Wedding Blogs by Wedding Professionals
June 27, 2008
Hawaii Weddings and Events Coordinates the "2008 Wedding of a Lifetime"
Hawaii Weddings and Events is the event designer and coordinator for this year's "Wedding of a lifetime"
WEDDING OF A LIFETIIME CONTEST RULES & INFORMATION
• No purchase necessary
* Contest is being conducted by Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Hawaii Bride & Groom magazine
* Effective dates of contest: May 16, 2008 - July 15, 2008
* Nature of contest:
- Write on a sheet of paper in 500 words or less, or videotape no longer than three minutes, and submit on DVD or VHS why you or your friend/family member deserves and all-expense paid wedding.
- Submissions should include the name of the potential bride and groom, their address, and telephone number.
- A panel of judges will select the top three stories and will then be interviewed and filmed for an OC16 television special.
- The special will air on OC16 and viewers with digital remotes will be able to vote for the winner. Results will be announced live that same night.
* All entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, July 15, 2008 and mailed to:
OCEANIC WEDDING OF A LIFETIME
PO Box 860509
Wahiawa, HI 96786
* Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Hawaii Bride & Groom are not responsible for printing errors or inaccurate, incomplete, stolen, lost, illegible, mutilated, misdirected, delayed or late entries.
* A panel of judges from Hawaii Bride & Groom Magazine and Oceanic Time Warner Cable will select the top three entries on or about July 21, 2008. Finalists will be notified on or about July 22, 2008. Judges decision is final.
* Grand prize winner will be determined by a panel of judges and Oceanic Digital Cable customers who use their digital remote to vote.
* Contest is open only to legal residents of Hawaii, 18 years of age or older who are single.
* Finalists will be required to sign an affidavit stating that all information provided is true.
* All prizes (or applicable certificate thereof) must be claimed in person, and signed for by the winner, upon presentation of proper identification (driver's license, Hawaii State I.D., passport).
* All winners acknowledge, as a condition of entry, that Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Hawaii Bride & Groom magazine have the right to publicize and/or broadcast his/her name, character, likeness, voice, and all matters incidental herein.
* Winners are responsible for all taxes incurred on prizes received.
* The winner's wedding will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008. No substitutions, no add-ons and no changes to wedding package.
* The winner and his/her fiancee will be responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses, medical clearances and other legal form prior to the wedding day.
* All prizes are non-transferable.
* No cash substitutions allowed.
* Other restrictions may apply.
* Employees of Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Hawaii Bride & Groom magazine, their advertising agencies, their affiliates, representatives, "Wedding of a Lifetime" sponsors and household members are ineligible to enter or win this contest.
* Rules subject to change without notice. Additions or deletions to these rules are subject to the discretion of Oceanic Time Warner Cable and may be enacted without notice at any time.
* Void where prohibited by law. Subject to all federal, state, and local laws.
* All entries become the property of Oceanic Time Warner Cable.
* As a condition of entry, all entrants agree to abide by these rules including any additions or deletions at a future date.
* All entrants release Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Hawaii Bride & Groom and each of their parent companies, system affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, employees, "Wedding of a Lifetime" sponsors and all others associated with the development and execution of this contest, from any and all liability with respect to, or in any way arising, from this contest and/or acceptance or use of the prizes, including liability for personal injury, damages, or loss of any kind or the acceptance, use, misuse, possession, loss or misdirection of any prize.
http://www.hawaiibride.com/giveaway_lifetime08.html
Posted by HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS on June 27, 2008 at 09:27 PM
June 26, 2008
Recession proof your wedding!
Weddings are recession proof! Therefore, add these few tactics to your wedding planning notebook and you will be ahead of the game!
1. Do it yourself - ( or enlist and friend or family member ) When at all possible for the budget minded bride, pull up your sleeves, and get dirty! There are so many wedding projects that the creative bride can do herself in order to save money on your bottom line. From custom favors, custom fabric chair ties or table runners to simple flower arrangements, you name it, you can probably do it.
2. Buy wholesale - One of the best ways to save a little cash on your big day is to purchase wedding related items with a wholesale account. Many companies offer discounts to those who have a business license. Think outside the box and have a family member (who may happen to own their own business) set up wholesale accounts with various vendors and then purchase your items from them. This is so easy with online vendors and even wholesalers in your hometown. All is takes is a small business license or resale acct. and you are in business.....(pardon the punn)
3. Go Green - Reduce, reuse and recycle! Find great wedding decor and other items at your local thrift store, bargain store or dollar shop! I've even found some amazing pieces at garage sales or on-line advertising sites that are found locally throughout the nation. When you find great items such as old vases or linens, napkins, candle holders etc. think about how you can change or update the look of the piece. Just a fresh coat of paint or some glass or crystal beads might liven and freshen up the look of something that was going to be put out as garbage!
