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Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart: Extraordinary Escort Cards
I can’t think of anything more boring than a blank piece of paper with a name on it. Escort cards shouldn’t be dull or overlooked. There are so many ways to create escort cards that not only add a personal touch to your wedding but also impress guests with your creativity and thoughtfulness.
She Says: This is another one of those great little ways to make the wedding all about you as a unique couple.
Guests love little details like this. They will take photos of the cards, talk about them and in some cases cherish them! For example, the little candles below serve as escort cards and wedding favors.
So what’s the difference between escort cards and place cards?
Escort cards tell guests at what table they should sit at.
Place cards are at the table and tell guests in what seat they should sit.
Some important tips for creating escort cards:
1. With a large amount of guests, avoid tying the cards to trees like the photo on the bottom left. It will take forever before guests find their card.
2. Try organizing the escort cards in alphabetical order rather than table numbers to make the process quicker. If the cards are tied to items, line up the items so guests don’t have to search.
3. Don’t have loose leaf escort cards at outdoor weddings (even on a sunny calm day). The wind could sweep them off in a second. Hold them in place with faux diamonds, river rocks or ribbon.
4. Keep them consistent. If you write Mr./Mrs. on one card, continue to do this on all of the others.
5. Depending on what your escort card is, decide whether you want to give one out per person or per couple or per family.
Photos Left to Right, Top to Bottom: www.theknot.com, www.josevillaphoto.com, www.theknot.com, www.elizabethannedesigns.com, www.diyweddingprojects.com, www.LIWeddings.com, www.lisalefkowitz.com, www.papertastebuds.com, www.countryliving.com
My name’s Kendra Scott, I’m the Wedding’s Division Manager at Firefly Occasions and as of December 19th, I now have my own wedding to plan! Every Friday I write a feature article where I document my personal wedding planning journey each step of the way.
We’ve all seen the movie 27 Dresses and heard of horror stories about awful bridesmaid dresses. I think that most Brides are actually quite concerned about finding bridesmaid dresses that are stylish and flattering. Most brides want their bridesmaids to look good.
I thought that I was being super easy going when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. I have stylish bridesmaids and I trust their judgements. I wasn’t concerned about them being in the same dress or even the same colour. I just sent them a bunch of approved colours and told them to find a dress, any dress, they liked. Well, that went out the window. 
It turns out that this causes more concern then it needs to. My bridesmaids are also super easy to deal with so we’ve ended up with a bunch of conversations with me saying “Just find a dress you like” followed with them saying “Oh we’ll wear whatever you want.” Seriously, someone just needs to be a little selfish here; this has gone on for six months haha. So the lesson for me was that its way easier for everyone if I just pick the dresses. Besides, they don’t seem to mind!
And so the search begins. My bridesmaids and I each live in a different province, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. So I needed to make sure that I picked dresses that could be ordered from or picked up in their locations. I still wanted to offer different styles and I wanted them to have the final choice. We are all our own worst critics and they will feel more comfortable if they’ve picked what they like best.
So here they are….. the three choices. I went with floor length, Grecian style, pale pink chiffon dresses. Luckily I’ve seen them both in strapless shirts before so a strapless style wasn’t a concern. I’ve heard back from my maid of honour already with her selection. The dresses will be ordered before the end of the month and then one more thing can be crossed off of my list!
Every Monday we post a question or hot topic on Twitter and Hash tag it. On Fridays we collect our responses and post them here on our blog for all to read. To join the fun and post your responses, go to www.twitter.com and follow Him @simon_daykin and Her @CiaraDaykin. Don’t forget to add your hashtag #fireflywed when you post your response for next week’s blog.
QUESTION
CiaraDaykin: Would you have a crazy hairdo for your wedding or keep it conservative? Answers w/hashtag #fireflywed to be posted on blog
TWITTER RESPONSES
shannacremers @CiaraDaykin: Conservative for sure. When I look back in 40 years the last thing I want to say is “What was I thinking!” #fireflywed
JerricaG #fireflywed: I would definitely go conservative, I don’t want to look back in 20 years and say, “What the heck was I thinking?”
Robynbeazley @CiaraDaykin If I did it over again – wild! #fireflywed
FACEBOOK RESPONSES
Sheila Barbagianis-Comer: Originally I wanted my hair to be a lot more rocker faux-hawk-ish, but it just didn’t work with my traditional dress. We had to take it down a notch to the more tamed version, but it still looked pretty awesome!
