How To Survive A Wedding Show

Valentine's Day typically marks the end of engagement season. Wedding show invitations and open houses are sure to fill your inbox soon. One questions lingers, do I really need to go?

Yes! The wedding show (also known as bridal shows) is an excellent opportunity to meet, interview, and book vendors, all in a day's work. Wedding shows can also save you a time, gas and several weeks of tracking a vendor down, coordinating schedules, along with a time and place to meet. Bridal shows allows you to see the work of a variety of vendors all needed for the big celebration.

On the other hand, if you are unprepared, a bridal show can leave you feeling shocked and overwhelmed. Which are not often associated with a pleasant experience. Navigating aisle after aisle of photographers, planners, cakes, and facilities requires a strong strategy. Use these 5 essential tips to plan ahead and maximize one of the BEST resources for planning your wedding.

1. Register. When you register for a bridal show or Open House all of the show information comes to you. Shows have a variety of operating procedures but participating vendors, special discounts, and giveaways will be at your fingertips. Best of all, most couples who register receive extra perks just for doing so.

2. Research. When available, check out the list of vendors attending the show against your list of wedding needs. Visit vendor websites, check their reviews, photo galleries. This will allow you to better decide who you must meet, and who it would be nice to meet if you have time. Remember, to keep an open mind about visiting and talking with each vendor; because you love someone's website doesn't mean you'll connect with them in person. Don't be afraid to visit with someone not on your list, you never know who will surprise you with great service AND a winning attitude.

3. Print It Out. Pick up a pack of mailing or return address labels. Print your name, wedding date, and email on them. This will allow you to sign up and register for activities, information, and prizes with ease. Pre-printed labels also aid in time management during the show, allowing you more time to network and connect with vendors that pique your interests most.

4. Take Note. When you are meeting vendors and picking up business cards, be sure to mark the services you like best and want to connect with again. Make a note with a pen, colored marker or highlighter, or stickers; any way to make them stand out and easy to find once you get home.

5. Act. When a connection is made with a vendor, be ready to act. Know your budget, upcoming schedule, and availability. Don't be afraid to get on their calendar! After all, there about about 6 dozen more bride-to-be's (and fifteen with your same wedding date) shopping the same vendors. Be ready to set a meeting, follow up call, request a contract or book on the spot. This is the point of the show. No one says you have to drag out the planning process over twelve months. Save yourself time by preparing in advance and reward yourself with all your free nights and weekends.

Remember to decide ahead of time if you are shopping for particular goods/services or just browsing and idea gathering. Keep interviewing until you get a warm and fuzzy feeling about the vendors' ability and understanding of your vision. You get to choose most, if not all of your vendors. Surround yourself with positive energy and people that get you.

If you use these tips, you'll be more prepared to get the information you need AND create the opportunity to enjoy the experience too.

#virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #weddingadvice #weddingshow #bridalshow #askambiance #inspiration

Have Several Seats...2017 Chair Trends

Lunch Break Bride, 

You only have about an hour to eat, be inspired, and make decisions about this wedding. Today, is your lucky day! Find out why we can't wait to have several seats in 2017. 

It's not every day that a new chair trend comes along. In 2000, the best and most popular choice was renting white folding chairs. 2008, the chivari chair gained popularity but was still considered a substantial splurge. Now, two chair trends are on the horizon for 2017 and #ambianceadores! 

First up, the ghost chair. Although it won't be for everyone, we love its sleek design and chameleon like qualities that will blend in with any color scheme. This chair can really elevate a traditional formal design to contemporary with no effort at all. 

If formal doesn't appeal to you, no worries, this chair can easily switch up your shower or rehearsal dinner to whimsical yet sophisticated in a blink. The ghost chair is a definite splurge for the everyday bride, running $18-$22/chair; but an oh so edgy way to invite guests to the table with a seat they won't often experience. 

For an up-to-date look on rustic and/or casual designs, consider mix and match chairs. We can't wait to break all the rules and go coordinated but not uniform! Mix and match chairs can offer a playful but welcoming ambiance to your design/decor and can really add some depth and luxury to your space. 

We simply can't wait...tell me, which new chair trend speaks to you? 

#weddingdecor #weddingtrends #inspiration #weddingplanner #ambianceadores #eventdesign 

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

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.

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 

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)

Conquering Virginia: Potomac Shores Golf Club

I had the pleasure of attending an industry Open House for Potomac Shores Golf Club in Dumfries, VA. I enjoyed delicious bites, the smooth sounds of JJ&T Entertainment, and networked with the best of wedding professionals. A fun Friday indeed! 

Sunset around a fire pit overlooking the rolling hills of the 18th hole, will give you and your guests the all the feelings of a winery in the convenience of a golf club! They have beautiful indoor/outdoor options for small weddings, bridal showers, and/or rehearsal dinners. If quaint and relaxed is your look, it's worth the look!

Maximize Your Event Budget! At Dollar Tree?

It is easy to get side tracked with aisles and aisles of items that only cost $1. One can find beauty/health care, garden and seasonal items to cleaning products and even condiments, which leaves the questions, is there anything really worth going for? Granted some items will break just by looking at them but we've found at least 5 things that are an absolute SCORE for your special events budget!

1
  Glassware: the dollar tree has vases in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are great standard pieces for centerpieces and excellent for the craftier guys and dolls that go so far as to glue and paint the pieces into more custom centerpiece designs. A big win for your budget.

 Greeting Cards: Browse birthday, friendship, thinking of you, seasonal, wedding, baby, and more for just a buck. Tell me where in the world you can find a selection of greeting cards cheaper? Dollar Tree greeting cards are becoming so popular that the cards are $1/piece. If you are lucky, some locations still have a selection are that are 2/$1. So when you are heading out to your next event (birthday, baby or bridal shower), spring for the card, tissue paper, and bag, all from Dollar Tree.

