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alisha forrester scott

Newly Engaged? Read This!

by AFS on January 3, 2010 · 0 comments

in Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Planning

Let me be among the first to congratulate you and your Beloved! You are making it officially official.

If you are one of the women who first freaked out or cried, and then immediately thought, “OH MY GOD WHAT DO I DO NEXT?!” then welcome to the club. Nearly every newly engaged woman at some point will feel scared and excited at the very same time. So, what should you do after you tell your family and friends (and co-workers and neighbors and strangers at the bar)? Here’s a good place to start:

Step 1. Give yourself seven days – one FULL week – of not buying anything; of not thinking about how much money you’ll need to find to pay for the wedding; of not purchasing your dress. Give yourself one full week of being happy in your situation. Impulse purchases – even if you feel they have been “planned” for years – are likely to cause anxiety in the long-term.

Step 2. (This is a super important step.) BEFORE talking money with your parents and your partner’s parents, spend some quality time with each set of parents. By taking time to focus on your families you will bond over the promise of your future, and not over the stress of the money being spent.

Step 3. Now that your families are happy and on-board, it’s time to sit down with each set of parents and talk about the realities of the financial obligations of each family. Modern weddings often bring equal financial assistance from both sets of parents. However, if your partner’s family is more traditional, and if your family is not able to support the full cost of the wedding and reception (especially if there is food involved), then you will need to openly discuss with your partner the best way to broach the topic of conversation with your future in-laws.

It should be noted that reality often sets in, and many couples soon discover that their families are unable to provide the type of financial support to give them a “Dream wedding.” Please know that ‘by the numbers’ very few couples are fortunate enough to truly experience their ideal wedding… especially as our view of modern weddings is purely excessive and over-consumptive by nature. In the situations where there is not enough money to get what you think you want, it is best to remember one thing: You are not getting married to have a wedding. You are getting married because you are very much in love with your partner. If you are unable to have the wedding of your dreams, make yourselves a promise that as soon as you can you will go on a fabulous vacation, or perhaps have a rockin’ anniversary party for all of your family and friends! If it comes down to money and you absolutely have to have what you want, fore go the marriage and enjoy being engaged for as long as it takes.

Step 4. Now that you are aware of your financial situation, set a wedding date that makes financial sense. There is zero point in planning a wedding date that is too soon for your finances. If you do not have the money to pay for wedding vendors and services, then you should absolutely not be signing contracts because the legal ramifications are just too large and the risk too high.

Step 5. Find a qualified wedding planner. A wedding planner’s services will range from $1500-$25,000, depending on your financial situation and the level of hired talent, but you can be sure that the wedding planner will save you TONS of cash and time and frustration and confusion. It is logical to assume that if you are relaxed and excited during your engagement, then you will start your marriage off on the right foot.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your new life together!

Best,

Alisha Forrester Scott
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can contact Alisha with comments or questions by visiting http://www.enterlaruche.com.

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Marrying in 2010? Top 5 Vendors to Hire

by AFS on August 5, 2009 · 0 comments

in Resources & Checklists, Wedding Planning

There are plenty of reasons not to stop spending money; the biggest being our economy not being able to improve if consumers stop buying.

If you are set to marry in 2010 THANK YOU for doing your part.  Being smart about how you will spend your wedding money comes down to logic and timing. Capitalism leans heavily on supply and demand, and so in the spirit of saving you money, I offer you the Top 5 vendors that you should hire NOW for 2010 in order to avoid planning snafus and fiscal headaches (seen below in order of importance):

[ALWAYS BOOK YOUR WEDDING CONSULTANT FIRST. THEY WILL SAVE YOU MONEY AND HASSELL.]