Robyn Beazley: If I did it over again – wild.
Let’s be serious. Nobody hearts Mondays. So every Monday we are here to lighten the mood and talk about things we do heart:
She and He heart the Flip Video Camcorder that was introduced to Canada last year. Basically it’s a device as big as your camera that can record anything from funny moments at work to special moments at weddings! We’ve been recording testimonals from brides and grooms as well as daily activities that happen here at Firefly Occasions Inc. Stay tuned for some video updates to be posted on Thursday.
For his and hers, choose from a variety of different colors.
I love to watch TV, I get some of my style tips from TV shows…yes I watch Gossip Girl, why you ask? Well, because Chuck Bass is one stylish bastard! In my style travels I have noticed that big, bold prints on shirts are making a comeback. I love this! I was in high school in the early 90’s when prints were all over dress shirts. Granted, the paisley and stripes were much smaller and understated than they are now, but I have to say, I prefer the BIG prints. Picture the shirt on the left, with a light grey, 2 or 3 piece suit, a bold white tie, white belt and white shoes and a crazy big pocket square. That’ll get you noticed! Now, not everyone is gonna love this style, but if you can pull it off and you feel comfortable doing so, I suggest you look into this new, big, bold print phenomenon.
The shirt above can be found at Indochino as part of their new “Blueprint Collection” and the pocket squares, as always can be found at Pocket SquareZ.
With the average wedding producing 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of Co2, it’s not surprising that we are seeing more and more couples looking to plan a greener wedding. Here are 10 ‘eco-chic’ wedding tips from our friends at SmartBride Boutique.
Bonus Tip: The Honeymoon
Go eco! Eco-tourism is a blossoming industry. Why not spend your honeymoon at a romantic eco-friendly resort, hotel or spa? This way you get to show your love for your new spouse and the planet.
About SmartBride Boutique:
SmartBrideBoutique.com is a premium wedding classifieds website, helping today’s savvy brides create the wedding day of their dreams on a realistic budget without sacrificing designer names, fabulous style or the environment. Past and present brides connect online to buy, sell and save on everything wedding. Smart Brides can have their cake and eat it too!
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.
This weeks inspiration came from Raj Tents. This company makes the most amazing tents, linings and walls. What a way to completely transform your ballroom or create smaller lounge areas. This wedding is full of bright colours and intricate detailing. Definitely a wedding to remember!
Photos courtesy of:
http://www.inspirationwed.com – cake and cupcakes
http://www.kembacelebrations.com/community/blog/cultural-traditions/wedding-inspiration-indian-block-prints.php – save the date card
http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/2009/06/23/its-jaime-thing-spellbound-weddings-inspired-indian-culture – drinks
http://www.americanbridal.com/personalized-coffee-favors-dsws871.html – favors
http://www.rajtents.com – tents and furniture
http://www.wildflowerlinens.com – table linens and place setting
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.
This weeks inspiration came from a lovely gown by Vera Wang. This bridal gown is a strapless, full A-line gown with a pleated bodice, emphasis on the natural waist and a softly tucked hand painted skirt. It can be discribed as vivacious as well as uniqeuly flattering and could only be the work of Vera Wang. Available in Citrus Watercolor, Ivory or White. The opening price points range from $3,100 – $4,500.
I’ve used this one dress to create two completely different weddings. The first wedding has a beautiful simplicity to it. It feels clean but not boring. I call this wedding Citrus Breeze. The second wedding will take you into a whimsical, enchanted forest and is appropriately titled Fairy Dust.
Photos courtesy of:
Citrus Breeze
http://blushevents.blogspot.com/2008/04/happy-earth-day.html (Butterfly place setting, green and white flowers)
http://www.mnweddingminister.com/weddingblog/blog.html (Table setting with Limes in tall vases, place cards)
http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=2704 (Wedding Cake)
http://paperolive.blogspot.com/2009/08/hip-lemonade-coolers-summer-wedding.html (Citrus Drinks)
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/06/16/lemon-yellow-wedding-by-sillapere/ (Ceremony Set-up)
http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/33016/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=33016 (Bouquet)
http://www.declanphotography.com/gallery.php?gallery=1&tstart=3 (Flower Girl)
Fairy Dust
http://www.kissthegroom.com/?p=1827 (Fountain, path, forest set-up)
http://manolobrides.com/2009/10/26/kristen-and-todds-fairytale-affair/ (A fairy wedding Fairy flower girls )
http://www.yourweddingday.com/ywd/event-design/Fanciful-Garden.html (Table linens, table setting, cupcakes)
http://www.momentaldesigns.com (Stationary)
By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.
