Raleigh, NC Wedding Planner Blog

How Do You Set Up A Formal Place Setting?

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

*This is a re-post and content has been modified.

I thought I would post this diagram for those who are not sure how to set up a formal place setting for a formal wedding or for an upcoming special event you may be hosting. It is self-explanatory.

Please note there are three ways that you can place the wine glasses. As noted in the top right-hand corner, you place them in a straight line, diagonal (as shown in this diagram) or in a triangle. It's just a matter of your preference.

Photo Source: Wedding Details

Fall 2010 Short Wedding Gown Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:00 +0000

This year's wedding season, some fashionista brides opted to sport short bridal gowns down the aisle in lieu of traditional floor length gowns. Well, it looks like the short wedding gowns will be with us for another wedding season as well.

Following are a few short bridal gown fashions from a few of the industry's leading fashion designers' fall 2010 bridal collections, which were recently previewed on the runaway.

Platinum by Priscilla of Boston, Fall 2010 Bridal Collection

as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Jenny Lee, Fall 2010 Bridal Collection

as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Ines di Santo, Fall 2010 Bridal Collection

as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Jenny Lee, Fall 2010 Bridal Collection

as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Melissa Sweet by Priscilla of Boston, Fall 2010 Collection

as featured on Martha Stewart Weddings

Are any of you thinking of sporting of short bridal gown on your big day? What do you think about these new looks?

Photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

Vintage Inspired :: Wedding Sashes by Wee Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:45:00 +0000

I was just browsing on one of my favorite websites, Etsy while looking for some fabulous finds. Have a look at these beautiful accessories by Wee Gardens.

Charcoal Grey Dress Sash

Wee Gardens specializes in flower accessories ranging from hair clips, veil combs, brooches and of course, these stylish sashes/belts as featured in this post.

Bold Bloom Ivory Wedding Sash

What I like most about these is that that are so pretty, very versatile, and vintage-inspired. Love them, don't you?

Spring 2010 Fashion Color Report by Pantone

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

This post is for all of you fashionista brides. Pantone has released their predictions for color trends this coming Spring 2010. Here is a link for you to download an electronic copy of their report. Pantone's predictions are based on what has been previewed on the runway from leading fashion designers' Spring 2010 collections. What are you waiting for...go take a peek and let us know what you think.

Happy Hour :: Pumpkin Divine Cocktail

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

"Martinis have never gone out of style and today there are many, many versions. No drink has kept its appeal across so many generations. Despite its many permutations by mixologists, the martini evokes style and sophistication."

*This is a re-post and content has been modified. Since it is officially fall (Yay!), I felt the need to feature this divine cocktail again. I first blogged about this cocktail last year during a fall inspiration board series, where I invited a few colleagues to create an inspiration board based on a bouquet of hellebores. You can check out those fall inspiration boards by clicking here.

This fall-inspired cocktail is rightfully called the Pumpkin Divine. The recipe for this cocktail recipe is as follows:

1 part Grey Goose La Poire flavored vodka
1 part pumpkin butter
1/2 part triple sec
1/2 part simple syrup
Pinch of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger
Grated nutmeg and apple chip for garnish

Now, add all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Next, shake it vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with nutmeg and apple chip.

Does this drink sound yummy or what? Basically, it sounds a piece of sweet potato pie, but in a glass and with a kick - the Grey Goose La Poire.

Recipe Sources: Cocktail Times; Quote Source: Martini Muse

Snapbug Photography :: Holiday Mini Photo Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Jamie of Snapbug Photography based in Raleigh, NC is now offering holiday mini-photo sessions.

This is a great opportunity, especially if you are looking to add a personal touch to your greeting cards this holiday season.

Mini-photo sessions will be hosted in two of coverage areas on the following dates:

Saturday, October 17, 2009 in Wilmington, NC from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wrightsville Beach; and then in Downtown Wilmington from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 24, 2009 in Raleigh-Durham, NC from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Duke Gardens.

The holiday mini-photo sessions are 30 minutes long, priced at $50 and includes the following: a private online gallery for viewing and ordering; and a complimentary cd of the photos.

Photo greeting cards are also available. Please visit Jamie’s blog for full details about turning your photos into holiday greeting cards and to learn to how to book your mini-photo session.

Raleigh Weddings :: Bridal Shows and Wedding Vendors

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:00:00 +0000

If you are a newly engaged bride and are planning a wedding in the Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill area and are unsure where to look for some of the areas leading wedding professionals, I invite you to check out Forever Bridal Production's website, the areas "exclusive bridal show producer" in the area.

