Dunhill Tuxedos

Money Savers for your wedding-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:39:44 +0000

For almost all brides…somewhere there is a line for budget. With the sky being the limit in wedding planning, we need to be creative to know where to draw the line for the budget. We have listed some of our ideas and tips to help cut corners of different wedding elements in planning.

Centerpieces

Instead of going the traditional flowers route, trigger some creativity with your wedding theme. Here are our picks for best money savers for centerpieces.

Feathers

If you have the right personality, feathers can definitely have the drama element you might be looking for in your centerpieces. Find long elegant feathers in or around your color scheme. Search online and also your local craft stores. You will probably need 3-5 feathers per centerpiece and long, tall, skinny vases. It is always nice if you can get opaque vases, so the mystery of seeing how the feathers are inside is hidden. Put the feathered vases in the middle of the table with tea lights surrounding them and you are good to go!

Fruit

Opt for fruit, but price this out before you make the decision. Depending on what kind you get, it can add up to be just as much as flowers. Try larger sized fruit to fill up centerpieces so you don’t have to buy as much. Oranges, apples and even artichokes might do the trick. Green apples in Spring and oranges in the Summer, red apples in the Fall and even try artichokes in any of the months-their interesting color and shape make for great aesthetics. For afternoon weddings, try a three tier tower tray of fruit and cheese for display with cascading grapes and and brie cheese. This can serve as a double up that guests can dive into for appetizers before brunch is served.

Ornaments

These can always be a money saver when used in the winter months. Search after Christmas sales the previous year before your wedding for eclectic ornaments in your color scheme. There is a world of things to do with them as a centerpiece. Pile them into a glass cylinder vase and have branches coming out with white shimmer sprayed on them to make it look like freshly fallen snow. Even better, buy memorable ornaments throughout the year at different places you venture to as a couple. Put one of these special ornaments in each display and have a little sentiment behind every table.

Wood planks and candles

If you are having a fall or rustic wedding, this centerpiece will be perfect for you. You might need to find a “handy andy” (groom, dad, brother) for this one, but it will save you money. Cut or find different shapes of wood rings and stack two down side to side and one on top of them. Place different sized, shaped and colored candles on top and it will create a romantic, rustic atmosphere.

Musicians

Look for people you know in your life that are musically inclined. Have them perform at the wedding. This will bring a personal element to your wedding. First, ask them if they are free and willing to perform and be a part of your wedding. Some people would be happy to sing or perform at your wedding for free, but before you bet on having them to use their talent for free, get a feel for how they feel on the subject. If they are doing it as a favor and gift to you as a couple, consider paying them something-less than you would hire someone for, but enough to say thank you for sharing your talent with us on our big day. Also, make sure to include them in the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and take the time to complement them on a great job.

Double ups

How to give yourself a two for one deal on wedding elements

Favors and Place cards

Tie a favor tag around your favor but leave a spot for name and table no. This way you do not have to invest money for the place card as well as the favor and your guests have a memento personalized to take home. This works great for practical favors or even edible favors that can have the favor tag wrapped around. There is the classic picture frame idea where you can frame the place cards and the guests can keep the photo frame. Get clever and save money while using it!

Ceremony Flowers and Reception Flowers

Take your ceremony flowers that were used to decorate the altar, aisles and/or ceremony table can be used at the reception to decorate the escort table, entrances, or cake or gift table. This will save the overall budget and allow you to give you that look of blooms that you want.

Centerpieces and Cake

Double up on the cake and centerpiece and save a lot of money while doing it. Instead of one big cake on a cake table, use different sized cakes on each table and feature it as the centerpiece. The wait staff can still serve the cake to the guests, but it will create a conversation for guests and an up close and personal look at the cake.

Until Next time….Happy Wedding Planning!