Another trend becoming more popular with our eco-friendly brides is to use biodegradable plates, cups and utensils. It can be a great way to implement some great products like Verterra Dinnerware. I recently saw this product at a business fair and was really impressed. VerTerra, a new eco-friendly servingware line, features dishes, plates, bowls, and cups made entirely from fallen leaves and water—no plastics or chemicals. The pieces have a wood-grain look and are oven, refrigerator, and microwave friendly. They are sturdy enough to be hand washed and reused, but will naturally compost in under six weeks. If you would like to learn more about it you can visit http://www.verterra.com/.
Another type of product that can be used for your “green wedding” are utensils made of corn startch and sugar cane fiber. They are suitable for foods up to 200 degrees F. Unlike petroleum based plastics, these are made from annually renewable resources and depending on composting conditions can take up to 24 months to biodegrade in a composting system. A great source for these products is www.worldcentric.org.
If these options are not as elegant as you would like for your wedding don’t despair. You can opt for reusable china, stemware, and silverware from local rental places. You can always feel good about using products that won’t end up in our local landfills.
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.
For this week’s inspiration board, I decided to use Taylor Swift’s music video for Love Story as my starting point. Here is a wedding with purity, romance and old elegance. This one is the fairy tale wedding of all little girls dreams. Think lots of ivory, lace, castles and horses.
Photos courtesy of:
Horse: http://npclub.wordpress.com/
Car photo’s: http://masterpieceweddings.blogspot.com/2009/03/victorian-amazing.html
Victorian Stationary: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/03/12/wedding-invitations-by-wiley-valentine-ii-2/
Table Setting: http://www.yourweddingday.com/ywd/user2/Hollywood-Glamour.html
Castle: http://www.ehow.com/how_5026466_attend-tennessee-renaissance-festival.html
Taylor Swift: http://strawberrytartmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/album-fearless-taylor-swift/
Ceremony set-up: Firefly Occasions Inc.
By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.
Today’s eco-conscious brides are looking at alternatives to the traditional and expensive gowns that outlive their purpose in one day. They are buying dresses that can be worn again or that have already been worn once. You can find great dresses by high end designers at a consignment store in your area or at some awesome websites like www.encorebridal.com or www.preownedweddingdresses.com. Of course there is always ebay and Craig’s list for a really great deal.
Or if you prefer, there are some really great fabrics that can be used when having a gown or suit made like hemp, bamboo, tencel and peace silk ( which allow the silkworms a full life cycle). For couture in organic wool, soy silk and other eco-fabrics, try designers like Linda Loudermilk of www.lindaloudermilk.com or Wai-Chang at www.inhabitat.com .
Another awesome way to give back is to buy your dress from a charity such as the Making Memories Beast Cancer Foundation, which grants the last wishes of breast cancer patients. The foundation sells both new and used gowns (some are high end designers). Awareness of the environment has come a long way in a short time. How ever you decide to make a difference in your wedding should be applauded. Saving the environment is something that needs to become more of a priority for all.
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.
Consider incorporating a favourite activity into your big day.
You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again, a great wedding should reflect the personalities of both the bride and the groom. Often though, the groom doesn’t seem all that interested in picking the colours or flowers does he? Try incorporating a favourite activity. Do you as a couple enjoy golf? Why not create a beautiful outdoor ceremony on your favourite or most picturesque golf course. Arrange a fun tournament for your guests to fill the time between ceremony and reception. Your Groom may even have time to hit a few balls with his groomsmen before the ceremony.
Maybe your both avid skiers, forget the summer wedding and plan an amazing winter wedding in the mountains. Make the celebrations last a whole weekend rather then just a day and plan group ski trips followed by an evening in the hot springs. Did you know that the Hot Springs can be rented out for groups up to 60?
