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Party like you’re in New Orleans!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:19:40 GMT

Two words: Mardi Gras. For those of you who may not know, the extravagant celebration begins on February 12^th in New Orleans. “Mardi Gras,” also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is traditionally celebrated as the feast before the fast. Mardi Gras has been a long-time celebrated event, drawing millions of fun-seekers to New Orleans every year. To say the event is grand would be an understatement, with balls, colorful parades, hundreds of beads, delicious food and millions of people looking for fun.

This holiday is the time to forget about that New Year’s resolution for the day and dig in to some mouthwatering dishes from the south. You don’t have to visit the Big Easy to enjoy its legendary dishes full of Creole and Cajun flavor. For those of you celebrating Mardi Gras at your home, let us help you celebrate Fat Tuesday with these Mardi Gras recipes!

Muffuletta. A New Orlean’s class sandwich loaded with ham, salami, provolone and an olive spread.

Bayou Fried Shrimp. You can’t have a Mardi Gras party without fried food.

Cajun Chicken Pasta. This entrée is easy, delicious and filled with vegetables.

Creole Jambalaya. This bold dish is filled with smoked sausage, ham and red pepper.

Cajun Corn Maque Choux. This 8 ingredient appetizer is a quick and zesty accompaniment to your Mardi Gras menu.

Spicy Remoulade Sauce. This sauce has a spicy kick to it and will go perfectly with fried shrimp, crab cakes or sandwiches.

Hot Crawfish Dip. It would not be a complete Mardi Gras meal without crawfish!

Cajun Bloody Mary. Who doesn’t love a Bloody Mary? Add a little spice to it and your guests will love it.

Beignets: Delicious beignets dusted with confectionary sugar and chicory coffee.

Traditional King Cake. If you are throwing a Mardi Gras party, a king cake is essential. This tradition cake is similar to coffee cake and rich in color and taste.

We hope you enjoy these dishes as much as we do! Enjoy and happy Mardi Gras!

Survival Guide: Best Wedding Day Advice for the Bride

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:20:46 GMT

You have the perfect fiancé, the perfect ring, and the perfect fairy tale. The wedding preparation is coming to an end and your big day is fast approaching. Now that everything is in place, you just need to get through the wedding day without turning into a major bridezilla. It seems easy, right? Think again! To prevent that from happening, here is the best advice for soon-to-be brides on their wedding day. From the simplest things, to the most obvious reminders, here is a list that will help you de-stress and enjoy every moment of your wedding day:

1. Plan Ahead. This may seem obvious, but it is imperative that you do as much planning and preparation prior to your big day. The earlier you start, the more time you have to add to the list of preparations, and the less likely you will forget something. It is important to plan for worst-case scenarios just in case; you do not want a stained wedding dress or a last minute tear ruin your special day. To get you started, here is a list of the top 10 wedding day emergency kit supplies you should not be without:

Tape (duct tape): it works for everything! From holding up your stockings to getting lint off your wedding dress.
Cold sore medication: cold sores appear when you are under a lot of stress, but do not fret if one decides to show up on your wedding day. Pack a maximum-strength cold sore relief medication and concealer to fix that pesky cold sore.
Stain remover: There is a good chance that a glass of red wine will make its way near you sometime during the night. For a portable, quick fix, have a Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover or Shout Wipes.
First aid & sewing kits: Do not let a minor cut or small tear ruin your day. Instead, buy a prepackaged first aid kit (cotton swabs, nail clippers, scissors, tweezers, bandages, Neosporin) and a mini sewing kit (needles, thread, safety pins, buttons, scissors, etc).
Oral necessities: With so many things on your mind the day of your wedding, it is possible that you forgot an essential item- a toothbrush. Remember to pack a mini toothbrush, mints and mouthwash!
Feminine hygiene items: It is better to be safe than sorry. If you are expecting your monthly visitor around your wedding day, pack tampons and panty liners. If you do not think you will need them, add them to your emergency kit anyways because you never know if a family member or friend will be in need.
Aspirin or Advil: A stress-induced headache can be painful, but do not let it ruin your day. Add Aspirin or Advil to your emergency kit so if you feel a headache coming on, you can act fast. Suggestion: stock up on travel-size pouches (it will be easier to pack).
Hair essentials: No matter how gorgeous your hair looks or how great a job your hairstylist did, you will need a few touchups throughout your wedding day. Pack a comb, bobby pins and hairspray to be fully prepared!
Body basics: After hours of being on your feet and getting groovy on the dance floor, you will probably want to reapply deodorant, body mist and/or perfume.
Water bottles: Your wedding day will be crazy, so crazy you may forget to eat and drink. Remember to hydrate and eat during the day. Bring a refillable water bottle and add a few snacks, such as trail mix, nuts and granola bars, to your emergency kit.

2. Don’t set too high of expectations: Sometimes in life, things do not go as planned. It is important to set reasonable expectations for your wedding day so you don’t end up shattered when or if something goes wrong. Accept that minor things may happen and things may not go accordingly to plan, but if you embrace the changes, you may surprise yourself.

3. Soak it all in: Many brides say their wedding was a happy blur. With so much going on, it is easy to let the day fly by before realizing it. Begin by taking deep breaths through out the day and stopping to enjoy the people around you. Everyone is at your wedding to celebrate your new beginning as a married couple. Appreciate the little moments.

4. Do not stress: It might be easier said than done, but nothing is worse than a bridezilla who is overly stressed out. Plus, it is no fun for you! Do not let wedding day stress keep you from enjoying what should be one of the best days of your life. We know you want your day to be perfect, but do not let a misplaced earring ruin your day. Remember to let go, relax and have fun!

5. Hire professionals & Ask for Help: If you are going to splurge, splurge on hiring professionals instead of opting for the more expensive invitations. At the end of the day, all you are going to have to remember the day by is through photographs. Do your research before hiring a photographer and contemplate hiring a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is running around like a crazy person trying to do everything yourself. Hire a professional or appoint a friend to do that. If you do not want to hire professionals, do not hesitate to ask family members or friends to help out. This is your day and you deserve it.

For all you future brides out there, we hope our survival guide will help you relax and enjoy your wedding day! If you have any other tips or advice for soon-to-be brides, please comment below and let us know!

Football Parties!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:38:59 GMT

It is an exciting time for football fans as we anxiously await the Super Bowl on February 3rd. With the last final games finishing up this past weekend, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens will play for the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans. Now that you know the final two teams and have delicious food and drink recipes (see our previous post here), you are ready to get the party planning started for the Super Bowl 2013.

This is the one day of the year you can consume countless amounts of potato chips, pizza and beer while yelling at the television and it is acceptable. But do not think that because most of your guests will be glued to the television, that the party preparation will be easy. Instead of opening bags of chips that may end up on the floor and handing out cans of beer that end up scattered around your house, let us give you a few tips to throw an awesome, hassle free party.

Arrange your seats beforehand: Avoid having to run to different rooms to find more seats for your guest’s seconds before the game. Instead, bring extra seats into the TV room before your guests arrive. If you are unsure of the number of guests coming, bring a few extra chairs into the room and put the rest in a nearby room that is easily accessible. By arranging your seats in advance, you can ensure that your guests will have a great view of the game and enough room to escape for bathroom, drink or food breaks.
Set up a buffet table: Instead of placing all the food on the coffee table, display the food and drinks on your kitchen or dining room table. Make it easy and accessible for your guests to grab food so they are not reaching over one another and spilling.
Decorations: Keep in mind that most of the attention will be on the game and not your decorations. While decorations are great additions you don’t need to go out and splurge on decorations. Instead, focus on a few key pieces that will add a little space to the room. For your buffet table, buy a football field tablecloth or a black-and-white striped one. To add a little more spice, buy an artificial area rug and spray paint it with white yard lines. For more ideas, check out Pinterest or other blogs for cheap, DIY decorations.
Change up your food: While a takeout pizza and bags of chips is an easy way to feed guests, your guests will enjoy it more if you opt for a more delicious, homemade meal. Check out our previous blog for all time favorite food and drink recipes. Also, instead of passing around open bags of potato chips, pour them into a communal bowl and set it on the buffet table.
Mini-keg: If you are stressing out as to what beer to buy for the big game, make it easy on yourself and get a mini-keg. Not only is it practical but it is less trash to clean up.

We hope these tips make your 2013 Super Bowl party the best one yet! Remember, for food and drink ideas, check out our previous blog and for more decorating ideas, check out Pinterest for great DIY ideas. If you have any other tips you would like to share, please leave a comment below!

Outdoor Weddings: How to Prepare for Bad Weather

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:27:14 GMT

Many brides dream about an outdoor wedding in a beautiful garden, on a scenic lakeshore or a sandy beach. Outdoors weddings are beautiful and romantic not only for you and your groom, but your guests too. But the outdoor weddings you see in magazines or on television shows are not as easy as they may look. When planning a wedding outdoors you will be faced with extra caveats and risks, not to mention the possibility of poor weather. If you are looking to wed in Washington State this year, your best bet is to set the date anywhere between mid July-early September, to ensure the weather permits. Remember, the summer is the most popular time of year to get married and you will end up paying more for a wedding during the peak season.

Here are some tips on what to do if a raindrop hits you on your wedding day.

Inform guests & provide comfort: First thing’s first – think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Will it be sunny and hot? Or cold with a chance of rain? Either way, you do not want your guests feeling uncomfortable. If it is going to be hot, do not leave your guests there to sit and melt. Provide them with ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated along with a decorative fan that matches the color and theme of your wedding. Provide plenty of sunscreen and bug spray and look into renting large electric fans and/or a tent to shade the suns rays. If it will be cold and damp, make sure to tell your guests ahead of time so they can wear dress appropriately. It would also be a god idea to have umbrellas and lap blankets on hand, as well as portable heaters. You don’t want the weather to take away from your special day!

Plan B: You will need a backup plan in case of the weather is unpleasant. If your location venue does not have facilities to accommodate your event indoors, you will need to rent a tent. If the wedding location does, you can always decide to move the reception indoors and keep the ceremony outside. In any case, I suggest renting a tent just in case, even if you think the weather will be okay. As long as you have a tent or a covered space, dealing with the rain will be easy.

Plan for wind: Keep in mind that rain may not be the only weather problem, wind can sometimes an even more inconvenient problem. Windy conditions can cause big problems like a wet dance floor, damp eating experience or a disturbance to your decorations. To prepare for this, be sure to rent a sturdy sided tent, or a tent with side flaps that can be dropped down if necessary. Be sure to place the tent in a semi-sheltered area will also be helpful to reduce wind conditions.

