#AmbianceInvites you to help yourself to the ONE thing every bride needs

Every Bride? C'mon...impossible. Each bride is uniquely different in her concerns, her vision, her plans for her day. This is 100% true. Yet, there are several steps of the planning process that are exactly the same for each Ms on her ways to Mrs.

Each bride-to-be will collect addresses of family and friends they intend to invite. The length of their list may vary but at some point there are bound to be one or more of the following:

engagement party invite,  shower invite, save the date, wedding invitations, RSVP card/return envelope, thank you card. 

Although, every bride-to-be may not choose a professional stationer or calligrapher for addressing, all these pretty pieces of paper have to be sealed and sent out some how. That's where we come in (insert superhero arrival theme music). That's right, telling the masses what every bride needs but doesn't know she wants...yet!

Envelope Moistener with Adhesive from Carlson Craft

The Envelope Moistener! Compiling a solid and correct list of addresses for guests is difficult enough. It is one of the most commonly dreaded tasks of wedding planning; only because few are thinking ahead to the actual sealing of a potential 300-500 envelopes. This moistener is ideal because of the adhesive, a smooth seal in a single stroke. Cheap moisteners with refillable water containers leave much room for error, most commonly spills that ruining envelopes and pre-written/typed addresses. Raise your hand if you like to do your work twice? No one...exactly. 

This tool is an inexpensive no-brainer for every couple announcing they are getting hitched. Throw one in a bridal bag for your Bestie, attach to a congratulations card for your daughter, neice, or neighbor. Be the knight in shining armor Groom by volunteering to seal envelopes for her (major brownie points). Better yet, treat yourself because you are the bride and now know you don't have to do this the hard way. 

CLICK HERE, to save your sanity or that of someone you love. 

Hugs, Kisses, & Best Wedding Plan Wishes,

Team Ambiance



#ambianceinvites #weddinginvitations #bride #groom #weddingstationary #weddinghacks #weddings #weddingtip #ido #weddingplanner #virginia #maryland #dc 

#AmbianceAdores this "I Said Yes" FREE printable

I'm trying to figure out just how many ways to use this FREE printable sign from the Carlson Craft blog. Oh, you thought it was just for the bride-to-be? No way! Maybe I'll start taking pictures of me when I say yes to a new client or a new latte at Starbucks. It's just that cute! 

Lucky for you, this is an adorable and cost effective prop for your social media selfie or with your ring shot for your engagement session.  Best of all,  it's super easy to make; just download, print, cut, and glue/tape on a handle. 

Here's hoping you love this free find as much as we do...CLICK HERE for download and instructions. 

#ambianceadores #weddingprintables #bride #weddingsigns #isaidyes #inspiration #weddings #weddingplanner #VAweddings

Missed #bridalfashionweek? 5 Must See Looks!

Bridal Fashion Week...a chance to peek into the brilliant minds that continue to recreate and breath new life into the ways we love lace, silk, chiffon, and all things wedding.  

I think I have decided that I am totally going to Bridal Fashion Week next year in New York. My first goal for 2016. Last week, I glued myself to our Twitter and Instagram accounts to indulge myself in the fashions, inspiration, and glamour of it all, living vicariously through some of our favorite folks to follow on Instagram. Here are merely a few of our favorite looks from last week.

Runway magic...IG: southernweddings

Yes...it's an Ombre gown! #ambianceadores this post from IG: Martha_Weddings 

Love this "It's A Wrap" shot from designer IG: moniquelhuillier

Proof that daring and different can still be classy! IG:munaluchibride

Concepts leave room for so much imagination. We can totally see a bride wearing her flowers! IG: theknot

#NFL Inspiration for the Big Day

 

We are all about incorporating the things you love into your special day. Nothing changes when it comes to football. Two tricks to keep in mind when you include sports elements into the big day.

1. Keep it sophisticated.

2. Don't over do it.


Tips to Achievement:

You are a grown up...planning an evening of class, tradition, and etiquette, no matter the style. If you want to include your love of football  or any other sport, just be sure to take a step back and make sure it matches the "ambiance" of the rest of the event. I recommend subtle choices that guests will notice out of surprise. Whatever you choose, it shouldn't be the sore thumb in the room.

Secondly, you don't need your favorite team, team colors, or sport on everything.  One or two elements should do the trick. Don't go overboard with color or design. Here are a few elements that #ambianceadores!

