2012 Summer Trends

BRIGHT COLORS

The colors of the 2012 Summer Season include tangerine, fuschia, yellow and grey. The Knot recommends picking just two colors, or maybe two plus an accent, to avoid having too many colors in competition on the palette. You can make a bold and dramatic statemate by using pops of brightly toned fabric, flowers, and decor in the right way! HuffPost Weddings featured a great tip from BrideRush.com's Anita Malik - an affordable way for you to bring color into your reception is by adding bright straws, drinks, or glasses.

Ranunculus

According to jessicaswedding.com the Ranunculus will be big this summer. From the pictures below, it makes perfect sense. The bright, summery colors fit right in with the 2012 trends.

Eco Friendly

There are plenty of ways to be trendy and earth friendly at the same time! From your pre-wedding save the dates and invites to the centerpieces that your guests can take home with them, you can show your love for the environment and your future spouse!

1. Use recycled paper and natural ink for your invites, programs, etc.

2. You can use locally grown herbs in your centerpieces and decor. Have them in recycled or recyclable containers and allow guests to take them with them as they go!

3. Antique/heirloom rings. Using jewelry that has been passed down through generations is a great idea, not only for the sentimental value and significance, but also because no virgin metals are used in the process.

Romantic

Many of the trend spotters out there suggest that this is a trend inspired by last year's royal wedding, but no matter what started it, brides are opting for sophisticated, classic dresses with lace and long sleeves. Read more from TLC Weddings.

The romance trend is found outside of the dress department too. Voyage NYC predicts that you'll see plenty of it in the centerpieces and florals this summer... "Birds, butterflies, ferns and branches."

And don't forget the hair! Wedding Timmins highlights the vintage/old hollywood glam hair that is trending along side the classic, vintage dress. This look is completed by pinning loose finger curls off to one side. There is also a "big" hair trend accompanied by unique accessories - thank you extensions!

The Beach

Beach and garden themes are popular in the summer. And why not? "The sun is shining, the weather is sweet..." But you can make this theme extra special by making it specific to particular beach. Maybe one you frequented as a child? Your honeymoon destination? 

Wine Smoothies

Try something a little out of the ordinary for your signature drink! The Knot suggests serving a, "fruity wine blended with ice and fruits of your choice." Cool, refreshing, and unexpected!

Jeweled Bouquet

Did someone say sparkly? Flowers are wonderful, but the modern bride is not limited to one option on any aspect of the wedding today. A great alternative to the floral bouque is the brooch bouquet. TLC Weddings says that you can make your own or have a company that specializes in high-end, custom bouquets design one for you. These can incorporate family heirlooms or any pieces you would like to showcase!

LINKS
http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings/summer-weddings/articles/8-hot-summer-wedding-trends.aspx
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/03/wedding-trends_n_1474812.html
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/weddings/10-summer-wedding-trends-for-modern-brides.htm
http://www.weddingtimmins.com/hair-trends-for-summer-weddings-2012
http://www.voyagenyc.com/blog/best-wedding-trends-for-springsummer-2012-romantic-florals
http://voices.yahoo.com/wedding-trends-spring-summer-2012-11274206.html?cat=23
http://www.thecentercincinnati.com

11 Steps in the Last Stages of Planning

You've completed the 11 Starting Steps in planning your wedding. Then you breezed through 11 More Steps in the wedding planning process. You won't be done after this next set either :) but you are getting so close... You'll be married before you know it!

With only a few weeks to go, here are some of the things you should cross off your list:

Step 1 - Obtain marriage license with fiance.

Step 2 - Pick up wedding rings with fiance.

Step 3 - Make changes to insurance policies, banking information, wills and other legal documents.

Step 4 - Select wedding present for bride/groom.

Step 5 - Make sure you have all wedding accessories - toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, guestbook, etc.

Step 6 - Reconfirm accommodations for out of town guests.

Step 7 - Finalize rehearsal and rehearsal dinner plans.

Step 8 - Finalize photography plans (Don't forget about the Flow Chart  from the Independent Wedding Association that we featured in our Charting the way to "I Do" blog post!) and work with your stylist on hair and make-up w/veil and accessories for the day of the wedding.

Step 9 - Give your final guest count to the caterer and/or hotel.

Step 10 - Assemble your wedding attire.

Step 11 - Make sure that all wedding gratuties and checks for balances due have been sent to vendors.

Bride and Groom Planner has updated the Timeline for planning! Check it out for an even more detailed list of what to do throughout the planning process, along with great tips like having a list of people giving toasts and remembering to break in your shoes before the day of the wedding!

Stay tuned to our blog for what steps to take the week of the wedding!

Get to Know: Jeff Thomas Catering

See below for our Q&A with Jeff Thomas, owner of Jeff Thomas Catering!

