Welcome Your Guests With A Basket

Many of your wedding guests will most likely need to travel a bit to attend your celebration. If this is the case, it is a hospitable gesture to welcome them and thank them by placing a welcome basket in their hotel room (or personally deliver it if you have time)!


The contents of the basket are entirely up to you, but here are a few fun ideas:

A personal note welcoming the guests to your town is a must! Be sure it is hand-written.

Some bottled water and light snacks will be appreciated by tired travelers. Perhaps choose foods that are unique to your local area!

If you are a fabulous baker, feel free to include a few homemade cookies or muffins!

If you wish, a bottle of local wine could be included!

Maps and brochures from the surrounding area will help your guests to plan and enjoy their free time! Feel free to attach hand written notes offering advice!

Tickets to a local event or activity (even if they are just complimentary passes) will inspire your guests to explore the area a bit!

Welcome baskets do not have to be lavish and expensive! They are simply a way to let your guests know that you greatly appreciate the time and effort it took them to attend your wedding.

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Creating A Wedding Budget

Before making any major decisions about your wedding, you will need to work out a realistic budget. Whether you and your fiancé are footing the bill yourselves, or your parents are throwing the party for you, you will need to look at numbers.

Instead of creating “rules” on how much to spend on each aspect of the wedding, it is best to look at the overall budget first and work out what percentage of the budget should be spent on each item.

Here is a suggested starting point:

Food and beverages: 30%

Flowers and décor: 15%

Extra Cushion: 10%

Entertainment: 10%

Venue Rental: 8%

Lighting and sound: 5%

Tipping: 5%

Photo and video: 4%

Cake: 3%

Printed materials: 2%

Transportation: 2%

Hair and makeup: 2%

Wedding gown: 2%

Accessories: 2%

Now, don’t panic! You are not locked into these exact percentages! As you go about your wedding planning, you may find that you discover some wonderful bargains! Maybe you get a great deal on your wedding stationery, or you realize that lighting and sound is actually included at your venue.

As you make these discoveries, you can shift some of your spending to things that are important to you. For instance, a fashionista could spend a higher percentage of the budget on her gown.

You may also realize that you need to add some items. I did not include the rehearsal dinner or tuxedos on this budget plan- you may wish to include them.

The important thing is to stay in control of your budget and be attentive to creating a balance that works for you!

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Wedding Gown Sizing: The Truth


Ok…so you have finally found your dream wedding gown. Your sales consultant at the bridal boutique is all ready to measure you and order the fabulous frock you have selected. You are expertly measured and ready to order.

Everything seems to be going smoothly until she whips out the designer’s size chart and informs you which size should be ordered. Many brides are shocked to learn that the wedding gown size recommended is a bit larger than the size they would normally purchase when shopping at the mall.
This humbling experience is very commonplace. As your official wedding diva, I am going to give you the real scoop on this scenario.

Bridal designers are not using the same “vanity” size charts as your favorite department store and mall shop designers! Wedding gown designers are traditionalists in the world of sizing. They do NOT update their size charts every few months in order to make customers feel more slender.

Your bridal consultant most likely recorded your height and your bust, waist, and hip measurements. In most cases, your wedding gown will need to be ordered in the size that accommodates your largest measurement.

So, for example, if you are slightly pear shaped, your hip measurement will place you in a larger size than your bust and waist measurements would. You should order that larger size, knowing that you will need to have a seamstress alter the bust and waist areas. This technique will allow you to have the most customized, appropriate fit.

Although it is tempting to be bothered by ordering your gown in a larger size than you are used to wearing, do not size down! If you lose weight, a seamstress can easily alter the dress to be a smaller size. No bride needs the stress of her dress being too tight just because she was inclined to order a small size!
Plus, we also need to remember that alterations to make a garment larger are much more expensive than adjustments to make it smaller.

My final wedding diva tip on sizing: if you have to order your dream wedding gown in a size that does not excite you, just cut the size tag out of the dress! Nobody will know and you will still look fabulous!
For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Selecting Wedding Flowers: Top Considerations

Selecting wedding flowers should be fun, but it is not always a simple process. When making your choices in bouquets and decorative flowers, be sure to consider the following:
Time of year: Be aware of what flowers are in season, as this could impact costs and availability!
Location: Not every look is appropriate for every location. A rustic vineyard should be adorned differently than a country club ballroom!
Color schemes: Ask you florist for ideas if you are more concerned with colors and tones than exact flowers.
Favorite flowers: Are there flowers that are sentimental to you (or your family) personally? Incorporate them!
Mood: Will your wedding be on a beach? Will it be an evening candle-lit affair?
Personal style: Is your wedding going for a casual country vibe? A modern, clean sophistication?
Budget: Be honest about you want to spend. The average bride uses 5%-10% of the wedding budget for flowers.
It is important that brides define their wedding visions and bring pictures, swatches, or anything which could help the florist to understand the look they desire. Do not be afraid to speak up and ask lots of questions when meeting with the wedding florist.The florist needs to understand a bride’s dream in order to make it come true!
For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Wedding Stationery: Create Your Personal Brand

