WE'VE MOVED!!

Hello!

I apologize for my absence but our new blog is finally ready for viewing! Check out www.thecitybrideblog.com to follow along!

Please, Excuse the Dust!

City Bride is currently going through a facelift, so please pardon the dust... and my absence.

I promise I will be back shortly and this blog will be bigger and better than ever! Enjoy a few of these lovely summer weeks and be sure to come back when the blog is all pretty again.

ban.do corsages

It is very clear that I have an obsession with ban.do and I think they know it since they are always sending me goodies to my inbox. And, well, today was no different. I opened my inbox to find an email introducing ban.do corsages and really, I couldn't be more in love.

Aren't they gorgeous?! Not only are they the most adorable everyday accessory but they could totally be used on your wedding day. They are the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or they could be an alternative to real flower corsages. Real flower corsages are always gorgeous but lets be honest, they don't fit the style and design of every wedding. (think J.Crew, picnic, on the beach, on a boat, at city hall, etc.) Really, had these beauties been around on my wedding day I may have designed the entire affair around them.

Thank you ban.do for being fabulous!

Find Inspiration Everywhere

My mother-in-law is currently in the middle of remodeling her bedroom and is stuck on choosing (and finding) the perfect shade of purple paint to be used on an accent wall. For weeks, she has been gathering paint samples from various stores and has spent hours starring at them trying to decide which color is best. In fact, she even has an "inspiration" folder with every shade of purple you could imagine.

This same process reminds me how hard it is for brides to make decisions about their wedding design while being surrounded by the ever inspiring wedding magazines and blogs. There are so many options to choose from and so many pretty details that you can't help but love most of them and it's hard to resist wanting to incorporate them all into your event.

I told my mother-in-law exactly what I would tell one of my brides. Find something, whether it be a vase, a candle holder, a photograph, a fabric swatch, or a button that really inspires you and base your entire design around that. I promise it will help you to make decisions and will especially keep you on track in creating a cohesive design. While looking for inspiration try and keep in mind the overall feel you are trying to achieve, and once you've made a decision about design move on. Don't give into the temptation to tweak every last detail, you will drive yourself insane.

Now, go and find some inspiration!

How about a pretty hanger?

On my wedding day I felt confident that I had thought of all the things I may potentially need and I was so sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Really, I thought I was totally prepared.

Then, it was time for our photographer to take my dress and get some pictures before I got into it and that's when I realized something absolutely terrible... I forgot a pretty hanger for my dress! Seriously, my beautiful gown could not be photographed hanging from a piece of plastic that could easily have been from Walmart. Luckily, I didn't worry for too long because our photographer had experienced this before and had along a pretty hanger that I could borrow. Had she not have been prepared, there is no way my dress would have looked like this...

photo courtesy of m three studio

Anyway, I recently tweeted about how brides often forget to find a pretty hanger for their dress and someone shared with me these beauties...

images via Etsy Seller lilafrances

I wish I would have known about these fabulous hangers for my wedding, I certainly would have gotten one! Well, if I had remembered, of course!

Some Fabulous Milwaukee Venues

A bride recently asked for my recommendations for some of my favorite ceremony and receptions sites in Milwaukee and I just couldn't help but share some of them with you all.

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

I love Villa Terrace for its obvious beauty and mediterranean style and their garden is so lush and beautiful. Villa Terrace is perfect for smaller ceremonies and receptions (about 80 person sit down dinner) and can also be rented for photography purposes. So, you could have a beautiful engagement session there or make it one of your stops on your wedding day.

The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design

The Eisner Museum is a venue that I consider a little bit of a secret treasure. Not many people are aware of the space for events, which I think makes it that much cooler. The Eisner obviously has a lot of character of it's own, so it's great for couples looking for something a little bit out of the norm. The Eisner can also accommodate a larger guest list (up to 650!).