What to know before you attend a Bridal Show-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:49:34 +0000

Before we know it, the fall season is going to hit us, then after that the new year will hit and all of our 2011 brides are going to realize “I’m getting married this year!” and go into full wedding detail mode. Fall and Winter season also becomes the Bridal Show Season. If you are getting married anytime in the next 3 years, it is the best time in planning to attend. Go in with a clean slate and vendor shop. Not only should you look at these functions as vendor shopping, but look as if it was outlet vendor shopping. These shows are the vendor’s time to shine, to show you what they got and entice your booking by special savings and offers. Here is some advice from us to you on the best tips and how to make the most out of your bridal show experience.

Enter every raffle

Most bridal shows have a bride’s raffle with prizes donated by the attending vendors. Look for a sign up table when you enter, or find the DJ that is announcing the winners, he should know where to go. Winners are called throughout or at the end of the night. Enter! You never know what you could win and use. Be a well behaved bride though and if you already have it booked or cannot use your prize, turn it back in for someone to win it that can. This will add some good karma to your wedding planning and

See the product

This is a great time to survey the products and vendors to decide to whom to make a consultation appointment with. If you really love someone, book an appointment there! It doesn’t hurt to book 2 or 3 of the same vendor category. The bridal show can help you decide which vendors just aren’t for you. You can save your time by meeting with the vendors that flatter your wedding plans the most.

Bring return address labels with you

You might find yourself signing up for a lot of things at the show. Instead of wasting minutes that you could be talking to other vendors by filling out your information again and again, bring return address labels with you and stick them on each form. This will also eliminate hard to read handwriting on any entry forms so you can sure to be a verified winner!

Take business cards from well liked vendors

There is a lot of hustle and bustle at bridal shows. You will see, talk and hear from a lot of people. It is very easy to forget or mix up who said what. Ask the person’s name that you are talking to and grab a business card. Hopefully that business card will help you remember the name that will trigger the face that told you all the great information.

Stay until the end

Parting gifts and last minute raffles are always a possibility. Increase your chances of gaining some free stuff and put it in your wedding schedule to stay until the end. Also, what a great night for you and your mom or you and your girls to get excited about your wedding! Plan a pre-show dinner or post-show drinks. Just make sure and save room or any yummy samples!

Bring your groom

If he’s willing, bring your groom along. There might be specials available as an incentive of the groom coming to the show. He can get a first hand preview of the vendors/situations so there is no convincing or explaining needed later. Some wedding planning can be fun to do as a couple, as you are making decisions together for the first time. You know your groom and you know if bridal shows are for him or not. If he’s in that not category, then have a fun night with the girls.

If you’re out of town, send your mom

Most vendors take mother of the bride’s just as serious as the brides. Put mamma in charge of circling to gather up some info for you, don’t worry, we’re sure she’ll have an opinion about one or two of the vendors If you do go in person, try not to go around the system and have every bridesmaid, mom and maid of honor sign up as brides to increase your odds of winnings. It may end up backfiring and the winnings will only be valid to your little sister that won’t even be engaged for another 5 years. Playing by the rules will only up your chances of picture perfect weather on your wedding day!

We look forward to seeing you at Dunhill Tuxedos and Formal Accents Bridal Show Wednesday October 6^th 2010 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. For Tickets call 219.365.0159 ($5.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door) and for upcoming Michigan Events please call one of our Michigan Locations for Details.

Until next time…..Happy Wedding Planning!

Making the most of your Winter Wedding-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:04:55 +0000

As we hit the middle of August, the heat may still be going strong, but all of our Winter Brides have snowflakes, shimmer, and icy hues on the brain. What a wonderful season with feelings of love, joy, and warmth accompanied by breath-taking scenes of freshly fallen snow, starry nights, and shimmering trees. Girls, what a better way to have a winter wedding, then to bring the emotions and winter scenes right to your big day? Here are our picks for making the most of your winter wedding…

Create an Interactive Escort Table

First impressions sometimes last the longest. If you’re going for that sense of warmth and joy of the winter season, or a shimmering winter wonderland- bring your guests “there” when they walk into the reception. Create an interactive escort table area (the locations where your guests will receive their place cards).