Privacy & Audio: When you see an outdoor wedding in a movie, you probably don’t hear the roaring of the waves, the wind, or the screams of children running around. You may need to rent a sound system mic clips for the bride, groom and officiant, which your DJ should be able to provide. To prevent outside sound, keep in mind your wedding location and whether or not it is a public space, or even near a public space. It is best to reserve your spot in a secluded area or a private venue to prevent unwanted guests and distractions.

Decorations: The easy thing about having an outdoor wedding is that most of the beautiful décor is already done for you just by being outside. Although this does lessen your need to decorate, be sure that the grass is groomed, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed a week before your wedding. As far as décor goes, it is really up to you. You may want to add an arch or trellis, string of lights or lanterns in the trees, luminaries, torches, the list goes on and on. To get more ideas and inspirations on how to decorate for your outdoor wedding check out Pinterest.

Venue: Many wedding venues have outdoor settings available which makes planning a bit easier. If you decide to have an outdoor wedding at a public park or a private home, keep in mind that you will have to rent all the equipment- from tables and chairs to bathrooms and sound systems. If you decide to do this, it is smart to hire a professional coordinator to coordinate all the details. Also, be sure to find out about any restrictions or permits as soon as you decide on a venue so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation a month before your wedding.

These just are a couple things to keep in mind for those you planning an outdoor wedding. If you are worried about how the weather will play out, you can always find an indoor space that can be opened up so that you can get the best of both worlds. You may be able to find a venue with big French doors or glass windows so that you can still have that outdoor feel without the extra work. For an ultimate guide, check out The Knot’s elaborate guide for planning outdoor weddings.

For those of you who had an outdoor wedding, please share with us some tips and suggestions in the comment box below!

Best Food and Drinks For Super Bowl Sunday

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:22:59 GMT

Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner! With just two games left to determine who will be going to the Super Bowl, it is not too early to start planning your Super Bowl Sunday party. Party planners, cooks and neighbors are heating up their BBQs and preparing their menus and you should too! Whether you are a football fanatic or a casual bystander, individuals all over the United States will gather in front of their televisions with their friends and family to watch the big game. But no football game, especially the Super Bowl, would be complete without food and drinks. We’ve gathered some of the tastiest drinks and touchdown worthy appetizers for your Super Bowl party menu. No need to search the Web for the best recipes because they are all right here!

Appetizer Recipes:

Boneless Buffalo Wings: You can’t have a Super Bowl party without wings! These delicious spicy chicken breast tenders have less fat and sodium than most Buffalo wings. Add copious amounts of vegetables and a lighter blue cheese dressing and your set. Find the wing recipe here.

Pigs in a Blanket: With caramelized onions and hot dogs, wrapped in a buttery pastry, this finger food is delicious and easy! Pigs in a blanket recipe here.

Halftime Chili: One of the most popular chili recipes out there thanks to Bon Appétit. This is a great basic chili that people will love!

Guacamole: You can never go wrong with guacamole, plus this dish will add a little color to the table. Serve with pita or tortilla chips. Guacamole recipe here.

Spicy salsa: Looking for a healthier appetizer? This refreshing dish is a healthy take on the traditional chips and salsa combo. Spicy Salsa recipe here.

S’mores on a stick: Everybody loves s’mores and this easy, no-fuss dessert will give your guests the chocolate fix they need. S'mores recipe here.

For more delicious Super Bowl dishes, check out Food and Wine’s list here: http://www.foodandwine.com/super-bowl-recipes

Drink Suggestions:

No Super Bowl party, or football game for that matter, would be complete without a beer in hand. Here are a variety of beer suggestions that all your buddies will enjoy, no matter what team they are rooting for. The owner of A Perfect Pint, Cicerone Michael Agnew, made the following suggestions:

To pair with wings, try:

- Munich Helles: Weihenstephaner Original Premium, Paulaner Premium Lager, Stoudt's Gold Lager

- American Pale Ale: Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale, Oscar Blues Dale's Pale Ale

To pair with sausage, sauce & smoke, try:

- Dark American Lager: Shiner Bock, Beck's Dark

- Munich Dunkel: Paulaner Alt Münchner Dunkel, Capital Dark

- Schwarzbier: Köstritzer Schwarzbier, Kulmbacher Mönchshof Premium Schwarzbier

- Rauchbier: Aecht Schlenkerla Märzen, Spezial Rauchbier Märzen

To pair with a dip or a spread, try:

- Hefeweizen: Ayinger Bräu Weisse, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis

- Pilsner: Trumer Pils, Avery Joe's Premium American Pilsner

- American Lager: Modelo Especial, Miller High Life

Enjoy these delicious snacks and beverages! We hope you have a great time watching the game! Let us know what you think of these recipes and share with us some of your all-time favorites.

How to Choose the Perfect Photographer for Your Wedding

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:53:22 GMT

Photography is the language of memories. Memories are made and remembered through photos. A photograph can capture a single moment in time, which you will be able to revisit, and remember for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding day. Budgets are tough with weddings and it can be tempting to hire a photographer who seems to be a really great deal. Remember, these images are some of the few things you will have forever to remember your wedding day. But, before you go out and blow your budget on a photographer that you may have seen in a wedding magazine, do your research. The cost of the photographer is the not only thing that will determine if he or she is a good fit for your style. Here are the essentials to finding the right photographer for your wedding:

1. Photograph Style.

Before you look into prices and packages, do your research first and decide on the type of photography style you want for your wedding photos. Look at wedding magazines, websites and blogs to determine what type of shots you want taken. Do you want a more tradition and clean photograph, with straight-on angles? Or do you want something more inventive, with creative angles and filters? Once you know what type of look you would like, check out photographers in your area that you think you may be interested in hiring and schedule a time to meet with them. This will allow you to look at the photographer’s portfolio and albums, which will give you a better idea of the photographer’s aesthetic style and constancy. Do you like what you see? Do the photographs move you? You should like the majority, if not all of the photographer’s photos.

2. The Photographer’s Presence

You may love a photographer’s photos but if you do not feel comfortable or at ease when speaking to them, find a different photographer. The photographer on your wedding day is going to be with you most of the day and during your most intimate moments: while you are getting ready, during the ceremony, the first dance, and so much more. The photographer is capturing the most blissful and intimate moments of your life. The photographer has to find an equal balance by being present and inconspicuous at the same time. The more at ease, relaxed and comfortable you are around your photographer, the more natural and special your wedding images will turn out. Try to meet with your potential photographer to be sure that you feel comfortable around him or her and be sure that your significant other feels the same way.

3. Budget

All photographers offer a wide range of pricing options. While some photographers can be very expensive, there are photographers out there for every budget. If you find a photographer you like, be sure to ask questions so you are clear on the price and your photography package. Photographs may be the most important thing you get to cherish for a lifetime from the day of the wedding. These photographs will be passed down to your children, to your grandchildren, eventually becoming family heirlooms. It is important to never undervalue the worth of a photograph. As you divvy up the expenses for your wedding, keep in mind the value of photography, for a picture is worth a thousand words, and if you want to splurge on a photographer you love, do it. You will not regret it!

It may sound overly romantic, but in order to get the perfect photos that fulfill your particular needs, you need to find a photographer that inspires you and makes you move. Remember, at the end of the day, the most important opinion is yours and your spouse.

Make your next birthday party a hit, with a photo booth!

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:01:20 GMT

If you have been to a corporate event or school dance with a photo booth, you probably already know how much fun they can be. Instead of having a camera with you all night and snapping pictures of you and your friends, get a photo booth to do all the work for you. While photo booths are often seen at corporate events, school dances, weddings, and large-scale events, people often forget how easy and affordable it can be to rent a photo booth for home-hosted celebrations too, like a birthday parties. They are the perfect addition to any birthday party. If you are having a themed party, provide props that complement the theme. These photos will make for such great memories afterwards and you will have a blast jumping in photos with a big group of friends.

Photo booths are great because they are so relaxed. You don’t have to plan out what pose your going to do, which makes the pictures that much more spontaneous and funny. No matter the age, children and adults love photo booths. A photo booth will keep your guests entertained through out the night. Not only will everyone have a blast coming up with creative photo ideas, but also the photo will be a perfect memento of your birthday party, giving guests something to remember it by.

Get creative and have fun with your photo booth, especially if it is your birthday! Enjoy!

I'm Engaged! Now what?!

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:10:15 GMT

Did you just recently get engaged? Congratulations! While you are enjoying the excitement around your engagement, no doubt you are asking yourself, “Now what?” The difficult part is not knowing where or how to begin planning for your wedding. No sweat, we are here to help!

Announce the big news! This may seem obvious but first things first: announce your engagement and share your exciting news! Whatever you choose to do, whether it is through word of mouth, phone calls, Facebook, or an engagement party, be sure to enjoy this blissful and magic time in your life.

When it comes to event planning, you need to look at the big picture before tackling the small, more intricate details. The one thing that will affect the rest of your wedding planning is money. Talking about money is never comfortable, but the budget needs to be determined prior to any planning so you know exactly how much you can spend and who will be contributing to your wedding expenses.

Budget. Setting a budget will determine everything you do. The best thing to do is figure it out before anything else, and stick to it throughout the entire planning process.

Structure. After you have set your budget, the next step is creating an overall structure for your wedding. Once you start brainstorming, you can determine what kind of wedding you want. Do you want a destination wedding? Were you thinking of a particular theme? How many guests do you want? Do you want a small, intimate wedding or a large, extravagant wedding?

By creating a basic framework, you will get a better idea of what your wedding is going to look like. Here are some basic questions that will help you narrow down a variety of choices:

1. How much money do you want to spend on your wedding?

2. Do you want a destination wedding or something close to home?

3. Do you want a small, intimate wedding or a large, grand wedding?

4. How many guests were you thinking of inviting?

5. Do you want your wedding indoor or outdoor?

6. Do you want a traditional themed wedding or something more modern?

7. Do you want a formal setting or something more sentimental and intimate?

8. Do you want a sit down dinner or a cocktail reception?

9. Do you want the ceremony and the reception to be at the same location?

Guest List. The next step is creating a guest list. Remember, the more guests you invite, the higher the cost. The first step in creating a guest list is to have you and your loved one both create a list of guests you each would like to invite. If your parents are helping you pay for the expenses, leave a few spots open so your parents can invite a few people as well. You may find that you have to

make some tough choices in order to get the guest list down the size you want.

Venue. Finding a wedding venue can be the most stressful and difficult decision of all. The venue will also set the overall mood and ambience of your wedding. Quick tip: If you are open to weekdays instead of a weekend, you will find it much easier to book the venue you want. Once you have found a venue that works for your budget, guest list, style and location, the hardest part of the wedding planning is over. Remember, if you are planning on having a different venue for your reception, the same holds true.

