Posts by Juli Jackson | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

September 4, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Wedding Wednesday – Best Wedding Day Of The Week

Your Wedding Wednesday Question:

All the weddings I have ever attended are on Saturdays. Is this some rule?
Can weddings also be on Friday or Sunday?
What do you think is the best day of the week to have your wedding?

Answer:

There is no hard and fast rule about what day a wedding can be held. Jewish weddings traditionally do not take place on Saturdays unless is it after sundown. But the best day for a wedding is generally personal and depends on your wishes and considerations for your guests' availability. Weekends are preferred for several reasons. Consider what works best for you and the majority of your guests.

Saturdays/Sundays: Common days for weddings

Pro:

You won't have work-week conflicts on these days so you have time for prep
Your guests will have less conflicts making it easier to attend your wedding
Guests and wedding party have time to travel and arrive on time.

Con:

If you have a non-standard work schedule, you could have conflicts
Due to popularity of these days, venues and services can be difficult to book
Venues and services often charge a higher rate

Fridays: becoming more popular

Pro:

Venues and services are sometimes more open for booking.
Prices tend to be cheaper on Fridays and most weekdays.
You'll have the weekend free for your honeymoon.

Con:

Due to work schedules, your wedding will need to be a shorter or late-night event.
Problematic for guests that have to travel
Likely you will need to take time off of work to prep

Weekdays: Uncommon but not unheard of.

Pros:

Easier for a short and simple wedding
Venue prices and some services will be much cheaper
Could have a larger variety of days could be more available to book

Cons:

Not all venues and services will be available on weekdays
Guests will likely have conflicts with work on the day and the day after
Difficult for guests travelling a long distance

We hope this answered your question!
If you have more wedding questions, send them to: social@weddingandpartynetwork.com
Every Wednesday we will post answers to your biggest wedding questions.

September 3, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Dream it! Live It! Sharper Image Wedding & Event Rentals

So he asked you. You said yes. Now you get to plan the event of your lifetime. A day that is all about who you are as a couple. This is huge! I mean really huge.

You want your wedding to be a real life fairytale and you have to figure out how to make that happen. Rush out and grab up all the latest brides magazines, start your "My Wedding" board on Pinterest and go wild. It is such a blast picking out all the color, theme and style ideas.

If you are planning your big day in Fargo, North Dakota, there is a name I can't recommend enough. Sharper Image Wedding and Event Rentals can take any vision you have for your dream wedding and make it happen.

What's Your Wedding Style?

What's the look you think perfectly shows off your personality? Elegant and luxurious? Bright and fun? Soft and romantic? Chic and modern? Something else? Your vision will lead the way.

Whatever venue you have can be transformed into a spectacular event that is both breath-taking and functional for all your wedding and reception activities. A drab banquet hall can become a stylish escape with backdrops, archways, fountains and chair covers with sashes in your colors.

With chandeliers, lighted columns and curtain lights you can set any mood. And, the best part is all the details will be taken care of so you get to enjoy every second.

Wedding Planner With Experience

The company Sharper Image has styled over 300 weddings since it began in 2011. Headed by the 35-year wedding industry veteran Celeste Leier, this is an experienced team you'll be eager to meet. We had to share this review from Laura, a new bride in Fargo:

Celeste and her staff are INCREDIBLE! I couldn't believe how amazing our reception hall looked! My jaw hit the floor! Celeste is such a very fun person, but also very professional at the same time. She works with you to incorporate any specific details for decorations that you want, and makes the wedding planning process easy and stress free!

The second you meet her, it's very obvious she has decades of experience in the wedding industry. I felt I could discuss every bit of concern I had during the wedding process with Celeste, and she always listened and had great suggestions for us! I would hire her again in a heartbeat for any future events I have to plan!

Go check out their website and Facebook page for a ton of gorgeous photos. You'll see why this event planner deserves the extra exclamation marks. Let Sharper Image Wedding and Event Rentals show you the sky is the limit for making your wedding the best day of your life!

August 31, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Host Your Own Backyard Movie Night!

Do you love movies? Are you looking for fun activities to wrap up those last few summer nights? Host a movie night in the backyard that will become everyone's favorite summer memory. With a little planning, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor theater!

Tickets, please.

Send out invitations to friends, family and neighbors about a week ahead of time. Here is a link to a tutorial to make your own super cool movie ticket invites! These are great because they look just like a theater ticket and also remind everyone to bring their blankets or lawn chairs.

Be sure and check what time the sun will be setting on your party date. Make your start time just a little before dark so everyone has time to settle in by the time it is dark enough to see the screen well.