Hang traditional green garland in the foyer. Purchase clear, round ornaments the kind where the silver top is removable. Take off the top, place golden and apple tinsel (or whatever your wedding colors may be) and a circle made of cardstock (consult your local craft store) with your individual guests name and table written on it. This will create that warmth and winter feel.

String holiday cards in the theme of icy silver along the entrance. Print the guest(s) name(s) on the front of the card and with the table name or number inside.

Purchase two trees made up of brown or white branches (or if you’re feeling crafty, attempt a diy project). Spray the branches with shimmer finishing (gold or silver, depending on your chosen theme) and hang different snowflake cutouts with guests name and table number on them. When your guests arrive, they will have to locate their names on the trees to direct them to which table you have them seated at. This set-up will give the look of freshly fallen snow on the trees.

Warm up the entrance drinks

Nothing reminds us more of winter than hot cocoa and warm apple cider. The first thing your guests want when they step out of the cold is to warm up. Instead of Champagne on trays, try cute mugs of hot cocoa and warm apple cider for your guests when you enter. Guests of all ages will thoroughly enjoy your considerate drink to keep them cozy at the beginning of your celebration. If you choose to keep your “cocktail” hour strictly cocktail, then transform these warm beverages into “signature drinks”. Have your bartender add a coffee liqueur to the hot cocoa mixture, or spiced rum to the warm apple cider with a hint of orange to even out the kick. These additions may be the sophistication those bar-hungry guests are looking for.

Ditch the flowers

There is not much about winter that screams flowers. Save your budget and your commitment to your theme and ditch the flowers at your wedding. Replace yours and your girl’s bouquets with fur muffs. They can hold them going down the aisle and make for very cute pictures and great reception entrances. For your centerpieces, tie in warm tones or icy hues of candles, snow fallen branches and pinecones and crystals. For your table numbers, try table names. Name the tables after your favorite holiday songs, holiday cookie, or snow covered locations. These ideas can make for an affordable, simple and great presentation.

Until next time….Happy Wedding Planning!

Save the Dates How To-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:40:30 +0000

If you don’t already know, Dunhill Tuxedos offers many different styles and types of Save-The-Date stationary to choose from. All at 30% off! We know there’s a lot of things to learn about the wedding planning process, save-the-dates are one of them. We have broken this entry into four parts for learning about save-the-dates: the idea, the look, the info and the etiquette. After reading this you should know everything you need to know to send out a adorable, informative save-the-date.

The idea

A Save the Date has the purpose of announcing to your guests the official date and location of the wedding. This allows guests to know they are invited to attend. It gives them advanced notice to reserve days off work, book travel plans, and save up extra cash for the trip. A Save the Date is usually a small, informal card with basic info sent 6 months prior to the wedding date.

The look

There are several different designs and looks you can choose for your Save-the-Date card. This is going to be the very first element your guests see for your wedding. You can keep it traditional and go with a invitation, or stay on budget with a postcard. Since most guests stick their save the dates on the fridge anyway, you can kill two birds with one stone with the idea of a magnet save the date. This magnet will have the normal save the date info on it, but be printed on a rectangular magnet. Another idea is make a calendar card only showing the month of your wedding with a symbol designating the days that your guests should reserve. Try hearts or a motif that goes with the theme/season of your wedding. One of the more fun ideas is to set up the “photo strip” save the date. Take about 4-5 pictures of yourselves (bride and groom) holding up signs such as 1.SAVE 2. THE 3. DATE 4.wedding date 5. location. Having a Vegas wedding? Try a pre-printed scratch off card. When your guests scratch it off, it will reveal your wedding date! Some brides get very creative with other save the date ideas. If you have any, feel free to share them in our comment section with our other brides!

The info

Not sure what you want it to say? Keep it basic by listing to save the date, the wedding date, bride and groom, location and note that there is a formal invitation to follow. For larger save the date cards, you can even add accommodation information for your out of town guest. If that accommodation information will not fit on your card, list your wedding website profile you have created on such websites as weddingchannel.com. At the bottom of the save the date list, “For more travel details go to: sarahandmikewedding2012.com” Try these below examples courtesy of Carlson Craft which supplies many of Dunhill’s 40 invitation albums to choose from!