Style & Theme. You have already set a basic framework for what kind of wedding you want, so this part should be easy (and fun!) Before you decide on anything, do some research and think about your wedding style. And don't worry about changing your mind multiple times! Check out wedding blogs, create a Pinterest board, wedding books, talk to friends, and browse wedding websites to find inspiration. Choose a style and theme that reflects you and your spouse.

Relax. It is very easy to become overwhelmed during the wedding planning process so try to relax and take a break. Do not focus all your energy on the wedding. Enjoy being engaged!

Happy New Year! How to keep your resolutions this year!

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:31:59 GMT

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right,” Oprah once said.

With the beginning of the New Year, we are given another opportunity to start fresh and welcome 2013 with a positive attitude and open arms to a new beginning. This is our year to “get it right,” as Oprah would suggest. We compiled a list of inspirational quotes and tips that encourage fresh starts and positive attitudes. We hope these words of wisdom will trigger positive action and help you find happiness and success in this coming year. Cheers to 2013, to a New Year and new beginning!

Every year individuals reflect on the past year, pinpointing what exactly they can work on to be happier. While many of us go into the New Year with resolutions on our mind, the reality is they often slowly disappear a few months later. According to Forbes, by June, 54% of people have abandoned their resolution. The reality is, we set high (and sometimes unrealistic) standards that cause us to hold ourselves to an unreachable goal. As much as we would love to start working out tomorrow, and every other day for that matter, the truth is that usually doesn’t happen, or it does for a weeks and eventually stops. This year, instead of creating potentially unrealistic resolutions, focus your attention on small lifestyle changes that will help achieve the results you wish to seek. Here are 10 tips for a positive 2013:

Remain Positive. All things are possible. Keep an open and optimistic attitude and you will be surprised by what you can achieve. Just because you are having a bad day does not mean it has to be a bad year.
Enjoy your morning. Instead of waking up just in time to make it to work or sitting in front of the TV while you drink coffee, take a walk or meditate for 10 minutes. You will create a productive mindset and find yourself more balanced and clear headed.
Get more sleep. As delicious and caffeinated double-shot lattes are, coffee does not replace sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours and you will definitely notice a difference.
Think of the present. Instead of spending valuable energy on gossip, negative thoughts, or issues you cannot control, spend that energy in the positive present moment.
Follow the 3 E’s. Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Don’t give up. Hard work pays off.
Read more books. You can never read too many books. This year, read more books than you did in 2012.
Make family a priority. Despite what goals you have or what you want to achieve this year, do not let those goals get in the way of your relationship with your family. Spend time with those you love, be in the present moment, make them feel important, and let your actions prove that you care. Family is more important than money and success.
Treat people right. Live by the golden rule: treat others, as you want to be treated. Take time to appreciate them, spend time with them, encourage them, challenge them, support them, listen to them, and make them feel like they matter.
Go out of your comfort zone. Do not live a life simply to seek “comfort,” which only leads to mediocrity. Instead, do not settle for less. If that means going out of your comfort zone do so, then do it. Like Jim Rohn said, “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

And above all, believe in yourself. E.E. Cummings once said, “Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” Start living your life how you want to live it. Whether you had a great year or a bad year, it is all about this New Year. We wish you a year filled with prosperity, love, success, positivity and adventures! Take this opportunity to start fresh and welcome 2013 with open arms to the possibility of new beginnings. Happy New Year!

Everything You Need to Know (And More) about Wedding Invitaions for 2013

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:40:46 GMT

With the holidays coming to an end and a new year fast approaching, there is no doubt that we all have a million and one things on our mind to get done. But for those couples out there that are looking to wed in 2013, you may want to get an early jump-start. If you have the date and venue reserved, the next step is the invitation. The importance of a wedding invitation can often be ignored or underestimated, but it is more than just simply stating the basic: who, what, when, where, and why. Rather, it is the first introduction to your wedding and it contributes to your theme, which sets the whole backdrop for your entire wedding planning and gives your guests a small glimpse of what to expect. When it comes to invitations, there are hundreds of styles to choose from so before you get started, sit down with your significant other and decide what type of theme and event you want to throw. Here is everything you need to know, and more, to get your invitations designed, ordered, sealed and delivered for the New Year!

Choose your wedding theme and style. The invitation is the first glimpse guest’s have at your wedding. Just from this one invitation, they will be able to tell what type of event it will be and the style of it. This is why it is important for you and your significant other to have a solid idea of what type of wedding you want to throw, whether it is classic, elegant, modern, glamorous, or funky.
Research and Browse. Once you have the stylistic basics down, you can now set out to find the perfect stationary to complement your style. The Internet will be your friend. Browse wedding invitation photos and stationers’ websites and gather ideas and inspiration so you have a concrete idea to tell the stationer what you like.
Digital versus traditional. Traditional paper invitations are always the way to go. Digital invitations are a great way to reduce paper and go-green, but they tend to be forgotten. Whether they forget to open the email or they read it once, digital invitations are not the most effective for wedding invitations. Because most of the mail we receive is through technology, it gives off a less wholehearted tone. And for the mail we do receive they are usually flyers or bills, it is nice to receive a creative wedding invitation personally addressed to you. Sending traditional paper invitations is personable, formal and your guests will be able to reference it easily.
Pick your colors. Think about the colors your want at your wedding. Once you have decided on a color palette, incorporate the colors and motif (birds, for example) into your wedding invitation and as well as the rest of your wedding paper (seat assignments, menu cards, etc) to ensure cohesiveness. If you are going for more of a classic look, white, cream and ivory card stock is widely popular, with black or gold font. If you are going for a funkier theme, play with bright colors and metallic fonts until you found one that best suits your style. Whatever colors and fonts you choose, keep in mind readability.
Make sure it is legible. The most important part of the invitation is the text, so as you are choosing colors, patterns and size, always keep in mind text because that is the whole point of the invitation. A stationer can help with this, but be aware of contrast as you pick text color and background color. Avoid light ink on light backgrounds and dark ink on dark backgrounds. Lighter colors and pastels can be tough colors to read, so if you choose light colors, make sure the background contrasts enough for the letters to pop. Also, be aware of the type font and steer aware from scripted typeface (it can be hard to read).
Wording. There are rules to wording invitations. If you look at wedding invitation examples, it will give you a better idea of how to choose your words. Typically, the host is listed first on the invitation. Spell everything out, including dates and times. On traditional wedding invitations, there is a request line after the host’s name – so and so “request the honor of your presence.” List only the main points on your invite: time and location, the hosts, the couple’s names, the dress code and RSVP information. If you want to include directions to the wedding venue or details about post wedding plans, include a separate enclosure card. Check out The Knot’s wording invitation samples for more references.
Get an early start. The save-the-date cards should be sent out six to eight months prior to the wedding and they do not have to match the invitations. The time it takes to print the invitations often vary, depending on how fancy you go, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, or even longer. If you order everything from one stationer, it will save you money and make the process easier. Start looking for a stationer 9 to 11 months before the wedding. Try to order your invitations about four to five months out so they are ready to be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you are having a destination weeding or getting married during the holidays, send the invitations about 10 to 12 weeks before the wedding.
Be aware of the dates. Remember to put the RSVP information on the bottom right corner of the invitation or on a separate card. The deadline should be no more than 3-4 weeks after guests receive the invitations. Be sure to check with your cater before to find out when they’ll need the final headcount. It is important to give your guests time to reply, but the more time you give them, the more likely they are to forget and you will need a finalized headcount a few weeks before the wedding for décor elements and such.

Quick & final reminders before sending out the invitations:

1. Triple check the proof before the invitation order is printed.

2. Have multiple people check over the proof.

3. Count carefully and count households- you might be able to cut the amount of invites in half.

4. Order 25 extra just in case you need to resend an invitation and ask for extra envelopes.

5. If possible, hire a calligrapher to write the addresses. If not, hand-written envelopes are more personal than printed labels.

6. Track RSVP’s as they come in using a spreadsheet and keep note of who gives you what gift.

7. Remember to include stamped (and addressed) envelopes if you want guests to mail back their reply cards.

8. Remember to order the rest of your wedding cards (menu cards, thank you notes) with your invitations.

9. Number your reply cards so that when someone RSVP's without a name you'll know who it is.

10. Use a glue stick to enclose the envelopes.

For couples getting married in the New Year, it is a good idea to getting an early start on your save-the-date cards and wedding invitations. While they can be a small pain, it is exciting at the same time because it is the first pronouncement of your wedding details. It can be done quickly and efficiently if you’re prepared ahead of time. Happy card making!

Wedding Trends for 2013

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:35:59 GMT

We are just weeks way until we celebrate our last night before the New Year, and with every New Year come new trends. Whether new clothing trends, home décor trends or wedding trends, every year each industry is influenced by certain styles. With thousands of couples getting married each year, we don't want you to be stuck with last years fad. We have compiled a list of 13 wedding trends for 2013 to make sure your wedding is everything it can be!

1. Vintage: Vintage is often used in weddings, but this year it is going to be prevalent not only in the wedding dress styles, but will also become a big trend in the wedding themes in general whether you make it 20s, 30s, or 40s inspired theme.

2. Mint: Mint was a hot trend during the spring summer season 2012 and it seems to be continuing into the New Year. It gives off a fresh, chic vibe with a retro feel.

3. Rainbow hues: In case you don’t want to limit yourself to just one wedding color, you can pick them all. Whether you choose the bold or subdued hues, you can have your bridal party wear the outfits in the colors of the rainbow.

4. Birds: Birds, or should we say lovebirds, have always been associated with romance and love. Birds at a great touch to decorations, invitations, cake toppers and centerpieces.

5. Original background: Recently outdoor weddings have beautiful hand-made backgrounds against which you can spell your vows out Backdrops are essential of the wedding ceremony decorations and can serve as a perfect background for the first kiss snapshots.

6. Covered centerpieces: Floral designs and other planted centerpieces are going to be covered up and caged in 2013. To make it more contemporary, add bell jars or glasses vases.

7. Lounge areas: Guests will love the idea with the comfy lounge area t the wedding reception and can be both indoors and outdoors.

8. Mini menus: Appetizers and desserts of mini sizes give off a cool and stylish look. Guests will love the bite size goodies especially if when presented in a creative and original way.

9. Beer: In addition to serving the symbolic wedding cocktail, consider serving a microbrew and craft beer offered on the market. You may even custom make the labels.

10. Do it the way you want: If you are not into the typical wedding traditions such as the ceremony at the church, white wedding gown, a lot of attendants- skip it! This loud and quickly growing trend in the wedding sphere allows contemporary couples to set their weddings the way they want them to be. Make it your style, your ideas and your personality!

