Signature Grand Releases Cake Charm Ceremony

Want to add an extra special ceremony to your wedding reception? Try spicing up the wedding cake with a cake charm ceremony! The charm cake is an old Victorian tradition which is very charming, indeed! During the wedding (or bridal shower, etc), each guest pulls one ribbon from the center of a cake (traditionally bundt cake) to find a good-luck charm and sweet message dangling from the other end. Charms can be purchased in various themes/styles and can be customized with additional notes and colored ribbons. The old tale states that each charm fortells the recipient's future! Various popular charms include a coin (for luck), an airplane (for travel), and a telephone (for a special phone call). To assemble, bake your favorite cake, put the charms in the center, and drape the ribbons over the cake; fresh flowers provide decoration while hiding the charms.

Cake Charm Ceremony

Catering a Corporate Event with Signature Grand

A corporate event meeting can be productive and entertaining at the same time. Here are a few helpful hints to creating a great, non confrontational business meeting.

First you must select a theme for your event or decide on how formal it will be. Let guests know in advance how the dress code will be used. This way guests will arrive as necessary.

Invite the correct people to this event. If you have too many people or not enough, the meeting might not work the way it is supposed to. Invite the right mix of employees, employers and other staff.

Create a list of things to discuss as well as a list of possible fun activities. Prepare a meeting agenda in advance and circulate this to your attendees - remember that meetings can come in all different durations, so get people’s attention by having weird duration meetings.

Corporate Event Tips

Baby Shower Planning and Catering with Bellacroft

There are a few aspects of planning a baby shower that most women look forward to: The games, the decor and the FOOD! Food can take up a huge portion of your budget, so you'll have to take a few of the below steps into consideration:

If you have thrown parties or baby shower’s before, then you already know the types of food to serve. This is the first step. The main thing to remember is that the food at a baby shower needs to be easy for the guests to snack on while ‘mingling’. This means small finger foods, snacks such as nuts and potato chips.

A good event incorporates several types of snacks and foods. Remember – not everybody eats meat or fatty items. It’s smart to have a few light, veggie snacks as well. This way everybody is happy!

Although all you really need to get is normal every day party snacks, it is also fun to have a few unique, baby shower foods as well!

As far as drinks and beverages go, you just need to make sure you have a small selection of different drinks. You can either go down the route of providing individual drinks or providing something like a punch for the entire party.

Baby Shower Favors

Complete the Cake with a Serving Set

While the cake cutting ceremony may seem to revolve around dessert and photos, it also includes a very important part of your wedding: the cake serving set!
This set is available in many varieties and most can be personalized. Why would you want a personalized cake cutting set? For keepsake, of course!
The cake serving set often ties into the decor of the cake of the actual wedding theme itself.
This Love Cake Server Set is sure to add romance and whimsy to your wedding day celebration. While cutting the cake with this timeless duo, your love is sure to shine bright. Finished in a silver-plated setting, this cake knife and serving set features a three-dimensional handle with a 1 1/4" heart detail on each serving piece. Truly, a unique wedding day find!

Cake Serving Sets at Bellacroft

Bellacroft's History of the Wedding Garter

Some brides prefer their garters blue, some like them lacy and some like to wear more than one, but most brides couldn't tell you the history behind the bridal garter. After reading this, they surely can!

The garter tradition is believed to have originated during the medieval times, when a witness would bring back a piece of the bride's clothing to show proof that the marriage had been consummated.

The tradition most similar to the garter toss however, was based on the European wedding tradition called "flinging the stocking." This was a tradition traced back to the 14th and 15th century where the bride would throw her garter to eager groomsmen. The man that caught the garter was said to have good luck following the "flinging".

Having a bunch of men compete for one garter led to a bit of a drama. Groomsmen, generally intoxicated from the reception, would race to catch the garter, and would sometimes attempt to retrieve the garter before the bride threw it, etc.

Depending on the tradition, once a groomsman had possession of the garter, he would present it to another woman.

In addition to good luck, another theory surrounding the garter was that the groomsman who caught it would be the next to get married. In this case, many men actually AVOID the garter!

Wedding Garters

Black Chocolate Truffle Recipe - Holiday Special!