Please Save the Date!

We will be getting married

on June 9, 2012

Invitation and Details to follow

Tracy and Josh

Crown Point, Indiana

Save the Date

6.9.12

to share in the joy of

Sarah and Mike

as they are married

Nashville, Tennessee

Invitation to follow

For more travel information go to:

Sarahandmikegethitched2012.com

We’ve hit the jackpot of love!

Please reserve the date

6.9.12

Las Vegas, Nevada

Invitation to follow

-Katie and Kenny-

Make travel plans with us!

see info at: KatieKennyvegaswedding2012.com

Please reserve the date of

June 6, 2012

for our wedding

Invitation and details will follow

Danielle and Doug

Traverse City, Michigan

Accommodation information can be found at:

danielleanddouggettingmarried2012.com

Reserve the Date!

Your presence is requested at

The wedding of Dana and Andy

on June 6, 2010

Chicago, Illinois

Invitation to follow

A Date to Remember

Sheila & Stan

will be getting married

6.9.12

Naples, Florida

SAVE THE DATE

Invitation to follow

Save the Date!

Shannon

A.J.

are getting married

6.9.12

Orlando, Florida

formal invitation to follow

The etiquette

Save the Date cards might be the most informal piece of stationary you send, however it is important to stick to a few etiquette rules.

Should we put the effort and the money in to send them?

Yes. It is a courtesy to your guests to let them know well in advance when your wedding is taking place and what if any travel plans have to be arranged.

Do we have to send them to everyone, or just out of towners?

Send them to everyone that is on your definite “A list”. A save the date should go to every person/couple that is receiving an invitation. If you opt to send them to just out of towners or half of your guest list, guests might start to talk and some might assume they are not invited to the wedding. However, remember once save the dates are sent, an invitation must follow to those guests. A save the date is a promise for a wedding invitation.

How do we address them?

You want to address your save the date the same way as you will address your inner envelope for your wedding. Specify exactly who is invited and your guests can make plans knowing exacty who they can bring.

Single, Bringing a Date:

Miss Candice Gibson & Guest

2141 Sunny Drive

Orland Park, Illinois

Divorced, with children invited:

Ms. Chelsea Keith, Brighton & Braden

1234 Longfield Drive

San Diego, CA

Household WITH children invited:

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bandura

Haden, Alexa, Cara & Jake

6576 Matlon Blvd.

New York, New York

Household WITHOUT children invited:

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bandura

6576 Matlon Blvd.

New York, New York

Remember Dunhill Tuxedos has a lot of save the dates to choose from ALL FOR 30% OFF!!! All of our Invitation specialists will be here to guide you through all of your questions and etiquette throughout your appointment to order.

Until next time…Happy Wedding Planning!

Finding your Wedding Inspiration-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:28:50 +0000

You’re at the beginning of planning your wedding. Gather your thoughts, begin to focus, and start by creating an inspiration board. This board can follow you everywhere you go…reception hall hunting….flower and centerpiece selecting….save the date ordering….dress shopping…cake choosing and those other 10,000 tasks you have to complete in the wedding process. Here’s our advice to you to find the perfect inspiration and make for a clean, polished, exactly-what-you-wanted wedding atmosphere.

Your wedding is centered to celebrate you, so look for inspiration in every day things that represent you. Think outside of the box and find something funky. Find inspiration in an album cover, piece of art, peacock feather, book cover, landscape, butterfly, photograph or clothing line. Extract textures, colors and meanings from your item of inspiration and center that around your wedding. Use that as a starting base and go from there.

Dream up a color palette. Use the color scheme from the inspiration element from above, or consult the wedding mags for the hottest color palettes and pick your fav. Take it to the next level and incorporate some fabrics, patterns or gems. Take tour of your local craft store’s fabric section and buy some remnants of fabric in your color palette that just scream “you”.