Wedding stationery may seem like a minor wedding detail, but it is actually an important aspect to your overall event concept. Wedding stationery is a couple’s first opportunity to delve into the “personal branding” of their big day.
Sound overly serious and corporate? It isn’t. Personal branding just means that the engaged couple is closely planning the overall look and concept of their wedding day, and that they are making sure that every aspect of the day is appropriate and recognizable.
Generally speaking, the “save the date” cards are a wedding guest’s first glimpse into the style and personal branding of the engaged couple. These are traditionally sent out very early (well before the invitations), making it critical for the bride and groom to develop their personal branding well in advance.
For example, if a bride and groom are planning a lush, tropical-themed wedding featuring hot pink and orange flowers and exotic palm trees, the save the date cards should reflect this look. In this instance, sending out sleek black and white save the date cards will not help to build the excitement surrounding the event like theme/color –based ones could.
Of course, not every wedding has a theme, but the overall look and vibe must still be considered. For example, before ordering stationery, consider the following:
Color scheme: Be sure the wedding stationery reflects the exact color scheme of your event. Everything should tie together flawlessly!
Font: Be choosy about your font! Fonts have the power to create a mood and a style. Some are fun and whimsical, others are elegant and simple.
Formality: Your stationery should give guests a clue about your event. A beach wedding should have beachy wedding stationary. An elegant black tie affair should have traditional, classically beautiful stationery.
Texture/fabrics: Many couples are now using wedding stationery with a bit of texture, whether it be upscale fabrics, or eco-friendly recycled papers.
Personalized touches: A popular trend is to incorporate personal photographs into the wedding stationery. Use a fun engagement picture on the save the date cards; for thank you cards, pose on the day of the wedding holding signs that say “Thank” and “you!” for an adorably stylish and thoughtful touch.
For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Wedding Planning Tips

Most brides have dreamed of the perfect wedding with all the lavish touches being a part of the scenario. What is going to happen to those dreams during these difficult financial times?

Even on a smaller budget, your wedding can still be the beautiful day that you have been dreaming about for years. There are many steps to consider in achieving your goals in planning a wedding, and the first one is to hire a wedding planner.  In today’s economy, it is more important than ever to have someone on your side during contract negotiations and to secure the correct vendors. A planner can help you save money in the end.

With the budget that you give to your planner, he or she will be able to show you the best way to stretch every dollar enabling you to have the most important aspects of your special day incorporated within it. He or she can give you tips on where to cut and save, and which vendors can match your price point and deliver quality service. Remember, vendors respect planners and coordinators as we bring them repeat business. Planners have working relationships with venues and vendors, thus allowing them to get you the best “deals!”

Whether you just hire a planner for an hourly consultation to give you budgeting advice, or to help plan the entire wedding, they have a wealth of information about how to save and where to splurge to share with you.  Most importantly, they can help take away the stress that these times may bring and allow you to enjoy your special day!

Myrna Grossman is an experienced wedding coordinator with For All Occasions. For more information, call 703-222-5912 or go to www.fao-events.com.

Reception Planning Tips

Choosing a reception venue is a big part of creating your wedding vision and one of the most important choices. Whether it be a hotel ballroom or a tented party in your backyard, it reflects the tone that you are seeking for your special day.  It will also have an impact on the size of your guest list.


As you work toward finding the venue, keep in mind what may also be required to create the feel you would like. Typically, a hotel venue will include linens and china in their rental fee, whereas, a banquet hall or tented facility will have expenses to rent tables, chairs and any other piece of equipment necessary to make your day complete.
What about reception style?


You may choose a cocktail reception or a plated dinner.  At a cocktail reception, many couples feel the need to still do a four hour party which is not necessary. The typical cocktail reception lasts two to two and one half hours.  Here you can control the amount of alcohol which is consumed as well as limiting the amount of food required.


If you choose to do a buffet, remember to make it double sided, and realize costs may go up as more food is needed.
Some couples are opting for a combo of both types of events which offer waiter passed drinks and canapes with the addition of several stations.  No matter which type of reception style you choose, please do have a chair for every guest. Nobody likes to stand for even a short time.


A more formal wedding requires a plated, sit-down meal service. Wine is usually served with dinner, with an open bar for most of the 4 to 5 hour party.


Tips to consider when planning a wedding reception within budget:


  • People tend to take less food when it is being passed by wait staff.

  • Although difficult to do, cut the guest list from the beginning to keep within your budget.

  • You may want to consider a morning ceremony followed by a brunch. This will allow you to offer a specialty drink instead of incurring alcohol costs. Of course, if you prefer bar service, think about serving only wine and beer, or creating a fun signature drink to be served.

  • Consider hiring a professional planner who has a wealth of ideas on how you can minimize costs without sacrificing your style.


Myrna Grossman is an experienced wedding coordinator with For All Occasions. For more information, call 703-222-5912 or go to www.fao-events.com.

