Earth Friendly Wedding Albums

Although I'm a day late in posting for Earth Day, it's never too late to promote an environmentally friendly product and conscientious service I believe in. Renowned photographer, Ruth Harper of Happily Ever After offers Earth Friendly wedding albums made entirely in the United States with 100% recycled archival pages.

Contact Ruth at ruth@happilyeverafterphoto.com or check out her website Happily Ever After for more information. Thanks Ruth, for sharing this valuable tip for not only brides and grooms, but wedding planners and others in the wedding industry. You are definitely a trendsetter in the world of environmentally friendly weddings.

Humanitarian Award

If I were to give a humanitarian award to one person in the wedding industry, it would go to Andrew Vick of Vick Photography. Andrew is a man with deep convictions and unending faith and love for people. He travels extensively shooting destination weddings but what makes him an inspiration is he spends at least four weeks a year traveling to impoverished countries building homes and schools.

His wedding photography business keeps him booked almost year round, however he always carves out time in two week increments to travel to third world countries to live among the citizens, get to know them and help any way he is able. One of these ways is through building.

I share studio space with Andrew at Living Room Studios so I see first hand the intricacies involved in scheduling and planning these trips. Often the journey just to arrive to the location takes over 24 hours and for most, that would be discouraging but not for Andrew. He thrives on the challenge and gains energy from the experience and from what I hear, the lives of those he touches will never be the same. Check out this blog posting from one of his most recent trips to Guatemala.

Andrew you are truly an inspiration and if the opportunity ever presents itself, I nominate you for the Humanitarian Award.

Our I Do Vow To Commitment

Our commitment at I Do Vow To is to not only help couples plan the wedding of their dreams, but also to create a wedding experience that has implications into the future. A couple's wedding day is a time they will remember and cherish hopefully into their twilight years, but the day is just that...one day.

After the flowers have wilted, the linens returned and the guests have gone home the wedding day is over. It's a lot like Christmas with all the hard work, all the anticipation, cooking, wrapping, cleaning and finally it's here...but just for a few short hours, then suddenly gone.

While Christmas will return again, your wedding day will not. However, a wedding designed and coordinated by I Do Vow To will provide the assurance that the impact of your wedding day will be felt long after the day has passed. For example, I Do Vow To will commit to eliminating waste in two ways. We will not knowingly waste valuable dollars on unnecessary or frivolous purchases such as favors, nor will we contribute to the ever growing piles of waste in our landfills.

While I love the world of weddings, I also recognize how terribly wasteful they can be. I have posted previous blogs about wedding waste and favors, so will not repeat myself except to say, I believe we can reverse the wasteful trend and start a new one.

For example, I agree that Save-the-Date cards are a great tool for couples, but they are another wedding product that ultimately ends up in the trash. Why not prepare an online, interactive Save-the-Date invitation like my friend and colleague, Andrew Vick did for his upcoming wedding. Bookmark the link on your computer and you have everything you need to save-the-date.

I believe couples can make another important and long lasting impact while planning their wedding by being selective with the vendors they choose. Every vendor that I Do Vow To recommends is involved in philanthropic work in one form or another. For example, Laurie Schneider of Laurie Schneider Photography volunteers time and pledges funding for Home For Life an animal rescue in Wisconsin where all animals are kept until they are adopted or there to stay. These animals are never euthanized but are loved and cared for and these animals are truly Home For Life, forever.

Andrew Vick of Vick Photography sponsors a child for one year through World Vision in the name of each couple that hires him for their wedding photography. That couple has the option to continue the sponsorship at their anniversary.

These are the commitments and focus that drive I Do Vow To and I sincerely hope you agree that we can plan a fabulous wedding for you but at the same time make a lasting difference in this world for children, animals and us all.

Huge Cost Savings

I love do-it-yourself projects but only if they don't end up looking DIY. You know what I'm talking about - silk bridal bouquets, for example, that look silk and homemade. Personally, I'm with Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory...silk doesn't belong in weddings unless of course you're talking about Shantung, Dupion or Taffeta as in your bridal gown.

