Posts by Leigh Morrisett | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

December 9, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Make A Party Planner Guide!

Now is the time to start your party planner for next year. Party planners are extremely useful and helpful when planning your next party. First, use a 2 to 3" note-book binder to collect all your party, food and decoration ideas. This binder is going to keep you sane as you plan for your wonderful parties.

You'll need a binder, as well as section dividers that you can label, and some folders that you can slip papers into. You will also want a calendar where you have listed all the birthdays, special occasions and holidays that you might want to throw parties for.

Label the dividers with these categories:

Throw An Amazing Party With A Party Planner

Food

Drinks

Party Ideas

Decoration Ideas

Entertainment

Vendors

You may decided to make subcategories that work within the main categories. For instance, you could make a subcategory of finger food, main meal and dessert recipes. Also, you could divide it up into party ideas for kids, adults, and a teen subcategory. This is your party planner you can set it up to suit your planning style.

In each of these categories and subcategories, you are going to put in any magazine article, blogs such as what you find here on Wedding and Party Network and even party ideas that you may think of. That way, you will have all your party ideas safely tucked away in your party planner. Plus, they'll be ready to pull out for your next party. This party planner can help you save money as well as time. You plan on throwing your parents a 45th wedding anniversary party in June, so you have 6-7 month to search out the best prices on entertainment, food and drinks.

Often you'll see party items go on sale. My local liquor store has a once a year store wide sale. I can save 10-20% by purchasing alcohol on this date for my upcoming parties. Maybe your local butcher shop has sales on higher priced meat on certain days. By making notes in your binder on when items might go on sale, you will save yourself money.

Most of the categories I gave you are self-explanatory, but you might be wondering about vendors. In this section, you're going to list any and all party vendors. List vendors such as limousine providers, caterers, party supply stores and entertainers. Over the years you've used several of these, so you have developed a list of all your favorites. Well, list their name and numbers here. This is also a great place to put new-found vendors. Remember how you wanted to use a Dj service that your cousin used at her wedding, but you lost the number? Your party planner will stop that from happening, because now you're organized. Everything in one place, easy to use and frustration free.

Your yearly party planner keeps everything in one place, it is easy to use and frustration free. Happy New Year and have a wonderful party planning 2011.

This post is brought to you by St Louis Party Consultants.
Not in St Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find party consultants near you!

November 17, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Bridesmaid Dress – Money Ettiquette Issues

In the US it is customary for the maid/matron of honor and the bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. But what happens if the dress the bride picks for the maids is very expensive and not all the bridesmaids can afford the dress?

With the tough economics times, this predicament is happening often. What should you do if this problem comes up as your planning your wedding? What is the proper wedding etiquette?

Happy Bride With Her Beautiful Bridesmaids

These are your friends so you're going to have a heads up on their personal issue such as a job layoff. Good etiquette dictates that you speak to each woman and make sure they feel comfortable with the price.

If not, offer to pay for the bridesmaid dress. If you can't afford to pay for the dress yourself, then it is time to reevaluate the dress choice. Can you rent them? If n0t, is there a suitable less expensive substitute?

Keep in mind that you want these women to be a part of your wedding. It is one of the biggest days of your life. The bridesmaid dress they wear shouldn't be as important as them not being at your wedding.

Family can make this issue a bit tricky, especially when it is your new family that may be having the money issue. What I suggest for instance, if your new to be sister-in-law is the one with the money issue then your fiancé should speak with his sister. You should definitely be there when he does.

In this case, you and your fiancé should offer to pay for the bridesmaid dress. Let her know that it is a gift that you would like to share with her, because you both want her in the wedding party.

The best thing you can do when faced with this situation, is to not make a big deal out of it. Work with your friends and family to come up with a solution. Remember, the key to a great wedding is for it to be conflict free.

This post is brought to you by Bismarck Formal Wear providers.
Not in Bismarck, ND? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a formal wear supplier near you!

November 9, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Throw A Basketball Themed Party!

It's often hard to come up with themed party ideas for the boys between the ages of ten and fourteen. I suggest asking the child what type of party he would like. Between these ages, the boys are forging closer guy friendships and may or may not be into having girls around. Speak with your son and ask him who he'd like to have at his party. Most young men of this age will choose a smaller party with close guy friends.