  1. Book your ceremony and reception venue(s). Prices for many regularly expensive venues have hit rock bottom and so now is the time to book! If you think that waiting to put down your deposit will afford you deeper discounts you may end up scrambling to find a venue that has not already been taken for all of the best 2010 dates (especially weekends). Booking one year in advance is standard and recommended.
  2. Book your photographer and videographer. Just like venues, many photographers and videographers have either dropped their prices or are offering substantial economy-related discounts. If you ever wanted an upgrade in talent now is the time to find and book the vendors that will tell your story in images.
  3. Book your musician(s) and entertainment. With many musicians finding "day jobs," the pool of available musicians has decreased. First, book your ceremony musician(s) (since the ceremony is the most important part of your event). Then, your reception, and lastly your cocktail hour. If you are opting for an "iPod" vs. a DJ, then be sure to book a qualified sound engineer to hook up and test all of the sound equipment and sound levels.
  4. Book your Officiant. Last year I said to book your Officiant 2nd. However, since it has become common knowledge that anyone can perform your ceremony with a simple online ordination, there are more than enough qualified Officiants to go around. However, do not delay in your search, as the most personable and professional Officiants get booked fast and well in advance.
  5. Book your caterer. If you are working with a venue that requires you use a vendor that they have provided, then go ahead and skip to the ‘bonus’ item below since this entry will not apply to you. **Many caterers can handle up to 2-3 events simultaneously, but as we all know catering is an art form requiring a competent staff. Many of the catering companies that I have met disappoint in one way or another. From commuication and fair pricing to tasting and presentation, secure your catering company now.

BONUS

Book your florist. Many shops are struggling to stay open, and so now is the time to book for maximum ‘fee forgiveness.’  Shops will consider dropping their delivery fees and minimum order requirements, so be sure to ask.

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Arizona Brides-To-Be

by AFS on June 11, 2009 · 1 comment

in Contests & Giveaways, Green & Eco-Chic, Promotions

Today, while I was walking up and down the aisles of the Bridal Fashion Debut in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, I happened upon a booth that excited me to my core.  The booth’s sign read, "Goodwill Eco-Chic Wedding Campaign". This modern booth featured a dress rack holding at least a dozen gorgeous wedding gowns in many different shades and styles.

Long-story-short, after chatting with the booth’s residents I was ecstatic to find that the very Goodwill that I both donate to and purchase from had an offer that any bride-to-be would be crazy to ignore…

A FREE ECO-CHIC WEDDING! ("Reuse, Recycle, and Revitalize!")

If you live in the Phoenix-metro area and you are getting married, visit http://www.goodwillaz.org/ecochic and register to win.  This contest should especially titillate my D.I.Y. brides (think LIMITLESS design and decor opportunities).  Entries are being accepted from June 10 to July 10 so do not delay.

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Bride Beware: Wedding Decorations that you do not need

by AFS on April 17, 2009 · 0 comments

in Planning with the Pros, Receptions, Sweet Treats & Favors

Hello!

As a wedding consultant, let me first start by saying that I had a pretty good laugh a few days ago at the expense of the wedding consumer industry. After returning from the post office to retrieve my mail I started thumbing through a Spring wedding decorations catalog.  I flipped open to a page somewhere near the middle of the catalog, only to find the most ridiculous wedding decor item E-V-E-R. I will tell you about the item, but first, I would like to share with you something that makes me fundamentally angry.

My heart sinks a little each time I notice consumers (sadly, mostly brides) purchasing unnecessary items just because they have the words "Bride" or "Groom" imprinted on them, or because they are able to be "personalized".  In a perfect world brides would see past this marketing ploy, and would have more discipline than to purchase an item solely because it will allow the bride to see her name in writing.

Below you will find a Top 10 decorations you should never buy for your wedding, which in turn is a big BRIDE BEWARE when dealing with these potential wedding decorations.  Either because they are completely unnecessary, ridiculously extraneous in cost, or could simply give off the impression that you have no good sense whatsoever:

10. Rubber [fund-raising-esk] Bracelets. Remember a few years ago when rubber bracelets touting good causes were all the rage? Well, sadly, these bracelets have made their way into the wedding industry’s circle of consumerism.   If your aim is to make people wear your names for the evening, consider changing your aim.  The moment you are not looking the bracelets will end-up in the trash can.