Make a wedding inspiration board. Cut out a piece of card stock that is 6 x 6 and place the different elements on your wedding on it–dream dresses, inspirational fabrics, magazine clippings, ideal bridesmaid swatches. This process will help you find your inspiration, it’s okay if some of the elements begin to change on it. This is a big help when it comes finding a start. As you plan your wedding, you do not have to find exactly the pieces on this inspiration board, but it can help inspire the choices you make.

As actual choices are made for ribbons, flowers, fabrics, table overlays…keep track of those swatches and you will now have a wedding board, complete for all wedding vendors to use as a key that come later in wedding planning.

Until Next Time…Happy Wedding Planning!

Keeping our customers happy, one free thing after another….Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:24:23 +0000

If you haven’t already heard, at Dunhill Tuxedos your groom gets his tuxedo free when you have five paid rentals in your wedding party. Not to mention other perks such as free invitations (we buy the invitations when you buy the reception and response cards), free ring bearer tuxedo and free wedding gift certificates for your area. What’s even better is after your wedding, you can get another free tuxedo rental by following your review card which is handed out to you by your formalwear consultant at your final fitting for your wedding. The great thing is that this gift certificate never expires. This can really come in handy for the summer that all your guys get married and you happen to be standing up in all of them.

We have received several reviews and there’s nothing that keeps us happy more than hearing you’re happy!

We have decided to share with you today Ashley and Dan Krygsheld’s experience with Dunhill Tuxedos:

“My experience with Dunhill has been great every single time. This is my third time doing business with Dunhill and each time everyone was always very helpful and were willing to work with me. I have never had a problem and appreciate your efforts to make each time a good experience. I will continue to go back to Dunhill each time.”

Thanks,

Dan Krygsheld

Beautiful picture Ashley and Dan! There is nothing more that makes us happy then keeping our customers happy.

We love to hear from all our brides and grooms!

Ideas to make your Reception represent YOU…Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:46:12 +0000

Your typical reception agenda may offer cocktails, hors d’oeurves , dinner and dessert followed by a night of continuous mingling and dancing among your guests. Why not surprise you wedding attendees with something with an after dinner treat, or such a wedding novelty that it will have them talking about your Reception for years to come. We complied some ideas to get your wedding reception inspiration going to offer after dinner menus, stations and entertainment. Let this really be a time to represent you…

After dinner menus

Hotdog bar

Cater in your all time favorite hotdog vendor for an after dinner treat to let guests take a yummy break from dancing.

Sundae bar

Refreshing late night treat for guests. Set up ice cream and all the toppings and let guests treat themselves

Candy bar

Let your guests relive their childhood at your after dinner candy bar. Round up nostalgic candy and your favorites and make a display for all guests to make a goodie bag.

Baseball theme

Decorate this after dinner bar with your favorite baseball team. Offer cracker jack, hotdogs, peanuts, nachos, soft pretzels, cotton candy or any other baseball fare.

Entrances

The beginning of a Reception is a great time to really represent yourselves as a couple. When the D.J. or band announces you as a couple, it’s a great time to something a little silly or a little fun. Go with what you are known for. If bike rides, trips and races are your thing, roll in to your head table as you are announced into your reception on a bicycle built for you. If you’re avid golfers, have your wedding party hold up golf clubs as an arch as you walk through. These are just some examples, so it’s time to start getting creative and include what represents you. Remember, this is a time during your wedding that doesn’t have to be stiff and formal, so think of you as a couple and have a little fun with it.

Performances

If you, friends or family are involved in the arts, use those talented people for a performance. I attended a wedding where the bride was an Irish dance performer her whole life and taught a dance troop ages 6-14. She had her class perform and it was the big hit of the wedding. It was also really touching as she got emotional watching them perform for her at her wedding. She was one proud dance teacher and it got everybody up dancing!

Stations

Before or after dinner is a great time to add a little fun and novelty into your Reception with activities, or “stations”.