Throw A Basket ball Themed Party

A few close friends works really well with a basketball themed party. Some suggestions I can offer would be to rent out the local community center, and let the kids play basketball till they drop. If you go this route, I wouldn't do a lot of decorating. Instead, buy some t-shirts and have your son come up with a name for his and the opposing team. Also, buy basketballs for each party guest (you can get Jr. basket balls for under $15.00) as a fun party favor they'll be able to take home. Use a sharpie and on each ball write:

Timmy's 10th birthday

9/23/10

Give the boys some sharpie markers and have them sign each ball. These balls are now commemorative balls, of your son's birthday party.

If you can't rent out the Community center, you can make a court in your own yard for the kids to play on. If you don't have a basket ball goal, you can rent buy or borrow one. You can buy tiny basketballs at the party stores and decorate your home with these.

For party food, you can serve them hot dogs, pizza, sodas, chips or whatever the birthday boy likes. Keep the theme going with a basketball cake or basketball cup cakes.

As I stated before, at this age they are trying to be all grown up and still be boys. Choosing to go with their favorite sport is great way to have grown up party for tween boys

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planner providers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

November 2, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Bollywood Party, Fun Fashion And Love

Need a break from planning the traditional dinner party? Create a party that features bold party decorations, as well as bold party food. Take a traditional dinner party to new heights with a Bollywood inspired themed party.

Bollywood Dancing

I recently spoke to a dear friend who lives in Arizona. She mentioned that she had gone to a Bollywood party. I asked her, "What is a Bollywood party?" She explained that it is a party based upon the India styles of movies, that are becoming hugely popular. In these Hindu movies, the characters often sing and dance.

In this party version of a Bollywood movie, the female guests wore beautiful Indian dresses called sarees. The men were asked to wear pyjamas, which are pants tied with a string at the waist (yes, just like we here in the US wear as bed clothes) with long shirts. The party decorations were pure Bollywood with lots of vibrant colors. Gold was the main color, and as my friend tells me they used golds, reds, and deep blue linens on the tables. Several stunning vases were filled with what looked like diamonds, with lotus flowers floating in them.

The host and hostess served a dip made with chickpeas called chatpata chana dip. They used crisped Indian flatbread as the chips. The main meal was catered and of course, it was all authentic Indian food.

It's not hard to throw a Bollywood party, you can go all out as was the case with the party my friend went to. Or you can make it a smaller affair with homemade Indian food. You can use vibrant pillows and cloth as well as flowers to decorate your home or party facility . The key to a Bollywood party is all about the clothes the women guest wear. Just like in Bollywood it's about fashion, love and fun.

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Decoration providers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find party decoration suppliers near you!

October 22, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Is it proper etiquette to ask that children not attend your wedding?

Is it proper wedding etiquette to ask that children not attend a wedding? Yes, it is your wedding so it is your decision. However, expect backlash if you've decided not to include children at your wedding. What isn't proper etiquette is to have it printed or even hand written on the invitations NO Children.

To easy any backlash, you can explain to your closer relatives and friends that you're not able to accommodate all the children.

Beautiful Bride & Flower Girls

In large families, you could be looking at another dozen or more guests and that can be costly if you're having a dinner reception after the ceremony.

You will be hit with all types of pleas to allow children. Stand your ground and be firm, but nice.

A good way to head off any problems would be to get your wedding party in on spreading the verbal word that this is an adult only wedding and reception.

Write or visit friends and relatives who have kids and explain to them why you've made a choice to not have children.

Be forward and blunt with any guest who tells you they will be brings their kids. Tell them, "I am sorry, but we aren't able to accommodate any children".

They may retort back with, "We won't be attending your wedding". At that point tell them your sorry they made that decision and they will be missed.

One thing you might consider is by setting age limits, such as no children under 10. If you're afraid that cousin Jen's little boy will cause a ruckus just as you're sharing your vows during your wedding ceremony, hire a child-care and set aside a room for the kids. This way you can enjoy a beautiful wedding sans the wails of a fussy child, but they can still come to the wedding reception.

Remember it is your wedding and your choice to make on who is invited. Stand firm and make no exceptions. By standing firm, you may very well hurt guests feelings so much that they may not attend the wedding. As you make your decision to say no children and have an adults only wedding, be sure that you can accept that your favorite friend or relative won't attend. Create a wedding that is truly special to you and fits your needs.

This post is brought to you by Louisville Wedding Reception Location providers.
Not in Louisville KY? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding reception location near you!