9.  Personalized dance floor cling. This clear plastic item uses static electricity to (supposedly) stick to the dance floor. Sure, you can personalize this item with your names and a little design logo, but it is quite the waste of money considering that it does not light up for people to even notice it, and that people are going to be stepping all over it (and possibly slipping on it).

8.  Shaped [centerpiece] table mirrors. I know, I know…"but water and candlelight look so elegant with a reflection…"  Although you may believe that your table centerpieces will look better on top of a mirror, this decor element should just go away already as it is severely outdated.  (Not to mention that from a designers point of view all that it takes is one smudge or finger print to make it ugly.)

7.  "Take-out" [Chinese] guest gift boxes. Not only do these not stay properly shut (their plastic flaps are indignantly annoying), but most of these box types that on the market are completely non-biodegradable.  Save your money and go another route.

6.  Reusable wedding cameras. Let me be clear: it is a complete waste of money. Not only are you paying to develop film rolls, but the likelihood of you getting a good shot of something that you actually care about is very low.  Now, when I married (in 1997), this fad was just coming online, and so the novelty for guests had not worn-off. However, I can tell you that 100% – in the U.S. where wedding budgets are above $10,000 – this fad is dead.

5.  Wedding print toilet paper. (Not kidding) I have not had the pleasure nor experience of using wedding printed toilet paper, but I have seen and touched a sample of it.  It is basically a cheap 2-ply paper that uses colored ink on white paper to imprint wedding bells, initials, etc.  Sadly, when wet, I found that I was able to smear the colored ink.  (haha!)  :)   This could either be the funniest or the most ambivalently mortifying moment of a wedding.

4.  Chocolate fountain. Even as I type I am imagining hate mail, however, my personal experience is that the public’s fascination (and mess) associated with the chocolate fountain is over.  However, if you are adamant, please rent the fountain and do not buy. The quality of fountain which you are being rented is likely 10x better than the fountain that you would be purchasing.  Also, if you must…   my friend Michelle recently told me that the trick to making the chocolate in the fountain run smoothly is melted cocoa butter, added in with the chocolate pieces during the beginning of the set-up process.

3.  Napkin ring place card holders. Yes, you read that correctly. There are now products on the market that combine the functionality of the napkin ring and the way-finding of the place card holder.  If you are to the point in your budget where combining these two items seems necessary, consider going back through your guest list to cut-out some more of the ‘C-listers’.  (Same thing goes for Wedding bell place card holders.)

2.  Bride And Groom Wine Bottle Cover Set. You can dress up your bride, and you can dress up your wine, but you should not dress up your wine like a bride.  This item set comes complete with veil, dress, and tuxedo.  Unless you are using this idea for a gag gift, in which case carry on. :)

You ready for number one?  This is the item which had me rolling with laughter as mentioned at the beginning of my post.  Sigh…

1.  Personalized wedding cowbell. Enough said .

Other "Honorable Mentions"

Floral (silk or plastic) with dew drops
Specialty confetti
Tableware (cups, buckets, pails, plates) with sayings such as "Eat, drink, and be married"
Wedding design trash can cover
Wedding aprons
Ice cube molds
Banners
Bottle stoppers
Specialty luminary bags
Wineglass charms (this never works for groups larger than 25)
Take-away cake treat boxes
Personalized votive candle holders
Long-stemmed candles (they often look like plastic flowers on a fake stem and they are very, very messy)
"Wedding angel" anything (pins, bookmarks, jewelry)
Wedding cookie cutters
Bride and groom rubber duckies (as guest gifts)
Personalized golf tees or golf balls
Personalized wedding coasters
… you get the idea.

Alisha Forrester Scott of La Ruche. event design studio. is available by e-mail at: studio@enterlaruche.com.