11. Photo booth (before or after). Get a photo booth and take photos (just for him) prior to the wedding and give him the photos before the wedding- it will drive him crazy! If you aren’t into that, have a photo booth at the wedding reception so you and your guests can take fun pictures together!

12. Non- white dress. More and more brides are deciding on non-white dresses. If you want to express your own personal style through your dress, go for it! If you opt for a white dress but want to add your own personal twist, go for little colorful accents on your dress like lace, flowers or ribbons.

13. Prints. When it comes to wedding décor and design, more couples are embracing patterns. Prints and patterns have been popular for a while now, but they will be everywhere this next year- bridesmaids dresses, wedding décor, cakes, etc.

We hope you are as excited about these trends as we are! Do you have any predictions or wedding trends you hope to see in 2013? Comment below and tell us your favorite trend!

Shefinds also has a great slideshow on 2013 wedding trends:

10 Tips to Survive the Holidays

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:52:15 GMT

The month of December is hectic, to say the least, with holiday parties filling your social calendar and high workloads. With just a week until Christmas, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything that is on your to-do list. We all know Christmas can be a stressful time, with high expectations and obligations. Presents need to be bought, decorations need to be put up, relatives are coming to town, and much cooking and baking needs to be done. For a holiday that is supposed to be about family and joy, it is possible for you to miss out on the good due to the high stress that comes with. This year more than ever, it is so important to look back and appreciate your health, family and friends. To ensure that you do not miss out on the joy that comes with Christmas, we created 10 steps you can take to manage your stress this season so you too can savor and enjoy this holiday!

1. Lessen your load. You have less than a week before all the relatives come over to your house and the house is not in the tip-top shape you are hoping it to be. No sweat! If you are feeling as though you do not have enough time to get everything done before Christmas, it is okay to lessen your load. Stop, think and decide what can you do to make your life a little easier. Remember, it is okay to say no. Whether it’s a party invite or a request from your child’s teacher to whip up a few dozen cookies for the school holiday bash, you can say no if you simply do not have enough time, thank them for the opportunity but remember you do not always have to say yes!

2. Make the most of out this holiday. Christmas is all about what you make of it. With how the economy has been, many families have cut down on the presents and extravagance that can sometimes come and that's okay! You can still celebrate your family’s traditions and focus on what really is important. If you are worried about costs this holiday, check out discount stores for games and toys, make crafts and spend part of the holiday giving back whether that be at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter.

3. Reevaluate the gift giving. Talk with the whole family and decide on how you want to give gifts this year. One great idea is to agree to buy for the kids only and then either do a Secret Santa draw for the adults or pick names in advance. This way, everyone gets a gift but you do not have to go out and buy something for every family member. If you decide to do this, send a group email setting the price and attaching each relative’s wish list, that way you have a better idea of what to buy the individual you drew. For those of you still trying to figure out what to get a sibling or best friend, another great gift giving idea is to get creative and design a fun card and include a short explanation that instead of a gift, you are taking them out for a special dinner or show. This way, you can both collaborate and decide on something fun you both will enjoy while enjoying one another’s company instead of giving them a material object.]

4. It is okay to ask for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do and prepare, it is okay to ask others to help you. If you have kids old enough to drive, give them a grocery list or have them pick up the tablecloth at the dry cleaners. If you have family coming in for Christmas, ask them to run a quick errand for you or take up their offer and have them help you in the kitchen.

5. Remember the reason. After all the parties, shopping and events, remind yourself of the reason we celebrate Christmas. The holidays are a time of year to show compassion to others, help those in need and give gifts to express our appreciation for those we love.

6. Your house, your rules. If your housing the relatives and cooking the holiday feast, than the house rules are completely up to you. Ask everyone to pitch in. Whether that is bringing the wine, dessert, an extra dish or even a helping hand after the meal. Most family members will offer any assistance to lighten your load but if they don’t, then ask. Plus, kitchens are great places to joke around and have great conversations.

7. Did you forget to send Christmas cards? Don’t worry about it! The amount of people sending Christmas cards is slowly dwindling each year. If you simply didn’t get around to it but still want to send some holiday cheer, use social media to extend your holiday joy or shoot some of your closest friends a thoughtful email or hand written card.

8. Recharge. We all know that this holiday season comes with lots and lots of sugar and while it is fun to indulge, be sure not too consume too much sugar this holiday. If you overindulge in foods high in sugar and fat, your amount of energy will decrease. Instead, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables as they contain the vitamins and minerals that help reduce stress. If you get up a move by going to the gym or taking a walk, any form of movement will increase your energy. And the most important thing, make sleep a priority or you will simply not have the energy to survive or enjoy the holidays.

9. Have fun! Christmas is a stressful time for most but remember to make time for the things you truly enjoy. Do the fun things that come with the holiday, such as driving around looking at Christmas lights, taking Santa pictures, baking delicious holiday desserts and sitting by the fireplace drinking hot cocoa.

10. Relax. This season can be highly stressful, but after all the work and preparation you put into making Christmas a success, you deserve to kick back and enjoy it. Since you probably have a day or two off, enjoy every second of it, especially if you have your family to spend it with. Take this time to appreciate the good you do have in your life and the joy that your friends and family bring you. All the hard work is done so sit back, relax and enjoy this day of love and celebration.

What do you do to make it through the holidays? Let us know in the comments!

Ladies! De-Stress Before the Big Day: Tips for Relaxation Before Your Wedding

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:45:53 GMT

After months of planning, last minute errands and making sure every last detail is perfect, it is easy to find yourself stressed when planning a wedding, especially the final days leading up to the big day. Whether your tired, mentally drained or physically exhausted we want to help you ladies out so that you are well rested and mentally prepared for your special day.

We know you have a million and one things on your mind. Is your wedding gown ready? Are the caterers are set? Will the weather be okay? Do your bridesmaids have their gowns fitted and ready? Just to name a few, but we know there are plenty more worries filling your head. So follow this guide and let us help you distress and feel completely ready for your wedding, as you should be because it is your day!

Start these tips a few weeks before the wedding to ensure that you feel ready, relaxed and calm for your wedding day. We know you are busy but try to find time between your gown fitting or cake testing to fit in some time for you.

1. Relax. We know how much time and effort goes into planning a wedding but do not forget to relax and have some alone time with your loved one. If you have had a long day at work or a long day of wedding planning, turn the TV off, put on some soft music and have a glass of wine with your fiancé.

2. Massage. Researchers have found that getting a massage once a week before your wedding can greatly reduce stress, both mentally and physically. If you want to go for general relaxation, go for a Swedish massage. If you are extremely tense, go for a Deep Tissue to really get in there and work your muscles. Massages can be pretty pricey so even if you get a couple before your wedding that is fine too or even check out local massage therapists and see if there are any deals for brides.

3. Yoga and Meditation. Whether you take yoga classes or do an at-home DVD, find time to practice yoga a month before the wedding to relax your mind and body. Much research has been done and studies show that yoga boosts confidence and balance, plus you will tone your muscles so you will look fabulous in your wedding dress! While you are practicing yoga, try to do 10 minutes of meditation either before or after to distress and center yourself. Your day will be incredibly less stressful.

4. Have fun. Take a couple hours out of your wedding planning and go hit the beach or do a fun activity with a friend or your loved one. Get some good laughs in and just have fun!

5. Talk to a girlfriend. Give a good girlfriend a call, this will help reduce stress and a great time to catch up and be silly.

6. Exercise. Every bride wants to feel great on her wedding day but you do not necessarily have to go to the gym, unless you want to. Take a long power walk, take a hike or go for a bike ride; any form of exercise or movement will help clear you and strengthen your body. Take your hubby with you on your work out. This way you both break a sweat while spending time together.

7. Hold hands. Hold hands with your loved one, studies have shown that holding hands reduces stress levels.

8. Explore nature. Being outdoors and in nature can lower your heart rate and relax you. Plus you will get some exercise out of it!

9. Read. Take some time out of your day to read. A book is a great way to take your mind off of things and transport you into another world. If you read at night, it will help you take your mind off the worries of that day and you will sleep better.

10. Essential oils. Carry a small bottle of an essential oil, like Lavender, and keep it in your purse. Whenever you feel stressed, just take a sniff. Lavender in particular is known for its calming nature.

11. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. A glass of wine at the end of a long day is fine, but try not to drink a lot of alcohol or caffeine, (sorry coffee addicts) a month before your wedding day. Both are known to make you jittery.

12. Stop. Whether you are angry or extremely stressed, just stop, think and breathe for 10 seconds.

13. Laugh. Laughing is the best cure for anything. Watch a funny comedy at home with your loved one.

14. Drink lots of water. It is important to drink plenty of water every day, but really be aware of it weeks before your big day. Being just the slightest bit dehydrated can affect your mood.

There are plenty of stress reducers out there that we did not post, but these are some of the most important ones so take note- they will help! This is supposed to be your day so whenever you are having a small meltdown, remember that everything will be all right in the end. Once the ceremony is over, you can let loose and have fun with your beloved, dancing the night away, socializing, and taking funny pictures in your photo booth. We hope these tips bring tranquility and relaxation.

12 Holiday Entertaining Preparation Tips

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:20:21 GMT

As satisfying as it is to gather all of your friends and throw a holiday party at your home, planning one can require extensive time and effort, especially during this frantic holiday season. We know you have a lot on your mind and your to-do list, so we compiled a list of essential tips to help you prepare for your holiday party. The number one trick to minimize stress during holiday entertaining is preparing before the day of the party. In addition, we have created a list of tips to help you through the rest of the planning process. Not only will these tips minimize your level of stress, it will make the set up and tear down easier and allow you to enjoy the party, because after all, it is your party and you should enjoy it!

1. Prep Before the Prep. Before the holidays arrive, spend some time checking off those necessary chores you have been neglecting, such as polishing the silver or de-cluttering the house. This way, it will be one less task you have to worry about when the holiday season arrives.

2. Stick to What You Know. If you are getting a caterer for the party, this rule can still apply to recipes and decorating. For those of you making your own food, stick to what you know. This party is not the time to experiment so make something you know you are good at. If you do want try something new, experiment before the party so you know exactly how to make it.

3. Buy in Bulk. If you are a regular party thrower, stock up on basic ingredients at the beginning of the holidays. If this is your only party, buy in bulk only for what you think will go quickly or what you will want to have around for the holiday season, such as alcohol and other beverages.

4. Prep Your Fridge. Before hitting the grocery store and bringing home bags and bags of groceries and realizing there is no room for all the food, clean out your refrigerator and freezer. Toss any old condiments, old leftovers or anything you don’t think you are going to eat. Once you do that, place your new groceries both safely and smartly: Do not place raw meats next to fruits and vegetables. As your fridge gets filled, keep an eye on the thermometer and watch the temperature because the fuller the fridge gets, the harder it is for air circulation to flow.