Edit: My mistake, apparently the Eisner has closed. So sad.. it was a great venue, and regardless of not being open, is still one of my favorites. Thanks for informing me, though!

The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel has some serious style and I am completely obsessed with their event space, The Gallery. The space is perfect for smaller more intimate affairs and has a great ambiance. As a bonus, they have a library (pictured above) filled with old wooden tables and chairs, reading lamps, and a fireplace... the perfect place for cocktails. And, the smell, seriously it smells SO good in the lobby!

Anyone else want to share their favorite spots in Milwaukee?

The Urban Bride | The Newest Inspiration for City Brides

Today is the day that a new resource becomes available for all of the City Brides out there who are planning an urban affair and I am proud to be a part of it. I introduce to you, The Urban Bride.

The Urban Bride is your go to blog for inspiration if you are planning a city-inspired wedding and the best part is it is tailored specifically to you and your style. You won't find any rustic, garden or beach weddings, just weddings that are planned in gorgeous ballrooms and buildings, have a modern flair, and are of course styled to the max.

So, jump on over to The Urban Bride, check it out and don't forget to visit again later today to enter to win the fabulous launch giveaway- a collection of city inspired goodies. And of course, let me know what you think!

Tips For a Less Stressful Wedding Day

With the height of wedding season approaching in the Midwest I can already tell that brides are beginning to think about their wedding every second of the day, are losing sleep, and panicking at the thought of anything going wrong on their big day. Let me say this, something will go wrong, no wedding day is perfect but you can take a few steps to ease your stress that day.

1. At about 2-3 weeks before you wedding take the time to contact all of your day-of vendors (only if you haven't recently met with them though) and confirm their arrival times and also the details of your contract. Knowing that you've had a final discussion with them will give you the utmost confidence in them and their service.

2. Create a production schedule mapping out all of the details for you day. I can't emphasize enough how important and helpful this is.

3. Get your "stuff" organized. Create separate boxes or containers for items related to different events throughout the day. For example, keep all of your items for the ceremony together and labeled in it's own container. This way whoever is setting up has no reservations to where it belongs.

4. Emphasis to your bridal party and any day-of vendors the importance of time. If everyone is prompt and on time it will ease your mind and allow you to really soak in the emotion of the day.

5. Seriously though, just try and relax. If the flowers aren't the perfect shade of magenta, a bridesmaid walks down the aisle on the wrong cue, or your welcome toast isn't exactly how you practiced, at the end of the day you'll still be husband and wife and nobody will have even noticed. Try your best to soak up every moment of the day, it goes by way to fast.

Does anyone else have other tips they'd like to share?

A New Partnership for the Wedding Industry

I don't normally post current events on the blog but this one is just too good not to share. Some of you may be aware of a new partnership in the wedding industry between Vera Wang and David's Bridal. Are you surprised? I certainly am!

Apparently the new (unnamed) collection will debut in stores in Spring 2011 and will include about 20 different gowns. The gowns will be consistent with David's Bridal pricing and will not exceed $1,500.

I'll be honest, I am surprised about this partnership but am very excited to see the collection debut and to see so many more brides be able to wear her gorgeous gowns.

What do you think, would you buy a Vera Wang gown from David's Bridal?

How to Create a Timeline | Part 2

A few weeks ago I discussed the importance of having a timeline on your wedding day and how to go about drafting one. A lovely reader also requested that as a follow up I post a sample timeline. So, for the last couples days I have been trying to create one and I've discovered I just can't do it. I don't feel comfortable providing brides with a sample timeline when all weddings are entirely different, especially when it comes to timing. I'd really hate for someone to try to make my sample timeline work just for the sake of ease. So, the next best thing is a list of the must-haves for your timeline.