Set The Stage

Decorate the entrance to your backyard with some colorful balloons and streamers. You can even print out your over movie poster on your home printer by creating a tiled print. Add a "Now Showing" sign to complete the theater look.

Unless you want to move your giant flat screen TV outside (That's ok if you do. High Definition!) you are going to need a projector and a screen.

There are some mini projectors that you can get for your tablet (even your smartphone!) if you want to keep it pretty low key. If you already have a flat surface like the side of your house, garage door, or a tall fence, hanging a white sheet can do the trick for a DIY screen. Make sure and test everything well beforehand to work out all the kinks before guests arrive.

If you are throwing a blast to be remembered, there are lots of local event rentals that have everything needed for a picture-perfect night outdoors. Designate an area in front of your screen for blankets with lawn chairs making up the back row. And don't forget to stock up on some citronella candles to keep away pests. The little extra candle light will shine the way to the snack bar when someone needs a refill.

Concession Stand Snacks

Lots of popcorn is on top of the list. But don't forget drinks. Sodas, iced sweet, lemonade, or something stronger? Whatever will complete your movie experience, consider picking up some disposable cups with lids. It's just like the movies and will prevent spills when setting drinks on lawn chairs or in the grass.

Pick up some theater-sized boxes of classic candy like Milk Duds, M&Ms and Red Vines that guests can share. Atmosphere complete without the sticky floor!

That's a Wrap!

When the sun sets and the movie flickers, lighting up everyone's face, your backyard will be filled with that unmistakable movie magic. Enjoying your favorite film outside is a great way to celebrate at home. Summer is passing fast so don't wait too long or you'll have to really wrap up!

Think this is a cool idea? Let us know in the comments. And definitely share some photos after you enjoy a flick out under the stars.

Not sure what to watch? Here's some suggestions that are drive-in ready!

Kids	Fantasia, E.T., Iron Giant, Wreck-It Ralph
Girl's Night	Thelma & Louise, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dirty Dancing, Bridesmaids
Classic Hollywood	Citizen Kane, Gone With The Wind, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, Casablanca
Creature Feature	Night of the Living Dead, Clash of the Titans, King Kong, Creature From The Black Lagoon
Summer Classic	Wet Hot American Summer, The Sandlot, Jaws, Caddyshack
Date Night	The Princess Bride, The Great Escape, Raising Arizona, Silver Linings Playbook
Art House	Easy Rider, Do The Right Thing, American Graffiti, Beasts Of The Southern Wild

August 29, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Wedding WOW! – Cakes By Kharis

Not sure if you have noticed but cakes are getting a lot more attention than they use to. We can thank all those high-pressure competition tv shows for spawning a new respect for the talent and skill necessary to create a truly unique edible work of art. If you want a cake that will get attention like a Monet hanging in a museum but tastes like a slice of heaven, look no further than Philadelphia's own Cakes By Kharis.

Custom Cake Ingenuity

You want a wedding cake that dazzles, a special birthday cake that makes jaws drop, or a graduation cake that is almost too amazing to serve – this is when you contact Kharis. Everything from towering elegant wedding cakes to unforgettable 3D sculpted cakes, if you can dream it – it can be made into cake!

Unmatched Cake Quality And Flavor

Pick from favorite flavors like vanilla chiffon, chocolate fudge, butter pound cake or request your favorite. With cake that is so fresh and delicious, you'll be excited to try that first bite and maybe you can grab seconds while no one is looking!

Topped with creamy fudge or butter cream icing, this is more than a cake. This is a delectable dessert masquerading as a stunning centerpiece at your party.

Experience Means The Sky Is The Limit!

With a background in art, Kharis's free-style airbushing techniques and sculpting have kept him making cakes you have to see to believe for over 20 years!

With this extensive experience, you can trust that any challenge will be met with stylish flair and precision. You really have to look through the multiple cake galleries on their website to understand just how amazing your cake can be.

Cakes by Kharis is more than a cake shop. They want to give life to your party with unique wedding and special occasion edible showpieces.

August 27, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Romance Journeys Wants You to Sit Back, Relax & Enjoy Your Wedding

We all know someone who went through it. One moment your friend, cousin or sister is all smiles talking excitedly about her wonderful wedding ideas. Next she is calling you crying because the venue is overbooked and her mother won't stop arguing with the caterer. Don't let this happen to you. You can avoid all the wedding crazies so easily. The solution? Have a destination wedding!

Unforgettable Destination Weddings

Romance Journeys works with you to create an incredible experience in unforgettable locations like Mexico, Ireland, Tahiti, Caribbean and Jamaica.

Your Wedding. Your Rules.

