3.2.12 - 9 Wedding Splurges That Are Worth It

Planning a wedding in 2012 or 2013? Are you looking to step outside the box and really make the day truly stand out? Anja Winikka from The Knot writes that there are 9 Wedding Splurges (That Are Totally Worth It!)

1. Lighting

The right reception lighting can help camouflage sore spots like less-than-stellar windows or even shabby ballroom curtains, and highlight your favorite details (such as the incredible centerpieces or your cake table). Have a lighting designer use colored lights to punch up a drab hallway and pick a different, complementary hue for the rest of the reception area. Decorative hanging lights, lamps with patterned shades or crystal chandeliers are also ways to transform a space from plain to standout exceptional.

The Upgrade

Order a custom-made gobo light of your monogram, or project a design from your invitation over the dance floor.

2. Ceremony Decor

First impressions matter. A personalized ceremony space will make your guests feel at home immediately. If you're having an outdoor summer wedding, hang orchid leis, colorful ribbon streamers or sun-catching glass ornaments on surrounding trees. For church nuptials, have your florist create arrangements for the pews as well as the door. (Hint: Those arrangements can all be reused at the reception on the tables, at the bar and in the bathrooms.)

The Upgrade

Ask your florist to cover a canopy with lush flowers and hanging votive candles or blossom-bedecked lanterns to really create focal points. Your guests' jaws will drop.

3. The Entryway

Often overlooked by wedding planners, the entryway can be given a little attention to create an unexpected wow. It doesn't take much, either; even the slightest bit of decor will personalize it. Hire your florist to create an impressive display for the escort card table. Right outside the reception hall entry, place a tall Manzanita tree decorated with hanging candles and flowers or a grouping of mix-and-match vases filled with rich flowers of various textures to match the rest of the space.

The Upgrade

Ask servers to greet guests with glasses of champagne or a signature cocktail so that they feel taken care of from the moment they stroll into the room.

4. The Photo Booth

This is one of those nuptial ideas that made its way from totally niche concept to wedding reception standby. The reason: It works double duty. Your guests will take a whirl in the photo booth at least once in the evening (providing a perfect opportunity for mingling), and they'll get to take home their photo booth pics as favors at the night's end. Rent a photo booth that also provides an online gallery or a CD full of images, and that way you've taken care of your guest book.

The Upgrade

With some rental packages, you can get projections of pictures from the photo booth. So while your guests snap shots inside the booth, the images will appear over the dance floor for everyone to see -- providing a great way to illuminate the room!

5. A Lounge Area

Give guests a place to mingle during dance breaks by having a lounge area at your reception. Look into renting couches, chairs and other furniture that you can then stage with pillows and votive candles in your wedding colors. It's the perfect way to involve everyone in the party even when they're resting.

The Upgrade

Really want to wow 'em? Close off the area with curtains, draping and special lighting to create a VIP vibe.

6. Welcome Bags

Fill baskets or canvas totes with water bottles, wine or locally brewed beer, something salty, something sweet and a piece of fruit. Don't forget to include a welcome letter as well as a detailed itinerary for where the guest needs to be and when. Leave the whole thing with the hotel concierge for guests to pick up when they check in. And be sure to provide maps and lists of local restaurants, museums and other attractions in case they want to explore on their own.

The Upgrade

Hire a videographer to create a welcome video of the two of you traipsing around the city showcasing all your favorite places -- edited with a soundtrack of your favorite dance songs.

7. Special Entertainment

Sometimes the best parts of a reception are the elements guests don't see coming. Surprise them with a jazz trio or a Spanish guitar player. To get the party going during the cocktail hour, hire a mariachi group, a bluegrass band or even a barbershop quartet to perform some seriously memorable melodies.

The Upgrade

You'll blow everyone away with a marching band that leads them all from the ceremony to the reception on foot (if possible); belly dancers during the cocktail hour; or even break dancers to get things started on the dance floor.

8. Late-Night Snacks

Just when your guests think the fun is winding down, liven up the party with late-night nibbles to prepare everyone for an after-party. If you want to ensure the festivities will last all night, arrange for the caterers to bring out trays of late-night munchies like crinkle-cut French fries or fresh chocolate-chip cookies and milk shooters. If you provide low-key comfort foods, the guests will wish the party would never end. Another great idea: Offer a hot coffee bar complete with special syrups and toppings to keep folks caffeinated.