Upcoming shows are as follows:

Triangle Bridal Showcase takes place Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton Durham, near Duke University.

The Wedding Show is a two-day event that will take place on January 2, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Jim Graham Building.

Southern Bridal Show & Expo takes place twice a year. The first one will be on Sunday, April 18, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The second one is scheduled for next August 15, 2010.

So brides, if you are getting married in the next year, please be sure to mark your calendars to attend one of their bridal shows. Whether you are looking for reputable vendors, the latest trends in bridal gown fashions, wedding cakes, floral and event design, or even to book your honeymoon, I am sure you will be inspired in one form or another.

Winne Couture's Diamond Label

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:00:00 +0000

If you have been reading this blog for some time, you know that I absolutely love Winne Couture's bridal gown designs. And her 'Diamond Collection' has made me fall even more in love with her designs. Have a look!

Yasmine - Style# 3104

I am captivated by the extravagance of this wedding gown, especially the dropped waist and the elegance of the bow. Talk about high-fashion...this gown is gorgeous!!

Elize - Style# 3115

Very sophisticated and I like the idea of the silk chiffon shawl. Very stylish!!

Khloee - Style# 3120

I am also captivated by this bridal gown design as well. It's very fashionable. What I love most about is the high-low skirt of the gown, which is works very well for layers of ruffles.

Felicity - Style# 3101

In my book, you can never go wrong with a french bustle. I also like the detail and elegance of the bodice. Very nice!

I invite to go have a look a more of the bridal gowns from Winnie Couture's 'Diamond Label' especially, if you are looking for a high-fashion gown.

Tips for Hosting a Friday Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:16:00 +0000

In yesterday’s post, I talked about Friday weddings and I made the suggestion that if you plan to host your wedding on Friday, you should not start any earlier than 7:30 in the evening. I wanted to elaborate on why it should not start any earlier as well as offer a couple other suggestions for Friday weddings.

The obvious reason why I say that a Friday wedding should not start earlier than 7:30 p.m. is that Friday is a work day for the majority of people, so to be considerate of your guests, give them time to get home from work and get dressed for your special occasion. Sure, some guest may be able to leave early from their jobs, but it may not be so easy for others.

Upon stating that, I would also like to suggest that instead of your wedding ceremony starting at 7:30 p.m. have your cocktail hour first. There is no rule stating that you must have it after your ceremony or just before your reception.

By hosting your cocktail hour before your wedding ceremony, you allot time for those guests who may be running a bit behind schedule. Let’s face it, not everyone gets off at exactly five o’clock and if they do, they may have to battle traffic. That said, I can’t think of a better way for your guests to be greeted to a Friday evening wedding, than with a drink or two, hor d'ouevres, and some entertainment. This will help them to unwind after a day’s long of work. Trust me, your guests will be more than appreciative.

After cocktail hour, you can move on to your ceremony. Immediately following, your guests will be invited into the reception hall. They should already have their seating cards, which they should have collected during cocktail hour.

My last tip is that once all guests have been seated at the reception and it’s time to introduce the wedding party, I would suggest that you go straight into your first dance and perhaps have your parent's join you mid-song. Following the first dance, you can dive into the welcome speech by your parents and the blessing of the food. Happy Planning!

Thursday is the New Friday for Intimate Weddings!

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Cinema One Studio

Believe it or not, Friday weddings are becoming an increasingly popular day to get married among couples, especially modern brides and grooms. In fact, what a better way to jump start the weekend than having an evening wedding on Friday!

Think about it, the majority of people head out with their family or friends on Friday anyway. So, I think it is a more than appropriate day for most people. Say with me, “food, drinks, entertainment, and an evening of laughter and dancing”. It’s a great day to celebrate with friends and family!!

If you are planning a Friday wedding, I would suggest that the start time is no earlier than 7:30 p.m. and you should flip flop a couple things around. I will elaborate more on this in tomorrow’s post, so subscribe here to be notified of the new post.

Is Thursday the New Friday for Intimate Weddings?

Absolutely! This is a great day of the week to host a small and intimate wedding, say 50 or less people and if the majority of your guests are local or will not be traveling from out-of-town. Thursday is considered a non-competitive day of the week to host a wedding, so you will more than likely save money on your venue and perhaps maybe on a couple of your wedding vendors.

