Las Vegas Wedding Planner » Planning Tips

Etsy Weddings

Juliet Douglas — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:49 +0000

Etsy, a marketplace to buy and sell handmade and vintage items and art, has exploded in the last few years and is a wonderful site for couples planning their wedding. I think it’s perfect for the couple who wants that handmade feel but is not too crafty to take on DIY projects on their own. I wish Etsy had been around while I was planning my wedding in 2005/2006. I planned my wedding before Etsy got popular (since technically, Etsy launched in 2005 before my wedding) and before wedding blogs and social media became what it is today. I would have loved a place to shop for handmade items since I don’t have the patience for crafts and would rather pay someone to design and create something for me.

Anyway, Etsy has recently introduced Etsy Weddings! Etsy Weddings is a collection of curated wedding items, trends, how-to’s, expert advice and real wedding stories. There is also now an Etsy Registry! Brides and grooms can register for items from specialty gifts, to vintage and personalized items.

Also, sign up to receive the Etsy Weddings Newsletters and receive weekly wedding tips and inspiration!

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Wireless LED Lighting by LED Unplugged

Juliet Douglas — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:00:06 +0000

A few weeks ago, my team and I sat down with Kevin from LED Unplugged to discuss his lights and rentals. LED Unplugged offers the most technologically advanced wireless LED lighting on the market today. Kevin donated some lighting to one of our Thursday Therapy events and it was amazing how quickly he was able to set everything up. Because these lights are wireless, it probably took about 30 minutes for Kevin to set everything up! If you’re getting married soon or will be hosting a special event, I think a consultation with Kevin to see how these lights work in person is a must!

In additional to the lights, LED Unplugged also offers white leather furniture for rent, custom gobos, lighted high top tables and cake tables. Kevin is constantly adding to his inventory.

Above Photos by Ron Miller Photography

Above photos by Artistic Imaging

702-675-6100
info@ledunplugged.com
ledunplugged.com

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

How To Set a Table: Where Does the Fork Go?

Juliet Douglas — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:00:39 +0000

I saw this illustration awhile ago and saved it on my hard drive. A few weeks ago as I was looking around for something on my hard drive, I stumbled upon it and thought it was time to blog about this topic again. I LOVE this beautiful drawing that labels out where each fork goes, each wine glass is set, and even where the place card sits!

From a young age, I “trained” with my dad in his restaurant. I had the lovely job of filling up salt and pepper shakers at the end of the night. He was very particular and everything at each place setting. In my twenties, I then went on to become a food server as well as a banquet server in various casual to high end establishments. I am so grateful for those experiences as they all contribute to my knowledge as a wedding planner today.

Why is this important to a wedding planner? Well, I have seen wedding images where I immediately notice that a fork and knife are in the wrong places. Or that the spoon is pointed in the wrong direction. It’s embarrassing for the couple or guest of honor at a party. Clearly, this would never happen in a fine resort, however, we’ve planned some DIY or home weddings where we are in charge of setting tables. We’re able to, in those circumstances, set everything up properly for the table. Yes, it’s in the little details. Right down to the salt and pepper shakers.

Artist: Amy Borrell

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Vera Wang On Weddings App

Angelica McDonnell — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:00:41 +0000

Vera Wang recently launched a wedding planning and design app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod called “Vera Wang on Weddings“. This app is designed to help inspire and assist brides over the course of their engagement. She also shares exclusive videos to help you define the style of your wedding. The app is filled with over 1,000 images of dresses, cake, flowers, real weddings, etc. One of my favorite features on it is the guest tracker tool where you can manage your RSVPs, seating chart, and menu selections. Download it and let us know what you think!

Ordering Your Wedding Invitations

Juliet Douglas — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:00:55 +0000

Working with a Custom Invitation Designer:

Ordering your invitations can be confusing and overwhelming. There are so many elements to consider, important dates and deadlines, and even the verbiage and proper etiquette can be very specific! I decided to ask custom invitation designer Brooke Coxen of Paper & Home some questions about the entire process of ordering invitations.

What should a couple look for when selecting an invitation designer?
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your designer, so ask questions and get to know them. If you connect on a personal level, you’ll trust them to bring out your personality in the design. The designer you work with should also be well versed in the current design software, various print methods, and paper options.

How can a couple decide on an invitation design?
With custom designed invitations, we sit down with you to discuss your creative ideas, your inspiration, and your individual style. We present several different options based on this criteria, so you have the flexibility to mix and match design elements. Because you’re so involved in the process, it’s easy for you to decide on an invitation design that best reflects your personalities.

When should invitations be ordered? / How early should couples start the invitation process?/ How far in advance do couples need to send out invitations?
We suggest you begin working with your invitation designer at least 4 months before the wedding, so that there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the process. The timeline will vary depending on the complexity of the designs and print method chosen. On average, the entire invitation design and printing process requires 4 to 6 weeks. We recommend that invitations be mailed 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding day. Mark your calendar!

What items need to be ordered (invitation, envelope, response card, thank you card, etc)? What is the absolute minimum that should be ordered for couples on a budget?
The main components included with the invitation are a reply card and a pre-stamped reply envelope. If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, couples may choose to include a separate reception card. Additional insert cards that include directions, hotel accommodations, and wedding website information may be included. Often, couples will include a schedule of events card if there are activities surrounding the wedding, such as a welcome dinner or day-after brunch. A popular trend for couples on a budget is ordering the invitation card with a reply postcard—instead of reply card and reply envelope—to save on the envelope pricing and to reduce postage costs. We recommend that thank you notes are also ordered with your invitation set so that the look of your stationery suite is cohesive throughout.