Its your wedding which means it is your time. You get to decide how you want to say "I Do" so why not make it the most beautiful and romantic day possible?

Having a destination wedding or honeymoon is your ticket to the thrill and excitement of exotic locales with the only person you want to share the world with. And the best part, the ceremony can be simple and elegant with so little fuss.

You will be in a gorgeous place surrounded by beauty and luxury. All those little details you would have been stressing about at home go right out the window with blue skies, warm sand and the sound of the ocean.

Magical Destination Weddings

Elopement use to be the reason to get to married away from home but today couples can create a dream wedding that is a casual intimate occasion with or without guests.

El Dorado Royale Wedding

Destination weddings can be only for the couple or just a select group of friends and family. With enough guests, you could set up a family and friends reunion group that is more affordable for everyone that you might think.

With all-inclusive trips, travelers pay one up-front price then relax! Put your feet in the sand instead of becoming a Bridezilla back home.

A Honeymoon Where You Can Say "Alone At Last!"

Even if you don't get away for your wedding you have to break away for your honeymoon. This is the person you want to be with forever so start your journey the right way with some quiet time together.

Doesn't matter if you have been together for years or if you met two months ago on your train commute, this time with just the 2 of you enjoying the grander of the world will never be forgotten.

Make the rush of love and happiness last as long as possible when you are walking hand in hand in the surf.

Trust me, destination weddings and honeymoons in amazing places are not just for the rich and famous. You can escape the overwhelming headache of a hometown wedding and build a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. You can dream big and Romance Journeys will make it happen.

August 22, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Atlanta's Best Limo – The Name Says It All!

So you know those scenes in movies that always show people living it up in a limo? You know the ones. The driver picks up the main characters at the exclusive club. There's drinking, laughing and grooving to great music. And of course, everyone looks fabulous. Things are happening so fast that sometimes there are slo-mo shots just so you can catch the laugh or the sideways glance that happens in the middle of all that excitement. Those scenes exist for a good reason. Riding around in a limo is so much fun!

Limousine Service

If you are in the Atlanta area, you really need to look into Atlanta's Best Limo. Their slogan is "The Name Says It All" and guess what? This is totally your chance to be the glamorous lead in your own movie-worthy story! No slo-mo necessary. Just take lots of pictures so you can share such an amazing night.

Go Anywhere In Style With This Limousine Service

Getting married? Organizing a bachelor or bachelorette party? What about graduation or prom? All perfect chances to make getting there the most fun you can ever remember having.

What is the point of getting all dressed up then climbing into your friend's boring car with the sticky cup holders and busted back speaker? Limousine service means you have a stylish ride to and from your location where you can kick back and enjoy your fame for the night.

Make sure the music is bumping and heads will turn asking "Who is that? A Hollywood actress in town? A rockstar?" Everyone will want to be right there where the party is getting started.

Beautiful Limo Bar

Live It Up In a Super Stretch Limo

What could top you and 9 of your friends relaxing on cushy leather seats while cruising around town? You have drinks on the house, flat screen TV, CD and DVD player. You can really rock out with the Dolby Sound System. Neon lights in cool colors adds to the atmosphere. You will be clubbin' it up on wheels!

And if loud music isn't your thing, turn it all off and enjoy the smooth quiet ride while looking up at the bright skyline through the stargazer roof. Whatever your style, this ride will be unforgettable.

Less Worries. More Fun!

Don't worry about where to park the car or getting lost and surrounded by one-way streets. Or worse trying to bribe someone into volunteering as designated driver. It is all taken care of with Atlanta's Best Limo.

Not only are the drivers experienced and familiar with the city, they know you want to have a good time and they will make it happen.

Customer service? Experience? Reputation? With this company, try 17 years and counting. Ride with Atlanta's Best Limo and be a star while having the night of your life!

August 20, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Virginia is for Lovers… of Cake! – Award-Winning Wedding Cakes By Charlie

Attention brides in Virginia! Are you in the Williamsburg, Richmond, and Newport News areas? Really? Ok, so count yourself lucky. Now you can stop worrying about finding the perfect wedding cake for your big day.

Why?

Because you have at your fingertips – Wedding Cakes by Charlie.

Swoon-Worthy Wedding Cakes? Pictures, Please.

I like to see myself as a level-headed girl who is a careful planner and weighs all my options but I'll admit I got absolutely giddy seeing the variety of wedding cake styles possible here. This is seriously a look-no-further situation. Not only does business owner and baker Charlie have the skill and artistry to create the cake of your dreams, his work simply speaks for itself.

I could go on and on but I really recommend just trotting over to the website's gallery. It is bursting with pictures that are simply enchanting. Modern, classic, big, small – whatever you want. Charlie has you covered.