If you're hosting a holiday celebration or party, be sure to include these delicious chocolate black forest truffles! These small treats can be served during dessert or put into tiny boxes and given as gifts to all of your guests!
Makes: 48 pieces

Ingredients
(1/2 cup) Heavy cream
(1 tbsp) Light corn syrup
(2 cups) White chocolate, pistoles or chopped in 1/2-inch pieces
(1 tbsp) Butter, unsalted, soft
(2 tbsp) Kirsch
(3 tbsp) Dried cherries, finely chopped
(1 2⁄3 cups) Dark chocolate or dark compound coating, chopped in 1/2-inch pieces, for dipping
(1⁄3 cup) Dark chocolate shavings

Preparation Instructions
1. Line a 9 × 13–inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine the cream and corn syrup in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Remove from the heat. Add the chopped white chocolate or pistoles and butter to the cream and stir until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Stir in the kirsch and the cherries.
5. Pour the finished ganache into the baking pan to make a thin layer and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more until the ganache is firm.
6. Put the ganache in a mixer bowl and mix on medium speed using a paddle attachment for 30 seconds. Or stir vigorously in a mixing bowl by hand, using a spatula.
7. Allow the ganache to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
8. Using a #100 scoop or a teaspoon, scoop out balls of ganache and place on the sheet pan at room temperature.
9. When all of the ganache has been scooped, roll each portion by hand into a round ball.
10. Melt and temper the chocolate for dipping using the procedure shown below. If using compound coating, follow the heating instructions on the package.
11. Dip the ganache centers in the tempered chocolate or compound coating using one of the techniques listed below.
12. After dipping, but before the chocolate sets, roll the truffles in the chocolate shavings.

Wedding Planning Tips

Finding a Colored Wedding Dress

Gone are the days when brides opt for a white wedding gown. More and more brides are adding a splash of color to their dresses to express their unique personalities and to keep the wedding look modern.

Color can be added to a wedding dress through various methods: with embroidery, a band at the top of the neckline or bottom of the hem, within an open train, or a sash around the waist. Modern brides are incorporating their favorite colors be it purple, green, or black or just adding color to match with their bridal party. You may opt for a wedding gown that isn't white at all. It may be shocking to your guests, but it will also be memorable.

Perhaps you have a vintage gown that has been in your family for years. If the dress has some stains, but the fabric is in decent condition, speak with a professional and find out if the dress will withstand being dyed a slightly darker color. It is a great way to preserve a piece of your family history as well as save your budget from an expensive new gown.

You don't have pick a bold, vibrant down. Some brides opt for a colored dress for practical reasons. It could be that pure white doesn’t flatter your skin tone or it won’t go well with the color scheme that you have selected.

Signature Grand Weddings

Bellacroft's Budget Planning

Almost 90% of weddings these days are planned on a budget. If you spend a fraction of MSRP on your favors, decor and fashion accessories, you will open up new room other aspects such as photography and catering! Stay in your budget limits by purchasing clearance wedding items by Bellacroft! Recently, Bellacroft has dropped their prices on Weddingstar, Fashioncraft and other bridal items (as well as maternity!) in order to help those that are looking to save some money!

These items are extremely inexpensive and all in their original packaging! Perfect for your upcoming wedding or special event!

Bellacroft Clearance

Eco-Friendly Wedding Bouquet

If you have decided to have an eco-friendly wedding, your main goal is to "green up" as much of the wedding as you can, from wearing a hemp wedding gown to serving Organic food. The same holds true for the bridal bouquet. How can a bride green up her wedding while still having something beautiful to carry down the aisle? Easy, by using one of these great eco-friendly wedding bouquet ideas.

Fresh flowers are unquestionably beautiful, and no bride should be deprived of the pleasure of carrying a lovely floral bouquet if she wants to. If you want to opt for fresh flowers, which most brides do, opt for organic flowers, which were grown without the use of harmful pesticides. By selecting for locally grown flowers which are in season at the time of your wedding, you will both reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporting your wedding flowers and ensure that the blossoms you have are the freshest and most beautiful. If you plan well in advance, you can even grown your own organic flowers, something that the kids can help do as well!

If you want to be unique and not use fresh flowers, a many brides are learning to make their own bouquet from vintage brooches or pins. Recycling materials is always an eco-friendly option, and brooch bouquet also happen to be stunning. The neat thing about a do-it-yourself bouquet is that you have total control over the colors. For a winter wedding, a bouquet comprised of all clear crystal vintage pins would be truly fabulous. These hand-crafted non-fresh bouquets make for excellent keepsakes!

York & White recommends finding a Tussy Mussy for your eco-friendly bridal bouquet!

Tussy Mussy

Holiday Weddings with York & White

With winter right around the corner, brides and grooms are preparing for their Winter Wonderland weddings - and wondering what color scheme they should use! One of the most elegant color palettes for a winter wedding is glacier blue and silver. Glittery, blue and silver snowflakes add the icy twinkle that most brides are looking for during their winter wedding.

If you are a traditionalist, the classic red, green, and white color combination for your winter wedding. Break up all the color with white flowers for their bouquets. In a fun wedding reversal, the bride can carry red flowers to contrast with her white gown. Instead of standard centerpieces, adorn the reception tables with Christmas tree shaped topiaries planted in gold painted pots. Add golden ribbons and white flowers to the topiaries for the perfect finishing touch.