October 17, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

A Clip and Save Do List For Entertaining

Use these Do tips when you plan your next party for appetizing party food.

Do consider a variety of hot and cold foods.

Delicious Party Food
Do keep in mind any restrictions your guest might have, such as religious restrictions, food allergies, or vegetarian diets.
Do make a checklist and shopping list so you don't forget any ingredients or decorations.
Do plan for 4 to 6 hors d'oeuvres per person per hour.
Do plan on 6 to 8 ounces of meat or main dish servings per person for your main course.
Do keep cost down by using in season fruits and vegetables.
Do try to serve different taste and textures. If you're serving beef for dinner, use compatible foods such as seafood or chicken in your appetizers.
Do try to prepare some foods the day before. Such as,your dips, sauces and deserts and cut up your veggies the day before. This pre-prepping will reduce your stress and cooking time. Just make sure you're pre-prepped items will hold over night.
Do use beautifully arranged food trays and deserts as your centerpiece. Using food as centerpieces is a really nice way decorate.

This post is brought to you by Cambridge Party Caterer providers.
Not in Cambridge, MA? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party caterer near you!

October 10, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Want To Host A Smoking Hot Party?

Smoked Chicken and Potato Salad

If you want to host a smoking hot party… use your smoker. Not sure what a smoker is? A smoker is a grill like cooker that cooks at low heat. You can get electric smokers or ones that use charcoal.

Most people cook ribs and Boston butts on smokers. Using a smoker is great for pool parties, or just good old fashion hang out for no reason parties.

This past weekend my husband and I hosted a party where we smoked up some chicken legs and thighs and served it with homemade potato salad, corn on the cob and peach cobbler. After all, the real reason people have a party is to eat really good food.

Not Just A Way To Prepare Food

The smoker seems to be more than a cooking utensil. It can be a form of entertainment. At least it seemed so at our party. While the meat was smoking, the guys sat in the backyard and watched the smoker do its magic. Since it has still been warm in our area, all of us gals decided to enjoy the air-conditioning while playing a game or two of rummy as our form of entertainment. Basically it was a low-key relaxing afternoon. Sometimes the best parties are the simple hang out, do nothing special ones.

Smoking Hot Party For A Crowd

Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Our party was a small intimate group of ten. But, don't think this type of party is only for small groups. Smoking hot parties are great for family reunions, office picnics, class reunions and even summer church functions. It just make take a little more planning to co-ordinate this for a large crowd.

Use the concept hire the help.

If you are planning to serve a big crowd for say an office picnic, but you don't feel you have the skills to cook for a large group, don't sweat it. You can hire a caterer that specializes in smoked food. These specialty caterers will cook, ribs, pork steak, or smoked chicken. Some caterers will even offer even more specialty smoked food like smoked salmon.

Using a smoker brings a bit of flair to your party. It's not something you do every week which makes for a smoking hot party and a great time.

September 16, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Embracing 40 With A Spa Birthday Party

The Birthday Girl And Her Spa Buddies

With anniversaries and birthdays taking up most weekends, August was a busy party month. One particular birthday party celebrated a milestone birthday.

The party was in honor of my friend Laura, who was turning forty. For me, this celebration was the best birthday party I had ever attended.

Along with Laura's husband, my friend Jessie and my sister planned and hosted this surprise 40th birthday party. Although it was Laura's special day, it turned out to be a special day for all of us.

40th Birthday: Limo Ride and Spa Day

The party theme was simple: relaxation at a local spa. Since the spa is a thirty minute drive from the birthday girl's home, everyone gathered at Laura's house first. To make the 30 minute trek part of the party experience, Laura's husband rented stretch limo to take us to the spa.

Celebrating and Relaxing at the Spa

Jessie's Spa Spread

When we arrived at the spa, we were taken to a private sitting room. The room was serene and relaxing. Although the spa had refreshments for us (coffee and cucumber water, Jessie brought some delicious food, as well as champagne and orange juice to make mimosas.

Our delectable spa party food consisted of sausage pinwheels(these tasted just like biscuits and gravy), mini muffins (chocolate chip and banana nut) and fruit salad.

Between spa treatments, we enjoyed the food, drinks and good old fashion girl talk. It was a wonderful relaxing time. We all agreed that we needed to do this for all of our future birthdays.

Partying Into The Night

The spa wasn't the end of Laura 40th birthday celebration. Later in the evening, we gathered together with our husbands at my sister's home for a birthday dinner prepared by my brother-in-law.

