Over the Top Events Blog

The Proposal- Leap Year

2012-02-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well today is the day that some of the women around the world bend down on one knee to propose to the man of their dreams. The tradition started in 1288 when Queen Margaret of Scotland decreed that women could propose on February 29th each leap year.

The stats show that 9% of proposals are from women and of that 80% of men would accept. Not sure I would be that brave! If you are good luck. I wonder how the ladies who are going to propose are going to do it.

2012 is going to be a very special year, especially for those of us living in the UK, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and also the Olympic and Paralympics Games this year

TRUE romantics might wait to show affection on Valentine’s Day but this year, we’re in a Leap Year. It could hold even further appeal for girls wanting to truly take charge of their relationships.

If your significant other has been dragging his feet, making excuses or changing the subject, take charge and pop the question on February 29th, a date that comes only once every four years.

How will you pop the question? Let us know

check out these videos for inspiration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnVAE91E7kM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzEkLz-_6fM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJWlavnM6b0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVbX-4n0D4s&feature=related

Here's a few tips when planning your proposal

http://www.yourengagement101.com/proposals/2010/07/15-marriage-proposal-tips/

How will you pop the question? Let us know

Chat soon,

A Valentine’s Day Wedding

2012-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is one and the same with romance and if you’ve chosen this day to marry, you must exude love and romance. Set the stage for your Valentine’s wedding with a tantalizing theme of soft love.

The location for your Valentine’s wedding must provide the feeling of intimacy, a good choice may be a country inn, bed & breakfast or winery.

It does not need to be small, but will ideally provide nooks, alcoves and romantic “hideaways” for guests to rekindle their own romantic flames. Candles and lots of them, soft lighting, comfy sofas for guests to relax in will all set the stage. A romantic country inn, bed & breakfast or winery are all great choices.

On the other hand if your aiming more for a dramatic look full of lusciousness and sexiness, try scouting for castles and historical mansions.

Red is the obvious and dramatic color of Valentine’s romance – the traditional color of the heart. You can play on this color without being limited to the bright red of Hallmark Valentines. Deep burgundies and maroons are just as romantic.

You can also choose a different color scheme for your flowers, bridal party attire and décor. Deep colors tend to be more dramatic like shimmering gold and rich ivories.

Valentine’s Wedding Attire

For your gown, think about what feels romantic to you. Whether you have a dramatic satin or velvet dress with a plunging neckline, or a tight bodice with a tremendous skirt, always dress to capture the essence of the mood.

For the groom, a traditional black tuxedo with a red rose boutonniere or a deep red tie is dashing. Or a more 1940’s twist may be up your alley.

Floral designer Joe Massie and his Valentine's Day flower dress really caught our eye!

Valentine’s Wedding Decorations

Candles, candles and more candles!!!!!!!!!! Candelabras will also help set the mood. Any lighting should be low, and fabrics should be soft and light.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Chat soon

2012-01-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

With 2012 off to a great start, we have several brides who are wanting to make their wedding more of an event rather then the “traditional” sit down reception. Entertainers, musicians, even celebrity starts are now appearing at weddings and events, so why not take it one step further make your guests part of the fun! We know not all will event entertain the idea of having animation, let alone games at their wedding, but by popular demand, here are some popular games that are played on or with the bridal couple.

Lifesaver
Blindfold the groom (you don't want to mess up the bride's makeup). Put 4 different colored (flavored) life savers in the Bride's mouth. Have the Groom fish each color out in a specific order (get the audience to choose). For each one he gets wrong, he has to do a drink (if he has been drinking too much may I suggest a full glass of water for each error)

Pop the Balloon
Get the wedding party out and place a balloon between each woman and man (use your imagination of where to put the balloon). They have to hug tightly enough to break the balloon. The last one to do it is punished. (Do not fully inflate the Newlyweds balloon - it makes it harder or impossible to pop). Punishments can be anything from kissing, to singing , to carrying the bride around the room, etc...

Instantly-Wed Game
Same as the Newly Wed Game - When the Bride leaves the room to change (or powder her nose) ask the groom some questions about them to see if the Bride answers the same when she returns. For each wrong answer you can offer a punishment. Sample Questions would be: What was the other person wearing when they met? Does the other person like their toilet paper to roll off the top of the roll or the bottom? Who is smarter, the bride or the groom and why?
You can also use do the above game with the bride and groom taking off their shoes and exchanging one of theirs for their spouses. Make the questions so that they have to answer with either a him or her. For example, "who will be the one who takes out the garbage?" The newlyweds would then hold up the shoe that corresponds with who they think is going to do it. Of course the couple have to be back to back so they cannot see how the other responds!

Guess Who

Have the bride and groom sit on chairs face back to one another, and ask a series of questions as to who is more likely to? Or who will be the first one to?

Check out this video from utube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubZktEvvrU

Guess the Hands (Calves, Thighs, Butt, etc... work too)
Blind fold the participant and have him or her feel a certain body part of some volunteers and then their spouse (remember your doing a family show here!). Then he or she has to guess which one was their partners.

A Little Green Activity

2011-12-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

I decided to write yet another blog on green events not because I'm an environment conscious junkie, but rather because more and more clients are becoming educated on the simple ways to recycle without compromising their style and wallet.

We're all about creating one of a kind events and invitations, but if we can reusing things intelligently, ultimately wasting less, so where's the harm?

We hold the idea that being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean refusing the things we love and want, but rather designing, developing and using products in more informed, eco-friendly ways.

While in the planning stages of your event, big or small, special or corporate, consider the following ideas to show your guests your passion for the environment:

- Have all of the elements of your event in one location so as to minimize the amount of driving for guests

- find a local non-for-profit organization that will welcome the leftovers from your event rather then throwing it to waste

- -consider (for weddings) rather then a registry with items you may not necessarily need, give your guests teh options to donate to your favorite organization in your name.

Your event invitation can set the tone for your environmentally friendly wedding. Today there are many options for 100% recycled, partially recycled or completely tree free papers which Over the Top Events can provide. Consider all the following where you can use recycled paper:

engagement announcements
save the date cards
shower invitations
shower thank you notes
wedding invitations
ceremony programs
place cards
menu cards
wedding announcements
thank you notes

Your wedding flowers can be a place where you can make conscientious decisions which can have big eco consequences. Choosing a florist where organically grown, in-season, local flowers are used can be a much better earth friendly choice.

One thing that I try and have my clients participate in, is to donate the flowers to a local hospital or senior citizen center or send them home with your guests.

A great addition to the eco-friendly favors on the tables is to pull the "green" theme into your centerpieces. Table decor can take the form of small perenials or baby bushes that can later by planted by your guests. If you are looking for a vessel for the center of your table to hold sea shells or colorful rocks, consider vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, due to renewable tendencies.

The Green World Project
Favors 4 Wedding
The I Do Foundation's Favors for Charity program
Tender Seed Company

Love the earth,

J

photos courtesy of weddingobsession, dreamgreenweddings,thecakelist

A little Vintage

2011-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Vintage weddings are as popular as they ever were. The fashion world looks back for inspiration, and now the wedding world is following suit! If you’re planning a vintage wedding and you’re looking for ideas you’ve come to the right place.