This year, deep purple and moss green are the popular winter wedding color palettes. It is an excellent alternative to either of the two usual approaches – Winter Wonderland white or bright Christmas colors. The richness of the purple and moss green are very much in keeping with the winter season, yet are unique and quite unexpected.

Winter Wedding Favors

Purchasing a Pre-Owned Wedding Gown

If you're on a budget, there is nothing wrong with looking at pre-owned wedding gowns! These dresses have been worn only for a few hours and can seriously help you spend your precious money on other aspects of your wedding. The only question is, how do you find the perfect previously owned wedding gown? Here are a few tips from Signature Grand Weddings:

Condition is everything. When inspecting a gown in person, take it to a well-lit area of the shop. Inspect typical problem areas, such as hemlines, underarms, and zippers, and do a “sniff test” to check for offensive aromas like body odor, perfume, moth balls, and cigarette smoke. While a professional cleaning ($50-$100) may take care of make-up and light soiling, stains from wine, grass, and food are tougher to tackle. Also, be on the lookout for loose or missing sequins, pulled threads, and hemline imperfections. If you’re “buying blind”, find out whether the dress has been professionally cleaned (don’t be shy about asking for a cleaning receipt!) and request close-up pictures of any imperfections. Remember, costly cleaning or repair issues could offset potential savings.

Has the dress been altered? Typically, wedding dresses can be altered up or down 2-4 sizes, but if the dress has already been taken in or let out, there may be little give – if any – to accommodate a custom fit. When examining in person, check to make sure seam allowances are adequate for sizing to fit. If buying an altered dress from an online seller

Signature Grand Weddings

Destination Accessories by Bellacroft

Arranging a local wedding is complicated enough – planning a destination wedding is an entirely different level! Here are some destination wedding tips by Bellacroft:

1) Choose a Destination

The first step in planning a destination wedding is choosing the destination! Once this is done, you can start with all of the little details which might include finding a destination package that fits into your bridal budget. You can find destination package wedding deals online and find resorts that offer discounts for these kinds of special occasions. And the possibilities are endless! Say “I do” in front of a volcano, on the beach or in the mountains!

2) Shorten Your Guest List

Generally, due to financial reasons, destination weddings are usually more intimate – close family and friends. This is a great time to take a vacation with your family and celebrate you new life and marriage!

If you’re someone who enjoys traveling, then maybe a destination wedding is for you.

Destination Accessories by Bellacroft

Calla Lily Wedding Themes

Calla Lily Wedding

Calla Lily’s represent romance and sophistication which is why many brides and grooms are choosing this theme for their wedding. York & White features a wide variety of Calla Lily decorations and favors that will fit perfectly with this theme. Favors and decor from:

• Kate Aspen
• Weddingstar
• Fashioncraft
• Cassiani
• Beverly Clark
• Hortense B Hewitt
• And more!

Consider fresh calla lily's for your wedding as they are long lasting, elegant and require very little water! The perfect accessory in your bridal bouquet!

Calla Lily weddings are a great way to celebrate spring weddings as they are light and floral. Receive free shipping on orders over $75!

Calla Lily Wedding Favors

Baby Shower Favors with York & White

If you’re throwing or hosting a baby shower, York & White has a huge selection of favor boxes that are available in pink, blue or green! Available by Kate Aspen, these favor boxes feature letters, tags and matching ribbon to complete the look.

Fill these boxes with:

• Jordan Almonds
• Jelly Beans
• Hershey Kisses
• Gumballs
  
• And more!

Favor boxes are a simple way to make your guests happy and can match with any desired baby shower theme!

Baby Shower Games with Candy

Here is a super sweet ice breaker game for a baby shower:

Take a sweet - As guests walk through the door offer them some mints or an assortment of small candies. Ask them to save them for a game. After everyone has arrived, go around the room and have each person talk a little about themselves. However many pieces of candy they have taken equal the amount of facts they will say about themselves.

The Candy Game - Purchase pieces of candy and tape them to a large piece of poster board. Give out paper and a pen to each guest. Begin reading off clues and have the guests write down the candy that answers each clue. The guest with the most correct wins a prize, or a candy bar! Here are some sample clues/candies:

• What comes after quintuplets? - Sixlets
• Grandparents - Lifesavers. Also works well with "Epidural".
• Boys' Names - Mike & Ike
• Umbilical Cord - Licorice strands
• Father - Sugar Daddy
• Helps keep mom and dad awake - Coffee candy or a Chocolate candy
• Sweet Baby - Sugar Babies
• Hungry Baby - Cry Babies
• Teething Baby - Ring Pops
• Poopie Diaper - Chocolate Tootsie Rolls

Baby Shower Favor Boxes

Celebrating 25 Year Anniversaries with York & White

Wedding anniversaries are often treated as small wedding ceremonies. Often times, many couples will celebrate with a cake cutting ceremony (and quite possibly a vow renewal!).