3 Balloons: That’s right! Mylar balloons are only a $1/ balloon as opposed to a competitor like Party City which charges $1.99 each, an economical choice for kid or adult Birthdays, office celebrations, baby showers and open houses. Foil not your thing? No worries, you can also find packs of balloons you can blow up yourself, perfect for decorations, favors and party games.

Party Essentials: Table cloths, plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery. Although I’m not a huge fan of plastic tablecloths, there are some cool decorations and other décor you can make with them. I look at it like the very basics for customizing. For example, take a plain paper cup (any color) and add a themed sticker. Voila, instant custom cups for your party! Mix and match to create something you are sure to love.

5      Stationary: In this section you’ll find pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, stickers, activity books, note pads, crayons, stickers, and more. All the things you need to create custom bags/buckets to keep the kiddos occupied at something like a wedding or office picnic. Most items come with multiples in a pack, so you’re sure to make your dollar stretch farther. 

Cheers, To More Lasting Marriages!

On this upcoming Sunday, May 18^th, I will have been married for 12 years. With each passing year, I’m overwhelmed come Anniversary time, simply because I’m grateful beyond measure. I wonder how I got so lucky.  I’m fortunate to still like my husband, as a friend, making everything else a bonus. Let’s be honest, I’m fortunate, he still likes me because we know this doesn’t work one sided. I’m lucky to like my in-laws, to not have a worry in the world. Because I believe, we can overcome any obstacle together.

Be encouraged! My feelings are typically associated with “new love”, when everything is wonderful and before the relationship has been tested. I can tell you from experience; that feeling doesn’t have to end, during or after tests. Tests of your relationship do not always mean ultimatums or infidelity.  You are two people who will change and grow as individuals, meaning your relationship will constantly evolve.

I love myself more that ever because I truly get to be myself; all my quirks and craftiness embraced. He wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel supported in my hopes and dreams for myself, my business, and our family. How many people can say that? I love this life…MY life with him.

My husband and I choose to love each other in the way each of us needs it; not in the way that is easiest for us to give it. That alone can be a challenge... still we choose.  We choose to journey together. We choose to be open and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. We choose to work together, to set goals, to dream bigger. Year after year, we choose to do it all over again. It is a magnificent feeling in an era where most marriages come with an expiration date.

I am blessed.

I love getting to plan special events for a living. I do what I do, not for the show, but for the magic that is inspired by what brings us to this place of planning, LOVE.  Don’t get me wrong, I adore choosing colors, setting the table, adding a wow factor or two, and challenging myself to do it all together different the next time. I enjoy watching everyone enjoy what I’ve worked so hard to produce. But, I love love more. I love what I do because I get to try to give each client a piece of what I’m feeling: Love, Happiness & Joy.

 It’s my wish for you in each and every celebration I plan.  Cheers to love and all the things we do to celebrate it, cheers to you, and cheers to more lasting marriages. 

Conquering Virginia: Belle Grove Plantation

Me On A Famous Couch...It Was In the Movie Lincoln

I'm in the zone! How do I know? Things are coming to me in my sleep. Ideas on where and how to place things are rolling out of my brain before I can even groan that morning has come so soon again. This week is all about the styled shoot we have coming up. I'll be working on finalizing the timeline, my packing list, and final ideas to ensure I'm bringing my "A" game. I have the pleasure of working with some fantastic vendors and I can't wait to finally bring forth our inspiration and conversations for Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia Magazine.

 All I can share right now is the location: Belle Grove Plantation. Here are a few shots I snapped when I went to scout it out and ended up taking the guided tour of the estate and B&B. It is full of interesting factoids, stories, mysterious women, key hole desk tops, and curved doors. In two words...richly charming. Enjoy!

Be Sure To Ask Michelle Where The Phrase
"Sleep Tight, Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite" Come's From. 

#1 Thing Not To Forget On Your Wedding Day

You Want To Be THIS Happy
 From The Start Of Your Day To The Very End!

It’s will be so easy to get caught up in last minute details of your wedding day. There will be hustle and bustle of bridesmaids & family member itineraries.   There will be morning hair & make-up appointments. You’ll be checking and double checking to make sure your bag is packed for the hotel, you have your garter and the flower girl basket. You’ll worry if everything is going according to plan, if you’ll start on time, and if everyone will have a memorable evening. And in the midst of all that... the number one thing you can’t afford to forget on your wedding day is…

 Eat!

Yes, you will want to skip it but it is oh so important to make sure you eat and keep eating throughout the day. Start the day with a muffin and some fresh fruit, or a smoothie. Have a half of a sandwich or an apple with peanut/almond butter or have a whopper... but whatever you do, EAT! The day will be long, your nerves will be on edge and you will need the energy to keep smiling & ready to enjoy the day you've worked so hard to plan. 

Friday Fave: Mason Jars

I reorganized my pantry using Mason and Ball jars last week. The Uniformity and organization of it all really calms my spirit. I also love how fun and playful Mason jars can be. It sparked the idea for today's Friday Fave. I wanted to show you a few fabulous ways to use Mason jars to personalize your event decor. Enjoy.

Drinks for guests at a casual or rustic wedding. Lemonade is always fun and refreshing.  

(Oh-lovely-day.com)

Sweet Love...Cake Favors

(elizabethannedesigns.com)

Luminaries...an incredible DIY project. CLICK HERE for the how-to. 

(torispelling.com)

Table Numbers

(you can also stencil numbers right on the jar, CLICK HERE to see how)

(wedding-zine.com)