• the arrival times of all wedding day vendors
• the start of the "getting ready" process for the bridal party
• the time of the first look or when the bridal party should arrive at the ceremony site
• the ceremony start time
• the reception start time (including the start time for cocktails, dinner, hosted bar, etc.)
• the approximate time of all toasts
• the approximate time of formal dances
• the close of the event

Of course, there are most likely additional elements for you to add to your timeline but again it depends on your wedding. You may want to include: the time of family formals, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. The key is to create a timeline that is detailed and easy to follow. After you have completed your timeline I suggest giving it to all of your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and any discrepancies can be dealt with before your wedding day.

As I mentioned in part 1 of this post, a timeline is necessary no matter how simple you feel your wedding day is. If you are organized and have a timeline prepared I can assure you that will alleviate some stress on your wedding day.

Wedding Season Fever

I typically don't post many pictures or inspiration boards on this blog and that is definitely intentional. There are already so many lovely blogs that do that so well that I would rather concentrate on straight up advice, but today is different. The weather in Milwaukee has been so incredible lately that I can't help but let my mind wander into the upcoming wedding season. I've put together some of my favorite spring time finds for you, and hopefully that will help cure my Wedding Season Fever.

The bridal gown you are about to see from J.Crew is one of my new favorites. It's so romantic and whimsical looking-perfect for a garden wedding.

This bridesmaid dress is also from J.Crew (don't be mad, I have an addiction) and would be the perfect mate to this gorgeous gown. Also, take a note to the model's shoes. Who ever decided that bridesmaid's shoes need to be open toed, sparkly or a basic pump?

Oh, and this headband! There is nothing that makes a statement more than a beautifully designed accessory. (confession: I really wanted a different headband for my wedding, designed by ban.do, but I was concerned that it may look like a crustacean on top my head, thoughts?)

Lastly, I leave you with this stunning pair of shoes. A classic ivory in color but just so feminine in design. Wouldn't you love to enjoy your first dance wearing these beauties? I sure would!

So, anyone else have Wedding Season Fever?

Introducing The Wedding Boutique

So, I promise that my absence from The City Bride Blog is the result of something brand new, spectacular, and quite innovative if I do say so myself.

I {proudly} introduce to you...

I am so excited to finally be able to share with you what I have been working on lately! So, what is The Wedding Boutique? The Wedding Boutique is a luxury consulting service that offers wedding industry professionals an opportunity to see the benefits of blogging and the use of social media without having to actually manage it themselves. The Wedding Boutique is currently offering blog memberships in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.

The reason I am so excited about The Wedding Boutique is because it truly helps all of those involved with planning a wedding. The vendors are given an opportunity and the space to collaborate with others in their area and brides can look in one place for inspiration, advice and happenings, and it's all relevant to their own city.

I also must tell you that I can't take all of the credit for this amazing new project. I have teamed up with Amanda from The Blissful Bride and our partnership is dynamite. Her personality and business experience are a perfect compliment to mine and I wouldn't have been able to make this concept come together without her. (Thanks for being so awesome, Amanda!)

Again, thanks for understanding my recent absence and I'd love to hear your thoughts about The Wedding Boutique!

City Bride Photoshoot | The Results

So, to follow up with my behind the scenes post from last week, here are the professional photos, courtesy of Molly of m three studio photography.

And, these flowers, aren't they so gorgeous?

Not only were the flowers absolutely gorgeous but so were the models. Seriously, they were troopers. It was a typical (really cold!) March day in Wisconsin and I give them so much credit for looking fabulous while freezing.

And, here is my favorite shot of the entire shoot. Yes, it is clearly a detail shot but I love the assorted glassware, lilac plates, and my inspiration for the whole design, the linen.

Thanks again to all of the vendors that participated:

florals: freshdesign

photography: m three studio photography

hair and makeup: a fabulous Brew City Bride, Emily

dress and accessories: Miss Ruby Boutique

chairs: Lake Park Bistro

linen: BBJ Linen

And of course, thank you to my assistant for the day, Melissa!

How to Create a Timeline | Part 1

I apologize if this subject is along the lines of "Wedding Planning for Dummies," but it really is a task that brides struggle with.