Every bride can look fabulous with a vintage wedding dress. Every wedding venue can be decorated in vintage styles – and some of the top wedding venues are stately cottages and castles with a sense of history and beauty which perfectly suits a vintage wedding day.

Decorate tables with crystals and pearls or hire vintage crockery – use peonies, roses or wildflowers for an eclectic look!

Everyone wants to please their friends and family when planning a wedding. Parents, friends, bridesmaids and wedding suppliers will all want to get involved if they can, and vintage weddings are great crowd pleasers!

Every wedding magazine is full of vintage inspiration, and vintage wedding ideas are all over the internet – so you can’t go wrong hunting for inspiration for your vintage wedding day. Top celebs are incorporating the vintage style into their weddings, with everyone opting for classic lace, pearls and vintage accessories it’s a trend that is set to last and last!

The vintage wedding theme is easy to adapt to your own wedding budget. Whether you’re having an elaborate celebration or an intimate wedding at home, you can use vintage elements to create beautiful wedding decor – either source it online, buy antiques or make your own vintage inspired accessories.

I love quirky vintage wedding website www.weddingspinster.com. It’s full of vintage photos and information that might help brides- and grooms-to-be plan unique, vintage-inspired weddings.

chat soon,

J

Beach Weddings and ideas

2011-10-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

With winter quickly approaching and the layers being added, many couples are beginning to plan their winter destination wedding. When planning a beach wedding, people may think there are numerous things to consider, sometimes more so than a traditional wedding. It can get overwhelming and tricky to come up with destination beach wedding ideas. People usually give their attention and priority to the following things:

Beach Wedding Idea

1. Beach wedding invitation – A great way to get your guests in the mood for travel is to add a beach theme to your invitations.

2. Beach wedding dress – The fabric, length and style make finding the perfect dress for a beach wedding confusing. More casual dresses with lighter fabrics, which are easier to pack become the best option for beach brides.

3. Beach wedding destination – You must consider the place where the ceremony will take place. You may choose an island you have always dreamed of. Do not forget to consider the marriage license prerequisites for the country.

4. Beach wedding favors – It is necessary to thank your friends and family for sharing your special day with beach them favors.

5. Beach wedding gifts- It is a good idea to thank your bridal party with ocean theme gifts that they can use to remember the occasion.

6. Beach wedding décor – You should consider how you will decorate the reception area. You should work hard whether you will keep it simple or you will add touches of the ocean and beach to keep the theme going.

Beach Theme Wedding Ideas

They are of course the more important issues to address, but there are many others that will sneak in. In addition to your dress you will have to consider what type of beach wedding shoes you will wear. You also need to think about how you will style your hair. Beach wedding hairstyles can be loose and free or tide up as to keep the elements from taking control of it.

The type of music you will play is something else to keep in mind for your reception. You should decide whether you will hire a local band or you will play beach wedding music. Design of your cake also needs your attention. There are many wonderful cake designers who can incorporate beach themes into their designs.

chat soon,

J

2011-10-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

With Halloween around the corner, and many decorations already up around the neighbourhood, here are some DIY ideas:

Add some spider web to your Halloween decorations and haunt, you can find it at most stores selling Halloween products. Just attach to something and pull it out all over! There's a new product called "Cob Webs in a Can" that lets you add light layers of spider web effects to your Halloween decorations and props.

Put up a Halloween tree in your home this year! It really adds a festive mood and looks beautiful!

Try out some creepy Halloween cloth! Used in commercial haunted attractions for years, distressed, tattered, torn and shredded looking cloth can make your home look deserted and dilapidated. You can find it at most mass retailers during Halloween season.

Transform your front door into extremely spooky portals of doom with door frame facades and trim! You can find a variety of them both online and in Halloween stores.

Scarecrows have also become a source for wonderfully scary Halloween decorations! Make a couple for your front porch, yard haunt or to sit inside your home for decoration.

Create a lighted jack-o-lantern walk-way to your front porch! It's easy to do, all you need are some plastic jack-o-lanterns and some battery powered candles.

Use mini ears of Indian corn, mini pumpkins and gourds to embellish your Halloween party table. They make excellent arrangements for an autumn table as well.

If you live out of the way, build a giant Halloween beacon to draw trick or treaters to your house. Its easy to make using a large plastic jack-o-lantern, some ABS pipe and a few assorted attachment pieces. This light really stands out!

You can find all kinds of Halloween flags and banner during the Halloween season. Hang one or two up around your house to show your Halloween spirit!

Make some Halloween wreaths to hang on your front door and around the inside of your house. They are simple to make and fun to do!

Add artificial ravens and crows to the tops of tombstones, in the trees, anywhere they can sit and stare at your visitors. You can find them at most arts and crafts stores, department type stores, just about everywhere!

Decorate your vehicle for Halloween! Hang a wreath or decoration on the front grill, have a Halloween slogan license plate holder made, make an antenna ball out of a little pumpkin!

Chat soon,

The accessories

2011-09-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

The category of bridal accessories includes so many objects for which a bride can apply for and they depend on the tastes and of what you’re expected to look like in the big day! If some days ago we took into account only a part of the bridal accessories, today we’re going to mention about bridal accessories in general!

First of all in this section of “bridal accessories” there’s always the veil, which can have diverse shapes and formats…. There are the modern ones, made shorter and with ruffled details on. It’s also the long bridal veil that can cover your face and made with really interesting embroidery on its surface….

There’s a big range of accessories and you can be sure that you’re not going to look bad at all with them on! Another thing is that you’re able to renounce to it, the bridal veil isn’t a necessary accessory, but the bridal shoes are….

The bridal shoes can be found in several models and tones. With such a pair on you’re able to look really fine and in the same time let’s add that they can be comfortable or with a really high heel. It depends on your wish. You’re the bride, you make the rules!

As for the bridal shoes, make sure that the pair for which you apply for is really comfortable or that you switch them with another pair, in case you find them relatively uncomfortable!

Besides the classical white tone for the wedding shoes, there’s also the option in which you can apply for a pair of metallic bridal shoes as well as ones colored in a really bright tone!

We’ve got this aspect figured out; let’s continue with the bridal jewelry. When it comes to this part, the situation stays in this way: you can apply for bridal jewelry sets, or for separate jewelry. The bridal jewelry sets may contain: a tiara, a necklace and a pair of earrings, all blending perfectly together. There’s also the option for bridal jewelry sets in which you can find a pair of earrings, a necklace, a bracelet or even without a bracelet.

Similar to the bridal tiara is the bridal headband for which you can apply for and if you want to, you can attach a thin and gorgeous looking veil or you can leave it in this way. There’s also the bridal comb that was recently mentioned, as well as the bridal cockade. All these bridal accessories are great to take into account.