My friend, Merina sent me a couple photos of her wedding complete with this DIY for her ceremony and reception. She used one roll of high-quality sod, and 100 feet of galvinized rain gutters to create this mock-wheatgrass decor. I love the look and better yet, love the price. Her DIY project cost $50 big ones - that's it. This same look in wheatgrass was estimated at $750.

The easiest part of this project was cutting the sod to fit the gutter. Place the sod on a flat level surface, green side up please and press the metal edges of the gutter down on top of the sod. Pushing slighty, the sharp edge of the gutter slices through the grass and soil and gives a straight clean edge. Flip the gutter upright and place the sod snuggly down into the gutter. There....finished!

Sprinkle with water to keep the grass hydrated until use, don't over water and just after placing the grass at your ceremony or reception sites, have your wedding coordinator {hint, hint} spray lightly for that fresh, finished and professional look.

Good luck and enjoy saving significant dollars on this DIY project.

Free Design Ideas

When searching for a way to organize photos for posting on either of my two blogs, I discovered Bridal Canvas. Simply put it's an online tool for organizing photos in collage fashion or better yet, it can be used as inspiration for brides while designing the look and theme for their wedding. The best part of Bridal Canvas is brides can see how their ideas, colors and details coordinate in one cohesive photo. They can play around with backgrounds, images and themes until they've captured the perfect design.

I've put together some of my own canvases from real weddings which you will see as the last image, but the top three are samples off inspiration boards. The uses and ideas are endless and best yet, it's free. Take a look at some of these canvases by real brides...some depict bridal fashion, jewelry and accessories, while others focus on just cakes or just reception decor. There is no right or wrong way to create your own canvas.

There is a helpful tutorial to get you started but the more you play with it, the easier it becomes. Bridal Canvas makes anyone look like a professional designer...Good luck and happy designing.

Design Tips

I admit I'm a freak about specialty linens and can spend hours touching, draping and experimenting with hundreds of luxurious linens at some of my favorite suppliers such as Linen Effects, Aarcee Classic Events & Festivities. I have to force myself to leave or risk being arrested as a squatter. No really...it's that serious.

But not every bride loves linens like I do, nor can every bride afford some of the price tags on these beauties - locally expect to pay $35 ea or more for high end tapestries and damask or as little as $12 for solid colors. Even $12 linens make a huge difference in pulling together all elements of design by serving as the foundation for the "look".

If renting linens, even basic white or ivory, I recommend 120" round for 60" round tables. This gives the linen a nice drop to the floor and covers the unsightly table legs. For 72" tables go with the 132" linens and for 6' or 8' banquet tables try the 90" x 156" conference cloth. These tend to be oval but with 4 florist pins and table pad, the corners can be pulled up and pinned into an elegant drape.

If floor-length linens aren't in the budget, try something I learned years ago...double up your linens. In other words, two 81" x 81" square linens for one table. Most banquet facilities use just one per 60" round table with the points strategically placed at the legs but the look is more industrial with the linen draping at guests laps instead of the floor. However using two per table allows for creative folding with draping then to the floor. So far you haven't spent an extra cent but have the look of floor length linens. Now for the finishing touch - use table runners down the center of the table to cover the seam and to add extra depth and dimension to your table.

Table runners can be rented at much less than specialty linens, or do what I do, shop at antique stores or Ragstock. Ragstock has an amazing selection of Obi Sashes used in traditional Asian kimono dress. These sashes tend to be 12" to 18" wide with sufficient length to elegantly drape over the table. What a great way to add interest and color to each table without breaking the budget.

Hope this helps.

In This Economy...part III

In the previous two segments "In This Economy" I covered how Bed and Breakfasts can be an affordable and completely unique experience for out-of-town wedding guests rather than the traditional hotel. They can also be the perfect setting for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception.

