How to Create the Perfect Wedding Toast, Have Someone Write it for You

July 10th, 2009, by Azure

You love your maid-of-honor. She’s your best-friend, she’s been with you through grade school, summer camp, high school, and countless break-ups. You know she loves you and has hundreds of great things to say about you and your fiancé at the wedding, if only she were capable of writing a decent speech. Too bad speechwriters are only for politicians. Guess what? Now they aren’t. Oratory Laboratory takes the concept of speech writing and brings it to a level everyone can take...

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Wedding Music Gone Wrong

June 24th, 2009, by Azure

Last week we ran a little piece with the worst Father/Daughter dance choices. Which got us thinking, what would be the worst music choices for weddings in general? It turns out the folks at NPR were one step ahead of us (hey, they’re very smart over there). Here are some of my favorites from their list: Send in the Clowns (as the bride walked down the aisle no less) You’ve Lost that Loving Feelin’ (first dance, no joke) The Lady is a Tramp (sung by the groom to the bride,...

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The Best (and worst) Father Daughter Dance Songs

June 15th, 2009, by Azure

WARNING: This post may cause unintentional sniffling. Happy Monday! Father’s Day is this weekend, and to celebrate we offer a week’s worth of posts honoring dad. Today, we give you a completely unscientific listing of what I have determined are the top ten father/daughter dance songs. I'm not saying all these songs are great, I'm just saying they're what a lot of people choose. 1) Sunrise/Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof) 2) Father and Daughter (Paul Simon) 3) Unforgettable...

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Top Ten Tips for a Good Working Relationship with Your Wedding Caterer

April 20th, 2009, by Azure

Getting ready to choose your caterer? We talked to some wedding reception catering veterans to get their very best advice. Check out our Top Ten Tips for a Good Working Relationship with Your Caterer for a wedding reception that's as effortless as it is delicious.

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Food Bridal Shows and Events




Add some zing to your wedding party table

April 13th, 2009, by Azure

You may have a few Swarovski crystals glittering away on your gown or in your hair, but don't you want to spread the sparkle? These Swarovski crystal tea lights will have your head table glowing. ...And it's not like anybody would exactly complain if these also showed up at your engagement party or future soirées. They're a bit of an investment, but when does shine go out of style?

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Bridal Shows and Events




Sitting pretty at your reception

April 02nd, 2009, by Azure

Your wedding reception will be a feast for the eyes, and of course a feast for the stomach... But your guests need to sit comfortably too! The Chameleon Chair Collection offers beauty and comfort. The chairs are stackable so they can be easily loaded in and out, and the clever design allows for you to easily customize them with a variety of fabrics. Not a bad way to make sure you feel elegant all over!

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Bridal Shows and Events




Featured Wedding: Katie and Tim

March 23rd, 2009, by Azure

Featured wedding by Brian Drouin of Drouin Photography Katie was frantically hurrying to get ready for her big day as Tim shook from nervousness while he checked over his vows. It was a gorgeous autumn afternoon. The sun gleamed and the breeze rustled through the landscape. Then suddenly a calmness flowed over the scene as they stood together in front of their loved ones, expressing their appreciation and affection for one another. Afterward, I felt like documenting it all...

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Photo and Video




Saving money on your reception menu

March 13th, 2009, by Azure

Sure, your guests expect to eat at your reception, but they probably won’t be demanding Lobster Thermidore with a caviar chaser. If you remember to think in terms of satisfying your guests rather than impressing them and keep a sense of play in your planning, you can keep everyone happy without busting your budget. 1. Go loco. Locovore, that is. Choosing foods that are locally grown or raised and in season will cut your costs by a lot. Even better, your food will be fresher and...

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Food




Lowering the Bar for Your Reception

March 09th, 2009, by Azure

Alcohol is one of the big expenses of most wedding receptions. In most areas, your guests will expect an open bar, and costs can rack up faster than you think. Fortunately, your friendly former bartender is here to help. One of the most important things to know is that most mixed drinks do not need top-shelf alcohol. If you’re having a dry martini, in which only a tiny drop of vermouth (if any) is added, then, yes, you might want a high-quality gin or vodka. But if you’re having...

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Food




Diamonds are a drink’s best friend

February 24th, 2009, by Azure

What's cooler than cool? Ice cold. Add some extra sparkle to your reception or engagement party with Cool Jewels from Fred. These diamond-shaped ice cube trays are an easy and inexpensive way to play up your party's theme - not to mention a fun surprise when your guests order something "on the rocks".

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Food