Keep these tips in mind and have a fabulous, stress-free day! More later.
Jana Heetland
Exquisite Hawaiian Weddings and Event Productions
Posted by EXQUISITE HAWAIIAN WEDDINGS AND EVENT PRODUCTION on June 26, 2008 at 05:27 PM
June 25, 2008
Another Thornwewood Wedding
Beautiful as usual, and unique!
Malisa and Wade Brooks tied the knot last weekend amongst family and friends, about 100 in attendance. They had a traditional Western ceremony followed by a Thai water ceremony. They blended their two cultures with grace and elegance.
Wade, an avid motorcyclist had many of his groups Harley riding friends among the guests, along with his food selections of Scottish fare. Included in the menu was Chicken Drambuie, mashed potatoes, spiral ham, as well as assorted meats and cheeses and sweet rolls.
Malisa, being of Thai and American ancestry had on the menu coconut curry crab cakes for starters, with the addition of Pad Thai and rice, with a blend of fresh seasonal vegetables with ginger and garlic.
The two married both each other and each other's cultures, and we at Serenitea Catering were honored to be among their vendors in making their unique wedding come to life.
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 25, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Getting a straight answer from a caterer!
I get the comment a lot that people are amazed that a caterer has all of their prices clearly laid out without hidden fees, or surprises in the end.
When you get a quote from us, it is as accurate as the number of people you are estimating, and that number is final no late than two weeks prior to the event. By this time, you know who will be coming, and it keeps your costs where you need to be in the budget.
If it seems high, this has everything included in the price, no weird charges to surprise you at the end bill.
No charge for chocolate fountain or fondue
No charge for cake cutting
No charge for cake plates
No charge for beer cups
No charge for plates
No charge for cloth napkins
No charge for silverware
No charge for stemmed or stemless champagne glasses
No charge for water cups
No charge for coffee or tea cups
No charge for the bringing of buffet tables or linens
No charge for corking your wine or champagne
No charge for black garbage bags
No charge for garbage removal if venue requires it
We do ask you to provide:
Banquet permit
One day policy if needed for venue for insurance
Napkins for the bar
Table cloths for the tables
Tables
Chairs
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 25, 2008 at 02:38 PM
June 20, 2008
Panini party
Emily and Thomas just became man and wife at Sanders Mansion. The wedding was pleasant and relaxing with an air or fun. Emily was a stunning bride, and her groom was emotional when he saw her for the first time in her dress. I was so happy to be a part of the wedding, and wish them many years of wedded bliss.
They had a unique menu: Paninis and pot stickers. It was fun cranking out hundreds of panini sandwiches with assorted meats and cheeses. The guests got to enjoy the wonderful weather with this hearty Italian inspired sandwich.
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 20, 2008 at 02:47 AM
Financial woes and affording the wedding of your dreams
With an unstable economy, and a rise in gas and other basic things, many brides have been cutting their budgets as well as their guests lists to make the wedding of their dreams a possibility.
Cutting your list.
As with many vendors in the wedding industry, many prices as based on a per person price, this is a simple and easy way to cut the cost of your wedding reception without having to give up too much. Keep the people on your list that mean something important to you, people that you want to share your day, not inviting them out of obligation. This lowers your numbers and your overall expense.
Ask for a discount.
If a vendor doesn't have your date already booked, chances are, they may be willing to trim a little off "regular" pricing to get a client to book with them. A wedding or event is much better than no wedding or event.
Not going all out on the bar.
I know, the bar is a fun addition to your reception, but limiting it to wine, champagne, water, sodas, and one or two signature drinks keeps the costs of your guests having a good time at bay. It is also cleaner, and more organized when a limited number of drinks are available.
Reuse.
Have friends getting married, vases, candle holders, tea lights, are pretty generic and are easily reused with little or no addition and a great way to save money without sacrificing style.
Earlier in the day.
Having your wedding and reception earlier gives you a light appetizer menu, or possibly a brunch which is more cost effective than a formal sit down dinner.
Shopping discount.
Little touches can make a wedding fabulous, shopping off season and in bulk will save your tons of $$$
Carpooling and shuttling.
