The Preppy Wedding Clambake

A preppy reader, Elizabeth, e-mailed about her summer 08 wedding in NYC. Her big concern was making their clambake reception more sophisticated. After doing a lot of research on all that clambaking entails, I saw that the "theme" of a clambake could/would make her wedding seem more like a backyard bbq. So, I took a breather and decided to approach it more like a really Gatsby-esq sophisticated, beautiful and prepptastic garden party.

I started with thinking about how she could handle the set up. Elizabeth will be having the reception at an outdoor club, so I think two great big white tents are the way to go. One tent can be used for the clambake preparation and the bar/dancefloor and one tent can be used for seating. It's in the seating tent that you can create the sophistication and look that you crave.

I loved the thought of an afternoon wedding at a small historic chapel, with guests waiting to celebrate the couple who would be leaving in what else - an antique white rolls royce. I love the thought of ivory and green and the brides dress (a steal at $850) is so simple, yet so beautiful. I also like the though of guys in sportscoats and kakis and I love bringing green in for the bridesmaids dress (the ones pictured are by vucouture). If you wanted to make it a litte more formal, do navy suits for the guys with coordinated green ties.

And I think you should take the ivory and green and incorporate it into the rest of the wedding details:

• A beautiful tablescape like this one pictured. White chairs, white linens, ivory hydrangeas in silver vases and hints of green through tableware.
  


• A simple cake in ivory that is covered in the same ivory hydrangeas with a touch of green berries.
  


• Have custom lobster bibs made for guests with your monogram and date
  


• For favors, have take home lobster crackers waiting for guests at their place setting with a little note attached with ribbon saying "We're taking a crack at marriage"
  


• I didn't feature an invite, but this one in honeydew really coordinates with the theme.
  

Good luck Elizabeth - I hope you have fun with the rest of your planning!

I also hope everyone else in blogland is as ready for their weekend as I am. As I said before, we're throwing a shower for some good couple friends. I promise some pictures for you all next week.

Preppy Showers .... Some Great Ideas

Hostess with the Mostess has some great ideas for some BEAUTIFUL wedding and baby showers. She also includes what to buy lists for easy execution!

Some of my favorites:

• The Hooked Couples Shower (great for beach wedding couples, or just those who like to fish!)
• The Bling Bride (great for a classy bachelorette party)
• The Due Date (a great baby shower without overdoing the baby theme)

So I spent the weekend getting prepared for the shower next weekend and helping my dad, father -in-law & husband build a small outdoor patio. I learned a lot about the principles of being level. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

The Preppy Harbor Wedding

So I was excited to get Katy’s e-mail request for a storyboard for her May 2008 wedding in Charlestown, MA here.

So Katy wants blue and green as her colors (as evidenced by the tie fabric featured) and she wants a casual, beachy fun celebration. Now, you know I’m not a huge fan of shells, so my big ah ha on this wedding was love knots. And rope, since they are getting married near the boat slip by the water. I know it sounds crazy, but it led the inspiration for this board. You’ll see what I mean - here goes …

The bride’s dress and bridesmaids are JCrew. Katy has picked out a gorgeous gown, but I don’t want to ruin it for her husband to be, so we’ll go with this one. The guys will wear blue sport coats and kakis with the green and blue ties aforementioned.

The invites are Crane. They are classic navy and white with a contemporary twist. Katy was thinking of doing Christmas save the dates, so I found this announcement from Tiny Prints that could easily be converted to a blue and green holiday themed save-the date.

The flowers are cream hydrangeas with a touch of green berries. Super cute way to bring the green accent color in.

The flowers on the pew are cream hydrangeas tied up with rope. Katy’s getting married outside, but this would still work on her outdoor chairs. I love this outdoor real wedding on the knot and I love the inexpensive paper parasols, they add so much ummph to the ceremony. And get this - Katy’s mom is going to custom make navy toile table cloths. She’ll alternate them every other with navy tablecloths.

And now, the “rope theme” begins …

For table arrangements, take old cylinder vases and wrap with a small round rope. Just super glue to the vase and have your florist fill with cream hydrangeas.

For favors, try koozies (I do love me some koozies) in navy and green with a simple love knot on the front (see here) and Katy and The Man Tie the Knot with the date. You can echo this saying on custom napkins for the bar!

For groomsmen, do knot cufflinks and do similar earrings for the bridesmaids. Echo the knot on the programs and you’ve got yourself a themed affair!

Preppy Singles

In an effort to keep things easy, breezy* around here, I am going to refrain from talking about weddings and instead want to share with you my new blog obsession.

I am in love with the blog Charming, but Single. It is so well written and TOTALLY captures that southern single struggle that so many of us have felt. Only realize you like a guy until after you dump him and then somehow have a come to Jesus moment where you realize he may have been not so bad after all. Check. Struggle to justify to your friends exactly why he hasn't called in three weeks (it must be something VERY bad, like extreme food poisoning, he did order the fish at dinner). Check. Keep truckin through every bad date, every let down and every awful quirk (guys should be able to parallel park, it is an extension of their masculinity), just to retain the hope that there is some kind of silver lining in the shape of a tall, dark, handsome, well spoken, thoughtful, patient, funny, southern gentleman, husband-like creature heading your way. Check.