5. Prepare Serving Dishes. Find and pull out all of your holiday plates, platters, serving dishes and utensils. This will definitely help you the day of the party so you are not scrounging through every shelf to find them. Then, plan out which dishes you are going to use and for what (place a sticky note on them to help you remember). Finally, lay serving dishes out the day before so you know how and where you want to place each dish.

6. Be Realistic About Food and Drink. Remember to not overbuy! Here are some serving size suggestions to stick to: for a three-hour cocktail party, about three drinks per person, or about one bottle of wine for every two to three guests and one quart of liquor for every 10-12 guests. For hors d’oeuvres plan to three to five pieces per person, and for a three-hour cocktail party, about four to five pieces per person per hour.

7. Stock the Bar. Because alcohol can be expensive, stock up on the basics: wine, sparkling wine, beer, and a couple of types of mixers. Premix enough of a house cocktail so you do not have to make more halfway through the party. Remember to provide non-alcoholic beverages and water as well. And don’t forget ice!

8. Add a Unique Touch. You do not have to go out and buy home décor but try to add a few unique touches of your taste. Whether that is through cooking, décor or drinks, make your party memorable.

9. Vibe Out. After all the food and drinks are prepared, go through the house and choose proper lighting, music, temperature and seating that will work well with eating and socializing. You do not want the music to be too loud or the lights too dark that you can barely see whom you are talking to.

10. Clean as You Go. You should enjoy your party, not obsess over cleaning up after every plate left or napkin dropped. Instead, grab crumbled napkins or empty glasses on your way to the kitchen. Also, add a small garbage can or two and place them strategically so it is not too noticeable but will make it easy for your guests to toss their empty plates and cups away. This will make your post party clean up a lot easier.

11. Do a Walk Through. After you have finished getting ready and are completing the last finishing touches, do a quick walk through with any other hosts to make sure everything is set and accessible.

• If you do not have a big enough coat closet, choose an empty bedroom to put coats in.

• Double-check the music, temperature and lighting.

• Light candles.

• Uncork wine bottles and have an accessible bottle opener nearby.

12. Let it go! When the first doorbell rings, let all the stress go! It is your party and all the preparation is behind you. All that is left is the clean up and you can worry about that in the morning. Now enjoy it!

A Sugary Sweet Wedding Favor Design Post

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 06:53:33 GMT

Wedding favors are a great way to express your gratitude and show your guests you appreciate their support on your wedding day. Though it may seem like an extra cost you do not want to pay, it does add a special touch to your wedding that your guests will truly appreciate.

We already did a post on unique wedding favors, but while we were looking around for great ideas we started to feel a little bit of a sugar craving. So we gave into our sweet tooth (or teeth in this case) and gathered some sugary sweets for you and your hubby to be to gift your guests!

It could be as simply as packaged truffles or a candle because it doesn’t matter so much the content as much as the thought. With so many DIY ideas for wedding favors, you and your loved one can have a fun time creating your own favors to complement your interests and tastes in a unique way to personally thank your guests. TheKnot offers hundreds of unique wedding favors to express your personal style as well as tips and ideas. Pinterest is also a great site that has hundreds of DIY ideas. Here a few of our favorite DIY wedding favors:

Now that you have a better idea of sweet and simple party favors, it is time to start brainstorming ideas. Think about what you would like to communicate through your wedding favors. Here are a few questions to get you started:

1. How did you two meet?

2. What is your favorite activity that you and your fiancé enjoy doing together?

3. Will your wedding take place during a holiday or could you tie a season into your wedding favor?

4. Do you two have a favorite hobby?

5. What is the theme of your wedding?

6. What is the mood of your reception?

Remember, there are inexpensive ways to make wedding favors and plenty of ideas on The Knot and Pinterest. It is best to keep the wedding favors simple and inexpensive. Your guests will truly appreciate the gesture. Not only will they have a photo taken in the photo booth, but a wedding favor as well, to remember your special night.

Good luck designing!

Ringing in the New Year the Right Way!

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:44:32 GMT

With the excitement and hype during the Christmas holiday, it is easy to forget that just a few days later comes the end of another year. New Year's Eve is a time to have fun and celebrate the end of the past year and the beginning of a new one!

And now, it is not too early to start thinking of your plans to kick off the New Year. Whether you are going to a huge party, a friends house, a bar or any other New Year’s event, it is important to remember one thing: create great memories. If you are tired of doing the same thing every year, throw your own party. This way, you can celebrate the night with your closest friends and their friends and their friends...

If you are planning to throw a party, we want to let you in on a few suggestions that will really make your party one to remember!

1. Choose a theme! It's New Year's Eve! Have some fun with it! But make sure that the theme is not too hard for your guests to follow. After all, it is only a few days after the holiday season and people will be busy!

2. Change the color of your light bulbs. This will add some extra ambiance that will really set the mood for your event!

3. Throughout the night serve light snacks and bite-sized pieces. Then, around 10:30 put out a buffet with heartier foods. This will give people something new to try and enable them to fill their stomachs with something a little more substantial.

4. In your invitation, request that guests submit three songs they want to hear. Mix these songs into your playlist for the night to ensure that everyone hears something they love!

5. Photo booths are all the rage this year. Rent a photo booth to add to the hilarity of the night. Then the next day, review all your pictures with friends and decide which ones are Facebook worthy!

6. Serve a specialty drink. This will keep alcohol costs down and be a cute addition to your theme.

7. Get all those tacky noise makers and New Year's Eve hats. Even though it may seem silly, people love them.

8. Put out mints around the room and in the bathrooms. People will want to make sure they have a fresh minty breath for their special New Year's kiss!

9. Have the numbers of local taxi cabs on hand to assist anyone who may not be driving home that night.

10. Prepare a goodbye/good morning package with extra Vitamin C, water, and Advil. Add in a CD of some of the music from the night and give them a to-go cup of hot chocolate to stay warm.

Adding these tips to your party planning will ensure that your night is a success! Happy New Year!

Do you have more ideas for great party planning activities? Let us know!

Interested in renting a photo booth for your New Year’s Eve party? Please contact us ahead of time to secure a photo booth for your party

The Survival Guide for Wedding Thank You Notes

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:58:48 GMT

After you and your loved one say, “I do,” you may think that the stress and spending is over, but not quite. You still have one more task to complete- the thank-you cards. After coming back from a romantic and wonderful honeymoon, the thought of writing a hundred or more personal thank you cards does not sound too appealing. To make your life easier, we created a survival guide to help you write these efficiently and cost-friendly. Here is what you need to know:

1. Preparation.

When you first sent out invitations to your wedding, you created a list of guest names and addresses. You will need this list to send our your thank you cards so save this list! Whip this list out when you start opening wedding gifts so you can easily record the gift next to each of the giver’s name and address.

2. The decision.

Homemade cards versus store bought cards: The easy thing to do would be to go out and buy thank you notes, but this could cause problems. One, the price may add up, especially if you have a high number of guests to write to. Two, there is something special about receiving a homemade card versus a store bought one. And lastly, by making your own cards, you can specialize it the way you want, such as stamping or embossing your new name or initials onto the card! Making your own thank you cards is not only creative but cost friendly too.

3. Getting creative.

If you choose to make your own cards, the tricky part can be deciding how you want to design your card. Thanks to Pinterest, there are hundreds of examples and ideas to get you started and most give you clear, direct instructions. One of our favorites, shown below, uses a cut out to reveal a wedding photo inside the card. Great idea!

4. Incorporate.

Even though the wedding is over, you can still give your guests a little gift to thank them for attending. For either your close friends, or the guests who used the photo booth, make duplicates of their photos and add it in to their thank you card to leave them a sweet surprise for their keepings. Another idea would be to use the photo booth to takes pictures for your thank you card, like the idea below. This idea is sweet, funny and original, plus you and your loved one will have a great time capturing these photos in the photo booth!

Quick Tips:

1. Write your thank you notes as soon as gifts start arriving.

2. Do not try to get them all done in one sitting.

3. Use blue or black ink.

4. Be specific in what you are thanking them for. For example: wine rack versus sustainable wooden wine rack

5. Remember to check off the guest after you have finished writing the thank you card. It will make things more organized and a lot easier.

For more thank you card ideas, check out Pinterest! If you made your own wedding thank you notes please share them with us, we would love to see!

Cheers! Holiday Drink Recipes to Top Off Your Holiday Party!

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:40:39 GMT

You have the guest list made, the invitations sent, the food list completed, the photo booth ordered and the house completely decorated. It sounds like you are ready for your holiday party, right? Well, not quite, but the hard part is over, now comes the fun. The question left is what beverages will you be serving at your party? Instead of buying a random array of ingredients to take home, concoct and test, let us do the work for you. We have compiled a list of the top 10 favorite holiday drinks your guests will love! We guarantee guests of all ages will enjoy these festive beverages. So before running out to your local grocery store and spending money on drink ingredients, check out our drink menu and choose a few beverages to serve:

Dubious Manhattan: a Manhattan, garnished with liquor-soaked dried cherries, perfect during hor d'oeuvres.
Apple Sparkler: a festive nonalcoholic drink kids and adults will love! It is a combination of sparkling apple cider, raspberry juice with apple trimmings.
Spiced Cappuccino: a great espresso drink to end the night with.
Pomegranate Spritzers: a spritzer with a twist and very easy to make.
Santa’s Sleigh Cocktail: a creamy martini with eggnog.
Cidar Jacks: applejack liqueur, lemon juice and a splash of grenadine or simple syrup. Top it off with hard apple cider and serve with a cinnamon stick.
Candy Cane Cooler: a candy-inspired cocktail with mint-infused vodka.
Ginger snap: ginger-beer-and-rum cocktail with a crushed gingerbread rim.
Spiced Christmas Tea: Star anise, cinnamon, and passion fruit nectar add a special twist to this holiday tea.
White Hot Chocolate: who doesn’t love hot chocolate on a cold winter night?

Still looking for a favorite? Here are a few more! Looking for kid-friendly drinks? Find great recipes on our previous post.

We hope you enjoy these beverages! If you have any other holiday favorite beverages be sure to share them with us!

Top 3 Tips for Wedding Photo Booth Success

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:58:31 GMT

Photo booths make for the perfect addition to any party or event. If you are having a wedding and are thinking of a fun way for guests to remember your special night, a photo booth is just the thing. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to create the best candid wedding photo booth:

Tip #1: Props, you can’t have enough!