Table Names or Numbers

A guest book you can easily turn into decor for your home! 

Single men will be more apt to come out an catch this over a garter belt. 

Team Cufflinks, also a great gift for groomsmen. 

5 Oh So Inviting Looks for Fall

Fall...Hello Beautiful. Join me in welcoming the season made for warmth and intimacy. Fall is primary known as the season  for rich colors like earthy shades of tans/browns, oranges, wine hues of red and of course gold. Whether your style be rustic or opulent, fancy yourself a Fall wedding with these 5 inspiring items that #ambianceadores.

Acorns and Wreaths get a sophisticated new look with this invite. 

One of My Favorites!!! All that glitters...

#ambianceadores this playful and whimsical invitation to  Fall. 

Break out the gourds and candles for a more literal inspired Fall event design. 

Another one of my favorites. It's just so darn inviting...like your wedding day should be. 

CLICK HERE to shop these and other Fall favorites from our e-store.

What colors will you be using in your Fall inspired wedding? Share by posting a comment.

5 killer ideas for #somethingblue on Wedding Day

Inspiration is everywhere...even on Instagram! As proof, I offer you five fantastic and fun ideas for your #somethingblue on Wedding Day.

As a bonus, you may even find a new someone to follow for more creative inspiration. Be sure to start with us, IG: Ambiance Special Events.

#1. Can anybody tell me what is not to love about the bubbly bride and her blue cowboy boots? Everything about it makes me miss home, just a little! This bride looks sweet, sassy and true to herself! It takes one to know one and this Southern Girl approves!

#2. A Cotton Candy Machine! My jaw dropped when I saw this one! Pinch-able, sweet, and delicious bites of nostalgia are sure to remind your guests of happy times, putting them in the perfect mood to celebrate and enjoy. A few select rental  companies have them available for rent and they aren't that hard to work. If you're nice, maybe your wedding planner will throw in a staff member as an attendant. Having a planner has its perks!

#3. Vintage. Cartier! Nothing really more to say here. These two words are already a match made in heaven!!! 

#4.  Move over garter belts and nail polish...wearing #somethingblue just got a seriously subtle upgrade. 

#5. As cocktail hours and signature drinks cement their place on wedding day, why not invite all of your guests to enjoy your something blue? You'll definitely want to work closely with your bar/spirits provider and splurge on a tasting to ensure your cocktail is not only the right shade of blue but tasty to the palette. 

Have another #somethingblue idea you think we'll love? Post a comment below or send us a pic or link! Until next time... 

Seven Lucky Tips from the Valentine Pros

Photo Cred: Bayside Resort Dot Com

It’s that time of year, where many spare no expense on bears, greeting cards, flowers, and more. The time honored tradition of publicly showing their affection for another on the day of St. Valentine.  According to 2014 statistics from CNN, roughly 2 billion dollars will be spent on candy, another 2 billion on flowers, and nearly 5 billion on diamonds, gold, and/or silver. Shocking, right?

This year, who better to advise you on your Valentine’s Day decisions than those who celebrate it annually…with the same person! We were so lucky to have a few of our Facebook Married couples offer their Do’s and Don’ts for the making this Valentine’s Day special and memorable.

Do think outside the box. It should be about quality time together...not things you receive. ~Kristi  & Nathaniel (3 years 11 months)

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is February 14^th. ~Andrew (3yrs)

Do - make an effort...a small gesture or card; prepare dinner or dessert.  ~Suzanne (16 yrs)

Don’t think the MAN has to do everything on Valentine’s Day. We like to feel loved and special too. ~Robb (1year)

Do think about his/her personality and choose a gift that fits, not necessarily the standard flowers and chocolates. Thinking and preparation go a long way!  ~Shannon & Peter (7yrs)

Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Treat each day as a special day. Giving flowers on the Tuesday before is better.  ~Omari  (5yrs)

If you don't do special stuff regularly and spontaneously throughout the year, Valentine’s Day isn't as special. ~Cassandra (19 yrs)

Before you cast your coins into the 18+ billion dollar pool of love tokens, consider just how well spent that money will be. Will your gestures really reflect your love and adoration for your partner? It looks like the pros agree to keep it creative and personal on any day you plan to show your love. These seven lucky tips are just the advice or reminders you need to achieve a more thoughtful and meaningful Valentine’s Day with your sweetie.