We started with appetizers: prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, a lovely assortment of cheeses, and a fine wine. Then we enjoyed meal consisting of a delicious grilled beef tenderloin, garlic mash potatoes and a caprese salad.

Of course, every birthday deserves a cake. This birthday celebration included a mocha chocolate cheesecake. While everyone enjoyed the cake, Laura was showered with gifts. What more could a girl ask for on her 40th birthday?

As you can see from the pictures Laura had a great fortieth birthday party. So the next time you are planning a special birthday party think: Spa, Limo, Caterer and Fun.

Tip: Not everyone has a personal chef like my brother-in-law. Hire a caterer to make the dinner and appetizers. Many caterers will do pick-up catering for small groups. This is a cost-effective way to have a great catered meal.

September 2, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Back to School Party:Do's and Don'ts

If you are hosting a back-to-school party for your kids, follow these easy do's and dont's for a successful fun-filled party.

Party Do's & Don'ts

Do not assume that your child's friends from last school year will be the same one this year. Over the summer and during the first week of school kids develop new friendships. Be sure to involve your child. Ask them who they want to invite and go from there.

Do plan on entertainment that is age appropriate. Choose a type of entertainment that your kids and their peers will enjoy. Nothing is worse then hiring a magician or a clown and hearing your tween complain about how lame and uncool the entertainment was and how they really wanted karaoke. To avoid this situation, ask your child what type of entertainment they want.
Don't think you have to spend a lot of money. You can throw a cool dance party by using your home stereo system and your teens ipod.
DO get other parents involved.
Don't forget some type of party favor. I suggest cool school supplies, notebooks, pen, erasers, add some candy and stickers tuck them all into sporty binder.

Easy To Do Party Ideas

It doesn't take a lot to throw a back to school party. You can throw a fun party at your home in the backyard. Hold the party at your local bowling alley or arcade. Or you can do like a few of my friends do — after their daughters have been in school for a few weeks, they hire a limo and take the girls and their friends shopping for more back-to-school clothes. They started this when they girls were about eleven and now at fifteen the girls can't wait to have their back-to-school shopping party. Back to school parties are great fun for kids. A new school years bring new friends and new parents together. These back to school parties are a great way for parents to get to know one another.

August 25, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Wedding Etiquette- How Not To Be Bridezilla

As girls through out our lives, we've heard that our wedding day is our special day. However make no mistake, your special day does not give you license to be a bridezilla.

Have you ever experienced an out of control bride? Remember how her actions made you feel? You certainly do not want to be the bride that makes everyone loath you.

Prepare Yourself: React Don't Overact

As you go through the steps to prepare for and orchestrate your wedding, you'll become frustrated and overwhelmed. To combat those feelings, take a few breaths and think about what your going to say before you say it. This will save you from a multitude of fights, angry feelings and continued frustrations. This should be a joyous time to spend with friends and family, not one that destroys friendships and alienates family members.

Handling Conflicts & Problems

There will be issues and problems with suppliers during the wedding planning process. For example, you may have a conflict with your caterer. The proper way to handle this a conflict is to be direct and calmly tell them what you want, expect or how to fix the problem. What is improper and very bridezillaish is to call them names, raise your voice or curse at them. Whether a caterer, a florist, a photographer or other service or shop owner, they deserve respect and will usually go above and beyond if given this respect.

Of course you have the right to get what you ask for and agreed to when you are planning your wedding. If in the case of a supplier they can't provide what your asking for, you can choose to work with them or to go else where. You do not have the right to belittle, humiliate or assert unreasonable demands. Although it is your special day, sometimes you may not get everything you want. Compromising it very important when planning a wedding.

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff – Compromising Is The Key

What Make A Wedding Perfect

When issues arise with friends and family members, pick your battles. Let the little things go and concentrate on the thing that are really important. Choosing to focus on the few things most important to you will help keep the bridezilla at bay.

Every bride is different and you are the only one who knows what is most important to you. Here are a few suggestions to help you determine those important wedding component worth fighting for: the wedding gown, the location, the first dance.

Once you have a true idea of what is important to you, everything else will fall into the category – so long as it is nice, it will be a great wedding.

The Key To The Perfect Wedding

Adapt the attitude “It's my wedding and everything will be perfect because I am marrying the love of my life.” After all, that is the most important thing right? Not the dress. Not the food. Only one thing really matters that at your vowing to be with your love.