Anywho, give it a read. You won't be disappointed. You will however be filled with the urge to yell out Amen, sister.

* And by easy, breezy - I mean I didn't have time to do a storyboard today!

Preppy Registry Tips

Slate has a great article on the essential bridal registry list. If you're a little confused on how to pick quality kitchen products (to replace your Target college finds), the article will give you some guidance on your choices.

Speaking of kitchens, you know how I've been building on my own newlywed experience by trying out bunches of recipes to build a stockpile of quick/easy favorites. Here's my newest favorite and of course it is Paula Deen: Paula Deen's BBQ Meatloaf. And the best part - it is even better as a leftover!!

Lots of Things I Love

So I realized I have not done any fun posts lately. It's mostly been all business round here. So I thought I would update you all on a couple of new favorites I've found in the last few months ...

Chanel Inimitable Mascara
Now that summer is upon us, I typically don’t do the whole make-up routine every morning because I just stepping into the 90 degree heat will pretty much ruin all that hard work. So for the summer, it’s Nars Bronzer, Philosophy Lip Gloss and this amazing new mascara. Every time I put it on, it makes my eyes look so much better! I highly recommend going out and grabbing this one.

Our new Wii
Did I forget to mention to you all that the husband and I got a wii? And it is fabulous. Hours of fun and entertainment and a good work out too. For all you girls out there who fear the your man’s inner-gamer, fear not, this system has lots of female friendly games. And it’s a great party starter. Have over a few friends, fire up the BBQ and the wii and battle each other in lots of sports related challenges.

Edy’s Slow Churned Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bars
The husband and I are huge fans of Edy’s Slow Churned Ice Cream, so when I saw these bars in my mom’s freezer, I immediately put them on the grocery list. And many boxes later, these are a great (light) chocolate fix. The husband finishes every meal with his new favorite dessert.


The A&E Show - Confessions of a Matchmaker

I caught this show last night and was instantly hooked. My friends constantly accuse me of matchmaking, so I guess I was initially interested in how someone does it as a business. But this show, it totally sucked me in. Last night’s episode featured a 41 year old virgin. After a telling date with a woman and some prodding by the matchmaker, it turns out the man prefers men. Again, love it and you should too.

My Ballard Designs Monogrammed Giraffe Tote
Back in April, my sister & brother - in law got me this great tote as a birthday gift. It has become a great summer work bag and I do like being reminded of my new initials!

My new Beth Bowley Damask Dress
Damask in a cute, preppy sundress with straps. Any other questions. Seriously, I can justify spending a little more on a dress with straps that is office worthy, but still super cute. Here’s a link to an online boutique that carries the dress. But if you’re in Richmond, Jet Set Boutique is the place to find all your cute, preppy tops, dresses and jewelry!

So that’s an updated favorite list for me.

This weekend was super relaxing, we really didn’t do much but celebrate our dads which was great. We’re throwing that wine shower weekend after next, so I am in party planning/prep mode and will share all the details soon. For all of you who have storyboard requests in, I promise I will get to them soon!

A Preppy Pink and Gold Winter Wedding

Maggie e-mailed me last week with some concerns about planning her preppy wedding. She just got engaged on Memorial Day and is planning for a January 08 celebration. There's not much time to be had, so I'll get to it.

Winter weddings are harder to weave together, I think. You want to make sure everything doesn't look to summery. Maggie was initially thinking black, champagne and a touch of pink. But, after seeing pictures of her reception venue, I had to substitute brown for black. I think with the dark mahogany walls of the reception venue, black would just look too forced. I also opted to re-work champagne to gold. I know you mom hates the gold-backed chairs Maggie - but I think they are just beautiful and would lend themselves to an easy sophistication.

The dress is Monique Lhuillier. It is a beautiful lace. I love it. Enough said! I would go for a satin finish bridesmaids dress in gold that would compliment the sash on the bridal gown. The one pictured is Amsale.

The invites are called Vivaldi and they're from paperdolldesign.com. I love the gold, traditional feel they give. Totally sophisticated, with a little preppy flair.

The cake is so cute. It's light brown and gold and I love the bow detailing. The flowers are from Preston Bailey in NYC. He is fabulous and they combine gold and blush for a perfect fit into Maggie's "new" color scheme.

For favors, try making CDs for your guests. I like these labels from MyOwnLabels to decorate!

Hmmm. Some other details that would be great for Maggie's wedding ....

• Try hot chocolate or spiked spiced apple cider for guests as they arrive from the church to the reception. That should warm them right up!



• An antique gold locket with pictures of loved ones who have passed would be a perfect compliment to your bridal bouquet.



