Thursday, January 31, 2008

Congratulations 2008 Brides!

I am so excited for each of my 2008 brides! My calendar is filling up quickly, and I am so thankful for each and every client, their uniqueness, and their fabulous styles. Meet the newest additions to the J.Bailey Occasions family...

Lauren & Stuart, April 5
Lauren & Dusty, May 3
Suzanne & Ben, June 14
Samantha & Chris, October 18
Jessica & Jason, November 8

I can't wait for their wonderful weddings, and above all else for them to start their new lives together!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Honoring those you love...

Many times in ceremonies or at events you see that floral arrangements are placed in honor or in memory of someone loved by the couple. Here are a few new ideas on how to honor those special people in your ceremony.

~"Something Old": For the bride, she has to have something old! You could consider wrapping your bouquet with an old hanky or a pretty beaded necklace. Another idea is if there is a special piece of jewelry, you could wear it or adorn your bridal ensemble with it. Consider a broach in your hair, or tied to the sash of your dress.

~Carry a photo in a small way: You can purchase a tiny photo frame and ribbon that attaches to your bouquet. You can give this to your florist and ask them to include it while assembling your pieces. These are available for purchase through J.Bailey Occasions.

~Music: Choose a song or musical piece that your loved one enjoyed, and that you do as well. It could be your special music or something simply played during your prelude.

~Flowers: Besides placing an arrangement in someone's honor, consider choosing one single flower to be placed in your bouquet. You can choose one that stands out and is noticeable, or choose one that only you would see.

These are all subtle, special ways to remember those you love who cannot be with you on your wedding day.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Forget the guestbook...

These days there are so many fun, creative ideas to remember the guests who shared your wedding day with you. The options here are great because they get your guests a little more involved than just simply signing their names.

~Wishing Tree: Set up some pretty branches in a pretty vase filled with water or even acrylic sparkly beads. Provide small squares or circles of paper (I like to use pretty scrapbook papers) with a ribbon tied at the top. Guests then write you a message and hang it on the "tree."

~Make a Quilt: Provide small squares of various fabrics for guests to write a message on for you. After the wedding, take the squares to a quilter and have them make you a nice cozy blanket. Some places even offer stitching over what was written so you never have to worry about fading.

~Try a Photo Booth: These are becoming more & more popular, and are always a hit with guests. Photo booths usually allow 4-5 photos to be taken, and multiple strips to be printed. Provide a book next to the booth where guests can include a photo or photo strip with a message to you. The strip they take home will double as their favor!

~Use your engagement photos: Check out how local photographer Dale Benfield uses engagement photos to create a guest book. There is more room for your guests to write a message to you, and they get to see the fun you've had with an amazing photographer! Check out Dale's website at www.benfieldphotography.net!

Bridal Showcase

It was so nice to meet so many fabulous brides-to-be (and grooms!) this past weekend. My friend Rachel and I had a great time chatting with all the girls and meeting new vendors. And we can't forget the yummy cake that was going around.

Check out these pictures of our booth...

Sunday, December 30, 2007

NWA Bride Premier Showcase

Brides-to-be,

I am so excited to be participating in my very first bridal event in January! The NWA Bride Premier Showcase is Saturday, January 19, 2008 in Springdale, AR. The event is being held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Besides stopping in at my idea station, be sure to check out all of the amazing vendors from our wedding community as well. If you haven't chosen your gown or attire for your wedding party yet, check out the 4:00 PM fashion show! There is a small fee to come in the door, but your name is entered into drawings for giveaways worth at least $100 from each vendor. You could win free hours of a la carte services from me! So stop by and say hi... I'd love to meet you!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Put Some Charm onto Your Napkins

We've all seen the monogrammed cocktail napkins used to serve at wedding receptions. They go something like:

Sarah & James
8.04.07

Know what I'm talking about? How about putting a cute twist on something so small and easy as your cocktail napkins! Rather than your names and your wedding date, try incorporating a favorite quote of yours, possibly something about marriage or love. You could even put a fun conversation starting question for your guests. I can just hear Aunt Sally now, "they had the cutest little napkins. I had never seen anything like it before!"

Welcome to J.Bailey Occasions...

Welcome! It is my pleasure to provide you with some wedding planning insight from day to day. Working with unique people, with no two events alike, provides the opportunity for overflowing creativity. It's one of the best parts of my job! Here, I am thrilled to share ideas that worked and unique touches to add to your wedding day. Stay tuned for more...