 2013

Make sure you have planned activities for your wedding guests if you are having a destination wedding or renewal of vows.  

The activities can include a guided tour, a shopping trip, a volleyball game, a candlelit dinner on the beach, a round of golf or a scavenger hunt.

March 19, 2013

O is for Office Supplies.  If one of your office co-workers is getting married soon, here's a bridal shower theme that you can have fun with . . home office supplies.  The reality is . . sooner or later the Bride and/or Groom one will need a tape dispenser, a pair of scissors, a stapler, mailing envelopes, and some paperclips.

March 18, 2013

On the 18th day of March the following couples exchanged wedding rings . . 

Tinamarie G Bowlin and Linzy R Norris

Edlyn B Sibal and Herbert J Veitenhas II

March 18, 2013

Here's a great bridal shower or wedding registry gift for the Bride and/or Groom who love to cook.  What a great decorative piece for the kitchen!

This item can be purchased through www.ArtisanTable.com or call 1-800-792-6650.  The hanging culinary wall art is item R3334-010

March 17, 2013

Happy St Patrick's Day!

There are many ways an engaged couple can incorporate Irish customs into their wedding . . .

Serve a variety of Irish fare (food) such as corned beef and cabbage and/or Irish soda bread.

Serve Mead which is a wine-like drink that is made from honey, water and yeast.  Some wine and liquor stores carry an organic mead honey wine, a dry white wine, that comes in elderberry, blackberry or cranberry flavors.

Use the color GREEN (Ireland's nickname is the Emerald Isle).

The Groom (and possibly his male attendants also) could wear a kilt.

Have a Handfasting Ceremony incorporated into the wedding ceremony.

Purchase Claddagh Rings (which can be used as an engagement or wedding ring).

Decorate with horseshoes (which will bring the Bride and Groom's home good luck).

Jump the Broom.

Decorate the wedding cake (traditionally a fruit cake) with shamrocks.

Carry the flowers known as "Bells of Ireland".

Play Irish music such as "The Irish Wedding Song" or "Black Velvet Band".

Walk into the ceremony and/or reception as a bagpiper plays Irish and Celtic music.

Incorporate Celtic knots into your Save the Date postcards and/or wedding invitations and/or the ceremony program and/or the menu card and/or your Thank You notes.

Thanks for reading the Simple Seaside Ceremonies BLOG!
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com

March 16, 2013

Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include a variety of styles and sizes of bread and cheese serving boards if you like to entertain.  These olivewood serving boards can be ordered via www.ArtisanTable.com or call 1-800-792-6650.  The three boards are sold "as a set", ask for item # R3314-060

March 15, 2013

Looking for the perfect gift for a couple who just purchased their first home?
Need a first anniversary gift?
Need a gift for a Bride and Groom who are getting married in August or September?
If your ceremony is taking place in the fall, here's a decoration for the church front doors.
Need a welcoming decoration for your at-home wedding ceremony and reception?

One of the most memorable weddings that I helped create used sunflowers as the theme color, decoration and flower.

This wreath can be obtained through www.ArtisanTable.com or by calling 1-800-792-6650.  This all-natural wreath is item # R3310-060.

March 14, 2013

N is for Negligee.  A negligee and personal items bridal shower is usually hosted by one of the Bride's family members.  The personal items may include fragrances, lingerie, candles and favorite bath items.

March 14, 2013

Question of the week . .

Would you ask member of your family who you dislike very much to be a member of your wedding party to please your Mother and/or Father?

March 14, 2013

If you and your partner enjoy cooking and eating breakfast together then here's a pan that will make that time even more enjoyable.  The low sloping side and wide interior surface diameter makes making  omelets, crepes and pancakes easier.  The non-stick surface is made from real diamond crystals.  Who wouldn't want an omelet that slides right out of the pan easily?

This scratch resistant breakfast pan can be ordered through http://www.ArtisanTable.com or by calling 1-800-792-6650. 

Item # R3312-010

Don't forget to add good quality non-stick surface cookware

 to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.

March 13, 2013

Question from a Bride and Groom . .

Do we have to have matching wedding rings in style and/or color?

Response . .

NO.  I have witnessed wedding bands in different styles, different colors and most definitely different price categories.  I have also seen several Grooms wearing wedding bands that include diamonds or other gems.

March 12, 2013

This day our hearts are joined as one.

March 12, 2013

Know a couple who love the 1950's?  Looking for a gift for a Bride and Groom whose wedding colors are bright red?  This Retro Clock Radio/CD Player/Alarm Clock can be found from http://www.ArtisanTable.com.