The more props you provide, the better. Make sure you provide your guests with enough props for your photo booth because the more you have, the more fun your guests will have deciding on what to wear. If you are on a budget or are having a hard time finding goofy costumes and props, Seattle Party Booth always come fully prepared! If you want more personalization, look for a store that specializes in party supplies, those stores always have a wide selection of props to choose from. Are you wondering what kind of props are really great for a photoboth? Here are a few ideas: colored wigs, feathered boas, silly hats, mustaches, bowties, picture frames, masks and the list goes on. Looking for more ideas? The Internet is the best place to get ideas for wedding booth props and decorations (especially on Pinterest).

Tip #2: Expression and Body Language

Some guests may be a little embarrassed posing and taking silly pictures so have the bridge and groom take a few pictures in the photo booth first to use as examples. Most of the time, the best photos are taken when you are least prepared, so relax and have fun with it! And remember, you can be as silly as you want in a Seattle Party Booth photo booth because they are always curtained for maximum creative expression!

Tip #3: Guide the Guests

Weddings are busy and since there is a lot going on and being offered (dancing, drinks, food, dessert, socializing), the guests may not be aware that there is a photo booth at the wedding. Use Pinterest to get creative DIY ideas to design a chalkboard or poster board, putting it on an easel, this will grab the guests’ attention and they will feel more welcomed.

Hope you enjoy!

Have other ideas that really make the photo booth experience? Let us know in the comments!

Photos from Pinterest

Steals and Deals this Black Friday!

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:15:21 GMT

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and you know what that means! Black Friday is almost here. With just three days left, the excitement is building for those who are ready to score some great deals. While you may walk out with that big plasma television you have been eyeing, others may be standing in dreadfully long lines at the crack of dawn just waiting to enter the store. And some individuals skip out on this holiday completely, hoping to catch just a few extra hours of sleep to recover from the food coma you went into from the night before.

However, if you are planning on waking up and kicking off this holiday season with some great deals, here is a guide to help you get the most out of your Black Friday. And for those of you who want to stay in bed, we included some favorite stores who offer deals online too, so you never have to get out of your pajamas to get some steals and deals as well.

But before we start with our guide, here are a few tips before you hit the stores Friday morning.

Tip #1: Research. Start researching online this week to see if your favorite store(s) will be offering Black Friday sales.

Tip #2: Set a budget and make your list. This will help you know exactly what you want and what you need, with an estimated budget to keep you in balance.

Tip #3: Don’t forget about Cyber Monday! This is the Monday after Black Friday and has become more popular in recent years, with more stores offering deals this Monday.

Here is a list of some of the major stores you may be interested in visiting. We've gathered the times they open for you so you can plan your schedule!

Amazon: (online): Great deals everyday this week!
Best Buy: (in store and online): Online deals begin Thanksgiving Day (with free shipping) and doors open at 12:00 am Friday.
Target: (in store and online): Doors open for their Black Friday sale at 9:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day, with several specials starting at 4:00 am Friday. Deals can be found online all day Thanksgiving Day.
Walmart: (in store and online): Walmart is having a pre-Black Friday online only sale that will continue until this Wednesday and each day, different items are on sale. Doors will open Thanksgiving night at 8pm.

Here is a more complete list!

Bass Pro Shop - 6:00am
Best Buy - 12:00am
Cabela's - 5:00 a.m
CompUSA - 5:00 a.m.
HH Gregg - 12:00 a.m.
JC Penney - 4:00 a.m.
JoAnn Fabrics - 6:00 a.m
K-mart - 5:00am
Kohl's - 12:00am
Macy's - 12:00am
Meijer - 4:00am
Menards - 6:00am
Microcenter - 8:00am
Office Depot - 6:00am
Office Max - 6:00am
Old Navy - 12:00am
Petsmart - 7:00am
Radio Shack - 5:30am
Sears - 4:00am
Staples - 6:00am
Target - 12:00am
Toys'R'Us - 9:00pm (on Thanksgiving Day)
Walgreens - 7:00am
Walmart - 12:00am

Don’t forget to research this week to see which of your favorite stores are having sales!

Get shopping!

Hope this helps! Do you know of any other stores with great Black Friday deals? Please share with us, we'd love to hear them in the comments!

Holiday Events Around Seattle

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:08:42 GMT

We know that you can't plan a holiday event for every night of the year and there may be a weekend or two when you are looking to get out of the social scene and attend an event... let someone else do the planning! We have gathered some of the most interesting Holiday Events around Seattle for you and your family, you and your friends, you and a loved one, or even just you.

Wildlights at Woodland Park Zoo

This is a new event this year and it sounds absolutely stunning. A magical and dazzling display of wild animals and wild places displayed in thousands of tiny LED lights inspired by nature. In addition to the sparkling light display, you can also participate in other activities such as

Experience amazing indoor and outdoor displays
Ride the zoo's Historic Carousel (additional fee)
See a few of our animal friends, including visiting reindeer
Enjoy festive snacks, fun and entertainment

This one is one of our favorite events because it is not only going to be a great show, but it is also extremely affordable!
From November 23rd- December 13th: Adults $8.50, children ages 3-12 $6.50, toddlers under 2 free!
From December 14th- January 1st: Adults $9.50, children ages 3-12 $6.50, toddlers under 2 Free!
Closed December 24th and 25th.

For more information, see the Woodland Park Zoo Event Calendar

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve

This is no simple Christmas caroling orchestra performance. This is an all out rock concert laser light show that will blow your stockings off with an extraordinary punch. According to the show description, the show has been called "a story of loss and redemption and features a diverse soundtrack fusing elements of rock, classical, folk, Broadway, and R&B, which takes you on a journey into the "Capra-esque" world of TSO creator / producer, Paul O'Neill. Encompassing a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, a Gothic cathedral, and their respective inhabitants all intertwined during a single enchanted Christmas Eve in New York City, this year's show is sure to start any TSO fan's holiday season off right."

Dates: Saturday, November 24 at 3 pm (presented by STAR 101.5) and 8 pm (presented by KZOK 102.5)
For more information or to purchase tickets visit Key Area's Page

A Christmas Carol Performance by ACT Theatre

The 37th Anniversary show of what the Seattle Pi called the "The granddaddy of all shows!" This is a traditional tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his thrilling adventure to discover the true meaning of Christmas and what matters most in life. This classic Dickens story can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Dates: November 23 - December 30, 2012
Location: The Allen Theatre
Ticket Prices: Adults $27-$55, Children $22-$50
For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit the ACT Theatre Site

ELF- The Musical! At the 5th Avenue Theatre

Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole by elves, sets off to the big city in search of his father. What he finds is an alarming lack of Christmas Spirit. Even his little brother doesn't believe in Santa! So Buddy sets out to help everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas, and (just like in the blockbuster film) eat as many things covered in syrup as possible.

Dates: November 30th - December 31st
For Ticket prices and more information visit The 5th Avenue Theatre Page

There are many more events going on this holiday season, but we just couldn't include them all! Check out this list of events including The Nutcracker, Tree Lightings, and Iceskating and More!

Is there an event you attend every year? Is there one that you are really excited to attend for the first time? Please, let us know in the comments!

An Out of the Box Touch to a Fragrance Launch

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:47:50 GMT

Fragrance is known to be one of the hardest products to market. After all, how do you depict the sensation of a wonderfully complex smell in a Television advertisement or a magazine page? This weekend, Seattle Party Booth was part of a unique way to launch a new perfume at Macy's.

Instead of just going with the usual forms of advertising, Macy's stepped it up a notch and threw an in-store event for the launch of their new fragrances. This seemed like a great idea! Don't they say that the strongest sense connected to memory is smell? So why not create a fun and interesting event that will conjure up memories of happiness every time someone smells that fragrance. Seems to make a lot of sense to us!

We were thrilled to be a part of this event this year and provide our form of a lasting memory with our photo booth pictures. We can't wait for the next fragrance launch! It was a great weekend.

What do you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Holiday Planning Tips

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:50:46 GMT

Christmas tree balloons

I have a friend who has already received two invitations to Holiday Parties this year. She got them just after Halloween! We've all heard of the Christmas Creep, where companies start putting up holiday decorations and bombarding us with early holiday advertisements; at first it wasn't until after Thanksgiving... then it wasn't until after Halloween... now mid-October seems to be fair game for some companies!

Realizing how quickly November and December can fly by with family and holidays and busy work weeks, Seattle Party Booth posted a blog on starting your Holiday Planning Early a few weeks ago. At this point, in early November, we want to encourage some serious buckling down and getting planning. To help ease the stress of the ever increasing To Do List, we have gathered some tips for you.

Holiday Party Planning Tips:

1. Organize your Guest List:

The general rule of thumb is to assume that 30% of your guests will not be able to attend. However, if you personally invite guests, send them a card in the mail (as opposed to email invites), or call them to invite them, the unable to attend rate will drop. Keep in mind this is the Holiday Season and there are a lot of parties going on, some of your guest may be party hoppers or out of town.

2. Pick your date:

If possible, before you send out invites, ask a few of your close friends and guests what days they will be available. Once you have gathered a general consensus, mark the calendar and get those invites out!

3. Estimate your food and drink:

Based on the number of people expected to attend, start planning how much food and drinks you will need. Questions to consider: Are you going to have a sit down dinner? Are you going to have a buffet? Are you only going to serve snack foods? Does anyone on your invite list have allergies or nutritional limitations. If budget is an issue, consider this step before sending out invites to a ton of people. Cutting the guest list is a great way to cut costs. Another way to cut costs is to serve a couple signature drinks instead of offering a lot of drink options.
Here is a general estimate on how much alcohol you will need:

25 people:
Beer: 60 Bottles
Wine and Champagne: 9 Bottles
Hard Liquor: 3 Bottles
Mixers: 12 liters

50 People:
Beer: 120 Bottles
Wine and Champagne: 18 boottles
Hard Liquor: 6 bottles
Mixers: 24 liters

100 People:
Beer: 240 Bottles
Wine and Champagne: 36 bottles
Hard Liquor: 11 bottles
Mixers: 48 liters

4. Plan your decorations:

How ornate do you want to go? Do you need to rent anything? Is this a themed party? How formal is your party? These are all questions to consider early on in the planning process, especially if you are going to need a lot of supplies. Ideally, you will be able to delegate this task to a friend or family member while you can handle food, drinks and invitations. And, don't forget about the music! Someone will need to create a great playlist that will keep the party going throughout.

5. Plan the entertainment!

Don't be intimidated, but this is what makes or breaks your party (that is, after the food and drinks!) Think about who is on your guest list. Are there children? Are there a lot of teenagers? Is everyone about the same age? How do you know your guests? Are they all from work? Are they going to be interested in the same things? Don't worry, we have a few ideas for entertainment that are great for any party:

The Photo Booth:
We've seen first hand the success of a photo booth across demographics, from young to professional, this makes the party that much more memorable. Contact us for more information.