And last but not least, is another bridal accessory that we consider it would be a really nice idea to take into account – the bridal purse, which isn’t obligatory as well! You decide whether you want one or not!

Chat soon,

Just got ENGAGED!!!

2011-09-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just got engaged? First off, congratulations! Second: these are the 10 things you should do next…

1. Share the good news with family and friends

This is a happy time and the great news must be shared with loved ones, preferably in a creative and fun way! Create a digital postcard with a photograph of the engagement ring or of the bride and groom and email it to all your family and friends announcing your engagement! Share the good news on Facebook, Twitter or other social media and keep your account up to date with all the next steps.

2. Plan an engagement party

Whether it’s a lunch, dinner or an all out engagement party, plan something special to announce and celebrate your engagement with close family and friends. Don’t forget to let them know that a fabulous wedding awaits them…

3. Choose the wedding date

In order to choose the perfect wedding date decide if you want a Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter wedding. Is there a special date on which you would love to have your wedding? Don’t forget to check the calendar so that you know exactly what day of the week you’re talking about when you decide to choose the wedding date.

4. Determine a budget

How much can you afford to spend on your wedding? What is your dream wedding? Can your budget cover it? What can stay and what must go?

5. Put together the guest list

Many decisions go into putting together the guest list: how many guests does your budget permit? Who do you invite? Who don’t you invite? Do you invite colleagues from work or just close family and friends? Do you want an intimate wedding or a traditional wedding with hundreds of guests?

6. Choose the place where the ceremony is going to be held

The place where the wedding ceremony is going to be held should be in agreement with the guest list, as well as the venue for the reception. If you expect 200 guests, then maybe getting married in a small chapel is not the best idea.

7. Choose the venue for the reception

Many popular venues, like hotels and other wedding appropriate spaces, require reservations a year or more in advanced, especially during wedding season.

8. Book an engagement shoot

It’s the perfect time to book an engagement shoot and document your love in a beautiful engagement album that will be a wonderful memory of this precious time in your lives. Since you have to hire a photographer for the wedding, look for one that also does engagement shoots – this is also a great way to get to know the photographer before the wedding and vice-versa. Make sure you get some very romantic shots and have fun doing it!

9. Decide if you’re going to hire a wedding planner

Idealizing, organizing and coordinating a wedding can be a full time job and stressful at times. So, if DIY is not a concept that applies to you, hire a wedding planner who will navigate all the pre-wedding organization like a pro. The result? Less hassles and unnecessary worrying for the bride and groom.

10. Choose the wedding dress

The wedding dress is one of the star pieces of the big day and requires a lot of idealizing and research, preferably in advanced, so you have time to check out all your options before making a decision. You don’t have to buy the dress immediately after the wedding proposal, but it is a good idea to start window shopping, magazine and online browsing… so the dream can start to become reality…

A Few Tips to help out the wedding wallet!

2011-08-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

The most important thing to do first is to define your priorities. There are many things that you may consider indispensable for your wedding, and others that just may not be that important to you. Value those aspects that will make your wedding memorable and forget about those that you consider dispensable. The trick is to adjust the available budget to your priorities.

1. Have the wedding during the week or during the Winter months, all costs relating to the reception site and services are cheaper.

2. Limit your guest list to your closest friends and family; forget your cousin’s cousins!

3. Do-it-yourself and make some or all of your own wedding essentials: invitations, wedding ring holder, wedding favors…

4. Visit wedding fairs and exhibitions, where you may be able to find vendors offering great discounts.

5. Don’t buy the groom’s suit or the bride’s dress at a bridal shop, look at other options or go for models from past collections.

6. If you’re extremely disorganized, hiring a wedding planner may help you save a lot of money, seeing as a wedding planner will already have a list of vendor contacts, as well as discounts that may fit your budget.

7. If you can have the reception at home instead of renting a location, the costs become much lower.

8. Having a less formal reception, such as a brunch or buffet, instead of a formal seated meal, are less expensive options.

9. Keep your floral arrangements simple and based on flowers that are in season.

10. Ask family and friends with special talents to help you out with the wedding preparations: an aunt that makes great desserts, a cousin who is a DJ…

11. Define your budget for the wedding and stick to it!

How to make the GRAND entrance

2011-08-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

As tradition has it, after cocktail hour and once guests have been seated for lunch or dinner, the newlyweds make their grand entrance. Walking into the reception hall, hand in hand, to the sound of a great song and the applause of the guests is pretty common in most weddings. And while there is nothing wrong with this type of entrance, why not make it extra special? Here are 6 great ideas.

1. Dim the lights

If possible, meaning if the venue is properly equipped, make a Hollywood entrance under one beaming spotlight. Before the newlyweds enter the reception area, have someone dim the lights and, as the bride and groom walk, have a spotlight that gets brighter and brighter shining only on them. Don’t forget to choose a wonderful song for the occasion and have the spotlight follow you until you reach your seats, where you can seal that glamorous Hollywood entrance with a kiss.

2. Introduce your parents

Following your entrance into the reception hall and once at your seats, take a moment to introduce your parents to all the guests, thank them for all their help and support and, of course, make sure you let them know how much you love them. Besides being a great way to show your appreciation, you’ll definitely hit a chord with the guests and, as you know, the more emotional the wedding, the more special it becomes.

3. Use a theme

Together with a group of friends, plan a surprise for all the guests who are going to see you walk through the reception door. Be inspired by a specific theme and get all dressed up for a 1970s disco night or recreate the scene from a musical, for example. This requires rehearsing everything prior to the wedding, so that on the big day everything runs smoothly once you burst through the wedding reception door singing and dancing in all your glory.

4. Let the bridesmaids and groomsmen shine

If you decide to have bridesmaids and groomsmen at your wedding, than use them for a fun and creative entrance. Let them lead the way for the newlyweds with a short choreography danced to the sound of a great song; the bride and groom can enter and finish the dance. Great fun and totally unforgettable! Don’t forget to thank the bridesmaids and groomsmen for their moves and participation!

5. Ask the DJ or a friend to read a short introduction

Create a romantic entrance, with a touch of suspense. Prepare a short biography of your own personal love story (no more than 3 minutes) and before you enter the reception, dim the lights and have someone read it (preferably without being seen), accompanied by some background music. At the end, the newlyweds make their grand entrance to the sound of happy applause.

6. Paparazzi effect

Before you make your grand entrance, ask the DJ to instruct the guests to pick up the disposable cameras (preferably with flash) previously set up on all tables and to photograph your entrance just as if you were a celebrity couple in the eyes of the paparazzi. As soon as you walk into the reception area, you’ll have a ton of flashes illuminating your entrance.

Chat soon,

J

Summertime!!!!!

2011-06-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

It’s official – it’s summer. Which means, summer weddings are starting up and it’s important for wedding couple’s to take care of themselves and their guests during these hot days. You might consider : 1. Offering various drink stations throughout the celebration. 2. Consider paper fans or parasols for your guests. 3. Try going with a lighter menu — think seafood and pastas. 4. Finally, keep your cool and give plenty of shade from the sun so your guests can cool down. Keep them out of direct sunlight and you won’t have to worry about the heat exposure. 5. Lastly, enjoy– it’s summertime.