Cathy’s Concepts is proud to feature their 25th Wedding Anniversary Flute and Cake Serving Set.

This set is elegant and classy – perfect for a 25 year celebration! These elegantly crafted flutes, cake knife and serving sets are the perfect accessory to display your journey through the years. Whether your toasting at a huge celebration or with only each other, these silver anniversary accessories, decorated with a 25th Anniversary design, are sure to be enjoyed through even another, glorious 25 years of wedded bliss.

Cathy’s Concepts 25th Wedding Anniversary Flutes & Cake Server Set

York & White Explains the Love Letter Ceremony

The latest wedding ceremony craze has proven to be the most romantic yet - the love letter ceremony! As alternative to the unity sand ceremony or unity candle ceremony, this popular addition will most definitely become a timeless tradition. Thoughtful, handwritten love letters are one of the most romantic gifts that a bride and groom can exchange.

This ceremony begins when the bride and groom write ultimate love letters to each other before the wedding. Each love letter will be a testament, filled with the reasons they are marrying one another, including special memories from the relationship, the moment they fell in love, the proposal, plans for your future, etc. Whatever is written, the bride and groom must not read each others’ letters.

Once the letters are written, the couple ceremoniously locks their sealed love letters in a box along with a bottle of wine, two wine goblets and other memorabilia or keepsakes they have selected. These may include photos of the couple or a souvenir from a special trip taken together. The wedding officiant will then address the guests and explain the only two situations in which the couple may unlock and reveal the contents of their love letters to each other.

Love Letter Ceremony

Bridal Pet Accessories at Bellacroft

These days, almost every family considers their pet a huge part of their family. In an effort to include their furry friend in their wedding, brides and groom are taking on a whole new level of wedding planning!

Pets can play several roles in your wedding ceremony. Older, trained dogs will make excellent ring bearers or flower girls. If your dog is younger and more wild, you might consider just having him/her join your ceremony without having an actual task.

It is very important to select your wedding venue with your pet in mind. Do they allow pets? Is there an area for your pet to go outside?

Ensure your pet is washed and groomed right before the ceremony to limit the amount of dander that is released as a special precaution to those guests with allergies. Weddings can be stressful times, especially in the moments leading up to the ceremony. Make sure you are not putting your animal through unnecessary stress in your desire to have him in attendance.

Last, but certainly not least, your pets attire should be considered. While you furry friend is no doubt adorable, there are several pet outfits on the market specifically for wedding and special events. When you purchase one, be sure to have your pet try it on a few times before the actual event so that he/she can get used to this type of accessory without getting irritated.

Pet Friendly Weddings

Wedding Gown Preservation Kit at York & White

Brides across the nation are stress about the one time use of their wedding gown. What if it discolors? Stains? What if you really want your daughter to keep the memory of your precious gown alive? York & White has found the solution: Wedding Gown Preservation!

Wedding Gown Preservation Co. Receives National Award

State-Of-The-Art Production Facility recognized as “a model of industrial production efficiency”

Endicott, NY, January 4, 2010: Endicott-based Wedding Gown Preservation Co. received national recognition last week for their state-of-the-art North Street cleaning and preservation facility. American Drycleaner Magazine awarded them a Special Honor in the category of ‘Outstanding Production Facility’ during an annual contest. The business is locally owned and operated by Sue and Michael Schapiro.

The 18,890-square-foot facility is “a model of industrial production efficiency” according to Ian Murphy, Editor of American Drycleaner Magazine. Custom-made cleaning equipment, a high-tech rail system, and employees certified in the latest cleaning techniques allow team members to preserve the memories of a couple’s special day for years to come. Quality control procedures, along with computerized tracking, allow for exceptional customer service. “Wedding Gown Preservation Co. continues to be the leader in the industry through continuous improvement and innovation.” says owner Michael Schapiro, who is the third generation of the family business which has been in Endicott since 1913.

Wedding Gown Preservation Co.’s team is recognized as national experts in wedding gown cleaning, preservation, and restoration. As the largest gown cleaning and preservation company in the country, they process thousands of gowns every month at the Endicott facility. Gowns are sent to Endicott by brides and bridal shops from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Members of the community looking for more information can contact 607-748-6957 or stop by for a tour at 707 North Street in Endicott, NY.

Currently in their 49th year, the Annual “Plant Design Awards” are organized by American Drycleaner Magazine. Entries are received from across the country from dry cleaning, laundry and specialty cleaning facilities. American Drycleaner Magazine is the most recognized dry cleaning industry publication with content focusing on industry news, events and trends.

Wedding Gown Preservation Kit

Celtic Charm Wedding Traditions

Celtic wedding are the perfect way to celebrate your Irish background. These symbolic weddings celebrate traditional values, symbols, themes and customs into major events in your life. Additionally, Celtic wedding are widely popular not only among people with a Celtic tradition, but among other couples who are fascinated by the ancient Celtic culture.