First of all, if you are considering not creating a timeline (or production schedule as I call it) then stop right now. You need to have one. That doesn't mean that you need to carry it around with you all day, but someone should. The more you are aware of "what's next" and also the time the less stressed out you will be.

So, to create the schedule work backwards through the day. For example, to determine the time your hair appointment should start in the morning depends on what time the ceremony starts, what time you'd like to be at the ceremony site, and how long your hair will take to be styled. Deciding on the time of events is a process and you should try to break them down one by one, instead of looking at the day as whole.

Not only should your schedule include things like the time of family formals, the first look, and ceremony start but it also should include when vendors are arriving for day-of deliveries.

Once the schedule is created send it to all the vendors that are participating in any activities on the day-of. Don't worry about feeling like you are micromanaging, you aren't, they will appreciate how organized you are.

Any other questions? Let me know!

City Bride Photoshoot | Behind The Scenes

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen me recently mention a photoshoot that I was organizing. The purpose of the shoot was to further define my brand and allow brides to learn more about my personal style. The shoot was a couple weeks ago but before I share the professional shots, I'd like to give you a behind the scenes look.

The shoot took place in an alley (behind an awesome stationery store) in the Third Ward. Really, it was the perfect location. While designing the tablescape I really kept in mind that I wanted to inspire brides with this look and remind them that their wedding can be anything they want it to be to. I also tried really hard to use elements that were realistic for most brides to obtain. Sure, the shoots that use huge hanging chandeliers are beautiful but not always obtainable.

The patterned linen was rented from BBJ Linen, the glassware and candle holders were purchased from various Good Will stores in the Milwaukee area, the florals were done by freshdesign and the dinnerware was purchased from Ikea.

Want to see a photo?

This photo was taken with my trusty iphone but the professional photos will be coming your way shortly...and please, don't pay to much attention to the random stuff in the background!

A recap of the shoot wouldn't be complete without sharing that I also had a run in with the law that day. Since we were going to be blocking one side of the alley I contacted the surrounding businesses and made sure it would be okay to setup there for about 2 hours, everyone was obviously fine with it since I wasn't going to be blocking both entrances. However, I didn't realize that above all of these businesses were some condos. So, right as we have are putting the final touches on the table (read: it's now not moveable) a lovely gentlemen pulls into the alley right by our table and becomes very angry. Like I said we weren't blocking both entrances, he just felt inconvenienced that he'd have to drive around the block. Anyway, I don't know for sure but I believe this lovely gentlemen called the Police. The Officer that arrived at the scene was very friendly and only asked that we be cleaned up in 20 minutes. I was so thankful that he let us finish our shots... and he even set up orange cones, making us look very official.

So, other than my little run in with the law, it was a great success. Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that participated!!

Please, don't be mad at me!

Hello lovely readers,

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and I apologize that it may appear like I abandoned this lovely blog and all of you dear readers.

But, I did not abandon you, I could never do that! So, are you curious what I was doing during my hiatus? Well, I have been working on some new big projects for the wedding industry. The details can't yet be discussed but soon, I promise. So, get excited for 2 big announcements coming your way soon and please come back tomorrow when we are back to our regular scheduled posting.

Have a lovely Monday!

The City's Best | J. Invites

I introduce to you J. Invites, owned by JoAnna Gibbons.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I have been designing wedding invitations and other products for four years.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Whether contemporary, traditional, or casual elegance is your style, we can create a one-of-a-kind look for you. We pride ourselves in creating a truly unique and remarkable experience that you and your guests will never forget. I love chandeliers and damask so those are my favorites, but by the end of the creation I usually end up loving all the invites.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