I also think Thursday weddings are ideal if your venue is at restaurant that offers private dining. If you are in a metropolitan area like Raleigh or Charlotte, there are a load of very nice restaurants that offer exquisite private dining facilities that are more than ideal to host a romantic and intimate wedding and in many cases, you aren’t paying for the venue itself, but the catering and staffing. Can you say, “Savings?”

Would you consider a Thursday wedding? What about a Friday wedding?

You Don't Have to Host a Saturday Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Yes, the most popular day of the week to host a wedding is on Saturday, but there is not rule stating that you must get married on this day. In fact, by choosing a day other than Saturday to host your wedding, you will more than likely save some money. So, what other days are bridal couples hosting their weddings?

Sunday weddings are the next popular wedding day to get married. There are a couple reasons why bridal couples choose to get married on Sunday. The most likely reasons is that they have a specific weekend and venue in mind that they wish to get married, but the venue they wish to host their nuptials and celebration has already been booked for that Saturday, so they opt for Sunday as the alternate day. The second reason couples will chose Sunday for their wedding is that a great deal of venues offer special rates for events hosted on non-competitive days of the week. So, if you are working with a tight budget, choosing a non-competitive day like Sunday to get married is one way you can get the best for your money.

One thing to keep in mind about a Sunday is that it marks the start of the week for the majority of people, so do not be surprised if your wedding ends earlier than you anticipated, especially if it takes place in evening. On the Sunday weddings I have worked, it almost never fails that guests leaves early. The most logical explanation is that they have to get ready for work the next day or get home to get the kids to bed for school.

If you want your guests to fully enjoy everything you have planned as well as be considerate of out-of-town guests, I would suggest hosting your Sunday wedding early in the day. For example, you could have a late morning or noon ceremony, followed by a luncheon reception. In this way, out-of-town guests can travel back home late that afternoon or early evening and be back home at a decent time to get ready for work the next day. In addition, you will save more money by having a luncheon reception in lieu of an evening dinner reception.

Please come back tomorrow and I will share with two more days of the week that are becoming increasingly popular days to host a wedding as well as offer suggestions as to when I think these two days are most appropriate. Stay tuned!

DIY Bride Workshop :: Charlotte, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Are you a do-it-yourself bride?

If you so, you will not want to miss the uber-fabulous and super talented Khris Cockran, the founder of DIY Bride.com and best selling wedding author of DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-kind Wedding. She will be in Charlotte, NC in September to teach you the following:

Introduction to DIY Bride: How to do it well, on a budget and with your sanity in tact.

Invitations 101: Invite basics and hands-on time creating rubber stamped invite set

Favors for under $1: Showcase favor ideas that can be made for under $1 + hands-on project time

Pimp My Wedding: Ideas for adding pizazz to basic wedding products. Learn how to embellish items such as shoes, gowns, favors, etc.

The $20 Veil: Learn to create a fabulous veil for $20

Creative Centerpieces: Showcase of inexpensive + creative centerpiece ideas

This workshop is designed to be fun and an open environment for questions for Khris as she shows you how to make beautiful items for your wedding day. You will come away with actual projects that you have made during class and the know how to create additonal items.

The workshop fee includes the hands on instruction by Khris Cochran, all class materials, hand-outs, takeaways and lunch. Please choose one of the two workshop dates that fit your schedule.

Seats are limited, so please reserve your spot now. If you have any questions please send an email to info{at}sjbweddingsandevents{dot}com.

Bustling Styles for Your Wedding Gown

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:45:00 +0000

If your wedding gown has a train, you will want to have a seamtress create a bustle for you so that you can avoid tripping over your bridal gown during your reception, for example when you are dancing. Another reason to bustle your bridal gown is to also avoid having a guest step on your train potentially causing you to trip and fall or ripping your wedding gown.

The two most common ways to bustle your wedding gown are known as the standard bustle, I think some people refer to it as the "English" bustle. The other one is known as the French bustle.

What's the difference?

A standard bustle is attached to the top of of your bridal gown. Most often, it is hooked to a button on the back of the skirt. I think the standard bustle works well if your wedding gown has a lot of intricate details on the train.

A French bustle is attached under your wedding gown. This is probably the most popular among brides because you can create one or more layers.

Here is a sample of a multi-layered French bustle. I think this will work well if your train is plain or does not have a lot of details to it. This is a great way to add detail or interest to your wedding gown.

1st Photo Credit - Cinema One Studio.