Flavors For Your Fairytale Day

Imagine that first bite your soon-to-be husband will be carefully (you hope) offering up on a loaded fork. You share it together so that first sweetness is something you want to remember. Make it count!

Pick your favorite or choose to mix it up with something new paired with a classic. Try a lemon cake with sweet apricot filling or classic chocolate with refreshing mint. Can't choose? No problem. Each layer can be a different favor. Oh, the possibilities.

One bite and beautiful butterflies will be dancing around your head. Well, maybe that's your perfect guy sharing that spotlight with you, but hey, delicious cake can help make your storybook dreams happen too.

Hello, Dream Wedding Cake. Nice National Recognition!

Oh, and a bunch of awards speak pretty loudly as well. No kidding. Bride Magazine, Wedding Wire – these are endorsements from trusted wedding industry leaders so color-me-impressed. And local brides voted them 2013 Best of Weddings which means happy brides in your area concur – this is the place.

If only I was getting married in Virginia. Destination wedding, anyone?

Check out Wedding Cakes by Charlie to start getting fantastic wedding cake ideas for your sweet day.

July 16, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Heavenly Spoonfuls – How To Host A Gelato Tasting Party

Gelato Served in Italy

Have you ever had gelato? As in the real kind that is full of inspiring flavor and freshness? Gelato is Italian and translates literally to "frozen." So nothing could be more perfect to share on a hot day.

If you are familiar with this amazing frozen dessert you know that calling it "heaven on a spoon" barely covers it!

This summer, you can host a memorable and (so very) sweet gelato tasting party for your friends!

Why Gelato?

Gelato is very different than ice cream, custard, or frozen yogurt. It is made with mostly milk instead of cream so it contains less fat than traditional ice creams and carries a more concentrated flavor.

Paired with fresh fruit and a sweet wine this party theme can provide a sophisticated indulgence you and your guests won't soon forget.

Brighten Up Your Gelato Tasting Party

Put together a fun and functional tablescape for your party. Bright colors will make your party pop! So pick your favorite hues for a tablecloth, plates, napkins, etc. We suggest some small dessert dishes and tiny spoons that make it easy to taste each flavor. Sugar cones are great for serving up smiles too.

This updated version of an ice cream social delights and refreshes everyone on your guest list.

Have a plan for keeping your frozen dessert cold before serving. If your freezer is nearby – great! But if you are outside, grab a cooler and fill it with ice. Or line your cooler with reusable freezer packs to insulate the containers from all sides. This will insure your gelato makes it to dish and mouth intact!

Pick Perfect Flavors

There are so many different flavors of gelato, you might have trouble deciding. Fresh fruit and nut purees are traditions in Italy. Look carefully in the specialty ice cream section for ideas. Even Haagen-Dazs has released a line of Italian delights that are all very tempting to try.

If you happen to have an ice cream maker, creating your very own fresh gelato is definitely the way to go. We created 3 batches in one night and had wonderful results: chocolate-hazelnut, watermelon, and lemon. Here is a simplified version of our chocolate-hazelnut gelato if you are ready to whip up some heavenly spoonfuls in your kitchen.

Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato

2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup sugar, divided
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella
1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped and toasted for garnish

– Heat milk, cream, and ½ cup sugar in saucepan. Stir and cook until sugar dissolves Continue reading "Heavenly Spoonfuls – How To Host A Gelato Tasting Party" »

July 9, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Your Easy Livin' Summer Cocktail Party

Mason Jar Lemonade

It's summertime and the living is easy! This is a season for relaxing and enjoying the simple things in life. Hosting a summer party is no exception. Follow us as we show you the best way to throw a summery cocktail party where you can sit back, relax, and have fun with everyone else.

Cocktail parties are such a great adult theme choice because everyone likes to try new drinks. And by making the event a drop-in, there are no worries about guests arriving late and missing out. So get your Mad Men on and break out the barware.

Chill Time Party Prep

Send your invites at least a week ahead of time. Because this is a no-fuss party that doesn't require special attire or gifts, now is the perfect chance to lure out all those friends you haven't seen in awhile. And you'll hear few excuses because who doesn't want to chill out on a summer night?

Whether hosting inside or out, make sure you have plenty of seating so everyone has a chance to relax. If you are outdoors, this is the perfect time to hang your hammock and light some tiki torches. For decorations, keep it simple. Choose your favorite bright colors and show them off with some coordinated party supplies. An eye-catching tablecloth becomes the backdrop to your bar set-up. Create some balloon bunches to hang for some added whimsy. If you want a more natural look, try a beautiful fresh flower centerpiece from your local florist.