Celtic weddings have traditional symbolic decorations, often based on the traditional Celtic knot. Welsh, Irish and Scottish families will sometimes marry in ancient buildings like castles or old manors, but that is not the norm. A traditional Celtic wedding is not greatly different from a normal British wedding in many ways.

However, the number of similarities between Celtic wedding traditions and normal British-style weddings goes a lot further than that. If you want a traditional British style wedding, you will be going unwittingly for a Celtic wedding.

Celtic Wedding Accessories

Unique Toasting Glasses by Bellacroft

Toasting glasses are a traditional wedding necessity for any wedding reception. These glasses, however, tend to be extremely common. Bellacroft, however, is proud to feature a set by Weddingstar that is unique and lovely! The Clear Glass Flutes with Silver Plated Stand are a lovely addition and make for a wonderful centerpiece on any bridal table.
What could be better? These items can be personalized! Select your favorite font and style and engrave each flute with a name/date. Simply a wonderful keepsake!
Unique Toasting Glasses

Baby Shower Favors by York & White

If you're in charge of planning a baby shower, you'll need to consider favors for the guests! These favors are small tokens of appreciation that help give small "thank you's" to everybody that came and gave support to the mama and baby!

Baby Shower favors are now available in many styles and colors – perfect for any baby shower!

The first step in baby shower planning is selecting a theme or color scheme.

Kate Aspen is the leader in baby shower favors – featuring great pricing on any form of favors. You can find:

• Photo favors
• Candy favors
• Candle Favors
• and more!

Popular Baby Shower Favors

Signature Grand: Creating the Perfect Wedding Vows

While writing your own wedding vows might seem like a huge chore - the benefits are endless and your final product is a touching, sentimental speech for your new husband. Personal vows will move your guests with your intimate thoughts as you are sharing them with your close friends and family. You should know that this will be an intense project that takes much time and consideration. Here area few tips for writing beautiful, sentimental vows for your soon to be husband or wife.

The first rule is time. Allow yourself enough time to write (and rewrite and rewrite) your vows.. as well as practice them and memorize them. Select a quiet location that lets your mind flow freely. If writers block is an obstacle that you simply cannot get over, read over a couple of traditional wedding vows to get your process going a little. After reciting those first few familiar stanzas then you will expound into your own personal experience and feelings. Re-live your entire relationship from start to finish and include short anecdotes of the first time you met, your first date, first kiss, etc. This will take your spouse-to-be down a short trip in memory lane as well as give your guests a glimpse into your love as well. What is your favorite thing about your new spouse and what makes him or her so special? What does marriage mean to you? Contemplate your fiancé and your relationship and all the things that brought to two together and brought you to this moment. It is not inappropriate to borrow a line from your favorite song, poem or Bible verse and place it in your vows. Finalize your vows with a promise to your spouse - that you will love them until eternity.

Signature Grand Wedding Vows

Celebrate the LOVE with Bellacroft

Whether you're celebrating your anniversary, Valentine's Day or just your love, the Weddingstar LOVE themed plates are the perfect accessories to complete your feast! Fill each plate with nuts, fruits, berries, crackers, etc! Crafted in white porcelain, whether filled with treats or displayed on a table - these love inspired accessories are sure to complete your occasion! Perfect for:

• Weddings
• Sweet 16
• Anniversaries
• Valentine's Day
• And more!

Love Themed Plates

History of the Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower's are a fun occasion where the bride's friends and family give her gifts before her wedding is approaching. The custom of the bridal shower began in the United States and is still practiced mostly in US and Canada. The Bridal Shower is customarily arranged by the bridesmaid, who usually organizes the entire event. Due to finances these days, it is not uncommon for several guests to split the costs/duty of hosting the bridal shower. This timeless tradition began in the times when dowry was practiced as a custom. This custom was brought into practice to help the women who were poor and did not have the money to raise dowry or in situations when the father of the bride was not approving of the marriage.

These days, the bridal shower has evolved into a fun party that incorporates food, games, decorations and laughter.

Arlene Pecora has several bridal shower ideas - including great games!

Arlene Pecora's Bridal Shower Planning

Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers

Love Birds are the popular wedding theme this season - and for good reason! These attractive additions are romantic as well as subtle! These adorable Love Birds are truly engaging. Hand crafted in white porcelain, these modern and romantic salt and pepper shakers make the perfect favors for weddings, baby or bridal showers. The fantastic packaging features a pullout box with the two Love Birds comfortably nesting inside. Die cut openings in the box cover allows a small peek into the interior.

Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers

Outdoor Wedding Decorating Tips by Arlene Pecora

Decorating for an outdoor wedding celebration allows you an opportunity to create a beautiful wedding fantasy. An outdoor venue or backyard makes the perfect backdrop which can be decorated easily and inexpensively with some carefully chosen furniture and accessories. Among the first things to consider with your outdoor wedding ideas are practical concerns to make sure that your guests are well tended to.

Be sure to consider the weather and prepare for any changes. You should ensure that the wedding guests are sheltered from the sun, wind and any rain. However don't be so distracted by the practical aspects of the weather that you forget how your decisions can add to the decorative effect of the wedding reception.

Providing shelter from the weather can range from choosing a venue with lots of trees to having a purpose built marquee set up. This decision is usually based on the likelihood of rain. Don't forget that guests will need substantial shelter from the sun as well as potential rain. Your marquee can be decorated to suit the theme of your wedding, or if the sides are left off, the view of the surrounding gardens become the decor. If shelter from the sun is the main concern choose from amongst the different styles of free-standing umbrellas with enough set up so every guest can find shade. Ideas for different styles of outdoor wedding include cafe style umbrellas for a casual, modern feel, while bright striped or thatched palm leaf umbrellas are the perfect accompaniment for a summer or beach themed wedding. For a garden party, along with umbrellas at the tables, offer your guests pretty paper parasols to hold during the reception.

Don't forget the wind - favors and table decor should be heavier and sturdy as not to blow away or knock over!

Wedding Planning

Don't Forget to Save the Date with York & White!

Save the Dates are traditional methods to let your guests-to-be know that you have selected your wedding date and they should “save the date!”. Created by Cathy’s Concepts, these Save the Date magnets are Our “Save the Date” Magnets are perfectly sized and can be personalized as desired! Magnetic Save the Dates will look great displayed on all your friends and families’ refrigerators, creating a daily reminder of your well anticipated day! These accessories are “Do it Yourself” and are great ways to avoid additional professional printing costs. Each packet includes: 50 “Save the Date” magnets 50 envelopes Test Printing Sheets, Instructions & Template Information Details

Cathy’s Concepts “Save the Date” Magnet Kit

Arlene Pecora's Corporate Event Planning

Corporate events don’t need to be dull and boring – here are a few tips to spice them up! Here are 3 fun, unusual that can really help knit that team tightly together!

1. Adventures of Secret Agents
This corporate event is almost like a scavenger hunt – teams are given agendas and the winner receives a prize!

2. Drumming Workshops
These have become quite popular in the past few years. Drumming workshops are a great way to get a lot of people involved, and are far more directed towards team building than some other events. Workmates learn to work in synergy. There's a selection of percussion instruments and people will need to work together to transport and set up the experience also.

3. Go Karting
Go karts are an activity that any adult would love! Relieve stress by racing to the finish line with your co-workers and even try to beat your boss! These types of activities for adults can be found at local arcades – a fun place for adults to go unwind. They usually feature party rooms which can be held for your staff!

Corporate Event Gift Giving Ideas

Personalized Wedding Labels by York & White

Wine is a huge part of wedding ceremonies. The down side of that is that the labels don't often match your color scheme or wedding theme.

Until now!!

Weddingstar's exclusive collection of personalized stationery includes wine labels that can be customized as desired and are available in a wide variety of colors and themes. Coordinate these designer labels with matching hang tags, stickers and window clings - the latest of the Weddingstar collection!

Personalized Wine Labels

Practical Wedding Favors with Bellacroft

Practical favors are favors that can be put to everyday use by your guests. These favors include:

• Keychains
• Bookmarks
• Jewelry Boxes
• Luggage Tags
• Coffee Mugs
• Ice Cream Scoops
• Bottle Stoppers
• Candles
• And more!

These practical favors also come in a wide variety of theme to match with the rest of your wedding theme or color scheme. These items will serve as a reminder to your guests of the great time that they had!

Practical Wedding Favors

Baby Shower Planning

Planning a baby shower is a lot of work. There are many things to consider, from selecting the date and place to deciding what menu to serve, games to play, and party favors to give out. Here are your top 8 steps to planning a great baby shower:

Time and Date

Baby showers are generally held a few months before the baby is born. Most baby showers are planning after the sex is learned (so that the theme can coordinate with this as well).

Location

Generally, baby showers are held at the host's home. This rule is not set in stone and can be held anywhere! Catering halls, friend's homes, etc.

Budget

With these types of parties, even the smallest accessories can add up to large amounts. Be sure to set a budget (whether tight or generous) and try to stay within the limits.

Guest List

Create a list of guests that the mommy-to-be would expect at her shower and go from there. Remember, if your budget is tighter, you may need to trim the guest list a little!

Select a Theme

Generally, baby showers these days are theme-based. This helps for you to plan the decor, menu and other aspects of the baby shower. Theme, while minor, really help bring the entire baby shower together.