Gas is on the rise, and budget strapped friends and family may have a hard time making it to the wedding without a little help, shuttling your guests saves them money, and keeps them transported in groups.
Saying NO to changes on contracts.
When you sign your contract, it can not be changed. There are no additional fees to ADD later, this is a violation of an original contract. If a vendor says they have an additional fee, tell them NO, this was not on the original contract, and you are not obligated to pay it.
Hope this helps anyone wanting to pinch a penny until it screams!
Happy Planning!
Serenitea Catering
Teresa Potter
253.212.8476
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 20, 2008 at 12:25 AM
June 18, 2008
Jazz Unlimited Band - We wish to thank our many Brides & Grooms
WE SEND OUR VERY BEST WISHES and WE "THANK YOU".
A special “Thank You” to the many Brides and Grooms and Wedding
Planners who recommended our band, to make the year 2008 the best year ever in the history of the Jazz Unlimited Band.
We have met so many wonderful Brides and Grooms and have enjoyed putting together special songs and music that our Brides and Grooms wanted to hear at their wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.
This year we were honored to perform for many wedding ceremonies, where we featured piano, clarinet and saxophone solos, often accompanied by our renowned female vocalist. We always present each Bride with a wonderful selection of classical and popular music choices for their wedding ceremony, including prelude and processional music followed by ceremony and recessional music. Then we are off to play for the cocktail hour, dinner hour and reception.
The JAZZ UNLIMITED BAND offers Duo's, Trio's Quartets and Quintets, (including our wonderful female vocalist), for any size event, and we are always happy to perform all the Master of Ceremony Duties.
If your are planning to have a wedding or special event in the “Pacific Northwest”, and live in a foreign country or anywhere in the US, we are here to help you. We will also travel throughout the Pacific Northwest to a location of your choice,because we want to make sure your special wedding or event is a total success.
The Jazz Unlimited Band is a full service band that will handle everything musical with our music professionals. We also know from playing for hundreds of weddings and special events, the best Venues for your size event, and the best Caterers, Florist, Photographers and Wedding Planners. Ask us about having your wedding on a beautiful YACHT, cruising the waters of our Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound. Just give us a call so we will help you.
Please visit our web site at jazzunlimitedband.com. We are proud of our impeccable reputation and our many “TESTIMONIALS AND REFERENCES"
Contact: Duane Wright to book your special event now. We will be there when you need us. We are currently booking into
year 2009.
JAZZ UNLIMITED BAND.com
Toll Free 1-866-337-2111 Cell (206) 930-9998
E-Mail duane.janw@verizon.net
Posted by JAZZ UNLIMITED BAND on June 18, 2008 at 09:12 AM
June 15, 2008
Summer Weddings Remember the Sunscreen
If you are fair skinned, don't overlook sunscreen.
My Bride, her ladies and her mother were all outdoors for their formal photos and everyone ended up getting fairly burnt yesterday.
Nothing really showed up till the end of the reception, but by then they were not feeling good. Sun damage is not something you want to start your honeymoon with!
C
Posted by on June 15, 2008 at 08:11 PM
June 12, 2008
Try this on for size
Ladies, Do not let the Bridal salon tell you to buy a dress 2 sizes bigger than what you normally would, remember you know you best! I won't say where but the young lady tried to argue with me not to get a size 4 because I'm a size 5/6 at the bottom, if you know what I mean, but I have a thin waist and not much up top either. So I grabbed a size 4 and guess who was right ME! So if you have that problem where you have a great bottom but a thin waist always try both one size to big and one to small you might surprise yourself. You might also save in alterations.
Posted by WEDDINGS TO THE T on June 12, 2008 at 06:42 AM
June 11, 2008
Come see my HAWAII destination WEDDING & PORTRAIT EXHIBIT
Experience Hawai'i in a new local Coffee house and see my exhibit of wall portraits from Hawaii destination wedding and Adventure Portraits from Oahu.
Kona Kai Coffee in Kent is featuring my work this month in their Hawaiian themed Coffee house. Last weekend we had a little open house/ reception and it was so much fun! If you were on my Enewsletter contact list, then you got the invitation =) Whether you're planning a DESTINATION wedding, ENGAGEMENT portrait session or just something locally, I would love to meet you there and chat about your next project. Check it out today...