The Upgrade

Jump on the latest cuisine craze with a fully loaded food truck arriving on the scene to dole out bites to guests. Think about it: Add a waffle truck, a taco truck or a Korean barbecue truck. The options are endless!

9. Draping

This is a pricey detail, but after you've draped your reception space, you won't even be able to tell it's the same room. The technique works for indoor and outdoor spaces: Create an intimate vibe beneath an open-air tent or lend some serious drama to an already cozy dining room.

The Upgrade

Drape the reception entryway with gauzy white fabric or deep-red curtains to create the ultimate dramatic walkway.

Thank you for such wonderful ideas, Anja!

2.18.12 - Avalon Hotel - Erie, PA

Think back to the first time you first met the one special person you'll spend the rest of your lives with. Was it a case of love at first sight? Was it impeccable timing that you were in the right place at the right time? I think for Katie and Daniel, the above is very close to an accurate description. When this charming couple first met, Daniel and Katie both attended Edinboro University and Daniel was a working as a cashier at Walmart in Edinboro and Katie went through his line at the register. Shortly after meeting, Katie got a job at Walmart so they could spend time together. On New Year's Eve, 2009, Katie and Daniel got engaged. Last weekend, a small group of family members and friends gathered at the Avalon Hotel in Erie for their wedding ceremony and reception.

Following the ceremony in the Presque Isle Ballroom, guests made their way to the Niagara Ballroom for the reception. The room was beautifully decorated with chair covers accented with bows in cyan. After introductions and wonderful heartfelt yet humorous toasts, everyone made their way through the mouth watering buffet. After a delicious meal, the formalities took place...first dance, bride/father dance, bouquet and garter. Guests then made their way to the dance floor for a night full of dancing, laughing and lots of fun! All in all, a wonderful day for a wonderful couple!

My thanks to Erica and the banquet staff at the Avalon for yet another smooth running reception. It's always a pleasure to work with professionals who make sure each detail of the event runs smoothly. And, of course, a big thank you to you, Katie and Daniel! It was such an honor and true pleasure to be a part of your wedding day! I am so excited for you both as you begin your married lives together in your recently purchased house! I am grateful to have been your wedding entertainer and host and so pleased everyone had so much fun! Glad you're enjoying your honeymoon in Jamaica and thank you so much once again.

1.28.12 - Ladies, How Do You Find A Husband?

Author John Lewis offers some tips for you ladies who are dreaming of an amazing wedding day, but still haven't met Mr. Right.

"If you are sensing a little alone and dreaming for the perfect guy to wed, there are numerous simple steps in order to choosing the ideal hubby. A woman can spend a huge amount of time wanting for the appropriate fellow in her life that she sits idly by patiently waiting instead of positively in search of her spouse in life. Stop sitting back and asking yourself, "How do I find a husband?" Alternatively, take a couple of these suggestions to heart and get moving on your journey for love at the moment.

Law of Attraction
Begin by thinking about the law of attraction mainly because it applies to looking for a hubby. If you would like positive results in your love life, you'll have to believe confidently. You have to feel happy and carry out good to get something good in exchange. This suggests throwing out any feelings involving personal doubt you might feel about yourself or your capacity to acquire a suitable other half. If you're experiencing depressed or unhappy, you should generate a conscience choice to seek joy, and keep your goal in sight. Concentrate on the good to be able to radiate your great power out over people around you.

Self Evaluate Your Lifestyle
After you sense good about yourself plus your search for a man, you need to assess yourself. Have you been looking after yourself to perform up your assets to individuals of the opposite gender? The fact is that first images make a huge difference, therefore you need to ensure you appear your very best. Looking your best will likely make you feel good about yourself, and feeling better can definitely bring in a husband. Think about going to a beauty salon to obtain a latest hair do or switch your make-up routine. Wear clothing which makes you feel proud and strong, consequently other people get a confident emotion by you.

Personally Determine What You Deliver
Just like you are looking for a spouse, a guy is looking for partner, as well. Consider what you can offer to a guy. Do you think you're smart or witty? Would you see the wit in every situation? You have to know what your personality style is, and you should be confident in your own skin with who you are. Once you know yourself, you could start to watch out for someone that will go with you. For example, once you discover you are an intelligent, classical music fan who desires a calm, smart man, you'll then skip men who tend not to fit your needs and also save yourself the hassle regarding seeing men who will not likely work in your case. This makes free you up to concentrate on getting men who are hubby material.