Invitations

Baby shower invitations can be store-purchased or homemade. Be sure to send these out well in advance so guests can plan ahead!

Menu

The menu actually depends on the time of the day as well as the theme of the party. They can be as simple as appetizers and finger foods, or as elegant as catered event with various courses of dishes that will be served to the guests.

Baby Shower Games

Games are a great way to break the ice and let your guests interact with each other. Select games that allow prizes (which are just small tokens) and enjoy the fun!

Check out Arlene Pecora's Bridal Shower Planning as well!

Hollywood Themed Weddings

A Hollywood theme wedding can have many different point of views including getting in to the character of your favorite movie couple. Or you can actually mimic specific features of your wedding that are the same as your favorite true life Hollywood movie stars such as a wedding gown or cake style. With a few key elements and an incredible amount of creative possibilities, your Hollywood theme wedding will be a night for you as well as your guests to remember.

Having a Wedding Hollywood Style

The individual details of your Hollywood Theme wedding are the most critical touches to pulling off your wedding day. You can be creative with sending out your invitations such as wording the invitation much like a movie awards show and using a custom designed gold seal on the outer envelope.

There are several wedding favors that will be available to you - such as the Fashioncraft Popcorn Themed Wedding candle. Try renting a venue such as an old theater to celebrate your big day!

Popcorn Themed Wedding Favors

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Vases

For many couples who choose the beach as the backdrop for the exchanging of their vows, a unity sand ceremony provides a unique and memorable way to commemorate their love and loyalty. Instead of the traditional merging of flames in a unity candle, the couple symbolically joins their lives with the blending of sand. Unity sand ceremonies are typically short in length, lasting only a couple of minutes, but are long on meaning. During the ceremony, the bride and groom each have separate containers holding different colors of sand, and then pour their sand into a shared unity vase where the grains are forever intermingled. The container with the combined sand is then kept as a keepsake of the couple’s love, loyalty, and devotion.

There are many versions of the sand ceremony vase sets available on the market. Each set is unique and romantic in it's own way. Bellacroft is proud to feature unity sand ceremony sets from Lillian Rose, Cathy's Concepts and Weddingstar!

Personalized Unity Sand Ceremony Vases

Sweet 16 Traditions with Bellacroft

Sweet 16 celebrations are a time for love and family tradition. Here are a few traditions to incorporate into your upcoming Sweet 16 celebration:

The Father-Daughter Dance

Also performed at weddings, the father daughter dance is a way to celebrate a father and his all-grown-up daughter! Have the birthday girl choose a song that is special to her and her dad.

Shoe Ceremony

Similar to the Cinderella fairy tail, this ceremony features the birthday girl trading in her flat shoes for high heeled shoes, often presented by a father, grandfather, uncle or any other significant male. This is a symbolic transitioning from childhood into womanhood.

Tiara Ceremony

This ceremony is similar to the shoe ceremony, except the male brings a tiara instead of shoes. The tiara is placed upon her head to symbolize her becoming a woman. Many families blend this ceremony with the shoe ceremony.

Candle-Lighting Ceremony

This ceremony (similar to the unity candle ceremony at a wedding) features 16 tapers to set out on a table in pretty votive cups. The birthday girl could light her first candle from one large candle that symbolizes her parents or family. The first candle is for the girl's parents. The second candle is for brothers and sisters. These can be substituted for any family member if the birthday girl is an only child - many families incorporate a 17th candle for luck.

Sweet 16 Party Favors

Baby Shower Cupcake Theme

Cupcakes are little adorable celebrations of heaven - which is why they make the perfect baby shower theme! Featured on York & White, these baby shower favors are available in pink or blue and are the best gift!
Pair each favor with yummy cupcakes as dessert! [courtesy of Food Network]

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Icing:

• 1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

1 drop green food coloring

• 6 large ripe strawberries, hulled
• Green sanding sugar
• Fresh mint leaves or candied leaves

Equipment: 6-cup jumbo muffin tin

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.

In another medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light and foamy, about 2 minutes. While beating, gradually pour in the butter and then the vanilla.

While mixing slowly, add half the dry ingredients, then add all the milk, and follow with the rest of the dry ingredients. Take care not to over mix the batter. Divide the batter evenly in the prepared tin.

Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cupcakes on a rack in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove. Cool on the rack completely.

For icing: Mix the confectioners' sugar and lime zest in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and mix with an electric mixer to make a firm but pourable icing. (If needed, add up to 1 teaspoon more juice, but take care if the icing is too loose it doesn't set properly.) Add food color to make a pale pastel green icing.

To assemble: Remove cupcake from its liner. Cut and remove a strawberry (coned) shaped portion of cupcake from the top of each cupcake, leaving about 1/2 to 1-inch of cake in the bottom. Stuff each cake with a strawberry and cover with a little bit of cake. Spoon and spread icing over the top of the cupcakes. Sprinkle with green sanding sugar. Top with small mint leaves or candied leaves.

