Saturday, May 19, 2012

Planning a Wedding? Pin It!


I am just LOVING Pinterest lately... so many great ideas and things to look at from recipes, fashion and beauty trends and home decor. The best part? You can find helpful images and details on everything wedding related!  Pinterest can be a great tool if you're planning a wedding or event of your own.  You can log on and create your own Pin Boards to categorize things that give you inspiration or simply just love: wedding gowns, floral arrangements, even guest favor ideas.  Here are a few images I love and found on Pinterest... thought I would share!


Multiple Cakes- Great for Brides who can't decide on the flavor!

Stripes- A fresh approach to a unique tablescape

Bow Bar- For a Southern affair!





Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Keeping Guests Cool at an Outdoor Wedding

An outdoor wedding on a hot spring or summer day can be brutal for guests. There are so many great ways to keep guests cool as they wait for the ceremony to begin as well as during the ceremony.

A cool way to keep guests from melting in the heat is a snow cone station by the sign in table where guests can receive a refreshing snow cone. Of course other alternatives include: lemonade, water or sweet tea. Another fun idea is to have cute wedding fans at each chair in the ceremony. These can have a picture of the bride and groom or the program printed on them.

If it fits it well with the theme, a wedding parasol or umbrella could keep guests shaded from the sun. However, this could get troublesome during the ceremony as it could obstruct the view of some guests. Placing frozen water bottles under each chair in the ceremony space labeled with a monogram is another great idea to keep guests cool. Being in the sun, these bottles will melt by the time guests arrive and still be cool enough to be refreshing for guests and it’s yet another way to integrate a cute picture of the bride and groom or monogram.

These are all cute ways to keep guests cool while seamlessly incorporating it into the wedding. Enjoy!


Saturday, March 17, 2012

Let's Hear it for the Best Man....

Last month we had a beautiful wedding at Isla Del Sol!  Nikki and Chis said, I Do and the party started.

One of my favorite moments on the night?  The toast from the Best Man!  It was a toast others should take notes from... it had sentiment, it was funny and it wasn't too long.  Definitely one to remember!

Keep these thoughts in mind when writing a speech of your own for the Bride or Groom:
- Tell how you know the Bride or Groom
- Keep it short and simple!
- Don't include "inside jokes"
- Don't be nervous, you're in front of your friends too!

Take a look at Mark's Speech for Nikki & Chris


Much thanks to Randall Productions who captured this special toast for the bride and groom!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Fun Guest Book Alternatives

There are so many alternatives to the traditional guest book. There are many alternatives that leave room for more engagement from guests. Here are some fun ideas …

• A simple blank scrapbook and a Polaroid camera where guests can take pictures and write a little message on the page along with the pictures.
• Guest book puzzle of a picture of the bride and groom, where guests can sign on the back of each puzzle piece.
• Engagement picture sign-in board (or caricature or poster).
• Have guests type a little message to the bride and groom on a typewriter!
• A basket of wishing stones that the guests can choose from and write a nice little wish to the happy couple.
• Keys to a happy marriage guest book: Keys with a note card attached, where guests can write a little “key to a happy marriage.”
• Wedding Mad Libs!
• Vinyl record as a guest book.
• Have your guests sign on a cool guitar!
• Wishing tree guest book.
• Have guests sign on a block of Jenga!
• A guest book composed of vintage post cards.
• Tip Jar with “tips” to a happy marriage.

No matter what kind of guest book you choose, it’s always nice to have little nuggets of wisdom or funny messages from guests to look back fondly on the wedding day!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Out of Town Guests

Having a lot of out of town guests? If you’re feeling the pressure to be a great hostess and a bride all at once, a great way to welcome them is an out of town welcome bag. It’s a thoughtful bag that you can easily fill with brochures to the local attractions, gift cards to local stores or restaurants, and little favors like sunscreen or flip-flops are popular items for an out of town wedding bag. This will keep your guests happy and entertained in the days they are in town.