Incorporating an activity that you love will help reduce the stress that comes with focusing on the formalities of a wedding. You want it to be a weekend that you both are looking forward to with excitement not nervous anticipation.
Photos Courtesy of:
Groomsmen in golf carts : http://eephotography.squarespace.com/blog/2009/9/20/carianne-aarons-wedding-ohio.html
Green bouqet: http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/tag/themes
Green table setting: http://entertaining.dinnerwarecenter.com/category/table-setting/
Place cards : http://thingsfestive.blogspot.com/2009/07/guide-to-wedding-stationery-which.html
Bridesmaids on golf cart: http://gatorbride.com/golf-carts-and-weddings/
Tree and aisle: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/26/garden-wedding-ideas/
Chocolate golf balls: http://www.totallychocolate.com/CorpProducts.aspx?&detail=6788&menu=14
By Annette Hoegner, LA Divsion Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.
Our eco-friendly brides are looking for any way that they can to do “their part” for the environment. One way that they can contribute is with their choice of invitation.
Wedding websites are great and serve their purpose for general information. However, wedding etiquette experts would agree that the personal touch of paper invitations is a must. With that being said here are some tips for different types of materials to look for when shopping for paper invitations.
If you are making your own invitations you will need to start with the paper. When shopping for paper, you will come across terms like “tree-free,” which means it is not virgin paper made from wood pulp (this is an ideal choice). Paper can also be “recycled” or made from scraps in the paper making process or from other recycled fibers like cotton. Preferred paper is 100 percent post consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper. You can also find paper that is embedded with seeds that can be planted in a pot and turned into sunflowers. When it comes to pre-made invitations there are many stationary companies that have stepped up to meet the needs of green consumers. They use chlorine free recycled materials, they also use vegetable-based inks such as those made with soy oil rather than those that are petroleum based. Some recycled invitations are colored with vegetables and herbs and then decorated with fern and pressed flowers.
All of these tips add extra value to your invitation and show people that you care. You can find an eco-friendly line of invitations at www.einvite.com.
The paper industry is in need of scrutiny. Natural forests have been replaced by tree farms for paper production. Mass amounts of energy go into turning those trees into paper. Large amounts of water are required to bleach the paper. Toxins are released in paper bleaching. Unfortunately, vast amounts of paper still end up in landfills, creating methane, a greenhouse gas, as it breaks down. This is harmful to the environment and needs to be addressed.
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasins Inc.
I think it’s really fun to take inspiration from pop culture and with the release of New Moon, the world is once again in Twilight mania. Here’s an inspiration board to show you how to take a theme and fuse it into your wedding. It’s important to remember especially with a theme like this, that you don’t want it to be cheesy, it’s not a child’s birthday party. When your guests arrive they should be able to feel it, not necessarily see it. There should be something in the mood and decor that is inspired by but not necessarily taken directly from the books/movies. I don’t want to see vampires, blood or fangs but there are definitely characteristics that can be used. If you do want something obvious, consider naming your tables after the novels: Twilight, Midnight Sun, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn etc. You could also chose to use music either from the movies or from Stephanie Myers list of songs that she felt went with specific scenes. As with any elaborate theme you want to keep the obvious connections to the smaller details.
Photos courtesy of:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/twilight%20inspired%20wedding/kdhart226/mlw%20inspiration%20pics/twilight/twilightbookWScopy.jpg – meadow wedding
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LaayJVYtK58/Sdm4N4ONP7I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/jlHvLHnaWSk/s400/gothicchic.jpg – place setting and candle/chandelier
http://media.photobucket.com/image/bella%20and%20edward%20gazebo/patticakes/ljentries/gazebo.png – gazebo
http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au/media/image/large/daintree-ecolodge-high-res061-800.jpg – rainforest wedding
By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.
A green wedding is a wise choice for many reasons. The biggest reason of course is to do your part in conserving our environment. There are many things that can be done to ensure you have a green wedding while still tailored to suit your dreams……
One easy way is to include eco-friendly favors like baby trees that can be replanted or seed packets with a label that matches the colors of your wedding.
Another great idea that I have been seeing more and more is finding a nice recycled card stock and printing something like “ In lieu of favors we have made a donation in your name to our favorite charity. Then take that money you would have spent on favors and donate it to a worthy cause.