Cigar rolling station

The guys are sure to pay attention to this detail for sure! Contact a local cigar store or humidor and see what the rates would be or if they would be willing to set up a cigar rolling station. This will def even leave men talking about your wedding for years to come.

Wine Tasting Station

If you guys love visiting quaint wineries, then bring that winery to your reception hall and offer a tasting. Work with the reception venue with the wine offering and a local winery or wine store to see if you can set up a wine connoisseur to “host” the tasting section teaching your guest proper wine etiquette. This makes for a very fun, interactive cocktail hour. Put out signs with instructions of the correct way to taste wine and offer wines that pair nicely with your menu choices. Even if the bar closes during dinner, your guests can select that wine at the end of cocktail hour and savor with the main course.

Photobooth

Contact a company that will actually let you rent a whole photo booth and let your guests spend the night cramming in to take silly pictures. Guests can then leave pictures for you as a memory of your wedding. Another option is ask the photographer if they can create a “photobooth” section of the wedding reception.

Signature drink station

Create a drink that can be a conversation piece and represents you as couple to be offered as the signature drink at your wedding. Set up “signature drink” stations throughout the reception venue separate from the bar. This creates a bit of novelty to your reception and will give the guests even more fun to share in.

Kid’s Corner

If you’re a very kid friendly family, then you might need to set some elements very kid friendly at the reception. A kids corner will keep the kids busy and the temptation to run a muck at the reception hall down. Supply a kids sized decorative table with construction paper, glue sticks (help the moms out and stay away from

Last Minute Ceremony Details for your Wedding-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:54:29 +0000

The program…the wedding party lineup…the music are all a lot of details that are not always known in the end. In the last months before your wedding, you’ve knocked out a lot of your wedding planning. The only things left are the little details….and those little details can be difficult. The ceremony is the heart of your wedding. Picking out flowers and color palettes and dresses and jewelry is the fun part, but the ceremony what the actual day revolves around…your vow to love and respect each other for the rest of your lives. Here is some help with common ceremony details that cannot be overlooked.

The program

The program is needed for the ceremony to let guests know the order, readings, songs and who the bridal party is. You can add a thank- you to your guests from the bride and groom, or a memoriam to loved ones that can’t be there on your special day.

At Dunhill we offer wedding programs shown in books that are always offered at 30% off. We recommend that you order your programs at least 6 weeks before your wedding. You can check out 2 books for 2 days at any of our Dunhill Tuxedos Locations. The best way to correctly create your program is to take an example from another program shown in a book you check-out from Dunhill or from the sample we’ve created below:

The Wedding Line-up

The traditional wedding party lineup to start during the seating of the family music

The ushers or other father’s of the bride and groom walk grandparents down the aisle.

Groom walks his mom or both parents down the aisle.

Bride’s mom if not walking the bride down the aisle is escorted in by ushers, close realitives or the groom.

Bridesmaid and groomsmen usually paired together for height reasons enter in couple by couple.

The maid of honor and best man

The ringbearer(s)

The flower girl(s) enters to throw petals for the bride’s grand entrance.

The bride makes her way in escorted by who is chosen to give her away. It is not uncommon to have both parents walk the bride down the aisle.

Another take on the lineup all taken place during the seating of the family music

Groom leads his groomsmen down the aisle to their positions at the side.

Grooms goes back and escorts his grandparents down the aisle.

Groom goes back and escorts her grandparents down the aisle

Grooms goes back and escorts moms down the aisle.

The bridesmaids begin walking in one by one, as they get halfway down the aisle, their paired groomsmen comes and meets them to escort them the rest of the way.

The maid of honor goes last of the bridesmaids and the best man comes to meet her halfway to escort her to her position.

The ring bearers go down the aisle

The flower girl goes down the aisle to drop petals for the bride’s grand entrance.