2nd & 3rd Photo Sources - Liweddings.com

Did You Say Squirrels like McDonalds' French Fries?

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:26:00 +0000

On Sunday, I was heading to campus to get some work done (graduate school). The weather was nice, so I had the sunroof back, windows down, and so the wind was blowing through my hair. Nice day!

Well, the wind was also blowing around the smell of Krispy Kreme donuts and the smell of McDonald's signature french fries. The two places are literally across the street from each other. My goodness, it's dangerous riding around with the windows down in your car. I say this because these two companies go through extreme measures to keep you coming back.

In case you didn't know, the smell of McDonald's french fries is chemically engineered to have that distinct smell (and taste) to lure you, but I want get into food politics here. My point in stating this, is that like many others, I was lured to their drive-thru to order some french fries. Now, if you know me, you know that I do not typically eat from McDonalds 1) because I follow a plant-based diet and 2) I am fully conscious of the fast food industry's antics.

So, this blog post is part personal confession in that on Sunday, I through my self-discipline out the door and ate some French fries from McDonald's. Secondly, I wanted to share this picture with you.

Apparently, those signature french fries smell and taste so good that they also lure squirrels.

Once I get to campus, I'm outside chatting with someone and around me were a couple of squirrels playing in the tree. Little did I know that they were plotting to take my french fries, the minute I turned my back. Sure enough, one tried to get what was in the bag. As soon as, I turned around the squirrel leap back into the tree.

Well, I did not mind sharing with him, so I placed a few fries down on the brick wall and he was brave enough to come and join me as I ate my french fries and chatted with a pal. He was just the cutest thing and I couldn't believe he was this close to me.

SPANX - Hide and Sleek Half Slip

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:57:00 +0000

I have blogged about SPANX a couple of times on this blog. Once in a blog post titled, Your Wedding, Your Bridesmaids & Spanx and in the following post, An Answer to Your Unflattering Troubles. I am a huge fan of SPANX, especially their footless panty-hose and now this half-slip.

One thing that bothers me dearly is that a great deal of young ladies around my age do not wear proper undergarments under their clothing. I want go on a rant in this post considering that I have done that previously in this post. However, I will say that there is nothing sexy about wearing a fitted dress, skirt, and even pants that highlights your unflattering bumps and bulges. And even if you don't have this problem, you should still put on a slip if you are wearing a fitted skirt or dress. It just makes everything look better.

At the present moment, Nordstrom is having their anniversary sale and many of the products from SPANX are on sale. I highly recommend that you purchase this half slip and encourage your bridesmaids to invest in one as well for your big day. It's a great one. It's confortable, feels good and it will smooth out those bumps and bulges. It's on sale now online at Nordy's for $33.90 marked down from $52.00. That's a great deal!!

Photo Source: Nordstrom

Do You Really Think You're That Special?

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Quite a few people have shared this video with me and each time I have watched it, I can't help but to think that people really do think they're special, so special that others will make an exception for them...well because they are just so special.

If this is the case for you, then I would like to share with you what one of my favorite college professors of psychology, Dr. Taylor, drilled in our minds in every lecture he deemed appropriate to tell us and that is...

...the only person you are special too is your mother.

He's point was the world doesn't make exceptions for you, no matter how special your mother told you you were. Not gonna happen, he used to say.

If you still think you are special after reading that (as I do and did each time my professor told us we were not), then please also assume that "professional" wedding vendors think they are special too, so special that they refuse to devalue their services and brand.

Event Décor Ideas :: Mason Jars Used for Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I love mason jars and they remind me so much of my grandmother. She used them to make jams and preserves, to pickle, can or store various foods. Heck I even remember drinking lemonade and sweet ice tea out of mason jars when we were children.

So, naturally I am inspired that many brides are wanting to incorporate them into their wedding design. One of the most awe-inspiring ways I have send them used is as lighting--candle holders and lanterns.

Here are a few inspiring ideas I found on the Internet and wanted to share with you of how you can use mason jars as lighting for your event.

In the photo to the left, the designer used a manzanita branch as the base and then adorned it with rose pomanders and hanging mason jar candles.

What I love about this is that the designer combined both the flowers and the mason jar candles. Truth be told the design would have looked very nice with either the mason jar candles or the rose pomanders alone, but the designer took it a step further by using both. Don't you just love it?