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Cut vendor costs in the “new” (bad) economy

by AFS on March 26, 2009 · 0 comments

in Resources & Checklists, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Planning

This post is meant to nudge consumers (hint, hint) to research their wedding vendors a little more than normal to take advantage of some of the positive sides of the tanked economy.

An open letter to the economy:

Although I cannot escape you as you insist on showing-up everywhere I get my information – television, radio, print, magazine – I would like to THANK YOU for giving me five ways to cut wedding vendor costs.

1.  VENUES (AKA event locations)

Although some venues will always cost "more" because of location, noteriety, or simple supply and demand, I am happy that you have motivated less-busy venues to give better discounts.  I understand that many of these venues may not be advertising these great discounts, but I know that all I have to do to find these venues is make some telephone calls.

2.  FLORAL

Out-of-season and imported floral will always be more expensive, but I am pleased that my local florists are giving great deals on certain varieties, with some even discounting their labor and delivery costs.

3.  DJ’s

With wedding budgets (and most other types of budgets!) being trimmed-back, I can appreciate that you have prompted even the most popular DJ’s to negotiate their typical $200/per hour (averaged) fees.

4. CATERING

Food costs are high, but the high cost of food has compelled many catering company’s to offer discounts on items such as: chaffing dishes, delivery charges, and set-up fees. These deals are getting so good that I can almost taste the wedding dinner!

5. RENTALS

Oh thank goodness! I rejoice at the new lower prices on chair covers and chair ties…and not the cheap stuff, either.  I am on Cloud 9 knowing that I can now save on even premium covers. My local rentals shop has even sent me a coupon for one free delivery. Yippee!

Enjoy the savings!

Alisha Forrester Scott of La Ruche may be contacted at studio@enterlaruche.com.

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The new (bad) economy: a guide to smarter event planning

by AFS on March 24, 2009 · 2 comments

in Planning with the Pros, Resources & Checklists

RULE #1: SET YOUR BUDGET BEFORE YOU START PLANNING

To all of those that have champagne taste on a Martinelli’s budget, the best thing that you can do is to set your budget FIRST.  Who among us hasn’t wanted more than what we can afford? If you put  realistic budgetary limits in place before you start planning you will save yourself heartache and frustration.

RULE #2: IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO PLAN AN EVENT and BUDGET, HIRE SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU

There are already many reasons to hire a professional event planning, and being able to throw your event while staying within your means is another excellent one.  A good event planner will be able to purchase wholesale, use proven vendors and contacts, use space wisely, AND keep your budget.  It is worth it…trust me.

RULE #3: CONSIDER USING WHAT DECOR YOU ALREADY HAVE

Whether out or in a storage closet, often times you can create and build a lovely concept around the decor that you already possess.  Re-using your decor can potentially save you hundreds of dollars by utilizing the "small things" that you (and your budget) may have taken for granted or forgotten about all together. These types of often-forgotten decor include:

  • candles, candle holders, candle plates, etc.
  • lighting
  • linens (or sheets), place mats, napkins, coasters
  • silverware or flatware
  • art, photos, sculptures…items that you can create interesting centerpieces or stations with
  • tables, chairs, and other seating options

RULE #4: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE AN ALL-NIGHTER

The reality is that the longer your guests stay, the more money it will cost you.  To put it bluntly:

  • If you are serving alcohol, after 2 drinks per person your costs can sky-rocket to about $11 per person per hour.
  • Same goes with food. The longer they are around, the more food they will need to consume.
  • Same goes with toilet paper and other household products.

Consider capping the night off near 10 PM, instead of 1 AM. Or, consider holding a lunch instead of a cocktail hour.

RULE #5: THE POT LUCK IS BACK "IN"

By coming-up with another way to spin the name "Potluck" you will be able to excite the interest of your guests’ friendly, competitive cooking sides. How many of us know others that would LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE to show-off their cooking skills?  (I do!!!)  And, to be honest, who among us doesn’t like the idea of trying several dishes from several different Chefs? (I would!!!)

Call it a food tasting.  Call it a communal meal.  The potluck is SO "in", again.