Chat soon,

J

Delicious Peaches

2011-06-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how you can be inspired by anything.. including a peach. I’m finding myself falling in love with this color for the spring and summer. It’s soft, elegant and romantic without being too loud and taking over your wedding pictures. Below are some inspiration boards, enjoy!

2.

Tips for an wonderful outdoor wedding

2011-05-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

With summer pretty much here, so many of my couples are opting for an outdoor wedding. As I'm finalizing many of the details, I thought I would share some tips and tricks

If the outdoor is a garden rich with flowers choose those flower decorations that compliment the Flower decorations also add beauty to the outdoor weddings but there should be proper selection of flowers that match the outdoors. The cables should be out of reach of children and well insulated. Do not mix too many lights and see that apt lighting is there and not too much.

Lights bring in mood as well as serenity to the occasion. Several lights are used, strings or personalized wedding lanterns or even making hand made lamp shades and hanging them at desired places can really bring in the elegance to the outdoor wedding event. Lighting is another lovely decoration for an outdoor wedding.

You can line the walks with torches of citronella or tiki torches by sticking them to ground and they really add a ton of elegance as well as descend romantic touch to the place. Believe us, it's a great fun to make arches and you have ample choice to design your arch to match the theme.

You can go for a readily available arch or make one involving the kids and people at home. If you have a wedding theme planned, see that the arch design goes along with it. A lovely arch is a big one to decorate an outdoor wedding.

Outdoor weddings are not uncommon and remember outdoor wedding decorations are an easy task because the nature gives itself three-quarters of the decoration to the event and all you need is to just fine tune it with some add-ons.

Decorating for an outdoor wedding reception gives you a chance to realize a beautiful wedding fantasy. A fabulous outdoor venue makes the perfect backdrop which can be dressed easily 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 looked after.

Chat soon,

J

Wedding Gifts- solving the question

2011-04-12T08:25:00.001-07:00

Each time an invitation arrives in the mail, wedding guests face a common and sometimes frustrating dilemma: What should I buy the couple, and how much should I spend? Depending on the couple, where they live and their culture, giving cash is either considered apropos or gauche. And then there's always the quandary over the registry, especially when the only two options left are a $200 waffle maker and a $5 garlic press. After all, there's a fine line between breaking the bank to buy a generous gift and looking like a cheapskate.

Second Marriage

When it comes to second weddings, friends and relatives are not required to buy you a gift if they bought you one the first time, however most likely they will want to do so. It is acceptable to register for a second wedding.

If you so choose, here are some polite ways to say no gifts please.

Small Weddings

If you send a wedding announcement, rather than a wedding invitation, for a small wedding and not inviting many out-of-town friends and relatives, it is clearly implied that gifts are not necessary.

Gifts for your Guests

It’s common for brides and grooms to show their appreciation for their guests’ participation in your wedding ceremony by giving favors. Favors can consist of anything from a miniature box of chocolates to handmade keepsakes bearing the couple's name and wedding date.

Attendants’ Gifts

The bride and groom traditionally select special gifts to present to members of the wedding party in thanks for their special role in the event. Any amount you choose to spend is acceptable. You may consider gifts of higher value for your maid of honor and best man.

How Much is too Much? Or too Little?

There are no specific price guidelines for gifts. Gifts are based on what the guest believes the receiver would like, what they want to give and the amount the gift-giver can afford. There is no average amount that a guest needs to spend on a wedding or shower gift. Really, as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts.

Chat soon,

J

How to Choose Wedding Accessories

2011-03-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Every girl sees her wedding day as a perfect and unique moment in her life. The dress is probably the most important item that reflects the femininity and the beauty of a bride. Even though you may have the dress of your dreams, in order to complete the outfit you need to pick out the right accessories, like the veil, shoes, jewelry or gloves. Accessories add elegance whether you are choosing a classic style, a more romantic, bohemian one, or a glamorous and sophisticated one.

The big day is here. Besides the wedding gown you have carefully chosen, the accessories must also match. Shoes, jewelry or handbag, everything should be in perfect harmony.

Lingerie
Before choosing your lingerie, you should take into consideration a few important things. First of all, you should pick the items that flatter you the most. Be realistic and analyze your best features, and especially your flaws. Choose items that hide flaws and emphasize your qualities. Also, make sure you try on the items before buying them. And no go for a model just because it looks good in the picture, and think if it matches to your personality and style.

Therefore, if you are more the innocent type, choose simple, white or warm colored items. On the other hand, if you are into the provocative and sexy style, go for strong colors such as red. If you like to play, you can mix different styles and colors. As for the fabric, silk, lace and satin are the best options.

Shoes
Choosing the right pair of shoes for your marriage is not an easy thing to do as it means time, good taste, and other key elements such as the wedding gown, or the place of the wedding. And, we shouldn't forget that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable wearing them.

Your shoes shouldn't necessarily match the dress, but the other accessories instead, like the flowers from the bouquet, or other items. Event though pumps remain the classic type of shoes that work great for every wedding dress style, you can also go for sandals, ballet flats for a retro look, or boots for a winter wedding. As for the color of the shoes, you can choose white and match them with your dress, or you can play with contrasts.

Hair accessories
On your wedding day everything is possible. If in the past a veil was an essential item for a bride, nowadays you can choose a tiara or flowers for your hair depending on other elements such as your dress.

Everything is allowed as long as you shine. If your dress has a few flowers on it, you can put flowers into your hair too. On the other hand, if your dress is more elegant and sophisticated, or it is too embroidered, a tiara would make you look like a princess. Anyway, if you are going for a tiara, you should make sure it flatters your shape. If you are bolder, you can choose a hat in the same color with your dress, or one in a more edgy and contrasting color. You can also choose a mantilla veil.

Handbag and gloves
Every bride needs a handbag. Choose it based on your dress. If your dress is rather classic, your handbag should have a square shape. If your dress is more extravagant go for a round shaped handbag with embellishments. A clutch can also work. For a plus of elegance, gloves are the key element.

Chat soon,

Pretty Accessories

2011-03-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Just like with a favorite outfit, the right accessories can turn an average wedding into a truly memorable event. From bridal jewelry to the ring pillow, the cake topper to silverware, accessories enhance every aspect of your ceremony. Each accessory can either shine all on its own or effectively highlight the wedding's theme.

Look beyond usual accessories to create a memorable bridal ensemble. Satin or lace gloves look striking and enhance the formality of your dress; opera-length gloves tend to look glamorous while wrist-length gloves are subtle and delicate. Shawls, wraps and capes are especially elegant during late fall or winter ceremonies. When used, a bridal cape usually takes the place of the veil, but a lightweight shawl or wrap in complementary colors can be layered beneath a veil.

There are so many options to go with we anted to share some of our top picks.

