Swizzle Events Blog

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Well, Friday is here and things are really hopping around the Swizzle Parties office.  With two events this weekend (one is my DS cub scout banquet tonight :), we are running full speed ahead!  You can probably imagine the festivities that await me tonight as we bring together 40 boys (grades 1-5), their parents, grandparents and of course the siblings for some yummy food and proud moments!

I am also working on a sweet baby shower for a good friend that I will share with you next week.  I know, I know!  This is a wedding blog but sooner or later many brides will be going down this same road and will be both excited and scared to death at what lies ahead.  And besides, I love to share fun ideas and great photos regardless of the occasion.

So, here's a bit of wedding talk for you today.  The traditional wedding mantra "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue . . " was the inspiration for my blog title.  When it comes to wedding colors, blue can be both a timeless classic and fresh inspiration.  It comes in so many shades that range from a dark classic navy to a fresh turquoise to a cool periwinkle (and everything in between).  And, this is one color that really does complement any skin/hair color.  (Trust me, your bridesmaids are all concerned with this one, they just don't always tell you!). 

I'm curious to know, what will be your something blue as you walk down the aisle?  I opted for a classic navy as one of my wedding colors, so my bridesmaids dutifully wore the color.  And, to be on the safe side, I also wore a little blue on my garter.  I think traditions are part of the charm of weddings.  Maybe you don't buy into the whole something old, something new ritual.  But, if you do, I'd like to know what you'll choose for your blue. 

Enjoy your weekend!  Now I'm off to deliver centerpieces and pull together those little details that make that magical moment!

Location, Location, Location!

Location, Location, Location!  That has always been the mantra for those in the real estate industry (or so I've been told).  But have you ever noticed that a newly engaged bride seems to have the same focus?  So, how do you find the dream location? 

First, you need to prioritize and look at your budget.  When you sit down and list all of the must-haves for your wedding, is the venue high on the list?  Some couples choose to make their venue a splurge item in the budget, while others may decide that they'd rather spend more on something else. 

If you have the money to splurge on the "it" location, then you've probably already secured the venue and are on to other tedious details.  If you are one of the masses that is trying to plan on a budget, read on!

When I meet a bride & groom who are trying to stretch every dollar (and who isn't these days?), I try to find a fantastic venue in the most unlikely place.  Here's a list of how I get those creative juices flowing so that we can come up with a list of options:

• Think about your hobbies.  Do you love the outdoors?  Check into state parks for hidden treasures.  Often, they offer beautiful outdoor locations and charming indoor venues like chapels surrounded by a forest.  Are you part of a local theater or dance group?  A community theater may allow you to use their facility.  Do you volunteer at the local library or museum?  
• Think about your circle of influence.  Who do you know?  Often your neighbors and friends are members of clubs and museums that will rent a venue to members. 
• Think about your (or your family members') place of employment.  If you want a trendy city location, you may be able to use the empty space of an office building that hasn't been leased yet.  Often, venues that are bare bones are the best for receptions because you can transform it into any look you want through the use of rentals and creative lighting.
• Think about the homes of family and friends.  Did you love to play in your grandmother's garden as a child?  Does your cousin have a lawn that could be featured in "Better Homes & Gardens"?  A beautiful outdoor reception can be pulled together with a few select rentals and a little creativity.

Well, you get the idea.  Often the perfect location is a best kept secret!  You just need to start thinking more about your possibilities and less about your budget restrictions.  And, if you really want your wedding to reflect your personal style, isn't a unique venue the best place to start?  Happy hunting!