Baby Shower Favors

History of Confetti

The term "confetti" refers to several pieces of paper, mylar or metallic material which is usually tossed at special events, especially weddings. Confetti is created in a wide variety of colors, and also available in imaginative shapes and styles. There is a very large distinction between confetti and glitter. Glitter is smaller than confetti (pieces usually no larger than 1mm) and is universally shiny. Most general table confetti is also shiny. While it is referred to as metallic confetti, it is actually metallized pvc. The most popular shape of confetti is the star. Seasonally, Snowflake Confetti is the most requested shape. While confetti is extremely popular for weddings, it is also commonly used at other social events such as Bar Mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthday parties, baby showers and more!

Many wedding receptions feature confetti scattered across tables. Many brides also prefer confetti be tossed instead of rise as it gives more shimmer.

By tradition, the Italian confetti (sugar coated almonds) are given out at weddings and baptisms (white coating), or graduations (red coating). These gifts are often wrapped in a small tulle bag to give as a favor to the guests. For a wedding, they are said to represent the hope that the new couple will have a fertile marriage.

Wedding Confetti

Halloween Wedding Theme

You can have "haunted" memories by saying "I Do" with a Halloween wedding theme! If Halloween is your favorite time of the year, there is no reason why you can't make this your bridal theme. Celebrate all the fun that Halloween has to offer. Decorations are simple to find, and if you start now, you can certainly accomplish this by October!

Color Ideas

o Black
o Orange
o Brown
o Red (bloody red)
o Yellow

Invitations and Stationery

o Black Cats
o Shape the invitation like a witch's hat.
o Make it look like a piece of candy corn.
o Shape it like a pumpkin or jack o' lantern.

Floral Arrangements and Flowers

Any flower can be used, but try to stick with your planned color scheme:

o Roses (red and black and orange)
o Gerber Daisies (orange)
o Lilies (orange and other colors)
o Sunflowers are yellow and brown and truly add a fall flavor.
o Orchids (In Orange)
o Black roses

Decor:

o Jack o' lanterns can be used for illumination
o The jack o' lanterns can also be used for centerpieces.
o Have ghosts hanging around to adorn the place and add mood.
o You can also have an area in the reception that looks like a cemetery complete with headstones.
o Pumpkin Themed Candy Dishes
o Halloween napkins
o You could use pumpkins hallowed out or ceramic ones for vases for flowers.
o Have guests come in Halloween costumes and they can be part of the decorating.

Food

Any food that is "fall" related is appropriate for this type of wedding. Here are a few ideas:

o Turkey and dressing
o Pumpkin soup
o Sweet potatoes
o Make roasted pumpkin seeds available for snacking before dinner is ready.
o Baked apples
o Spiced apple cider
o Pumpkin pie

Wedding Favors

o Your guests will really enjoy being kindly rewarded for attending your wedding.
o Have fancy bags of Halloween candy to give to your guests.
o Votive candles come in black and orange and would be nice to give.
o You can also find Halloween themed candles to give too.
o Halloween themed key chains

Locations

Basically, any location can be transformed into a "spooktacular" venue, however here are a few other ideas:
o Another location would an old stone church.
o A unique place would be an old mansion that looks like it may be haunted.

Baby Shower Themes by Arlene Pecora

If you're planning a baby shower, the first step to consider (other than the date!) is the baby shower theme. Selecting a theme helps you to select the coordinating invitations, games, decor and favors for the party! It also helps create a mood that your guests (or guest of honor) won't soon forget!

Prior to selecting a theme, decide on what the mommy to be would find enjoyable. Many themes are gender based (pink for girl, blue for boy and green for surprise). This can certainly be modified due to taste and many themes are gender neutral as well.

You also need to determine if the shower will be before the baby arrives or after.

The tea party is a lovely theme for women and can be combined with any of the other below party themes that you might have in mind.

Arlene Pecora's Baby Shower Themes:

• Baby Diaper Cake
• Teddy Bear
• Gift Basket
• Stork
• Harvest Moon
• Nursery Rhyme theme
• Baby invitation theme
• Baby safari theme
• Winnie the pooh theme
• Christmas theme
• Baby Shower cake theme
• Baby girl theme
• baby duck theme
• Baby boy theme
• Baby game theme
• Baby butterly theme
• Noahs ark theme
• Decoration theme
• Frog shower theme
• Book shower theme
• Rubby ducky theme
• Sports theme
• Care bear theme
• Ducky theme
• Teddy bear theme
• Snoopy theme
• Tigger theme
• Jungle theme
• Princess theme
• Angel theme
• Cowboy theme
• Precious moments theme
• Sports theme
• Jungle theme