Please Vote for Our Latest Tabletop Competition Design

Weddings From The Heart has entered Prime Time Party Rental's 2011 Tabletop Competition. I'd really appreciate it if you would vote for my entry. The last day to vote is Friday, April 1. (Voting "how-to" and links are at the bottom of this post).

I took my inspiration from the 1941 painting by Marsden Hartley called "Flower And Star On Window," on display at the Dayton Art Institute --

-- and decided to create what I thought would be found outside that seaside window in Maine.Seaside elements were incorporated throughout the design, including --

-- the sculptural centerpiece -- the chair backs (that's a full carrick bend, just not pulled tightly)

-- and in the place card holders and candy favors To vote you need to be a fan of Prime Time Party Rental's FaceBook page. Then go to this link of the Event Planner Category. My entry is the last two photos in this category. To place your vote click on my pictures then click "like."

Open Letter to DJ’s and MC’s

There is something that is done at nearly every wedding reception, but technically it is incorrect. Sorry, but I cringe every time it happens, so I beg you, please, please stop.

What is it?

It’s the introduction of the bride and groom that includes the words “for the first time.”

Sorry, but this is NOT the first time they’ve been introduced as Mr. and Mrs.

The first time took place at the conclusion of their wedding ceremony. After their officiant pronounces them Husband and Wife, and they kiss, he or she introduces them – for the first time.

So please – introduce them, but remember, you are not introducing them for the first time.

(I’ll climb off my soapbox now).

C is for Cupcakes

To cupcake or not to cupcake.

Many people don't feel that cupcakes are appropriate for a wedding. After all, they are more commonly associated with childrens treats than a bridal confection.

However, if you're going to serve these versatile little cakes as your wedding day dessert here are a few tips to make them more "grown up."

• Skip the ho-hum cupcake liner and choose one in an amazing color and/or design to complement your wedding day.


• Instead of the simple chocolate and vanilla, experiment with different flavors. How about key lime pie, caramel apple or blueberry.


• But if you like chocolate and vanilla, go for an unexpected frosting flavor - maybe chocolate mocha, strawberry buttercream or dark chocolate ganache.


• Make the presentation spectacular. As are wedding cakes, your cupcakes will be on display until they are to be served. Cupcake stands come in different shapes, sizes and styles. Make sure your baker actually uses a stand for cupcakes, not regular cakes. Although both make for a more dramatic presentation than just sitting all the cupcakes flat on the table, the proportions of a regular cake stand are too big, and there will be a lot of open "lost" space.

Ignorance in Not Bliss

Don’t run the risk of potentially running up a hefty fine, incurring overtime charges that could have been avoided, or losing out on a refundable deposit by not making yourself aware of the “fine print.”

• At your reception site there’s a difference between the time your event has to be done and the time you have to be cleaned up and out of the building.

• Not every ceremony site permits petals in the aisle, whether carefully placed there by your florist or dropped by your flower girl.

• You’ve rented hundreds of votive candles from your florist or rental company. Do they require you to return them clean and free of melted wax?

Read everything in your vendors’ informational packets and contracts, and ask for a complete list of rules and regulations for your ceremony and reception venues.

They say “knowledge is power” so arm yourself so you can plan accordingly and avoid any additional money owed at the conclusion of or after your wedding day.

B is for Boutonniere

If you are like most brides, you will give a lot of thought to your bouquet.

Although much smaller, don't skimp on the thought for your groom's boutonnerie.

While a rosebud boutonniere is probably the most traditional, it is by no means the only choice. Your groom's boutonniere should compliment your bouquet, and fit the style of your wedding.

Non-floral options are very charming and unique - either as an accent ot the flowers in the boutonniere or as the whole thing. You might consider colorful leaves or wheat. For a winter wedding, a small piece of evergreen or pine cones are adorable. Ferns, berries, feathers, and pussywillow are also great non-floral choices.

For more boutonniere inspiration check out this link to The Knot

Bridal Luncheon with Mary Dann

A Magnifique Moment
Bridal Luncheon & Event

Join us for this unique bridal event
presented by Your Dream Day and Weddings From The Heart!

All attendees will get to:

• Judge a tabletop design competition
• Have lunch with Mary Dann, celebrity wedding planner (who has been featured on "Whose Wedding is it Anyway," "Platinum Weddings," and In Style Weddings Magazine)
• Enjoy dessert from a local wedding cake specialist
• Hear Mary’s tips about wedding planning with Q&A
• Book signing opportunity with Mary (Books may be purchased at the event for an additional fee).
• Get your photo taken with Mary
• Receive a goodie bag filled with items from area wedding professionals

When: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Where: Country Club of the North
1 Club North Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45385
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Pre-sale tickets are only $25 each (Free childcare will be provided. Please let us know the number of children).

To reserve your spot, go to http://www.daytonbridalconsultants.com/.

If you have any questions or indicate childcare please contact
Jean at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net / 937-235-2586 or
Kathy at kathy@yourdreamday.com / 513-850-5513