WHERE? Kona Kai Coffee
WHEN? Now until JUNE 30TH
Kona Kai contact info here...http://www.rewardsnetwork.com/details.htm?search=true&merchantId=87480
Posted by CHRIS WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY on June 11, 2008 at 02:04 PM
June 10, 2008
For the DIY Bride
How's this for a quick idea that people will love, a rose bud votive holder. Here's how you do it, it's simple. First you grab a rose clip off the stem as close as you can get it, then take out the middle of the bud and replace it with a votive candle, the rest of the rose will come up on the sides of the candle. How Cheap and Beautiful. Just another DIY tip from the DIY Planner. Try it you just might like it.
Posted by WEDDINGS TO THE T on June 10, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Pick pocketed warning
Yesterday was like any other day for me, picking up wedding supplies, doing errands, answering phone calls, and one unexpected surprise, I was pick pocketed. That's right, someone nabbed my debit card.
As I was walking through the store, I didn't even notice anything until I got to the register, and couldn't find my card. My first instinct was to go back trace my steps and see if it fell out of my bag.
After not being able to find it, I went home, called to cancel the card, and looked at my online statement and saw that someone was trying to get gas on my card.
Luckily we were able to cancel the card before the transaction went through, but it was only 30 minutes since I had left the store. Who knows how much they could have racked up in my name if I had waited to see if anyone had returned it.
Your finances are important, if you have the ability to check on them online, make it a habit, once someone has the opportunity to drain your account or charge in your name, the temptation may be easier for some than doing the right thing.
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
June 8, 2008
The art of tipping
The art of tipping
Some vendors require it in the bill, some do not. That is when your discretion comes in as a factor on how and how much to tip your wedding vendors.
Percentage before taxes
Did they go above and beyond? 15% - 25%
Did they meet the bare minimum? 10% - 15%
Did they disappoint and produced unsatisfactory service? None
Gratuity is a thank you for a service well done, and is an additional bonus to those hard working people at your wedding. The amount is something that should reflect the service provided.
How to tip? Most caterers will ask for an envelope sealed handed to them by a wedding party member or the wedding consultant at the end of the night. The caterer will divide the gratuity to the members of the staff according to their own policies and routine.
Hope this helps!
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 8, 2008 at 12:23 AM
June 6, 2008
8 Tips On Writing Your Own Vows
I wanted to surprise my fiancé by playing guitar for him at our wedding reception (you see, I was taking lessons and everything). I ended up opting out because I thought I would embarrass myself. I completely regret not playing because even though I probably wouldn’t have played real well, it would have been an expression of my love. If you have a desire to play a song or state a poem, etc. for your fiancé, I hope you won’t let fear of embarrassment keep you from doing it, like I did!
Writing your own vows however, is an undertaking on both your parts and will require thought with regard to: style, message, whether or not you write them together, how long it should be, etc.
Tips On Writing Your Own Vows:
• Talk with your minister or officiate as he or she will inform you of any policies to be aware of when writing your own vows. He or she will also be able to offer you guidance and direction in your writing.
• Decide what you want to write about: your love story, your pledge to one another, an underlying theme that defines your relationship, all of the above, etc.
• Decide what your voice or tone will be: humorous, romantic, etc.
• Keep a journal to record what makes your relationship special.
• Take your time writing your vows. Do not rush through them.
• Incorporate humor.
• Be true to yourselves.
• PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE until you are confident. It should flow naturally.
Writing your own vows is FOREVER ROMANTIC~ written on your hearts as well as the hearts of your guests!
linen paper, Thank You Note Cards
style code: HA-11747
Tieing the knot has never been so cute! Writing your thank you notes is a must. Using a high quality pen on these high quality cards will make it that much easier!
Posted by MAGNETSTREETWEDDINGS.COM on June 6, 2008 at 12:54 PM
June 1, 2008
Free wedding stuff
Since we stay until the very end, we are often working side by side with the venue, and sometimes the guests of the wedding cleaning up, packing away, and returning to the way things were.
It has happened many a time that there were candle holders, vases, or random other wedding nick nacks that no one wanted at the end of the night. When people offer, we collect the items and store them on our shelves.
I have always like the idea of Green Weddings. Reuse what you can, reduce the amount of things wasted, and minimize on things that aren't all that important.
Over the years, we've collected containers, candles, napkins, and set them aside for the event that will reuse these items. Although I think it would be fun to have 50 vases, most people don't find a need for more than a couple.
So when it comes to your wedding decorations, get together with some of your friends who may also be in martial boat, and share the goods, a little altering and you have something that is new, reused, and may one day help another bride on her special day.
Posted by SERENITEA EVENTS (253) 212 - 8476 on June 1, 2008 at 11:10 PM