• Make sure to utilize the fire place in your venue. Have a fire going (if possible) and decorate the mantle with two large topiaries with a beautifully calligraphered wrap with the bride and groom's names in between (see my wedding for more details).



• Make sure your coat check is manned and runs smoothly throughout the night.
  Good Luck Maggie and keep me posted on your wedding details!

Preppy Guestbooks

Checking my e-mail last week, a reader inquired about finding a preppy wedding guestbook for her baby sister's wedding shower. Her sister is all things preppy, so the guest book must be just as cute.

I have a couple suggestions as to creating a fun shower "guestbook." At my girls only wedding shower, my aunts had each guest write me a personal note with well wishes and advice (from those who were already married). It was so fun to get to open and read the advice with the husband when I got home from the celebration.

I adore these letterpress notecards from Carrot & Stick Press. Jack and LuLu are also a great source of preppy stationary. And make sure to get her a fun, sign a book filled with archived Chanel dress drawings. This is sure to be a hit with the bride and something she can display in her home.

Last, but not least, if you want to stick with a traditional guest book, I have some pretty good ideas. Paper Source has some good options online with lots of different color choices. You can also try the guestbook store. They have some cute options (and some not so cute options), but I think this paisley print is very sweet.

The Preppy Rehearsal Dinner

A preppy mother of the groom wrote me the other day with some trouble cementing the theme/look of the rehearsal dinner. Now in my experience the rehearsal dinner is VERY important. It is basically the introduction to your wedding weekend!

Our preppy MOG assisted me with a few facts on the wedding: colors are pink and brown, the invitations had been ordered, and the rehearsal dinner will be held at a restaurant on Lake Michigan! Even more importantly, the wedding is August 24, so there is little time to waste.

My first thought around this rehearsal dinner theme was chic starlight garden party. So, have the restaurant turn down the lights, utilize candlelight wherever possible and make sure to emphasize any views the restaurant has of the lake.

For food, I would just keep it light (it is August after all). Try different cheeses and breads for appetizers and how about some kind of chicken and seafood for the main dish? Dessert could be champagne and strawberries to encourage friends and families to toast the happy couple. I would utilize Michigan wine throughout the dinner to give out of town guests a chance to sample the local best!

I love pink and white peonies for flowers in antique hobnail white vases (scour ebay for different shapes and sizes). If you can, try to fit guests at one long table so that everyone feels like they are part of an intimate dinner celebration.

And I would keep the tablecloths and the dinnerware white, but perhaps use detailed napkins to add a little ummph.

I think it also just as important to develop a schedule and flow to the rehearsal dinner just as you would the wedding. Here’s a little schedule that I think works:

7:00-7:45 - Wine and Cheese Meet and Greet
7:45 -8:00 - Grooms parents welcome everyone and get everyone seated
8:00-9:00 - Food is served
9:00-?? - Champagne and Strawberries delivered to table. MOG begins with first toast. Toasting continues. Groom thanks everyone. Bride and Groom pass out their gifts for the wedding party.

I also think that slide shows are very fun additions to the rehearsal dinner!

Now, here are just a few more hints that our MOG asked about:

• I think name tags are in order for the rehearsal dinner. Especially since it is the first time relatives from both sides are meeting. Put up a little sign near the tags that asks guests to include their name and fondest memory of the bride/groom.
  


• As table markers, I think utilizing pictures of the bride and groom running concurrently through the years are a great idea. Take a look at the example on the story board.
  


• As a favor, leave guest with a favorite family recipe or something homemade. I think it continues the whole family affair vibe.
  


• For all you MOBs and MOGs out there, Barrie Pace has some beautiful dresses that do not look matronly. My mom wore a great dress to my wedding that suited her to a tee.

I'm back ...

Hi all. I'm back from a great college reunion weekend with more work than I know what to do with. While I was gone, I received some great requests for storyboards and I promise to get to some of them later this week!

For now, I'll assure you that being back with college friends was an especially refreshing experience. I got to have the world's best bagels again and spent some quality time on the patio of our favorite bar enjoying too many pitchers of Bud Light.

Here's a great shot of our preppy bunch posing in the chapter room of our sorority house! Promise, we'll talk more tomorrow ....

Preppy Wedding Tissues

In an attempt to find my readers the most appealing wedding related products out there, I routinely search the wedding bible sites (the knot, wedding bee, brides.com). One of the reasons I started this blog was because when visiting the chat areas of these sites I felt they were way too detail oriented and I didn't like the exaspiration that implied not having a bathroom basket was tantamount to FAILING your guests.

For the record, I did have a bathroom basket and at the end of the night, some guests thought it would be cool to steal everything from them! The funniest part is that they woke up the next morning to find their purses filled with brush-ups, a mini bottle of hairspray and a few hundered toothpicks.

So, I can't really believe I'm posting this. But, I think it's cool so deal!

Our friends at Kleenex are now offering a personalized tissue cubes for very special occasions. Sounds cheesy, I know, but take a look. Wouldn't this be super cute monogrammed or with a cute saying for your wedding?