This is a simple, elegant and inexpensive way to decorate your wedding ceremony using mason jars. I really like the idea of using mason jars as aisle decoration whether it's to hold flowers or candles, though I really like the candles a lot because of the warm and romantic ambiance it creates. On that note, candles for an outdoor wedding ceremony work best if your ceremony will take place in the late evening.

This is another great way to use mason jars to add lighting to an outdoor wedding. Now, just imagine if you setup a lounge area under a tree like this that has been decorated with mason jar laterns and kissing balls. Here's a visual for you.

What I like about this last photo is that it peaks one's interest or curiosity. It's like what's that over there and as you can see the mason jars serve the same function as your typical candle holders, providing the perfect lighting to attract guests to this focal point. In case you are wondering, those are glass ornament favors, which have been displayed on grapevine trellises. Lovely idea!!

Photo Sources: Manzanita branch with mason jars - DC Nearly Weds; Photos of the ceremony and lounge area by MQ Photography; Photos of mason lanterns in the tree and with the glass ornament favors (last photo) - Beautiful Days Event's blog

Eco-Friendly Wedding Rings :: Brilliant Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 02:44:00 +0000

If you are bride or groom that is conscious about the traditional practices of the diamond industry and the atrocities that have resulted from the diamond trade, then purchasing and sporting a diamond that very well has supported wars, resulted in bloodshed, destroyed communities and families, does not sit well or suit you in the least bit of ways.

If this is the case as it is with me, I want to share with you a company that sells eco-friendly diamonds and jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands. Brilliant Earth was founded by husband and wife team, Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, "to provide certified conflict free diamonds as an alternative to current diamond industry practices." They started the company after Eric was having a difficult time finding a company that could guarantee conflict-free diamonds for his proposal to Beth.

Brilliant Earth is committed to tracking their diamonds to make sure that they were mined and produced in a socially and ethical manner by getting their diamonds "from Canadian mines that follow environmentally sustainable practices and are committed to delivering high quality gems". In addition, the company is committed fostering change by educating consumers about the issues affecting the jewelry industries as well as identifying ways to help make a difference. The company also donates five percent of its profits to African communities that have been drastically hurt by the diamond industry.

If you are planning a green wedding and or are conscious about the debilitating affects of the diamond industry and would like to purchase eco-friendly jewelry, please go check out their company's website and learn more about their mission and what makes their products eco-friendly.

Unity Wine Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:30:00 +0000

The unity wine ceremony serves the same purpose as the Unity Candle Ceremony in that it is symbolic of the bride and groom joining together as one union as well as the joining of two families.

The wine ceremony is conducted as follows: usually there is a table that is set-up with the wine, both red wine and white wine in single carafes. These two wines are mix together into a large carafe. The groom pours the red wine and the bride pours the white wine. These two wines together create a blush wine.

The groom then takes the large carafe of blush wine, and pours some into a glass for the bride. The bride then does the same for the groom. And then, the groom toasts to his bride, usually, "Now our lives are one," and drinks. Then, she reciprocates the same toast back to him and she drinks.

Following, the officiant states that the wine ceremony signifies their union and commitment to each other. Although many modern brides are opting to do the wine ceremony in lieu of then the traditional unity candle ceremony, it is not at all a new tradition. The unity wine ceremony actuallly originated from French wine country tradition and was performed when two vineyard owners married. Nevertheless, I am happy to see this being incorporated into modern style weddings. And naturally, if you are hosting your wedding at a vineyard, then it's more than appropriate.

Photo Source: Flickr

Do I Have to Send a Wedding Gift, If..."

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:35:00 +0000

...I decline to attend a wedding?

If you receive an invitation to a wedding, proper wedding etiquette does call for you to send gift even you are unable to attend the wedding.

According to Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, the only exceptions are if you receive an invitation from someone you have never spoken to or from someone you have not seen in many years. Otherwise, you should always plan to send a gift to the happy couple whether you attend or not.

Eco-Chic Wedding Invitations :: Baron Card Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:15:00 +0000

I first blogged about this fabulous company and their eco-friendly invitation designs last year. You can read about that post here to learn what makes their products eco-friendly.

Petal Bloom Wedding Invitation

They have since retired many of their old designs and launched an all new collection of eco-chic invitations. Very stylish!!

Spider Mum Wedding Invitations

What I like most about the new invitation designs are the unique color palettes and graphic artwork and illustrations, which are designed by Lianne Tokey, the founder of Baron Cards.

Magnolia Wedding Invitations

In addition, I am loving the company's new website. I snagged these photos from the company's website to share with you. Don't you just love how they are displayed?