Also, to keep out of town guests in the loop with what’s going on, timelines can be helpful. It usually includes a basic idea of what time everything important begins and a thoughtful message thanking them for coming. This can be in their hotel room along with a welcome bag.

Your out of town guests will feel welcome and included and you might even learn a little something about the area. Enjoy!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Nice to Meet You...

Hello everyone! My name is Mariel Matos and I am an intern with Stylish Traditions this semester. I grew up in Puerto Rico and went to high school in Satellite Beach, Florida. Currently, I attend the University of South Florida in Tampa. Go Bulls!


I don't have much experience in event planning, but that is what I hope to get out of this experience. I am so excited to learn from the Stylish Traditions family, I'm sure I'll enjoy every minute of it! I hope to work in wedding and event planning in the future. So, here is an inspiration board I put together; kind of like a snapshot of things I love. Hope you like it!




Monday, January 30, 2012

Newest Wedding Dress Trends

2012 starts a new year....which means all new bridal gown styles to choose from!  Gals who have already purchased your dresses, don't fret! Just like any season, many trends are rolling over into this season.  But, there are many more fun shapes, ideas, and even colors to choose from in 2012!  Bridal designers are stepping outside the proverbial bridal box, if you will, for gowns that are leaving us wanting more this year!  Check out three of the  latest and greatest trends below...

Chiffon & Tulle Galore!
Not that these fabrics weren't in high demand before... but brides are starting to realize their figure flattery is unprecedented and with a high quality designer, comes high quality fit.  Just because the fabric is lighter than air, doesn't mean it can't show your killer shape on your wedding day.
Reem Acra Gown "I Am Beautiful" - Check this out on the Red Carpet this award season, too!

"Heidi" Gown by Monique Lhuillier.  Love the simplicity. 

"Bouquet" Gown by Monique Lhuillier.
Organza doesn't have to be simple... it can be used to add beautiful flowing texture...
 in a way that really makes a statement





Color Change-Up!
No longer are the days of white or ivory.  Now designers are mixing things up.  I think we have Reese Witherspoon to thank for the blush trend as seen in her wedding gown this past season.  But as for the rest of the trends, I'm not sure why they are happening but I sure love it!  Insiders tip?  If you're going for a colored dress, always make sure you can see a swatch before purchasing to make sure it goes with your skin tone... if you order a blush dress and you hate the color, you can't return it!

 

Blush dresses by Monique Lhuillier and Vera Wang.  Black and white gown by Rivini.  P.S. This Rivini photo is an exclusive taken by the Fashion Director himself!!  Keep it hush, hush!

Goodbye Sweetheart Neckline - Bring in the New Options!
Many designers are straying from the classic sweetheart, strapless or V-neck options this season.  Make note that the lighter the fabric (think lace or tulle), the more flattering and soft different neckline options will look!




Always remember, trends are fabulous but always go with what looks best on YOU.  You are the star of the show that day and trends will fade but your wedding photos will last forever!  Happy shopping!!!


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tumblr!!!

Meet Tumblr- Stylish Tradition's new way to share everything!  We now have a profile set up thanks to Megan- so follow us as we share texts, links, quotes, pictures and videos!



Thursday, January 12, 2012

Newest Stylish Traditions Coordinator!


I'm so excited to be a part of the Stylish Traditions team!  I recently moved to Tampa from Orlando where I was in the wedding industry for multiple years working as a Wedding Coordinator.  I began my love of events during my time in college at The Florida State University!  I have spanned a wide range of events: everything from non-profit organizations, to bridal showers, to small and large scale weddings.

My passion lies in weddings; I love being a part of the most important day of my bride and groom's lives! I want to be a resource for the latest trends mixed with the most classic elements that will make each wedding day timeless. My organization and knowledge on the best vendors, appropriate budgeting and most efficient ways of planning will make your wedding day preparation be a stress-free, memorable experience!  


Below are just some of my favorite things I've found today!