Ceremony Music

The ceremony music can go two routes: Traditional or Contemporary

Traditional music ceremony list

Air on the G String

Canon in D

The Bridal Chorus

Ava Maria

Contemporary Music List

Amazed…..Lonestar

Luckiest……Ben Folds

I’m Yours…..Jason Mraz

Somebody Knows You Now….Brad Paisley

Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Gifts 101-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:55:08 +0000

If you haven’t heard of Formal Accents and you’re engaged, then you need to. They are a wedding accessory store that offers favors, ring bearer pillows, unity candles, wedding day survival kits, wedding shower items, bachelorette items and best of all….bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts. What is even better, you can see everything in person before you buy it. You don’t have to worry about ordering it online and hating the dimensions, color etc. We invite you to a short Bridesmaid and Groomsmen 101 thanks to the ladies of Formal Accents. There are definitely a lot of options to choose from and to narrow it down we’ve gone through and picked out some favorites. Formal Accents located in the Dunhill Wedding Center in St. John offers all of these as well as EVERYTHING you possibly imagine for your weddings. Here are their picks for Bridesmaid and Groomsmen gifts….

Top 5 favs

1. Jewelry

The most popular of gifts for your bridesmaids. Most choose necklace and earring sets, either classic, elegant or trendy befitting of dress style. All other jewelry are options as well. $19.99 and up, various companies (photos shown from cathy’s concepts and sassy south).

Check out Formal Accents for these and more!

image: http://www.cathysconcepts.com

image:http://www.cathysconcepts.com

image: http://www.sassysouth.com

2. Personalized Tote Bags

Give your bridesmaid a practical, personal gift…doesn’t hurt to fill it with wedding day emergency products (nail files, makeup mirrors, fashion tape, face blotters, mini hairspray etc) This is also a great gift for go green girls…use as a tote bag wherever to save on plastic bags. Available in 6 colors and embroidery, practical yet personal.

$20.00, Cathy’s Concepts

image courtsey:http://www.cathysconcepts.com

3. Custom Embroidered Jewelry Roll,

Perfect for wedding day or travel, available in 11 colors. Now your girls will have the perfect matching accessory for all their wedding jewelry or accessories for out of town events or travel. I have one of these and ADORE it!

Stop into Formal Accents to take a look!

4. Sports Mug (25 oz.)

Formal Accents’ most popular men’s gift, available personalized. We all know every groomsmen is going to have a blast with this “accessory” at the reception and other events after.$22.99, JDS

image courtsey: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

5. 13 Function Army Knife. He’ll be ready for everyday emergencies, available personalized.

$9.99 each MoMoPanche

Come see it in person at Formal Accents!

Bridesmaid-Sentimental Gifts

Hankies, a very sentimental keepsake for those you love, $16.99, Marketing Methods

Or opt for…

A “Me & My Gals” themed photo frame, keep your friends close themed photo frame, keep your friends close. A pefect frame to remember a perfect day. The style and the moment can remain forever. $9.99, Mudpie Gift

Bridesmaid- Fun Gifts

1. Martini Glass, show your style, available individually or in sets with various patterns 9.99 each, MomoPanache

2. Adorable Aprons—back in style. Choose the Little Black apron adored with pearls or attached or Girls night out in fuchsia with rhinestones to bring out your domestic diva. Let your girls be domestic and chic at the same time. Also makes for a great shower gift or for the drink master at the bachelorette celebration. Come in and see how adorable this un-everyday apron really is.

$19.99 and up, KayDee Designs and Design Design Co.

Bridesmaid-Practical

1. Faux patent leather initial tote bag- Cute clutches might be nice, but let your girls really be prepared for the day with these fabulous totes! They will be able to carry everything they (and you) need for the big day with out fighting a closure. Just like that bridesmaid dress, they’ll be able to wear it again and again (but seriously the dress you may might be able to convince them of this but the tote they are surely to haul again). Available in black and white with pink $19.99 Mudpie Gift

image courtesy: https://www.mud-pie.com

2. With matching initial cosmetic bag-for wedding day or every day. Great for hauling everything needed for a little touch-up on the day.