The Gift Exchange:
This is a classic with many variations that can personalize your party and add just the right amount of fun! It is also a great way to eliminate the need for party favors at the end of the night.

Decorating Gingerbread Houses:
A great party idea for parties with younger children. However, this does require a lot of supervision and can be messy, it is always a lot of fun and parents are thrilled to see what their children create.

Board Games:
From Apples to Apples to Would You Rather to Taboo or Catch Phrase, board games can create a fun and casual environment. You don't have to play for points or on any specific teams. These can be great options to keep the party going if things start to die down.

6. Do as much as you can beforehand.
This seems simple but as the holiday season rolls around time seems to be in short supply. Delegate as much as you need and try to get a head start on the pieces you can. Make sure you have an alternative plan for elements of your party that have the potential to fall through. Are you planning a gift exchange? You may want to purchase extra gifts in case some people forget to bring one.

Hope this helps! Do you have any other ideas that you would like to share? We'd love to hear them in the comments!

Planning a corporate party? Check out Seattle Party Booth's blog here!

How to Create Beautiful Tented Weddings

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:59:10 GMT

Tis the season! Well, here in Seattle it is always the season to have a well-designed contingency plan for rainy weather, but around the country Fall and Spring are the season of tented outdoor weddings. We have found a few options for making that tented wedding a beautiful celebration of your love. Tented weddings may sound tacky at first, but see fabulous examples below from TheKnot.com and you will surely change your mind.

Worried that you won't be able to have a photo booth at an outside wedding? Don't! We can operate as long as we have access to a power source! Need more information? Contact us today!

You Have the Photo Booth... Now for the Drinks

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:13:17 GMT

So you have your Holiday party all planned out for your corporate event, your family, or your friends. You have already booked a photo booth after you read a blog post on the advantages to having a photo booth at your corporate event. Now it is time to get down to some other important details.

The Drinks.

At Seattle Party Booth we have scoured the internet, Pinterest, and beyond to find the Holiday Drinks of the Season. We've even included some non-alcoholic ones for our younger friends and fans.

For the Adults:

Candy Cane Cocktail

Candy Cane is a delectable dessert drink made with peppermint, chocolate and berry flavors. Just the name alone will get you in the holiday spirit!

Ingredients:

3/4 oz SKYY Berry vodka

3/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps

3/4 oz white Crème de Cacao

1/4 oz grenadine

half and half

Soda water

Preparation:

Pour the vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, white Creme de Cacao and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well.
Pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy.
Fill with half and half.
Top with a splash of soda water
Rim the glass with crushed candy canes or other peppermint candy, using the Schnapps or Crème de Cacao to wet the rim.

Hot Buttered Rum

This recipe from Emeril Lagasse for the traditional winter beverage, is a wonderful addition to any holiday party or yuletide gathering (just not for the kiddies!).

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 cups light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

Pinch salt

Bottle dark rum

Boiling water

Directions

In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of rum into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve immediately.

Mulled Wine/Grogg

Mulled wine (or Glogg as it’s called in Sweden), is wine, usually red, combined with spices and typically served warm. Nowadays, it is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas and Halloween.

Ingredients

2 (750 milliliter) bottles red wine

2 ounces dried orange zest

2 ounces cinnamon sticks

20 whole cardamom seeds

25 whole cloves

1 pound blanched almonds

1 pound raisins

1 pound sugar cubes

5 fluid ounces brandy

Directions

Pour wine into a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Wrap orange zest, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cloves in cheesecloth, tie with kitchen string and put into pot. Let boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in almonds and raisins and continue to boil for 15 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Place a wire grill over the pot and cover with sugar cubes. Slowly pour on brandy, making sure to completely saturate the sugar. Light sugar with a match and let it flame. When sugar has melted, cover pot with lid to extinguish flame.
Stir and remove spice bag. Serve hot in cups with a few almonds and raisins.

For our younger fans (Non-Alcoholic Drinks!)

Grinch Punch

What could be more fun than a green frothy drink with Sprinkles names after a Dr. Suess character? Was it really the Whoville citizens that made his heart grow or was it his love for ice cream floats like this one? Serve this at your event and you may just find out!

Ingredients

Green soda (Perhaps Jones Green Apple Soda)

Vanilla ice cream

Green sprinkles

Directions

Rim the edges of your glasses with green sugar sprinkles. In a large bowl loosely stir together the vanilla ice cream and soda. Use 1 scoop of ice cream per one 12-ounce glass jar of soda. Pour into rimmed drink glasses and serve!

Apple Pie Cider

The title includes two of the best parts of the holidays, Apple Pie and Cider. Try it. You won't regret this delicious treat, especially after you stumble inside after a exhaustingly fun snowball fight or game of family football.

Ingredients

1 1/4 quarts apple cider

3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar

7 whole cinnamon sticks, (6 sticks for garnish)

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Ground cloves

Freshly grated nutmeg

Salt

1/2 cup Calvados, or other brandy (optional)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together cider, sugar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat; pour in brandy, if desired. Strain into a pitcher; discard solids. Serve in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

We had to include this classic holiday drink. This one is cherished by young and old and never fails to bring a warm smile to everyone's face.

Ingredients

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 quart milk

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)

7 peppermint sticks; 3 crushed (1/4 cup), 4 left whole

pinch of salt

Directions

Place cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved. Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint; simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and peppermint have melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Add salt. Ladle into mugs; serve each with a peppermint stick.

We hope these help with the holiday planning! Do you have a drink you make every year? We would love to hear about your special drink in the comments!

If you still need to book your photo booth for the holidays, please contact us.

How to Build a Beautiful Fall Scrapbook

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:44:04 GMT

Part of the fun of having a photo booth at your event will be looking through the pages of photo booth pictures in your scrapbook for days, weeks, and years after the event. At Seattle PartyBooth we offer you the option to have a scrapbook created in live time at your event with the duplicate prints from the photo booth.

You have the option of bringing your own scrapbook or purchasing one from us. You may also opt to have one of our representatives manage the creation of the scrapbook. We highly recommend this over having a friend or family member manage the creative because this is a time intensive project and who ever is in charge will likely miss the party.

We want this to be an amazing memory for you. Here are some ideas on how you can prepare a pre-made scrapbook for people to place their duplicate photos in, or how you can spice us the glam on your book after the event! Great for any season; here are a few for right now.

Fall Scrapbooking Ideas!

Add patterned paper in the background to make your pictures pop and create a unique feel for each page

Use stickers to add detail and bring out your personalized theme

Use ribbon in the background and then use the ribbon to secure your photo booth strips

Set your design at an angle on a few pages to give more depth to the overall book

Add frames behind the photos in multiple layers to give them a stronger accent

If you are really ambitious you can hand cut accents to add detail and personalization

Recent Seattle Party Booth scrapbook created at Butterfly Bash event!

DON'T FORGET!
Allow room for captions! Some of the best memories will come with the messages left behind in your scrap book

More ideas? Let us know in the comments!

Add a scrapbook to to your reservation today and create a lasting memory of your event!

Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Favors

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:15:29 GMT

Are you looking to do something unique at your wedding? We have gathered some great ideas for alternatives to the traditional wedding favors.

Charitable Donation:
Instead of proving each guest with an individual item, donate that money to a charity that holds special meaning to you and your partner. Make sure to provide each guest with a small card that explains the charity and the donation so they know that you didn't skip the wedding favors and can feel good about what you have chosen to do instead. Depending on what charity you select, you may even be able to provide each guest with personalized information so they can track the effects of their donation after the wedding.

Earth Friendly Seed Packets:
Provide each guest with a small packet of seeds for an easy to grow flower. Make sure that these are not a type of plant that is invasive to the area you live in. However, most flowers should be no problem at all. A cute idea could be Forget-me-not seeds. I have seen some weddings provide small plants or succulents to their guests, however, many of these were left behind as out of town guests have a hard time transporting them during travel.

Small Photo Frame with Date of Wedding:
If you have a photo booth at your wedding this could be the perfect favor for your guests. Not only will they be able to remember the good times they had at your wedding, but they will be able to frame the print of pictures they took with family and friends while they were there.

Have you seen or used other ideas for your wedding favors? We would love to hear more ideas in the comments below!

Add a Photo Booth to Your Next School Dance and Get a Great Offer!

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:44:10 GMT

Have you ever considered adding a photo booth to your school dance event?

Tolo, Morp, Sadie Hawkins, whatever you call that one special dance when the girl gets to ask the guy, is coming up early in the new year. Now is the time to start booking your photo booth for your dance. Think prom too! You want to get the jump on the nearby schools bookings!

Throughout the night, the students will be able to take unlimited photos with ulimited prints. They can take a picture with their date or friend, with the group they came with, with their best friends and classmates, or any other combination of classmates they can create! After all, Seattle Party Booth photo booths can fit up to ten people, a record that was recently broken when 12 adults were able to fit into the booth and smile for the camera!

The school will get all of this for one flat rate from Seattle Party Booth!

And, to make the deal even better, Seattle Party Booth will be able to offer the photo booth for the night for 50% off the regular price when Robert Wachtendonk Photography is hired to do the traditional portrait photos at the dance. We are able to offer this unique and amazing deal because Robert Wachtendonk is owner of both companies.

Need more reasons to be convinced why you should hire a photo booth company to up the fun at the school dance?

Hiring a photo booth provides the students with an opportunity to remember their dance without having to face the high price of ordering professional prints! The costs associated with attending a dance can be intimidating, but Seattle Party Booth wants to offer those students faced with tight budgets a way to remember their night with their friends without a high price tag for pictures.

Of course, everyone at the dance will be able to enjoy the extra fun of the photo booth even if they have purchased professional photos as well. Seattle Party Booths makes your school dance a fun and memorable night for everyone who attends!

We hope to be a part of your next event!

For more information contact

Bob@seattlepartybooth.com

The Advantages of Having a Photo Booth at a Corporate Event

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:03:20 GMT

Holiday corporate events have that tendency to go one of two ways, either they can be awkward and not exciting or they can be a little too out of control. As an event planner, you want to avoid both. Here is how to take that corporate event you've been planning to the next level without going too far.

Add a photo booth!

There are a variety of advantages to this strategy.

1. It takes the party up a notch in excitement. Everyone, no matter how old or young, love photo booths. They are exciting, fun, and just the right amount of silly.

2. You can create a scrapbook featuring the great memories throughout the night! Was this an especially good year? Are you celebrating an anniversary? This scrapbook could be the perfect way to memorize the best corporate event yet! And you now have fun pictures that are linked directly to the company.