Background:

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: My business will be 27 years old in July. Ironically, one of my very first events was my sister's wedding. It was in the atrium outside "The Center" in 1985. But the irony continues as my niece will be married at The Center on Saturday, November 3rd and they will share their future anniversaries with Dad and Mom... (My brother and sister-in-law.)

Q: Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
A: We're located at 815 Oak Street in Ludlow, KY. We serve the tri-state region, but happily we go outside of the region. The only additional expense is driving time for staff.

Q: What types of events do you cater?
A: Weddings are a huge part of our market, but we also cater corporate events, special parties like bar and bat mitzvahs, major birthdays, not-for profit fundraiser's and intimate home gatherings. Most tend to be upscale in nature wehn clients need not only a high quality of cuisine, but also a high quality of service. Events range from seated affairs to buffets, stations and appetizer gatherings.

Q: How does the process of creating a custom menu work for clients?
A: As the owner of the company, I personally meet the client at the venue for the first encounter. At that meeting, I set the stage. We discuss floor plans, theater of the evening, what end result the client is looking to achieve and plan the menu. My background is an MBA in marketing which comes in handy for arriving at the clients needs. All proposals are e-mailed within 48 hours. The service from our office staff is stellar and a very important part of dotting i's and crossing t's which keeps bad "theater" from happening the night of the very important occasion.

Work in The Center:

Q: What do you like about the venue?
A: First, it's kinda where I grew up!! I have very fond memories when it was the former Contemporary Arts Center. Past that, the space is so user friendly. With the variety of room sizes the flexibility is amazing. For corporate events, the various room sizes make it user friendly for break-out sessions, yet [there is also] a room large enough for 300 for general assembly or dining. For social affairs, it's nice having the separate reception area with the very cool fiber-optic lighting before entering teh main dining room. Also, the main dining room can be closed off to save the "wow" factor when entering. For weddings, the ceremony can happen in the main dining room and then guests are ushered into the reception area while the room is transformed with the dining tables. The other great feature is the view of Fountain Square. It keeps the pulse of the city within reach. The staff at the facility are very accommodating and friendly. They react quickly to interested parties and schedule appointments in a very timely manner. This is a real plus and assurance that they will be attending to every detail. Finally, the fact that The Center is undecorated leaves the options endless. So many center's are so very restricting that way!!

Q: If you could throw any event at The Center, what menu would you create?
A: If I was creating a menu for my own party at The Center, it would probably be my new stations menu where everything is served in a martini glass. My staff does the plate up; the starch, vegetable and protein are all in the glass. Guests casually pick them up at their leisure. There's no wait and guests spend more time having fun than standing in lines.

Menu

Passed Hors d'oeuvres - Choose 3 of 8

Cheeseburger Wontons with Carmelized Onion and 3 Pepper Ketchup

Crab and St. Andre Grilled Cheese

Feta Artichoke Puffs with Tomato Pepper Jam

Goat Cheese Wontons with Apricot Red Chili Sauce

Pesto Pizza with Brie and Sundried Tomato

Shot Glasses of Cantaloupe Gazpacho

Shot Glasses of Italian Wedding Soup

Tuna Tartare on Guacamole Toast

Salad Station: Choose 4 of the Following

Chopped Caprese Salad with Pesto

White Corn and Bluberries with Honey Lime and Cumin

Sugar Snap Peas with Peaches in Apricot REd Chili Dressing

Chopped Romaine with Mandarin Orange, Tomato and Hearts of Palm with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Mixed Greens with Strawberry, Avocado, Grapefruit, Feta and Toastad Almonds with Balsamic Vinagrette

Mixed Greens with Gilled Pears, Sun-dried Cranberries, Toasted Walnuts and Feta with Balsamic Vinagrette

Baby Arugla with Grilled Asparagus, Beets Toasted Walnuts and Blue Cheese with Balsamic Vinagrette

Classic Caesar Salad

Classic Greek Salad

Asian Slaw

Choose 2 of the Following

(All Served with stem-less martini glasses)

Mexican Station I

Shredded Chicken Mole on White Cheddar Green Chilli Macaroni Chees with Kitchen Fried Tortilla

French Station II

Red Wine and Braised Short Ribs on Aligot Potatoes with Grilled Asparagus Garnish

Asian Station III

(Choose 2 of 4)

Pad Thai

Vegetable, Shrimp, Chicken or Beef

Indian Station IV

(Choose 2 of 3)

Spinach Masala, Chicken Makhani or Lamb Curry

On Basmati Rice with Currants and Edamame Garnish with Grilled Nan Bread

Italian Station V

Cheese Totellini in Pesto Marinara with Calamata Olives, Roasted Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Choice of Grilled Chicken Strips or Meatballs

Garnished with Garlic Bread Stick

Station VI

Lamb or Chicken Tajine on

7 Vegetable Couscous with Charmoula Sauce

Visit http://www.jeffthomascatering.com/ now!