Select Where You Go
After you look great, seem confident, and limit what type of man you need based on your self examination, you are ready to find the man you have always wanted. You have to opt where you go carefully to get yourself a spouse. Unless you desire a sports-lover who drinks, do not search for a man inside a pub. Preferably, think about the place where a man who actually shares same hobbies along with you might visit. If you are seeking for a reader who will encourage strong conversations, consider your local library, restaurant, or even book shop. If you prefer a businessman, try keeping your eyes as well as heart open at your future networking occasion at the office.

Stop saying, "How do I find a husband?" The reality is that when you open your heart for affection, love seems to have a way of discovering you. You'll find a spouse when you are truthful with your mind as to what you would like in a man and then looking for a man having those precise attributes."

To get more tips, visit http://www.how-do-i-find-a-husband.com

1.21.12 - Seneca Allegany Casino - Salamanca, NY

Meeting that special person can very often happen by accident. For Lyndie and Bryan, their first meeting happened because of an accident! Back in 2003, Lyndie had wrecked her car, then took it to Bryan's Auto Body, where she first crossed paths with her future husband. They became fast friends, yet had to sneak around when they started dating! You see, Lyndie's parents weren't too fond of Bryan, and the last thing they wanted was for him to date their daughter! Luckily, over the next several years, Lyndie's parents grew very fond of Bryan and were esctatic when the happy couple got engaged in 2009.

Last weekend, the Seneca Allegany Casino was the spot chosen for Lyndie and Bryan's wedding reception. The couple takes trips to the casino on a regular basis, so it was a natural decision to hold their reception their too. The wedding ceremony began the day's events at Allegany State Park, the site where Bryan first asked Lyndie to marry him back in 2009. A small guest list of less than 50 family members and friends attended the ceremony, then made their way to the casino for the reception.

Michellle and the staff at the Seneca Allegany Casino were an absolute joy to work with. So professional and so accommodating. The Spring, Summer and Fall ballroom looked absolutely beautiful as guests first enjoyed cocktails and hors d' oevres. As everyone took their seats, Lyndie's and Bryan's parents were officially introduced into the ballroom, followed soon by the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith. A scrumptious buffet dinner was enjoyed by all, with the formalities
taking place afterwards. Guests smiled, laughed and danced throughout the evening! What a memorable night for a wonderful couple! Lyndie and Bryan are planning a wonderful Alaskan honeymoon in the future which certainly should be absolutely picturesque!

My thanks again to the staff at the Seneca Allegany Casino and to you, Lyndie and Bryan! It was a pleasure being part of your wonderful wedding celebration! All the very best!

12.31.11 - Premier Banquet Center - Olean, NY

New Year's Eve is without a doubt one of the biggest days of any given year to celebrate. Add the excitement of a wedding reception and that raises the level of the celebration sky high!

Marissa and Matt chose to get married on New Year's Eve, surrounded by loved ones and friends in their hometown of Randolph, NY. Following the ceremony, guests traveled to the beautiful and spacious Premier Banquet Center in Olean, NY for the wedding reception. The holiday decor was stunning, as Marissa and Matt had chosen a winter theme for the reception. In meeting with them during the planning process, the happy couple also chose an uplighting package from me with the venue uplit in beautiful white color to match the theme. Uplighting fixtures were placed near the head table and around the room. I can't say enough how much uplighting adds to the beauty of any event!

Following cocktail hour and hors d'oevres, guests took their seats as parents and bridal party members were officially introduced into the banquet center. Marissa and Matt had their first dance immediately, surrounded by the special people in their lives. After a delicious buffet dinner, the parents dances took place, then the dance floor was opened allowing guests to dance off their delicious meal! After the final formalities were complete, guests danced again as the midnight hour approached to ring in the new year!

By the time the countdown to midnight occurred, there wasn't an empty spot on the dance floor! Guests donned hats and blew noisemakers as 2012 was ushered in as dancing continued until 12:30 in the morning! Marissa and Matt couldn't have picked a more special date for their wedding! The reception rocked!