RULE #6: HOLD A CHARITY EVENT, WITH 50% OF THE PROCEEDS GOING TO A LOCAL CHARITY

Tough times mean tighter wallets, but many good-natured folks would enjoy combining charity with a great event. Why not charge "x amount" per guest, but with the commitment that half of (or whatever percentage is left after the cost of the event is paid-off) the proceeds will go to "such-and-such" charity?

Pick a worth cause. Pick a worthy occasion. Pick this winner!

Alisha Forrester Scott of La Ruche can be reached by e-mail at: studio@enterlaruche.com.

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Wedding Freak-outs

by AFS on January 24, 2009 · 1 comment

in Just for the Bride, Little Tips

Writing about Brides freaking-out might seem taboo, but to a wedding planner who cares about you :) I feel that it might be important to talk about.  Why I am inspired to write this post?  Well, first, here at La Ruche we are in the midst of prepping to be filmed for the television show, Bridezilla, with clients Kathryn and Keith.

Secondly, right now in Arizona we are in the midst of "wedding season". The big bridal show just happened, many of the newly engaged women are hunting for the best deals, and at La Ruche we are walking many couples through the final stages of wedding day preparation.

With this said, I DO think that it is natural and many times very gratifying to freak-out. Okay…maybe not freak-out per se, but to at the very least put your foot down and stand-up for yourself.  Below is a quick mini-guide on to how to freak out when you need to freak out, and when to know if you’re freaking-out about the right thing.

DO freak-out on someone or some vendor if or when:

  • Your vendor increases your pricing from the contracted rate . A deal is a deal, so gently remind them of their obligation.   HINT: Do NOT use the word "legal" or "legally" when talking to a vendor as this type of serious banter can create huge problems later-0n.
  • Your Maid or Matron of Honor (M.O.H.) or Bridesmaid complains about her dress. Remind her that you do like the dress and that you hope that she can support you. Let her know that her complaining does not help, it just creates friction. If you are related to your M.O.H. or Bridesmaid ask them to be positive on your behalf. If your M.O.H. or Bridesmaid is complaining about the cost of the dress, do some fact-finding to see what they believe a reasonable amount to pay for the dress is.  If finances is a real concern for them, consider offering to pay the difference of what they cannot.
  • Your fiancee is absent during the planning process. Although many brides will agree that the complexity and details of the wedding may be more for the bride and less for the groom, that does not mean that it is appropriate for your fiancee to bow-out when planning discussions begin. I often tell engaged couples at wedding consultations that if one of you seems disinterested in the process it is likely because there are terms and timelines that aren’t being properly explained, explored, or understood. If you have an ongoing issue with your fiancee being involved, perhaps it is time to take a step back – without precondition – and find out what the real issue may be. There is no sense in getting married if you are dragging your fiancee to the alter.
  • Your financial backers create specific conditions with their financial support. It may not be worth the sadness and heartache caused to you (and your wedding planner!) to plan a wedding that will soon be resented because of conditions that some families place on their financial support of a couple. If you know that you will be planning a wedding for others and not based upon your and your fiancee’s desires, consider eloping. Not kidding. (You would NOT be surprised at the devastation and chaos that this type of conditional financial support creates.)

DO NOT freak out on someone or some vendor if or when:

  • You are on your period. This probably goes without saying (because you likely know yourself well by now), but trust me…waiting until the menstrual cycle crazies are over will 100% for sure calm you down.  If you feel yourself about to call "so-and-so" to give them a good tongue lashing, instead simply write down the issues that you have with "so-and-so" and follow-up on the issue in a few days.  If the issue cannot wait, ask your fiancee or your best friend to hear you out and determine the best course of action.
  • You feel stress. Many times the endless knit-picking – especially to your fiancee – can send the wrong message. Instead of conveying that you are very happy to be getting married but that you are just stressed about "such-and-such", when you knit-pick and are generally morose or negative it sends EVERYONE the message that you wish you were not having to go through this experience. Instead of complaining out loud, consider practicing discipline and write a letter instead. The letter can be written to yourself – simply to complain – but after it is written you may actually feel better having expelled some of your negative energy. Even better, consider burning the letter after you write it and starting a list of the things that need to happen in order for your issues or worries to be resolved.
  • You don’t have enough money. This is tricky because nearly everyone I know wants finances to be private, but when the money is tight or simply isn’t available, complaining about your financial situation to whomever happens to be listening sometimes accidentally happens. Instead of allowing outsiders into your very personal financial situation, consider taking an honest "from-the-top-down" approach to the most expensive items on your wedding list. You may find that you really don’t need the personalized water bottles, bubbles, or specialty linens after all.

I am soooooooooooooo not a relationship expert; I am an event planner.  I am certainly not condoning calling-off weddings, Bridezilla moments :) or creating lasting family problems.  I simply wanted to put into plain terms some of the real issues that may arrise and what to do about them when they happen.

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

Alisha can be reached by e-mail at studio@enterlaruche.com

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Making the most of your event catering bill

by AFS on January 2, 2009 · 1 comment

in Decor & Event Design, Inspiration and Style, Little Tips, Receptions, Resources & Checklists, Wedding Planning

Believe me, as an event planner I have seen that it is EASY to blow through $20,000+ by feeding (and giving alcohol to) 185+ people. For privileged couples this type of budget allowance is available. But, for those unable or unwilling to shell out that much money, may I suggest the following tips:

  • Understand the correlation between the cost of catering and the number of mouths that you feed. Although the ‘quality’ of food that you serve your guests will increase or decrease the cost of catering for your event, you must first understand that the number one factor for enormous food bills is number of mouths that you are feeding.  If you are planning on inviting 100 guests to your reception then you need to plan to feed those 100 people.

If after doing the numbers with your caterer you do not have the funds to feed everyone on your invitees list, then it is time to re-evaluate your guest list. When it comes down to it, if you don’t have the money you don’t have the money. There is nothing to be ashamed about. However, you will need to modify your list to include only the most important persons.

"But we HAVE to invite everyone on our list to the reception!" Not true. Consider throwing a party where hors d’oeuvres and drinks can be served. When it comes down to it, a big reason that hurt feelings happen may be because people want to have an opportunity to share in your moment and in your joy. Creating a moment for those that you cannot afford to have at the reception is perfectly acceptable.

  • Go heavy on the hors d’oeuvres . Although you may be serving a meal at the reception, consider adding a one-hour long cocktail party to allow guests to quench their post-ceremony hunger. Guests that eat before dinner will eat smaller portions and are less likely to go back for second portions. Go "fancy" and have butlered hors d’oeuvres passed to the guests, alongside "do it yourself" hors d’oeuvres stations.
  • Filler, filler, Filler. Filler foods are foods that fill stomachs fast and for little money.  Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that first serves bread? Bread is an excellent filler. As for class, try using an exotic pasta, bruschetta + toppings, and other such foods that will take-up room in a guest’s stomach. Another helpful tip is to have the filler foods waiting at guest tables for the guests, so that they can get started with their eating before the food line opens or wait staff begins their service.
  • Control your guests’ portions. Even (and especially) if you are offering a buffet, ask your caterer (or volunteers) to stand behind the foods to dole-out portions. Portion control is an easy way for you to save big dollars on large amounts of food that would otherwise not be consumed because most guests would not eat so much unless it were free. :)
  • Post-dinner pickins. Especially when serving guests alcohol you may wish to consider erecting a few small hors d’oeuvres stations posted throughout the ceremony space. Guests that are dancing and drinking are likely to search the venue for a few crackers and cheeses, fruits, or sweets to munch on. As a bonus, giving guests reason to munch will allow for [slightly] less alcohol consumption. Keep in mind that for convenience sake you may not want to serve foods that require refrigeration or constant heating. (Food poisoning guests = icky.)
  • Plan for the staff gratuity. In many situations the gratuity for the wait staff, bartenders, and food captains will be directly added to the food bill that you endorse from the caterer or venue. However, some companies will allow you to add-in your own gratuity based upon your experience. In either case make a decision that you are going to plan for the staff gratuity instead of being shocked or put-off by it. After all, the staff gratuity helps the people behind the wait staff uniforms to feed their own families.