This couture alternative to fresh floral allows your everlasting, custom feather wedding bouquet can be shipped anywhere in the world gorgeous feather bouquets for the bride and her attendants, but also a one-of-a-kind, custom made selection of garters, ring pillows, boutonnieres and corsages. Here are a few of our favorites:

www.emplume.com

www.amandarosefloral.com

Pretty headpieces for your lovely head

There are several alternatives to the traditional veil, one being A Posh Veil is all about style! Each piece is made to complement any style sense and personality. Their aim is to ensure that when you wear a Posh Veil you feel both glamorous and beautiful. The pieces are fun and fresh; making a flattering statement.

www.poshveils.com

Chat soon,

Beach Weddings

2011-03-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

When planning a beach wedding, people may think there are numerous things to consider, sometimes more so than a traditional wedding. It can get overwhelming and tricky to come up with destination beach wedding ideas. People usually give their attention and priority to the following things:

Beach Wedding Idea

1. Beach wedding invitation – A great way to get your guests in the mood for travel is to add a beach theme to your invitations.

2. Beach wedding dress – The fabric, length and style make finding the perfect dress for a beach wedding confusing. More casual dresses with lighter fabrics, which are easier to pack become the best option for beach brides.

3. Beach wedding destination – You must consider the place where the ceremony will take place. You may choose an island you have always dreamed of. Do not forget to consider the marriage license prerequisites for the country.

4. Beach wedding favors – It is necessary to thank your friends and family for sharing your special day with beach them favors.

5. Beach wedding gifts- It is a good idea to thank your bridal party with ocean theme gifts that they can use to remember the occasion.

6. Beach wedding décor – You should consider how you will decorate the reception area. You should work hard whether you will keep it simple or you will add touches of the ocean and beach to keep the theme going.

Beach Theme Wedding Ideas

Chat soon,

J

What size of weddng do you want?

2011-02-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most common questions brides and grooms have is "How many of our invited wedding guests will accept and actually show up?" Figuring out how many people to invite is an art, not a science, but there are some guides to help you out.

Second Marriage
When it comes to second weddings, friends and relatives are not required to buy you a gift if they bought you one the first time, however most likely they will want to do so. It is acceptable to register for a second wedding.
If you so choose, here are some polite ways to say no gifts please.

Small Weddings
If you send a wedding announcement, rather than a wedding invitation, for a small wedding and not inviting many out-of-town friends and relatives, it is clearly implied that gifts are not necessary.

Gifts for your Guests
It’s common for brides and grooms to show their appreciation for their guests’ participation in your wedding ceremony by giving favors. Favors can consist of anything from a miniature box of chocolates to handmade keepsakes bearing the couple's name and wedding date.

Attendants’ Gifts
The bride and groom traditionally select special gifts to present to members of the wedding party in thanks for their special role in the event. Any amount you choose to spend is acceptable. You may consider gifts of higher value for your maid of honor and best man.

How Much is too Much? Or too Little?
There are no specific price guidelines for gifts. Gifts are based on what the guest believes the receiver would like, what they want to give and the amount the gift-giver can afford. There is no average amount that a guest needs to spend on a wedding or shower gift. Really, as the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts.

Chat soon,

J

Outdoor Weddings

2011-02-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Chat soon,

J

A brides Wedding Tradition!

2011-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

The origin of most of our wedding traditions stem from superstitions, and are handed down by folk lore. Because of this you will find various legends of our most popular customs. Traditions vary from culture to culture. Some are widely used in modern wedding ceremonies, while others exist only within a certain race or culture. The Bridal Bouquet Toss

Believe it or not, the bridal bouquet toss celebration goes back to fourteenth century France where it was believed that a bride was especially lucky on her wedding day. Guests would rush towards the bride at the end of the ceremony in hopes of tearing off a piece of her dress to take home for their own good fortune. This often ended in a scuffle dangerous for the bride (and guests). For a brief time, in an effort to fend off the wild attacks, the bride would throw her stockings (or garter) until brides began to rebel against this undignified practice. Brides instead switched to throwing the bouquet and that tradition has remained in place.

Today it is still considered lucky to catch the bridal toss bouquet and the event is usually performed to a unique bouquet toss song. It is said that the lucky recipient will be the next to marry. If you are leery of performing the bouquet toss at your own ceremony, consider some great modern alternatives to that traditional bouquet toss. Make a presentation of the bridal toss bouquet to a dear friend instead of tossing it. Or, a great twist is to look inwards at the fortune you've found by presenting the tossing bouquet and tossing garter to a cherished, wedded couple whom inspired you both to become newlyweds.

List of Top 5 Requested Bridal Toss Songs

1. This One is For the Girls (Martina McBride)

2. Just a Girl (No Doubt)

3. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)

4. Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend (Marilyn Monroe)

5. I Feel Like a Woman (Shania Twain)

Something Old, Something New ...

Something Old Something New ...Many wedding traditions are rooted in superstition and are closely connected to good luck and bad luck. The following well-known wedding tradition dates back to victorian times.

The complete wedding tradition goes as follows ... Something old something new something borrowed something blue and, a lucky silver sixpence for her shoe.

Something Old ... represents the connection the bride will maintain to her family and the past. Many brides choose to wear an heirloom piece of family jewelry or the wedding gown belonging to a grandmother or mother to uphold this wedding tradition.

Something New ... symbolizes good fortune and success in the brides new life. A new wedding dress, new wedding garter or any other new item can represent this wedding tradition.

Something Borrowed ... serves to remind the bride that friends and family will always be there for her. The borrowed item can be anything of her choosing. Many times it is an antique handkerchief, an item of jewelry or a handbag. It is most often borrowed from the bride's mother, sister or another family member.

Something Blue ... represents loyalty and faithfulness. This symbolism dates back to biblical times when blue stood for purity and constancy. Brides often choose to wear a blue garter to keep with this tradition or blue ribbons in their hair. Violets also represent loyalty and faithfulness. Offering Personalized Violet Flower Seed Favors to wedding guests ties in nicely with this cherished wedding tradition.

A Lucky Silver Sixpence for Her Shoe ... stands for wishes of financial security and happiness for the bride in her new life. To uphold this fun wedding tradition on your wedding day, remember to carry a genuine Lucky Sixpence in your shoe.

Chat soon,

J

Wedding Registries-the 411

2011-01-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

Wedding Registries have long been a preferred way for the couple to ensure that people know what they need and for guests to know that their gift will be useful.

In recent years, gift registries have gotten easier for couples to establish and more convenient for guests to access. Most major department and even discount stores offer computerized registries, complete with in-store assistance in selecting items. Some registries can even be created online, and many more can be accessed online by guests looking to shop for the perfect gift.

Proper etiquette dictates that someone other than the bride and groom advises guests where a couple has registered. A family member or a member of the wedding party is acceptable. Etiquette dictates that you do not including gift registry information with your wedding invitations.

The nature of items in a registry has evolved in the past few decades. In the past, it was limited to items such as china and silver. Nowadays, the selections are much bigger. Major Hardware store chains, such as Home Depot offer wedding registry, so instead of china, you can register for a power sander, which you may well find much more useful.