Eco-Fabrics :: Bamboo Wedding Gowns

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:45:00 +0000

If you are just tuning in to my blog, I've been discussing eco-fabrics. To date, I have discussed reasons to consider eco-fabrics and am now introducing you to the most sustainable fabrics that are being used to design eco-chic bridal gowns. Yesterday, I talked about hemp fiber. Next on my list of eco-fabrics is bamboo.

What makes bamboo eco-friendly?

Bamboo is highly sustainable and just like hemp, it has thousands of practical uses. In addition to making textiles from bamboo, you can use it to build things (furniture and homes). You can even eat (vegetable) and drink (beer) bamboo. And of course, you can wear it.

Also, all products that are made from bamboo are 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable. In addition, bamboo grows very fast, in fact some species can grow up to a foot a day; it doesn't deplete the soil and requires minimal care to grow. Bamboo also has an all-natural built-in anti-bacterial system (used to make bandages, masks, surgical clothes, etc.) and so it can grow naturally without the use of pesticides. It's biodegradable in that it can be broken down in soil by microorganisms and so it does not pollute our environment when it decomposes.

With regard to bamboo fabrics, they "are made from pure bamboo fiber yarns [and bamboo pulp] which have an excellent wet permeability, moisture vapor transmission property, soft hand, better drape, easy dying, [and] splendid colors."

Bamboo fibers are also often blended with other natural and organic fibers to make bridal gowns. The bridal gown featured above is made from bamboo and organic cotton and was designed by Morgan Boszilkov, owner of the Natural Bridal Collection based in Atlanta, GA. Please be sure to visit her website and store on Etsy if you are looking for an eco-couture bridal gown. Go Green!

Sources: eco-couture bamboo bridal gown - Natural Bridal Collection; quote - Swicofil

Eco-Fabrics :: Hemp Bridal Gowns

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Previously, I talked about reasons to consider eco-fabrics for your bridal attire. Now, I would like to share with you the most common Eco-fabrics used to make Eco-bridal gowns as well as what makes them an eco-friendly. I will begin with the most sustainable and versatile of all plants that are used to make textiles, which is as follows:

Hemp is the most sustainable of all plants and it is very versatile in that it has hundreds or even thousands of practical uses. In addition to using hemp fiber for textiles, its fibers and oils are used to make building materials for houses, food, hair and skin care products, and perhaps the best of all of its practical uses is that it can be used to make bio fuels.

In my previous post, I told you that the textile industry is known as the number one polluter of clean water, next to agriculture because of all of the different chemicals they use from growing and harvesting crops (pesticides and herbicides) to create textiles to the chemicals they use to dye and produce the actual fabric.

Well growing hemp "does not exhaust the soil, uses little water, and requires no pesticides or herbicides" because "its skin is tough and insect resistant..." In addition, hemp fiber is one of the strongest fibers you can find, thereby making it the most sustainable of all textile fibers and it can be blended with other natural fibers. Most often, hemp fiber is blended with silk fibers to create Eco-chic bridal gowns like the one featured above and below:

Please join me again tomorrow as I talk more about different types of Eco-fabrics. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my blog to be notified of new blog post. Stay tuned!

Sources: Hemp Bridal Gowns - Adele Wechsler; Quotes: Pick Natural.

Are You Following Me On Twitter?

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:19:00 +0000

If not, I would like to invite you to come and connect with me on Twitter. I joined sometime ago, but I must admit that I really did not get it or see the value in tweeting at first. My thought to myself was, "do people really care what I'm doing?"

Well, I have since learned that it is great tool to meet and network with other industry professionals. In addition, it's another avenue for you and I to interact and for you to get to know a little about me. Speaking of which, this week I will reveal some fun facts about myself. So, if you're interested in learning tidbits about me, please come and follow me.

Be blessed and keep evolving!

When to Use Admission Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Tabitha Dantzler, NC Wedding Planner) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

To start with, an admission card is an invitation enclosure that admits guests into your wedding or social event. The most common situation in which you would use an admission card is if you are hosting an exclusive event at a historic landmark that attracts tourists, for example at a famous cathedral.

Another situation in which you may include an admission card in your invitation set is if your event location requires for you to do so in order to host an event on their property. This may be the case for events that take place on some private estates.

Finally, admission cards are also used by high-profile clients like celebrities who are hosting exclusive events. So, unless you are a celebrity or hosting your event at location where tourists tend to congregate, an admission card is not necessary.

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