Here are my favorite Bed and Breakfasts:

• The Peacock Inn - located in Chaska, MN is owned and lovingly run by Joyce and Jens Bohn has 5 very beautiful bedrooms all with private baths and some with two person jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and antique furniture. They have hosted many private functions including rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremonies and receptions and family reunions. I have hosted events at The Peacock and look forward to doing so again.
• Matthew S Burrows 1890 Inn in Duluth is conveniently located across the street from St. Paul's Episcopal Church and has stunning views of Lake Superior. It too has five comfortable bedrooms all with private baths but the highlight has to be the breakfast. You will receive a meal fit for a king all by candlelight.
• Ivy Creek Farm in Lynchburg, VA is a personal favorite. I met innkeepers Marilyn and Lynn Brooks in Puerto Vallarta at one of the weddings I coordinated. I enjoyed every moment spent discussing the trials and tribulations of innkeeping but also the joy and satisfaction they receive making new friends practically every week. Theirs is a much larger inn and capable of handling weddings up to 100 guests. Ivy Creek Farm is situated on 8 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and they have something practically unheard of, an indoor swimming pool.

For more information about each of these properties check out their websites and tell them Amy from Fete Perfection recommended you. I know you will be well taken care of.

In This Economy...part II

Last week I posted about the benefits of out-of-town wedding guests staying in a Bed & Breakfast over a hotel. With the right size wedding, this would be a great option for a ceremony and reception as well. There are many B & B's who offer these services, however do not advertise them.

Owners are wary to advertise wedding services, typically because they are a lot of work and not a lot of profit for the owner. However, many owners I have met enjoy the opportunity to be a part of such a special time in couples lives and feel they can offer very personalized services a typical venue cannot. Since most B&B's started out as private homes, the quaintness and charm of the surroundings cannot be replicated in say for example, a hotel ballroom.

Most couples I work with say they are looking for ambiance and unique surroundings with a historical perspective and I say, what about a B & B? If the guest list is under 75, many properties will hold ceremonies in the garden with a cocktail party on the wrap around porch and dinner inside.

B&B's are easy on the budget. Most properties do not charge room rental or even a set-up fee. A special catering license is needed to provide food beyond breakfast but the owners I have worked with seem content to include this fee with their food and beverage charge.

Another reason to consider a B&B is very little extra expense is needed for florals and decor. So many have beautiful lush gardens can serve as ceremony backdrops. Guests are wowed by the simple fact that your wedding is in a gorgeous setting and little else is needed to enhance it.

I'll provide a list of my most favorite B&B's in Minnesota in part III.

In This Economy...

who doesn't want or need to save money on hotel accommodations and yes even wedding venues?

While I was in Duluth this week I stayed at a charming Bed & Breakfast called Matthew S Burrows 1890 Inn. My room had all the creature comforts a hotel offers but there was a certain personalized element that is rarely found even in five-star luxury hotels. The room had high ceilings, an antique bed {with comfortable mattress} beautiful quilts and coordinating bedding, ceiling fan, wing back chairs and the most luxurious free-standing claw footed soaking tub, to name a few.

The next morning I enjoyed a delectable breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade blueberry muffin and an upside down apple puff pancake with caramel sauce, orange juice and fresh brewed coffee. This certainly beats the continental breakfasts offered at many chains.

As I was driving home the thought occurred to me that when a newly engaged couple is looking for hotel accommodations for their out-of-town guests, they usually contact hotels for room blocks. That's the first thought I have as well, however couples should consider local Inn's and B&B's like Matthew S Burrows 1890 Inn. Duluth is a great example of the hotel market being just mediocre, however throw in the Bed & Breakfasts and places like Fitger's Inn and guests have many more appealing and affordable options.

In part II I'll explain why a B&B fits into the I Do Vow To business model and discuss why they make sense for wedding venues. Check out the Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association for locations near you.

Minnesota Wedding Blog by Rev Tomkin Coleman

I would be a very bad wedding planner if I failed to mention how much I love working with Reverend Tomkin Coleman. Not only does he take a personalized interest in each and every couple he works with, but he is one of the most informed wedding professionals I have had the pleasure of working with.

He writes a blog "Minnesota Wedding Blog" which is a combination of Dear Abby, Jeopardy and Miss Manners on steroids. He definitely knows his stuff and I have to admit I too have looked to his blog for resources or the occasional etiquette question I couldn't answer.

So if you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind minister to perform a personalized heartfelt ceremony, Reverend Tompkin Coleman should be your first choice. Check him out at Minnesota Wedding Minister and tell him Fete Perfection sent you. By the way, I took his photo from his blog so you can see how warm and charming he is.