What sets us apart is that we are willing to work with any budget and don't charge a custom design fee. Also what the brides seem to love that we do is create an actual paper sample of the invitation for them, if they would like before they ever even sign a contract.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't feel like you have to stick to 1, 2 or 3 colors for your wedding. Many times brides come in with a swatch and want to match everything to that. I would say some of the weddings that we have done turn out best when multiple colors are used or many shades of greens or any color instead of just having everything be olive green because that is what color the dresses are.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I like to go to Barnes and Noble when I am bored and read/look at all of the bridal magazines. I just love weddings and think they are so different and beautiful every time. Hopefully soon I will be able to plan my own. :-)

Chat with J. Invites:

Ring: 414.897.2925

Web: jinvites.com

Blog: jinvites.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jinvites

JoAnna, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Don't Worry...

about how your wedding will look in 20 years.

A recent conversation with a bride made me realize that every bride at one time during their planning process thinks, "Oh my gosh, in 20 years, my wedding is going to look so dated." And my response to that is yes, it probably will, but that's okay.

My advice to any bride that is in this rut is to make decisions and selections based upon what you really want and are happy with now. You will be living this day now and not in 20 years, so stop thinking that way and allowing it to influence your decisions. Also, when you look back at your photos in the future you will be remembering the emotion and amazing memories from that day, not that you wore a feather in your hair, purple shoes, or a colorful bolero jacket.

The City's Best | All-Star Music

I introduce to you All-Star Music, owned by Craig Krueger.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I've been DJing weddings since I was 18 years old...so 17 years...you can do the math on how old I am!

2. Describe your style and approach.

We are fun without being "cheesy", and aim to keep the party going without bringing much attention to ourselves...After all, it's the bride and groom's day, not ours. In that vein, we aim to customize the entire reception to their tastes and desires.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

My years of experiences, for one. DJing weddings and other events for 17 years has helped me learn a lot about what it takes to help create a memorable event and it has given me a good sense of how to read the crowd when it comes to keeping a dance floor full. I also have strong desire to provide superior customer service on top of being a great DJ. Because DJing is my full-time career, I am available 24/7 to answer phone calls and emails or meet with clients. Another attribute is I have an absolute love for music... it's my passion and I think it shows!

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Before you start planning ask yourself, "What do I want to remember from my wedding day and what do I want the guests to remember?" Your answer to that question will create your priorities and everything else will fall into place.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

I hosted my own radio station called "Sunday Night Jams" on 91FM WSUP, the campus radio station at UW-Platteville. Being involved with the show for four years helped develop my MC skills and my ability to program four entertaining hours of music. That eventually led to DJing school dances and campus events and encouraged me to start up my first DJ company. That feels like a lifetime ago, but it was a huge step toward my current position as owner of a DJ service that seems to be held in high esteem!

Chat with All-Star Music:

Ring: 414.405.3675

Web: all-starmusic.net

Blog: all-starmusicplanner.djintelligence.com/blog

Twitter: @allstarmusicwi

Craig, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Wedding Planning Q&A | Part 2

This weeks question comes from a reader, Liz.

"Here's a question I have been stumped on for months...We are having a small intimate ceremony at Villa Terrace (okay, not that small 120 people) but we are inviting another 100 to the reception at Lake Park Bistro. How do I word the invitations to those not "invited" to the ceremony."

Thank you for the question Liz, invitation wording is something that almost all brides struggle with at some point during their planning.

First off all, to make the invitation process easier on you, I would keep the designs very similar for both invitations. Also, not knowing much about your wedding other than the venues, I would take a more formal approach.

For wording the reception only invitation there are various ways to appropriately invite the guests but I would keep it simple and say something like:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to an evening reception to celebrate their wedding.

Also, be sure to include the time and address of Lake Park Bistro.

One more thing to consider is timing. If these guests are only invited for a portion of the reception (such as dancing) make sure that you pad a little bit of extra time in your schedule just incase your dinner (assuming you are having one) takes longer than expected. You definitely don't want the guests that arrive later to show up while your other guests are still seated and eating. It can be a very awkward situation.

If you have a question to be answered leave a comment and I will answer it next week!