The Center Advertisement

Check out The Center in Bride and Groom Planner!

Save the Date! Unique Ideas

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard Save the Date card. It arrives in the mail, it gets your point across (the point being that you're getting married on a specific date and your guests better not make other plans) and it allows you to let them know that a formal invitation will follow. Simple. Straightforward. Usually printed on Stationery... But, in the day and age of the modern Bride and Groom and the custom event, there are plenty of unique alternatives.

The Photo -

Photo from personalizationmall.com

A break from the traditional stationery, yet still classic and oh, so cute! You can't go wrong with the Save the Date featuring the engaged couple in picture perfect form. This option also lets you customize the template and get creative by using your engagement pictures, old yearbook photos or even pictures from your childhood!

The Magnet -

Photo from savethedatemagnet.com

Where do many of the notecard and printed-photo Save the Date's end up? Displayed on the refrigerator next to your cousin's A+ book report or your fiance's best friend's grocery list. The Magnetic Save the Date eliminates the need for an additional magnet and allows your announcement to cling to the refrigerator all on its own! It can even be used in place of those timeless ABC magnets to hold up Aunt So-and-so's bills! 

The Flowchart -

Flowchart from minted.com

Who can resist a good chart! Enough said.

The View Master -

Remember these? They're making a comeback and there is nothing wrong with reinventing the reel! Couples are now using the view masters for engagement pictures, Save the Dates, invitations, and to remember their favorite wedding moments for years to come! Check out the weddingwindow.com blog for more creative ideas using the view master.

The Comic Book -

 

From offbeatbride.com

From orangerieevents.com

The comic book save the date is a great way to personalize your Save the Date and share part of your story. It is a unique and memorable idea.

for The Nerd in all of us -

The flowchart and comic above were both ideas featured by Megan Finley in her December 8, 2012 blog post, "Nerdy Save the Dates to get your geeky wedding started off right!" There are plenty more on the blog, but I've included a few more of my favorites below.



From Kembra Celebrations

What an awesome way of repurposing outdated technology?!

Love it!

Cool Ideas Found on Pinterest -

There are always fun and creative ideas on pinterest. You can search for yourself or see some of our favorites below. We've repinned even more on The Center's Cool Wedding Ideas board!   

The Balloon! -

Just like the view master and even the flowchart, the "Please inflate the Balloon" adds a fun, different, and interactive element to the Save the Date.

The Matches -

Unique, functional, and clever too!

The Koozie -

Great idea for a Save the Date or Wedding favor! It is something that your guests can use and also a nice momento to remind them of your special day!

Thank you for reading our blog and remember that you can also find us on Facebook. We'd Love it if you'd Like us while you're there! :) 

Get to Know: All Occasions Event Rental

Background:

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: All Occasions Event Rental has been in business for 33 years.

Q: Where are you located?

A: We are located in Evendale at 10629 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH  45241

Q: What (geographical) areas do you serve? 

A: We predominately serve the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky market but have recently done many beautiful events in Lexington and Louisville.

Q: For what types of events do you provide rentals? 

A: All Occasions provides rentals for many types of events including corporate events, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, showers, graduation parties, company picnics, birthdays and the list goes on.

Q: How many people are on staff? 

A: We employ approximately 30-50 people, depending on the time of year.

Q: What are your specialties (products, selling points, etc.)? 

A: All Occasions prides itself on the large selection of inventory that we have available on site including specialty linens, décor items, tables, chairs, tents, catering equipment, lounge furniture and more. We have an experienced, friendly staff that is here to help create the best possible event with the ability to offer assistance in event design and layout.  All Occasions also has 24/7 emergency service line to respond to last minute event situations. 

Be sure to visit our spacious showroom to see our wide array of merchandise before planning your next event. 

Show room hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 5:00 and Saturday, 8:30 – 12:00.

For more information, visit the All Occasions website at www.aorents.com    

Photo courtesy of Kortnee Kate Photography

Work in The Center:

Q: What do you like most about the venue?   
A: I love the fact that The Center is so neutral; a blank pallet with endless options to alter and enhance the space. As a rental company, that is a dream come true because we have so many products to transform the space to the customer's vision.



See for Yourself:

All Occasions' collection of rental furniture and decor can bring any event to life. See below for amazing images of events, brought together using items from the All Occasions inventory!

Tuesdays - Market on the Square

Tomorrow kicks off the 5^th annual Market on the Square. Each Tuesday for the next 21 weeks, Fountain Square will turn into a market from 11:00AM – 2:00 PM. The market will feature items like fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and handmade items.  Hundreds of shoppers and visitors will be drawn to Fountain Square from May 1st until September 25th.

For more information click HERE

    Photo: www.myfountainsquare.com