3. You can add your company logo to the bottom of the photo strip. One copy goes in the scrap book and the other stays with the employees. They can then put these up on their desks and remember how much fun they had at the event their company threw for them. It is the perfect mix of working hard and playing hard.

Seattle Party Booth is an ideal choice for your corporate event photo booth. With our open booth system, you can fit up to 10 people in a picture at one time! Get snapshots of the whole team, of your whole department, of the entire softball team, or anything you can think of! Bond while having fun with your whole team. You will create memories that will bring a smile to everyone's faces.

How to Plan the Holiday Party of the Seaon

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:45:08 GMT

It is finally starting to get chilly outside. The leaves have all started to change and they are predicting rain tomorrow for the first time in over two months. It is officially Fall. Halloween is right around the corner, then we will all be getting ready for Thanksgiving in November, and before we know it, we will be surrounded by Holiday music and red Starbucks cups rushing past as we all start planning our shopping lists.

Use this time we have now to plan the ultimate holiday party of the season! Start getting the detailed ironed out and the professional services booked so you are not scrambling at the last minute!

These are also very helpful steps if you are in charge of planning your holiday corporate event or community event.

Here are a seven steps to get you going with planning
The Holiday Party of the Season:

1. Plan Early. That's right. Start now. I know it is mid-October, but think of how busy Fall can be. Plan now. Set the date of your Holiday party before everyone else starts setting their dates.

2. Decide what your theme will be and if there are any ways that guests will need to participate. Is this going to be a Elf themed party? Are costumes required? Is it semi-formal? Do guests need to bring a small present for a party game? Make sure to determine all of this before you create your invitations.

3. Send out written invitations. Okay we can wait until November to send these, but design them and gather addresses from friends and family you normally only email or talk to on the phone. Remember, an email invite or personal phone message is great for last minute or small shindigs, but this is the Holiday Party of the Season. Make an impression with beautiful invites mailed and addressed by hand.

4. Book your professional services. This is the Holiday Party of the Season. Maybe you would like to consider hiring a caterer for your event. Is your event big enough to need a DJ? Are you going to hire a professional decorator? Do you need to book a venue? These may not be necessary but you should consider them early as the holidays are already starting to book. Right now.

5. Make sure to capture all the moments on camera! Are you going to need a professional photographer for your event? Up the fun level with a professional Photo booth company. These can easily be uploaded to social networks to keep the excitement and success of your holiday party going for days after the event. *** If you book Seattle Party Booth or RW Photography for professional photography, you will get the Photo Booth for 50% off!***

6. Decorations! Decorations! Decorations! These really set the mood of the event. Is it all sparkles and snow? Is it fun and colorful? Is it a little goofy? Is this a New Year's event? Make sure to coordinate your decorations and consider even the tiniest details, table cloths, plate color, napkin color, tinted lights, centerpieces, flowers, etc.

7. Don't forget the drinks and the desserts! Desserts are those delicious little morsels that everyone gives themselves the go-head to eat at the holidays! Now is the time to break out all the fun holiday themed drinks here too! ***Here is a list of the top 10 Holiday Drinks***

Hope this helps with your holiday party planning!

Let us know your thoughts or if you have any great tips to add to our list!

Get on your Ghoulish Faces for Halloween!

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:45:09 GMT

Halloween may feel like it is still a long ways off, but really it is just a few weeks away! It is time to start thinking about planning that spectacularly spooky haunted event! And what better way to immortalize your carefully crafted costume than by booking a photo booth to capture all your best ghoulish grins?

If you are just now starting to think about what you should wear this Halloween, we've done a little research for you to get you started!

Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Kids (From Halloween Express):

1. The Amazing Spider Man!

2. Disney's "Brave" Merida

3. Avengers Captain America Costume

4. Monster Bride Costume

5. Red Ranger Samurai Costume

6. Cross-eyed Monster Costume

7. Hulk Costume

8. Angry Birds Space Ice Bird Costume

9. Werewolf Costume

10. Indian Maiden Costume

Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Teens (From Halloween Express):

1. Frankie Monster Costume

2. Seal Team Costume

3. Turquoise Fairy Costume

4. Annoying Orange Costume

5. Monster Bride Costume

6. Living Dead Costume

7. Zombie Ghost Face Costume

8. Green m&m Tank Dress Costume

9. Spiderman Costume

10. Mad Hatter Costume

Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Adults (From Halloween Express):

1. Spidergirl Costume

2. Cat Suit Costume

3. Sexy Cowgirl Costume

4. The Avengers Black Widow Costume

5. Flirty Monster Costume

6. Ring Mistress Costume

7. Sexy Cleopatra Costume

8. Witch Costume

9. Race Car Driver Costume

10. Pirate Costume

Now that you have your costume all planned out, plan your spooky spectacular and snap images of witches, super heroes, pirates, and zombies in a photo booth with Seattle Party Booths! We know you'll have a terrifyingly good time!

Planning a Wedding? How to capture all the events of the night

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:09:29 GMT

If you have ever been to a wedding before you know how much entertainment goes on. If you've see the wedding photos captured at the event by the professional photographer, you laugh and smile and cry at the beautiful moments that were captured. But there are always those other moments that don't quite make the professional photographer's album. It just isn't possible for the photographer to be everywhere at once!

In the past wedding planners would scatter disposable cameras throughout the wedding and on the dining tables. But those feel so archaic now and unless you are planning a retro wedding and are okay with developing tons of photos into printed copies that you may or may not ever need, it is time to upgrade.

How do you get your guests to give you that inside look at your wedding events?

Here are some new options:

1. Cell phones encouraged

Have you guests take pictures on their smartphones and upload to the new app, Wedding Party. Gizmodo recently wrote a review on the app. This is the perfect way to eliminate all those expensive disposable cameras AND it gives everyone who took photos access to all of the images! Now your wedding guests can appreciate and enjoy all of you images instantly right along with you.

2. Highlight reel of your wedding the next day!

It is time to grab that aspiring videographer-second-cousin and put them to work! Have someone film mini-films during the event, some low quality B-roll and get some images from family members, friends, and others throughout. All he has to do is upload them to his computer and press create with Animoto, an online service that will create instant highlight videos of your event. "Turn your photos, video clips, and music into stunning video masterpieces to share with everyone. Fast, free, and shockingly easy!" I've seen this service at a recent fashion event I attended, the product was amazing and people were shocked to see a video produced so quickly after the event had ended, we're talking minutes after it was over!

3. Say Cheese!

Hire a photo booth to capture your guests at their silliest! Customize the boarder with a special wedding message, provide two prints, one for them to add to your personalized scrapbook with a special wedding wish, and one for them to take home. Guests will have fun all night taking photos with friends, making funny faces, and sending your their best wishes.

We would love to hear what other ideas you have for capturing all the special moments of the day. Comment below!

How to Throw A Brand Launch Party- Reblogged from E How

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:08:47 GMT

This was originally published by By Amie Martin, eHow Contributor in 2011

A launch party can be an effective and profitable way to publicize your company, product or service, but it is neither a requirement for nor does it mark the end of a launch. How you throw your specific launch party depends on factors including your budget and scope, but should you decide that a launch party is right for you, the range of possibilities includes all budgets, themes, audiences and results.

Instructions

Know your budget. It may seem like a no-brainer, but creating a budget before anything else will help you make decisions and prioritize all aspects of your launch party.

Define your goal and audience. These go hand-in-hand. If you are launching a new product and want to boost sales, plan your launch party around your product's display and demonstration, and target an audience of consumers or distributors. If, on the other hand, your launch party is for a community outreach program with a goal of building awareness, your audience may be more local and press-oriented.

Scout and set your location. A launch party doesn't have to be fancy; in fact, it can even be virtual. Keep in mind your purpose and audience, and choose a setting that suits it. For instance, if you're releasing your band's first CD, you might throw its launch party at a local record store, which is buzz-beneficial to you both. If you're launching a high-end product, on the other hand, your location needs should follow suit. A virtual launch party is also growing in popularity; these are free and can create a lot of buzz, but only plan one if it is in keeping with your target audience. Also, trade shows are often overlooked, but they can provide a rich location with a built-in audience for a launch party.

Invite your guests and provide a call to action. Whether you send press packets or electronic invitations depends on your audience and budget. If the target of your launch party is media coverage, splurge for a well-designed invitation; but if you are launching an Internet product with a consumer or blogger buzz target, use an online invitation service. Either way, give your invitees a reason to attend. For example, offer consumers who attend a discount on your product.

Set the mood and showcase the star of your launch. If your launch party is for a technology item, have it available for demonstration. In other cases, books and CDs can be displayed along with author readings or music tracks (preferably live performances) playing. Stick to your purpose, audience and branding.

Entertain your audience, and keep the entertainment within your branding. If you're launching a music CD, your money may be better spent on a flair bartender than a juggler. If your budget is low, ask for sponsors to share publicity. Again, keep it consistent with your branding; not only will this consistency be reflected in your launch party, it will motivate sponsors who fit with it to participate.

Follow up and follow through. A launch party is just part of your launch. Send a thank you to attendees within a couple of weeks and offer new information. Keep this type of communication going throughout the process of your product launch.

BONUS NUMBER 8! Extend your party for days with Seattle Party Booth!

Seattle Party Booths will add an extra element of fun to your event by providing your guests with lasting memories of the party. Not only will they have a good time taking pictures during the event, but they will be able to look over their photo booth prints after the event and share with them Facebook! Your brand will also have the option of having Seattle Party Booth create a photo book for you to take home. Mark in history your first brand success with a creative and fun memory of your launch party!

Call or email today!

Bob@seattlepartybooth.com

425-772-2990

Seattle Party Booth at Riverdog's Wag-a-versary!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:39:28 GMT

Photo booths can become an important and memorable part of any type of event. This weekend we tested out our set up on owners and their dogs! Yes, even dogs can have fun in a photo booth and people love taking pictures of their pets!

This past Sunday, we were excited to be part of Riverdog Canine Coaching's 10 year "Wag-a-versary" celebration. They brought in vendors, demonstrations, and a food truck all for the celebration in thanks to their loyal clients and their pups! They even arranged the first annual Riverdog Dash for dogs and their owners to race through an obstacle course not unlike like the Warrior Dash. There was barking, mud, and lots of laughter.

They invited Seattle Party Booth to be part of the celebration so they could provide everyone with a fun photo booth experience! People really loved being able to dress their dogs in silly accessories and to decorate themselves in some as well. Riverdog was excited to receive their copy of the photo album at the end of the the event.

Riverdog writes: "Super, super awesome contribution to the Riverdog Dash. People were soooo tickled with their photos! Great set up, great ideas! And a warm thank you for the memory book. We will treasure it. :)"

Thank you Riverdog for having us at your event!

See more of the pictures on our Facebook page Riverdog Dash Album