Understanding Wedding Gown Alterations

H ave you ever noticed how every bride looks perfect in her wedding dress? One word: alterations! Most brides cringe at the thought of alterations — what has to be done, how much will it cost, etc.? At Blush, we work closely with two seamstresses that make the alterations process run smoothly and ensure your dress will fit like a dream.

Two common alterations are hem and straps. Hems need to be cut to match the height of your shoes so be sure to bring them to your fitting. Also, if your dress has straps, you will most likely have to have them adjusted to provide maximum support and comfort. If you have a strapless gown, you may need alterations in the bust or waist. Strapless dresses get their support from the waist, which is how it is held up on your body.

Approximately two months prior to your wedding we will schedule your first fitting with the seamstress. You will need your bra, petticoat and shoes for the fittings. The gown will be fitted to you wearing the undergarments and shoes.

It is very important that you are sure to eat and be hydrated prior to your fittings. This may seem like an odd request, but you will be standing in one place for an extended amount of time while your gown is being pinned. A typical first fitting will take approximately an hour.

In addition to eating prior to your appointment, be sure that you do not lock your knees while standing. We have, on occasion, had brides feel lightheaded or pass out during fittings. Our seamstress will remind you of these and other tips when you meet with her.

For an alterations appointment, call Blush at 703-753-8303.

Wedding Reception Food Trends for 2012

Wedding receptions are changing with the times, and brides and grooms are having a great time experimenting with new trends in food and drink choices!

Gone are the days of every reception offering a simple plated meal followed by wedding cake. Couples today want personalized menu choices that are fun, delicious, and reflect their personalities.

Small bites and appetizers are becoming more varied and substantial. Some couples even allow the small bites and cocktails to steal the spotlight and choose to forgo a formal meal altogether. Of course, the appetizers should be both hearty and plentiful if this choice is made.

Some popular appetizers / hors d’oeuvres include mini crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, brie in puff pastry, empanadas, mini skewers and kabobs, and crostini.

Another fun trend right now (that can easily be incorporated into your appetizer menu) is the concept of small bites in edible “carriers”. In other words, serve foods that do not leave the guest left holding a toothpick, utensil, or other item once the small bite is consumed. A few examples include crab dip served in edible spoons, Caesar salad bites in parmesan crusted phyllo cups, or shrimp and avocado salsa served in pastry cups.

Signature cocktails are also a fabulous way to make a reception or cocktail hour special. Many caterers will work with couples to create a drink that appeals to their taste buds and matches their desired color scheme. Don’t be afraid to give your signature drink a clever name. Some examples: how about a “Smith-tini” at the Smith wedding or a “Miller-politan” at the Miller wedding?

Another way to keep guests socializing and enjoying themselves is to offer food stations where they can customize their own delicious choices. Some fun ideas for stations include mashed potato bars (offer different types of potatoes in martini glasses and toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, butter, ham, scallions, etc.), pasta bars (offer different shapes, sauces, vegetables, cheeses), or stir fry bars (offer different meats, seafoods, sauces, vegetables, rices).

Food stations are also a natural choice for desserts! Try an ice-cream sundae bar, cookie bar, or candy buffet! Guests will have a great time creating their desserts and chatting about their choices with the other guests!

A final food trend worth talking about is the inclusion of nostalgic comfort foods in the wedding reception menu. Couples are no longer afraid to offer their favorite foods like chicken tenders, mini-hamburgers, French fries, and macaroni and cheese at their formal wedding receptions. In most instances, this can add a fun element to the cocktail hour as long as the foods are presented in an appropriately elegant manner.

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Host an Amazing Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are a traditional and fun part of any bride’s wedding preparations. The typical shower involves a ladies’ luncheon and lots of shower gifts, but some hostesses are going the extra mile and coming up with more creative and interesting ideas for their parties! Here are a few ideas to make things both fresh and fun.

Go retro!

Ok, maybe you like the typical formula for an old-school bridal shower. Go with it! Plan lots of fun games, serve retro cocktails (whiskey sours, anyone?), and serve classic appetizers like meatballs and mini-quiches. Looking for a place to purchase the perfect bridal shower games or favors? Check out http://www.americanbridal.com/brshac.html

Go somewhere fun!

Bridal showers do not have to be held in Mom’s living room! A restaurant or country club can offer a “mini-getaway” for the guests. Another idea is to do a spa trip, visit a winery, see a show, tour a museum, or even visit a fun outdoor attraction like a zoo! All of these offbeat locations will usually offer space to accommodate your gathering once the activities are over.

Learn something new!

Everyone loves to learn something new, but few people actually make the time to do it! Why not incorporate a learning activity into your shower plan? Your friends could learn to scrapbook from a pro, learn to mix your wedding’s signature drink from a bartender, learn new recipes from a chef and cook a meal together, or even learn something like flower arranging or calligraphy. Be creative and give shower guests a new skill!

Bring your best dish!

Potluck parties may sound like a dull idea, but if every guest brings her best dish and provides the bride with the recipe (and maybe the wine that best goes with the dish, or some kitchen tools to help her make it), everyone will have an amazing time!

Regardless of what style of shower you are planning, just be sure everyone knows what is planned so they can dress appropriately!

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.