Item # R3342-110 can also be ordered by calling 1-800-792-6650.  This item is a great "group" or "wedding party" gift to a Bride and Groom.

March 11, 2013

M is for mattress pad.  Do not underestimate the need for a mattress pad.  A mattress pad protects your mattress and should be part of your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.

March 10, 2013

L is for Labels.  Clearly written or printed lables belong on bridal shower or wedding gifts that are being shipped BUT printed labels are not appropriate on social stationery such as wedding invitations.

Did you know that you can get the correct zip code on the USPS website if you have the street address and city name?

March 10, 2013

Know a engaged couple who loves nostalgia and collectibles? Looking for the perfect gift for a Bride who lives antique kitchen items and utensils?  Searching for a gift for a couple who are associated with a dairy or farming?

The milk bottle and glasses can be found at www.artisantable.com or by calling 1-800-792-6650.

The milk bottle is item # R3342-031 and the set of four glasses is item # R3342-032

March 9, 2013

Sandra Boslee and Alan Pototsky were married on the ninth day of March.

March 8, 2013

Don't forget to add a laundry basket and/or clothes hamper to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  And if you have room for two baskets, that's even better . . one for the lady's clothes and one for the man's clothes.

March 9, 2013

A beloved custom of Brides in Belgium is to carry a handkerchief embroidered with her name.  After the ceremony, frame it until the next family Bride takes it from the frame, adds her name and carries it down the aisle.

March 7, 2013

On the seventh day of March, Cheryl and Joseph Capozzi renewed their wedding vows.

March 6, 2013

Question from a Bride and Groom . .

Do we have to have wedding rings when we get married?

Response . .

Your wedding can be a two ring ceremony . . a one ring ceremony . . or a no ring ceremony.  Exchanging or giving a ring is NOT a legal requirement during a wedding ceremony.  The only thing that you have to give or exchange is a verbal legal promise also known as a wedding vow.

March 5, 2013

Going on a road trip on your honeymoon?  Having a destination wedding in an unfamiliar area?

Yelp is great for finding restaurants, stores, shops, attractions and more plus it provides reviews and ratings.  Now you'll know where to go for a great pizza in an unfamiliar community.

http://www.Yelp.com

March 4, 2013

K is for Kitchen.  No matter whether you are living in a apartment or renting a house or looking over new home plans, your kitchen will be the busiest and most used room in that dwelling.

What type of kitchen do you want?  One that reminds you of walking into your Grandmother's country kitchen?  Or a room that is filled with sleek lines and lots of stainless steel.  When you are creating a bridal shower or wedding gift registry, think of your dream kitchen and how you want it to look and function.

March 3, 2013

Maria Conti and Christopher A Koval exchanged wedding rings on the third day of March.

March 3, 2013

J is for a Jack and Jill shower.  A shower that spotlights both the Bride and Groom should have a theme that is shared by the couple.  Do they like to go biking and hiking?  Do they like wine?  Did they just purchase a new home?  Do they follow and support the same football team?

Once you decide on a theme, then suggesting gifts, purchasing decorations and developing a menu will be easy.

March 3, 2013

This M. Mac's cotton knit rock fish print dress may not look like the traditional bridesmaid's dress but it's the perfect dress for an early morning beach wedding in Sarasota County, Florida.  You can add some sparkle with a pair of  decorative sandals and a beach-themed necklace.

This dress comes in several sizes and colors and two lengths.  For more information go to http://www.VermontCountryStore.com or call 1-800-564-4623.

March 2, 2013

Tammy JP Grimont and Ronald D Myers Jr exchanged wedding rings on the second day of March.

March 2, 2013

The secret to keeping the top tier fresh for your first month or first year anniversary is to have the cake wrapped in THREE layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil when the reception is over.

Tie some type of identification on this package so you know exactly what it is each time you open the freezer door and then you will not disturb it until you are ready to eat it.

March 1, 2013

On the first day of March, JoEllen Dangel and Joseph Weaver exchanged wedding vows.

March 1, 2013

Stressing over your wedding plans?  Need a break from addressing envelopes or assigning guests to reception tables?

FREE FOOD in March and April . .

Watch your local participating stores for seasonal openings and/or announcements

a FREE Rita's Italian Ice in March

a FREE Ben & Jerry's ice cream in April

a FREE Pretzelmaker pretzel in April

a FREE Cinnabon treat in April

a FREE Starbucks coffee in April

Information provided by http://www.Kiplinger.com