Happy eating!

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can e-mail AFS at: studio@enterlaruche.com

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Guest Book Alternatives

by AFS on December 30, 2008 · 4 comments

in Resources & Checklists, Websites & Resources

I am often surprised at the creativity of my clients! Today, while walking the grounds of a museum where she’ll marry in March, my client introduced me to yet another idea which will act as her alternative to a guest book .  Many of my clients and acquaintances feel similar – guest books are now becoming antiquated . Creative "guest projects" are now preferred.

In the spirit of alternatives and trends, below you will find a list of the most interesting guest book alternatives that I have "found", heard of, and recommended.

Just a hint: If you have invited two groups to your wedding…one group for the ceremony + reception, and one group for ceremony-only, you may wish to consider using a traditional guest book to register attendance for your ceremony, then use the alternatives below for the reception (where guests will have more creative time to spend).

1.  [This idea is from today's client meeting... ] The Guest Tree
 (Note: After researching this idea is also sometimes called a "Wishing Tree")

This idea combines the idea of a guest book and a "best wishes" guest area. (A best wishes guest area may be defined as an area set aside for guests to write personal thoughts for the couple. Today, many brides still use photo mats for guests thoughts and signatures.)

  • A Guest Tree is a potted, "indoor" tree that will feature paper "ornaments" which contain guest’s best wishes to the couple. As it was explained to me, there is a table with strips of paper (not to be folded) and pens and ornament hooks. Once the guest has completed their thought to the couple it is hung by an ornament hook onto the tree. (Keep in mind that you will want to punch holes into the ends of the strips of paper so that your guests will not have to fumble and rip their paper.)  The tree that my client is using is a manzanita tree, pre-decorated with blue Christmas lights.  However, there are many other tree varieties that would be appropriate.

    Hint: You may wish to place a card containing directions for the less-creative-minded guests. (Being told how to complete the project is often times helpful.)

2.  The Wedding Canvas – A work of wedding art

  • Recently, at my sister’s wedding, we used a large blank canvas for guests to "make their mark". Permanent markers, paints, scissors, and interesting pictures were placed on a table next to the canvas which was held on an easel (my sister’s request).  An 8" x 10" rectangle section in the center of the canvas was marked and designated as a spot for a future photo to be placed, and the guests were helpful about not writing or marking in that area.  A variation of this idea would may be to use watercolors (paints and paintbrushes), or just colorful permanent pens. (It all depends on what you want the guests to "do".)

3.  The Wedding Vase

If you are the type to place flowers in your home, consider purchasing a vase for your guests to sign. (Again, you may wish to leave a card printed with helpful directions to the guests.) If you are going to choose a dark vase, use a light paint pen , and vice versa.

4.  The Wedding Quilt (Important: This requires sewing)

Have you ever seen patchwork quilts? Well, the premise of a patchwork quilt is to take squares of fabric and sew the edges together to make a quilt.  Imagine then squares of fabric cut for guests to write well wishes or thoughts for the couple on with a permanent fabric pen !  You would want to have a table set-up with fabric squares, directions to the guests, permanent guest pens, and a "finished" box or bin where guests could put their finished squares. You could go shopping for your favorite fashionable quilting squares, or you could just purchase a generic set online.

A bit of Caution

Giving gifts to the couple that are used in daily life, such as aprons or plates, makes for a sad day when the markings wear-off when being laundered or washed.  Although aprons and plates are cute ideas you may be happier with an item that isn’t used as often or as regularly.

Happy guest project-ing! :)

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can reach AFS by e-mailing: studio@enterlaruche.com.

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