It is, however, still a faux pas to register for cash gifts, anything lewd or vulgar, or anything with an exorbitant price. Whatever you do, don't write "cash-only gifts" on your wedding announcements.
So you look at that rug that Uncle Lester bought you (you know, the one with the giant peacock on it?) and you think that it may not fit with your décor. That’s a sticky situation. Exchanging a gift may offend or hurt a loved one’s feelings, so you have to use your better judgment and consider the risk. If you decide to exchange the gift, you are not obligated to inform the gift giver and your thank you note should be for the original gift receive
d, not the replacement.

If a gift was received broken, was a duplicate or just an incorrect gift, go ahead and attempt to rectify the situation with the retailer. If you’re unable to do so, see if the gift-giver can help you get it straightened out. The store should offer to return, exchange, or replace the gift.

All gifts should promptly be followed by a hand-written thank you card, and not an e-mail. Etiquette dictates that all thank you notes must be written within 3 months of your wedding. This applies to engagement and bridal shower gifts.

When writing your cards, don't worry about sounding original so much as sincere. After all, your Aunt Lucy won’t know that her thank you card sounded strikingly similar to your new husband’s cousin Ted’s card. Just be sure to specifically mention the gift they gave you and how thankful you are that you received it. If you’ve still got lots of space on the card, you can also mention when and how you might use the gift and that the gift will always remind you of the giver.

When writing thank you notes for cash gifts toward a larger purchase (a house or a car, for example), let them know how much you appreciate their cash gift and tell them how the buying process is going. If it’s feasible, invite them over for dinner or take a ride in your car once the purchase is made.

If you are a guest at a wedding and never received a thank you note for a wedding gift sent several months ago, it is perfectly acceptable to inquire whether the couple ever received the gift. You may ask their parents if you feel more comfortable. The gift may have been lost during shipment, a situation which would need to be addressed.

Style color trends for 2011

2011-01-12T10:44:00.001-08:00

This past season many couples mixed vintage with modern, this is just one of the hot trends being carried forward; in fact it has gotten much bigger with many couples going with a more Victorian approach. Many Brides and Grooms are actively looking for a connection to past traditions, some are looking to incorporate an item from their mother or grandmother’s wedding memorabilia into the mix.

Knowing that the trend this year is color, brides are seeking out Pantone’s Wedding Colors, http://www.dessy.com/PANTONE which are “the stars” in the fashion world. 2011 colors are African violet, electric blue, chocolate truffle, red, living coral, antique dust rose, and crisp apple. These colors will be the most used and recognized this upcoming season and, when used in a palette, will provide a stimulating and exciting color combination to any wedding.

The bridal gown may be the ceremony’s show stopper, but wedding cakes are the main attraction at the reception. Many brides are incorporating the style of their gown into the designing of their cakes, with the addition of intricate icing, pearl and crystal studding, rosettes and lace. Stately, towering layers with metallic designs and colors are also making a statement. The one thing that hasn’t changed from year to year is that, this decision is always in the bride’s hands.

We’re seeing the emergence of pinwheels, those colorful windmill decorations that are fun for guests to wave as the bride and groom drive off into their future, après the reception. They are cheerful to look at and more environmentally friendly than rice or confetti and create a festive mood.

Statistics are proving that couples today prefer to have a unique wedding rather than their parent’s traditional wedding of the past. There will still be traditional and ethnic wedding invitations in your mail box and no matter what mode the bride and groom are in- a wedding is a commitment to a future together and may it be blessed with love, laughter and friendship.

Chat soon,

Best tips for Wedding Hairstyles

2010-12-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

The way in which you wear your hair for your wedding will be a big part of your overall look. Hair always sends a message, whether it is polished, beachy, trendy, or something else. Finding the right person to do your hair for your wedding is key, because your wedding is not the day to do your own hair or to trust an amateur. These tips will help you to find a great wedding hairstylist for your big day.

While many women already have a hairstylist that they trust without reservation, there are an equal number who do not have that kind of relationship with a particular stylist or salon. It might be that you get your hair cut at a walk-in salon or that you are getting married in a town far from your home and your hairdresser. Or perhaps you even have someone who normally cuts your hair, but you are not sure that you can trust her to style it for the most important event of your life. Whatever the case, bad hair results in a bad looking bride, so this is no time to take chances!

Start your search for the perfect wedding hairstylist by asking around. Word of mouth is always the best way to get recommendations. Keep in mind that styling hair can be very different than cutting or even coloring it, and that different stylists may have different specialties. I once knew a stylist who was a brilliant colorist, very talented at cutting hair, and always current with the latest trends and techniques. She had no interest in creating formal hairstyles however, and routinely referred brides to a more junior member of her salon who had great enthusiasm for updos and other wedding hairstyles. So be sure that you ask your friends, family, or wedding vendors specifically for a great wedding hairdresser, not just a great hairdresser.
Once you have a couple of recommendations, it is time to get on the phone. There are several important questions to ask any hairstylist you are considering. Of course, you need to know about their fees and their availability for your wedding date. If you are looking for a salon which has enough staff to style the hair of your entire bridal party, and the mothers of the bride and groom, in addition to the bride's hair, definitely see if they can handle that. Perhaps you are looking for a stylist who will come to your hotel on the morning of the wedding or one who has a great makeup artist available at her salon. Or maybe you have extremely long hair or want a non-traditional hairstyle; these are all important things to discuss with a potential stylist.

The next step is the trial run. Schedule it at least a couple of months before your wedding, in case you are not happy with the first attempt. Be sure to bring pictures of hairstyles which you like, a picture of your wedding gown, and your wedding hair jewelry. If you are planning to wear a special piece of wedding jewelry, such as a dramatic pair of crystal chandelier earrings, you may wish to bring those too so that your hairstyle can be planned to show them off. During your trial run, pay attention to things like how well the stylist listens to you, how informed she is of current trends in wedding beauty, and how long it takes her to achieve the style you like. Also go in with an open mind, because she may have some suggestions on how to improve upon a hairstyle you saw in a magazine. Be sure to leave your hair in the style created at the trial run for the rest of the day to see how well it holds up.

If the first trial run is a success, there is nothing left to do but to book your appointment for the morning of your wedding. If the hairstyle created was close, but not quite right, you may wish to have a second trial run to fine tune things. Of course, if you were not at all happy with either the hairstyle or the experience of working with a particular stylist, by all means, keep looking. Every bride deserves to have fabulous hair on her wedding day.

Chat soon,

J

Some Yummy Wedding Treats

2010-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Let's get the wedding basics down; dancing, fun, laughing, celebration, love, and of course, food. Everyone knows that when they go to a wedding they are going to get a good meal and some delicious wedding cake. So why not top it off with some edible wedding favors?

Edible wedding favors can be presented in a wide variety of ways like in bags, glass containers, boxes, and many others depending on the item. But the fact is that your guests will absolutely love to sit down to some delicious treats whether it be some cupcakes, chocolate, mints, or any other scrumptious idea you can find to offer as the perfect wedding favors to your very important guests.