Go forth and spread the love!

#valentinesdaytips #valentinesday #valentinesdayideas #valentinegiftsforhim #valentinegiftsforher #ambianceadores 

Make It Monday: Napkin Design Series Pt 4

Today, a more advanced napkin design to use in your table glasses. Better Homes and Gardens has a jazzy little video to complete our Making It Monday Napkin Folding Series. Again, let me plug how terribly awful this would be for you to try and tackle without a coordinator (cough, cough...call me) for something large like a wedding. This design adds interest, a smidge of height to your tablescape and the pop of color we mentioned all month.

Hope you enjoyed and learned a few great ways to enhance your table glam for not a lot of moola!

Don't be left out. Get caught up on the whole January series:

Napkin Designs Pt. 1

Napkin Designs Pt. 2

Napkin Designs Pt. 3

What was your favorite design featured? Which, do you think was most easy to execute? Share...and post your comment below.



***More money saving tips and the best corners to cut in our newsletter subscription, Get It Here! 

#BumpDay: 2 Ways to Make Fun Last Long After the Shower

It's #BumpDay...your go-to spot for baby, shower, and mommy-to-be inspiration & projects. Today, we're sharing two fun and easy "pinteresting" activities for a baby shower. The special things about these activities, they are ways to remember your shower and the people who helped you celebrate long after it's over.

D-I-Y Bib Station: You'll need bibs, of course, and fabric markers to make this reusable memory. You'll love the conversation and laughs they'll create during the shower. The hard part will be deciding which one to use first. You can stay in touch with guests by snapping and sharing a photo when baby first wears his/her custom bib. It's a win-win activity.

Diaper Captions...are a great way to allow your guests to have some real fun. Capture each guests wisdom, wit, and encouragement with a diaper. You're sure to enjoy these long after the shower is over. I love this station for co-ed showers in particular. You are almost guaranteed to have a few laugh out loud moments just when you need one.

Enjoy & Happy #BumpDay!

Team Ambiance

5 Pinteresting Ways To Propose To Your Wedding Party

Searching for ways to pop the question a second time? How will you ask your closest friends and family to become your wedding party. We've got some adorable ideas just for you.

Custom Labels for Everyone 

Responsibilities Included 

We totally have a crush on this scrabble tile ring. CLICK  HERE to check out the DIY instructions.

#ambianceadores Grey's Anatomy, so Be My Person, sent us over the moon in love. 

Say It With Wine! Drink now or save for 1st Anniversary.

*Photo Cred: Pinterest

#ambianceadores #bridesmaidproposalideas #groomsmanproposalideas #weddingpartygifts #bridalparty #vaweddingplanner 

Ambiance Talks Manners w/ Girl Scouts

I am so tickled to have been invited and ask to speak at a local daisy troop's holiday tea.  Fun, right?

Last year, a brownie troop of 7 lovely ladies and I had dinner, after practicing setting the table and basic table manners. They ask some great questions and took home a basic table setting place mat to continue practicing for their badge.

So you bet I jumped for joy when another troop leader reached out to me. I'm already looking through age appropriate books to share and ways to reward those caught practicing during our tea. December 17th, we're saving the date!

I told you...I HAVE THE BEST JOB EEEEEEEEEEVER!

Troop 2063 practicing where to place elbows during dinner.

5 Gorgeous Gourds for Fall Decorating

It has been said that the key to economical decor is to use seasonal items. They can be the most cost effective and creative ways to decorate for events and holidays. The same rings true for fall gourds. Here are our favorite ideas to elevate gourds into something elegant and sophisticated for your home dinner or special event. #ambianceadores this gourd-geous inspiration!

Place Card Settings

*for smaller event, just sit on top of each dinner plate*

(photo cred: somethingvintagechinarental.blogspot.com)

Aisle Decorations (great touch for indoor weddings too)

*a great way to decorate your home porch or sidewalk as well*

(photo cred: wantthatwedding.co.uk.jpg)

Vases

*great for a home or more formal event*

Candles 

*another great choice for a home or more formal event*

(photo cred: foodnfemininity.blogspot.com)

Candlestick Centerpiece

*great look for a long table with candles*

(photo cred: pinterest)