$ 9.99 mudpie gift

image courtesy:https://www.mud-pie.com

Groomsmen-sentimental

1. Personalized plaques and coasters-Let your guys stay true to the man code and encourage the decor for their “man cave” with these signs and coasters. Various sporting and hobby themes available.

$29.99 JDS

image courtesy: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

image courtesy: http://www.jdsmarketing.netimage courtesy: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

2. Silver pocket watch with chain-available brushed or polished with personalization $32.99 JDS

Image courtesy: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

Groomsmen-fun gifts

1. 300 pc poker set, comes in sturdy aluminum carrying case, available personalized

$70.00 JDS

image courtsey: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

2. Pewter Medallion shot glass, personalized to celebrate the big day.

$15.99 JDS

image courtsey:http://www.jdsmarketing.net

Groomsmen-practical gifts

Smart money-credit card holder, available in various styles including leather

$25.00 and up JDS

image courtesy: http://www.jdsmarketing.net

2. Multi-purpose tool, great for the handyman in any man

$26.99 JDS

image courtesy:http://www.jdsmarketing.net

Hope this got your mind rolling with ideas of what to do for your guys! Go visit Formal Accents for even more inspiration for your wedding as well as getting tons of stuff checked on that wedding to do list!

Here’s their info:

www.formalaccents.com

219.365.0150

7982 Wicker Avenue St John, IN

Until next time….Happy Wedding Planning!

Have your cake and eat it too-Dunhill Tuxedos Bridal Blog

dunhill — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:39:29 +0000

The goal of your wedding cake is to look good and taste great. This can be a tricky task. The wedding cake is something guests look forward to. It acts as décor, is admired, photographed, and tasted. Therefore, your cake has meet the criteria of representing you as a couple, compliment the look and atmosphere of your wedding and most of all…taste delish. Don’t know where to start? Then read on for tips on how to have the cake of your dreams…

Begin with the baker

It is said to book your cake 4-6 months before your wedding. Depending on how many bakers are in your area, you might want to inquire 6-8 months before. Do your homework. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations of bakers they have used. Start taking notes on cakes at weddings you attend. Look online at the websites and compare to see if they could have what you’re looking for. If you love someone’s online work, inquire if the current staff created the work you saw on the website and who would be working on yours if you book? Also ask how far in advance they bake the cake before your wedding, you want the cake to look awesome and taste fresh. Once you have decided on the baker it’s time to make the cake yours.

Get the look

Once you’ve settled on your baker of choice, prepare for the consultation. There’s nothing a wedding vendor loves more than a prepared bride. Think out the details in your mind before your meeting. What is the degree of formality of your cake? Do you want to incorporate details of your dress? What overall look are you going for…playful? romantic? whimsical? Classic? Would you be happy with lace, beads, or flowers on the cake and how comfortable are you with color on the cake? Bring a little cake inspiration with you to the meeting. Collect photos of cake décor you like, gather fabric swatches from your wedding, examples of what your flowers are going to be. Have these things complete and you will be ready to answer to questions that will lead you to the perfect cake!

Mmmmmm

Most bakeries offer an array of flavors for wedding cakes nowadays. Start with your and your fiancée’s favorite kinds of cake, and go for a tasting. Keep in mind when going non-traditional with flavors that not everyone loves banana, lemon, or espresso as much as you might, so try to choose something for the main part of the cake that will flatter everyone’s palette. You can try to keep it a bit more universal by doing a more common cake flavor such as chocolate or vanilla (or take on them such as vanilla bean, French vanilla, mocha chocolate or Red velvet) and pair it with a fun filling like pineapple, strawberry mousse, lemon or chocolate hazelnut. Also keep in mind that one or two fillings can be used in the same piece of cake…maybe strawberry mousse at the top layer and fudge filling at the second layer. If you really want to incorporate your all time fav cake as a couple, but want everyone to enjoy the cake served, then choose your fav….for the top tier that only the newlyweds will indulge in.

Have any other tips for fellow brides on cakes? Want to share your cake plans? Comment below!!!

Until next time….Happy Wedding Planning!