You can even use edible wedding favors such as candies, cookies and other treats to compliment the theme of your wedding and enhance all the hard work and long hours of planning that you have put into creating a wedding that is totally you and immensely dreamlike. Break barriers with edible wedding favors because your guests will automatically loosen up when they are munching on some of their favorite treats and talking animatedly about the beautiful ceremony that they all just witnessed. With some great edible wedding favors your guests will get ready to party, dance, and laugh with you at your wedding reception that you've worked so hard to make a reality.

You can even try personalizing the packages that these edible wedding favors come in so that your guests have a memento from your wedding even when the delicious treats have all been consumed by the happily munching mouths of your friends, family, and loved ones at your wedding reception. Here are a few stunning examples of edible wedding favors that will certainly enhance the mood at any wedding reception, whatever theme you have chosen during your months of careful planning.

Decor Ideas

2010-12-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

When it comes to wedding decor, Over the Top Events is your one stop shop to ensure creative style and glam be the talk of your wedding. We not only work to incorporate your theme, shade ruse, location, term, family traditions, guests and budget, but we also ensure attention to detail and adding a personal touch be a weighing factor. Wedding decor thoughts are guaranteed to make your wedding almost like a nightmare chain for you. Brides and groom alike go back and forth through their wedding planning stages on their concept and theme, that a great deal of time is lost, so why not bring in a professional to not only save you your valuable time, but as well save you money.

When working through your ideas for your wedding, here are some great ideas to keep in mind:

Venue decoration: Nowadays, weddings take place in all kinds of venues from mansions and gardens to beaches and vineyards. While selecting wedding decorations, take the time to balance in with the global feel of the place.

Theme-based decorations: Today, many people fondness having wedding themes that deem the period. When planning such a theme, ensure that the décor, candles, crockery and plants reflect the overall theme. For example, sallow or silver decorations for an iciness wedding and greens and flora for a spiral wedding.

Centerpieces: Centerpieces can be anything from low to tall flower arrangements, votive candles, candelabras, hovering or aromatic candles, wedding place license holders, petals, etc... When planning for your centerpiece keep in mind the height of the venue ceiling, and over size of the room. Be sure to capture the color scheme while complimenting the rest of your table décor.

Candles: Besides being lovely eyesight, lighted candles also design a classical romantic atmosphere. When selecting candles as part of your overall décor, judge factors like the height, width, elegance, aroma, paint and burning time. For example, while votive candles would be superior for sharp functions, you must get post candles or tall tapers for a dinner with dance. Another great way to add ambiance would be to select a votive in your color scheme, rather then go with that old boring clear or frosted votive.

Seating Card and Sing in Book Table: When drumming up ideas for this area be sure to remember that this will most likely be the first thing your guests see as part for your wedding decor. Everyone always rushes to find where they’re seated and discover who else is sharing the table. Place card holders are great and although these cute objects may appear wholly unadorned, they can make a world of difference to a wedding. The cost ranges from surprisingly affordable to very steep. Add stunning arrangements to the table, and be sure to marry the overall them of the wedding.

Now that you have some ideas for wedding decorations, use these ideas and your imagination to coin a magical wedding day that is surely to make the feel elite and remain in the minds of guests for a long time.

Keep these ideas in mind and you’ll be sure to wow your guests,

Chat soon,

Style and trends for 2011 wedding receptions

2010-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

The 2010 wedding season has pretty much come to an end and all the hot new (and some continued) trends are beginning for 2011.

For a lot of couples planning their weddings, less is more this upcoming year. Many of my clients are having a lower guest count and a more intimate feel. Venues such as an art gallery, tented outdoor locations, beaches, farms, historical sites and other hipper locations are replacing the huge banquet halls of the past.
Today, receptions have many add-ons that were unheard of twenty years ago. Decked-out photo booths give a whole new element to what the photographer captures. This is a chance to have a photo of every single wedding guest, and have them take home a memory immediately with them. Though a costly investment, for those DYI couples, and alternative would be to set-up an area in the reception with a backdrop and some fun props and have the photographers assistant tae the photos, rather then a full setup of a photo-booth which could run into the thousands for all the prints.

Comfy couches and intimate seating areas dotted throughout the venue provide the guests with a living-room feel that allows for conversation areas that are private, while also providing the photographer with casual and relaxed picture opportunities.

Cocktail hour commences with a wide array of finger foods that feels like a red carpet gala. Why not make this time a more sociable atmosphere by installing some lounges and sofas and increase the number of hors d’oeuvres, which will ultimately allow you to decrease the number of services during the main course.
For those that prefer the “traditional’ 4- 5 course meal, opt for a family-style service- think big platters loaded with chicken, beef and pastas, help spark conversation with guests who don’t know one another and provide a celebratory touch. Light-hearted dishes and a relaxed atmosphere will put a relaxing spin on the evening. Also, very current are gourmet food stations with hors d’oeuvres and perhaps a brushetta bar is a big new trend. Buffet service is also in!

When going with a more intimate of rather less “traditional” wedding, many couples are choosing to offer an extraordinary dessert tables rather then the 4-6 tier wedding cake. These eye candy tables are decorated with the theme of the wedding and so many delicious items for the guest to indulge in. An array of color is displayed on these tables and to name a few hot items which are pleasing to any guest are Macaroons, chocolate covered candy and pretzels, unique selection of shortbread or butter cookies, and of course the famous cupcakes (and minis) all dyed to match the colour of the wedding theme.

Be sure to check out our resources for more information on what’s hot in the upcoming 2011 wedding season,

J

Cupcake Camp Montreal 2010

2010-11-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
It took all week to go through all the delicious cupcakes and be able to report back to you all! Cupcake Camp Montreal was a huge success. With over $34,500 being raised for Kids Help Phone & Tablee des Chefs us Montrealer’s should be very proud. In addition to all the wonderful people who donated over 21,000 cupcakes, the volunteers who donated their time and award winning calmness, and all those who stood in line for hours, yes I said hours. I must admit I arrived just in time and just before the doors were set to open, as if I were even 10 minutes later, I would have been one of those unfortunate people who had to continue waiting in line all the way down Renee Levesque. Even with the winter chill in the air, Montrealer’s kept their bodies bundled and their belly’s ready.

It was literally every cupcake fan’s dream! Walking through the exhibition it was so hard to choose which to select to taste as there were so many amazing flavors, I don’t know how people could walk away with only 3 or 4! The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth was packed with cupcake fans, so much so that it was nearly impossible to get to the tables where they were presented, but rest assured I made my way through.

There was so much to see and do … the gourmet coffee, movies for kids, a kid play area for coloring & fun and just the excitement of being in a room with over 20,000 cupcakes! Another fun thing to do was the Cupcake Cannon where you could buy a cupcake for a donation to the charities & have it shot at someone else or yourself.And lastly the competition… there were some seriously talented people taking part in the competition see below for some pics!