How far in advance should Save the Dates be sent out?
We recommend that Save the Dates be mailed 6 to 8 months prior to the wedding day. If planning a destination wedding, you may want to consider mailing them even a few weeks earlier so that guests have advance notice to prepare their travel arrangements.

Is a digital proof included in the costs? If not, what is the fee? / How many changes are typically allowed?
Our custom design process always includes a first round of proofs along with up to four additional complimentary rounds of proofs. Should additional proofs be required thereafter, the fee will range from $20-$40 per proof, depending on the complexity of the changes.

How much should be budgeted for postage?
Most invitation sets will require the standard first class 1 ounce stamp ($0.45) or 2 ounce stamp ($0.65). If the envelope is oversized, or if there are multiple cards that create bulk, more postage will be required. Postage for the reply envelope ($0.45) or reply postcard ($0.32) will also need to be accounted for.

What are some “hidden costs” or items that are easily forgotten when couples go to order invitations?
If you make significant changes to your invitation set during the design process, it is possible that items may be upgraded. Always make sure your designer makes you aware of the costs of these upgrades and gets your approval before your project goes to print.

How long does it take to print invitations after the proof has been approved?
Print time will vary depending on the chosen print method, and additional time may be required if there is any special die-cutting or assembly involved—such as pockets, belly bands, and envelope liners. On average, after the proof has been approved, digital printing will require about 2 weeks and letterpress printing will require 3-4 weeks.

What is the proper etiquette for mentioning that they would like an all adult event?
The way you’ve addressed your envelopes is the number one signal to your guests about who is invited. If you have addressed the envelopes to only the parents, and have not included “and family,” then it is assumed that children are not invited. You may also consider writing, “adult only reception” on the invitation—however if you’re planning a traditional affair, this is not considered proper etiquette.

When should guests RSVP by?
Generally, the reply-by date is 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding day. This really does depend on when your caterer will need you to provide your final head count and food selection. Based on this catering deadline, it’s best to cushion that by a few weeks, as you’ll most likely have a few late responses.

What is the proper etiquette in getting RSVPS from guests that haven’t responded yet?
If your catering deadline is approaching and it is past your reply-by date, it is appropriate to call those who have not yet responded and ask them if they have received your invitation in the mail.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO understand the value of quality paper.
DON’T settle, get what you want!
DO set up a wedding website and include your registry information here.
DON’T include a registry card with your invitation.
DO send thank you notes within a few weeks of your wedding day. Although proper etiquette may recommend within a year, we strongly suggest sending your thank yous no later than 6-8 weeks after your wedding.

Brooke Coxen
Paper and Home
702.776.8243

Facebook: http://facebook.com/paperandhome
Twitter: http://twitter.com/paperandhome
Watch Paper & Home on CBS: http://bit.ly/t443dO

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Wedding Word Wednesday: Fondant

Juliet Douglas — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:00:04 +0000

Today’s word is Fondant: A pliable, dough-like icing used to decorate wedding cakes. It provides a smooth finish and is irreplaceable in creating the cleanest, most modern of looks. Because of it’s consistency, fondant can be used to create edible figures and a variety of different textures (such as ruffles) on cakes.

-Thanks Tiffany Jones of Peridot Sweets

Photo Credit: Prince Weddings

Photo Credit: Adam Trujillo at Your Beauty Call‘s 1st Anniversary Celebration

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Colin Cowie Weddings Launched Today

Juliet Douglas — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:00:09 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day! Colin Cowie Weddings launched today.

Colin Cowie Weddings is a new comprehensive wedding planning site with expert wedding planning advice and tips, articles and inspiration, and even a section to save and share ideas with your friends and family. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

Photo: Colin Cowie Weddings

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Wedding Word Wednesday: First Look

Juliet Douglas — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:02 +0000

In 2010, I wrote about the “First Look” and why couples should consider doing a first look before their wedding ceremony. Photographers call this a number of things including, “First Sight”, “Reveal” or even “First Glance”. Basically, your photographer will stage the first time you see each other for the very first time. Instead of this taking place at the wedding ceremony, it is set up ahead of time before formal portraits are taken. There are many reasons for this. Photographers love this because it allows for more photography time. My favorite reason, besides plenty of time for photos, is that the couple will get to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. If you’ve ever been married, you realize that ALL eyes are on you when you walk down the aisle. It’s a beautiful moment and yet it isn’t so private and is extremely nerve wracking for shyer types. After the ceremony is over, you’re whisked away for photos and then the reception starts. The rest of the night is spent greeting and thanking guests.

With a First Look, you’re able to get rid of some of the jitters as well as spend a few moments alone together. Also, so many couples find that this is so much less stressful!

Photo: Chelsea Nicole Photography

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

2012 USPS Postage Rates

Juliet Douglas — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:51 +0000

Thanks to two local invitation companies 1st Impressions Invitations and Paper and Home, I’ve been made aware of the postage increase going into effect January 22nd. Here’s a handy little chart for additional information. And, as always, it’s a good idea to get your invitation weighed so that you’ll be sure to have the correct postage on your invitations when they go out.

Laura Hooper on Zazzle

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Las Vegas Bridal Show – Bridal Spectacular 2012

Juliet Douglas — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:19 +0000

Bridal Spectacular®, the oldest and largest bridal show in Las Vegas, opens this week!

Where: Cashman Center
850 North Las Vegas Blvd.

When: January 20th and 21st
Friday 6 pm – 10 pm
Saturday 11 am – 5 pm

What: Bridal Show of hundreds of local wedding vendors, fashion show, giveaways, tastings, and so much more!

Admission
General Admission tickets are $15.00

PARKING: At Cashman Center parking is $4.00 per day and they only take cash. There is an ATM machine by the 24 hour door at the back of Cashman.

Follow Bridal Spectacular on Twitter.

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com