My thanks to another great team of professials! To the staff of the Premier Banquet Center, thank you for your warm hospitality and great teamwork! Also want to acknowledge photographer Aleida Foulk and videographer David Ruszkowski from Olean Digital Video
for the great work! And, of course, my thanks to you, Marissa and Matt! It was an honor and pleasure to help you create a FUN wedding reception. There's no other place I rather would have been than at your event to help bring in 2012! Hope your enjoying your ski honeymoon in Vermont and all my best in your married lives together! Thank you!

12.30.11 - Ambassador Banquet Center - Erie, PA

With the rush of the Christmas holiday behind everyone, the celebrating certainly wasn't over for 2011. With 2012 just around the corner, Colleen and Nickolas chose December 30th as their wedding date. Family and friends were certainly in a festive mood for the winter themed reception. Mother Nature unfortunately didn't cooperate, as the Erie area has had a noticeable LACK of snow thus far this winter.

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the beautifully decorated Garden Atrium at the Ambassador Banquet Center in Erie for Colleen and Nickolas' wedding reception. It was a wonderful night in store for a most charming couple. As everyone took their seats, introductions were made of parents from their tables, then the bridal party made their entrance. Colleen and Nickolas were honored to have family members and good friends as part of their bridal party. After some wonderful toasts, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet meal, prepared expertly by the Ambassador. Formal dances and formalities followed dinner, then everyone immediately made their way to the dance floor to dance the night away! Perfect way to start a weekend that I'm sure was full of celebrating for everyone!

It was such an honor to be part of wonderful team of professionals that Colleen and Nickolas assembled. My thanks to Paula and Shannon from the Ambassador Center, Kim Powell (KP Phototography) and of course to you, Colleen and Nickolas. It was such a pleasure to help create an amazing reception that kept your dance floor packed all night! All the very best to you both and hope you are enjoying your memorable honeymoon in Hawaii! All my best...

11.19.11 - Ambassador Banquet Center - Erie, PA

This time of year we start to reflect on how thankful we are for having the people we love in our lives. For Amanda and Ryan, they have much to be thankful for as well. The fact that they happen to take the same karate classes together, it led them down a path of love that led everyone in their lives to the Ambassador Center on Saturday, November 19th for Amanda and Ryan's wedding day!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a late fall day, as the festivities began with the wedding ceremony in the Ambassador's beautiful Atrium, performed by Amanda and Ryan's longtime friend, Pastor J. Davis, who ironically had also been their karate instructor, so it made the day that much more special! Amanda and Ryan had chosen some of their favorite music for the ceremony, including the prelude, processional and recessional. Once the ceremony was complete, guests made their way down to the beautiful Hemmingway Ballroom for the wedding reception. After sampling some wonderful hors d' oevres, people took their seats for the formal introductions. From the music for the introductions right through the dinner music, guests were again treated to some more of Amanda and Ryan's favorite songs and artists. I always have believed in customizing an event, and the happy couple were ecstatic to be able to hand pick some great music! Right before the sit down meal began, Ryan's Best Man, Anthony, and Amanda's Maid of Honor, Mandy, shared some wonderful toasts to the newly married couple.

Once dinner was complete, Amanda and Ryan cut into their beautiful wedding cake, prepared by Cindy's Let Them Eat Cake. The first dance was next, followed by the Bridal Party Dance. For Amanda's dance with her dad, she definitely had a surprise for him! Starting out with a montage of various 90's hits they they BOTH loved, it segued into Rod Stewart's rendition of "Have I Told You Lately." Ryan chose "Simple Man" from Shinedown for his dance with his Mom. We opened the dance floor for about a half hour, then before moving into the rest of the formalities, Amanda and Ryan thanked everyone for their love and support. The evening finished out with more dancing, bringing everyone out of their seats for an amazing night for one and all!

Thanks go out to an amazing team of professionals...Pastor J. Davis, for a wonderful ceremony, Paula and the staff from the Ambassador, who are always wonderful to work with, Cindy Favreau from Cindy's Let Them Eat Cake and to Jennifer White and her husband from Jennifer Photography, who caputured some wonderful photographic images of the wedding day. And, of course, my thanks to you, Amanda and Ryan! It was a pleasure and honor to have been chosen as your entertainment! I am so glad that everyone had so much fun on one of the best days of your lives together! All my best, and enjoy that Cooks Forest honeymoon!