Warm Weather Appetizers and Snacks

It's hot out so keeping the food simple and the drinks cold is a great plan. Fresh fruit displayed in a fun way is both refreshing and decorative. We love all these examples that mix summer favorites like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and cantaloupe. Using mini terracotta pots for veggies and dip are as cute as can be. Plus, it frees up your guests to grab and go mingle. Opting for some healthy salsa and festive blue corn tortilla chips help keep things on the light side. Don't forget that a pickle and olive tray works great for snacking and garnishing drinks.

Relax With Easy Cocktails

These make-ahead drinks are incredibly refreshing and look so pretty chilling in a tub of ice. You will enjoy compliment after compliment without ever having to play bartender during the party! Place colorful straws and a bowl next to the ice bucket so guests have a place to put the metal lids after opening their own individual serving of spiked lemonade. Might want to make more than one batch. They will go fast!

Mason Jar Spiked Lemonade
(serves 10)

You Will Need:

10 pint mason jars with lids
2 cups water / 6 cups water
1.5 cups sugar
2 cup fresh lemon juice (12-16) lemons
15oz rum (or your choice of liquor)
lemon or lime slices for garish

— Make simple syrup by boiling 2 cups of water and adding 1.5 cups of sugar.
— Stir to dissolve completely. Steep herbs or berries at this stage for different flavors
— Chill syrup in fridge
— Mix together: rum, lemon juice syrup, 6 cups water
— Divide the lemonade into the 10 jars, leaving space for garnish and extra ice
— Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime
— Screw lids on tightly and keep chilled

Mix it up! Try these variations:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Mint Leaves and Fresh Ginger
Fresh Herbs (steep in simple syrup)
Cake-Flavored Vodka
Pink Lemonade
Limeade
Orangeade

Easy Livin' Summer Playlist

Throw together some old favorites with a few new highlights to make the night's perfect soundtrack. Whether you just want to lay back and groove or enjoy a dance or two, this mix has you covered.

Summertime – Billie Holiday
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
Wouldn't It Be Nice – Beach Boys
Hot In The City – Billy Idol
Bar-B-Q – Wendy Rene
Got My Mojo Working – Muddy Waters
Roosevelt Island – Eleanor Friedberger
Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters
Pipeline – The Ventures
Got To Give It Up – Aaliyah
In The Sun – Blondie
Little Latin Lupe Lu – Don Norviel and The Visions
Heat Wave – Martha and the Vandellas
Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves
Rockaway Beach – The Ramones
King Of The Beach – Wavves
Summer In The City – Lovin' Spoonful
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks

This summer will pass by faster than you think. So there is no time to waste.
Break out the flip-flops and dress summers so you can chill out with good friends.

July 3, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Tell Your Wedding Story With Floral Dimensions

Telling the story of you and your partner as a bride and groom is crafted though hundreds of tiny details. From your color choice to your flowers, you get to decide what speaks to you and, in turn, those choices say volumes about you. Floral Dimensions At Academy Court is an experienced and friendly florist eager to work with you personally to bring your dreams to life.

Located in Durham, North Carolina and serving the Triangle area and beyond, this award-winning florist brings exceptional creativity and beauty to your wedding story.

Wedding Flowers

Wedding Flowers That Tell Your Story

When selecting some of the most iconic elements of your wedding celebration, you want to choose professionals that understand your dream and work from the heart.

Imagine the perfect alter spray that becomes your 'I do' backdrop, an unforgettable bride's bouquet, coordinating boutonnières that show fun flair and, of course, breathtaking table centerpieces that tie everything together.

You want your flowers to be fresh and memorable on your big day and this talented staff can focus on all those intricate details you crave and deliver the very best.

Florist Reviews – Brides Tell All

Firsthand testimonials really let you know what to expect from a business. These are customers who tell you about their own experience based purely on their satisfaction. Floral Dimensions' customers repeatedly comment directly on the website and Facebook page. The results are truly telling.

Take a moment to read through and you'll see nothing but happy families giving thanks and telling wonderful stories about their work. One review was even from a wedding guest who was so enthralled with a friend's wedding flowers, she had to track the florist down just to comment!

Personalized Invitations

More Than Flowers

Providing not only amazing floral designs, but personalized invitations, signs, menus and more makes this North Carolina florist a premiere bridal consultant.

With the addition of the Stationery and Accessories Design Studio, Floral Dimensions can create fabulous invitations that set the color and tone of your celebration before the guests even arrive.

Tell your wedding story with beauty and artistry from Floral Dimensions At Academy Court.

Photos by Marthanna Yater Fine Photography

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