The kids cupcakes were awesome, you could tell they put their heart into them. As for the pros entries so many stood out there was one which was a replica of an IPhone, another was of a Jack, and finally one of the Canadians Monster!

I was really impressed with the kids competition (photo below) and the amateur cupcake entries, especially the amateur entry of a fairy - great job by everyone!

All in all it was an amazing day that did something spectacular. It is really amazing how something so small, like a cupcake, can do something so powerful!

Congratultions to everyone who participated, volun teer, adn most importantly sampled!!!

Can't wait until next year!

The Announcement

2010-11-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

You'll have to properly inform guests of the extravagant event you plan to throw. The theme for your event starts with the invitation, which makes a huge statement while marking the person's expectations, and sets the tone for the whole evening. So, you'll want to be sure to keep your paper products a clear reflection on your style whether very formal, semi formal, modern, Victorian, casual, etc...

An invite with gold engraved script and a snow white ecru border is appropriate, but not too enchanting. To go totally out without stepping out of bounds, consider some of these ideas. Choose the finest paper: textured, flock, embossed, patterned a heavy stock, or marbled papers for the rich Chic look. Forget the natural floral-pressed papers; even a light weight text paper is a little too delicate. What's hot right now, and has been for a couple of years, is BIG, BOLD, and BEAUTIFUL: elaborate typefaces -- invites that feature embellishments and ornaments, trimmings and ribbons, or fonts that are thick and heavy -- and reminiscent colors like teal, red wine, tangerine, and fuchsia; and rich textures such as velvet ribbons and baby brass pearls or stones.

Embrace embellishments and monogram watermarks. A simple two tone border or a double layered seal might be enough trimming. Unifying all your event stationary elements for your invite, reply card, menu card, envelope, and even program is crucial.

Whatever style of invitation you choose, make it's eye-catching!

Chat soon,

J

Cupcake Heaven

2010-11-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Who loves cupcakes? I do! I do! But sometimes I just wish that they didn’t need to be so…ummm….cupcake-y. So let’s talk about this.

Perfect for your next sweet table (yep, we do those too!) Cupcake Wrapture offers couture for cupcakes. At OTTE, our jaws dropped when we found these beauties based out of Vancouver, BC. With perfect polka dots, tantalizing twists, and gorgeous glitter It was almost impossible to pick a favorite but I fell head over heels for Hugs n’ Kisses. So cute for an engagement party!

Order them online at http://www.cupcakewraptureshop.com/

Looking for something a little more kitschy? Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves are just the thing! Wrap up your delicious delicacies so your friends are pleasantly surprised when they realize that what looks like a burger or a root beer float is actually a cupcake! Being the girlie girl that I am, I LOVE the Glam Powder and can’t wait to use them at my nextspa party! They even do custom work YAY!

Order them online at http://www.roundaboutcupcakes.com

Want to give this girly dessert a masculine touch? Get inspired by Butch Bakery and try a recipe with beer, whiskey or bacon. He’ll have nothing to complain about.

They don’t ship to Canada but it’s definitely worth a look: http://www.butchbakery.com/

If you love cupcakes as much as I do, and c’mon I know you do, join Jaime this weekend as she visits Cupcake Camp Montreal in support of the Kids Help Phone and La Table des Chefs. On Sunday November 21, 2010 from 1pm-5-pm at The Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

For More Information Check Out: http://cupcakecampmtl.org/

With Love,

Why Create a Wedding Timeline

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

As much as I'm sure you would love to fast forward to your wedding day immediately after your fiancé pops the question, weddings take time and careful consideration to plan. There are many elements to making your day everything you always dreamt it would be, so it is imperative to create a time line leading up to your wedding day.

Hiring a wedding planner to facilitate every aspect of your wedding from venue to menu, from decor to floral is the first move you should make. If you choose to be a more Do-It-Yourself kinda bride ensuring someone orchestrates the big day for you is key, otherwise what fun will you have? You will need to keep track of important tasks, vendors, participants, and most importantly, deadlines. Having every detail accounted for and mapped out will help alleviate any unnecessary stress.

Here are a few tips from the team at Over the Top Events:

Decide the formality of and style of the big day (traditional, victorian, themed, elegant, modern, chic,...)

Create your budget. Consider everything from the dress to the wedding officiator, including everything in between

Start interviewing and booking wedding professionals: planners, ceremony site, receptions sites, caterers, waiters, bartenders, photographer, videographer, florists, etc.

Get inspired by checking out the trands for the upcoming wedding season

HAVE FUN!!!

Chat soon,

J

A Fabulous Dress

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Let me share these fantastic bridesmaids dresses from Two Birds Bridesmaid. The girls were wearing them in short Cabernet Red at a recent waterfront wedding and the result was spectacular! So flattering, absolutely adorable and totally re-wearable (I swear!). As a lover of all things pink I’m personally digging the Fuchsia but at OTTE we think that the Aubergine and Olive are just to die for!

Finally, a dress that your bridesmaids will wear with a genuine smile!

Check them out at: http://www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com/

With Love,

About the Owner and Lead Designer

2010-11-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Jaime Korey is not your average event planner. With a rich background in the marketing and hospitality industries Jaime has developed a love and passion for the little things that make an event POP. To each event, Jaime brings an unsurpassed attention to detail and a creativity that is simply to die for.

For 10 years Jaime honed her logistical and management skills working with organizations including Marriott, Club Med and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. Acting as the director of strategic group management Jaime trained Marriott employees on all elements of hospitality service, logistical coordination and most importantly, customer satisfaction. At Club Med Jaime organized and orchestrated all of the private charter events and worked to enhance local sales as Chief of Bar. She made sure to take each event, both social and corporate, to the next level always striving to exceed expectations. While at Royal Caribbean Jaime worked at sea to coordinate all of her clients needs as the onboard group manager.

After working with such great organizations it was finally time for Jaime to take matters in to her own hands. With a love of creativity and a passion for the event industry Jaime opened up the doors to one of Montreal’s finest event planning companies: Over The Top Events.

For the past 6 years Over The Top Events has been a trailblazer in the Montreal Event industry bringing the hottest trends and inspiring creative design to events across the island and beyond. With full service event design and coordination and a unique line of custom invitations Over The Top Events is your top stop for all of your event needs.

Call us today to find out more about how we can make your next event spectacular.

Welcome to our New Blog

2010-11-08T09:15:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the brand new Over The Top Events (OTTE) Blog. My name is Carolyn and I will be the voice of OTTE while Jaime is hard at work planning all of your weddings and special events. Every Wednesday I promise to bring you the newest and most exciting wedding trends and special event buzz. We’ve got a great 4-week rotation set up for you where we focus on Fashion, Etiquette, Great Finds and Fabulous Food. From time to time Jaime will hop on to showcase some of her magical event creations or I’ll pop in to share my newest burst of inspiration.

At OTTE we custom design our events for each an every client so it’s only fitting that we do the same for our blog!

We want to talk to you! Ask us your questions, share your concerns and let us know if there is anything you want to see. We can’t wait to hear from you J

With Love,