Everlasting Occasions

Birdseed wedding favor hearts

2012-03-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of giving favors that can be used instead of being tossed aside and forgotten about. What better way to solve that problem than by giving gifts that your guests can in turn re-gift to nature?

Make birdseed hearts. What a sweet idea that will not break the bank. Perfect for an outdoorsy wedding!

Yellow is a happy color for a very happy day!

2012-02-28T12:41:00.003-08:00

With Spring making it's way into our lives early, yellow is the perfect way to get the drab feeling of Winter out of your wedding color pallet. Yellow can be paired with grey, teal, or navy to mix themes up a bit. You're sure to have a happy day when you use such a happy color. Have a lemonade stand at your reception...who doesn't love a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade on a warm day?

Sources:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231265/50-great-wedding-cakes/@center/272419/youre-engaged#/107231

http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/220015

http://styleunveiled.com/wedding-inspiration/yellow-wedding-inspiration-portland-wedding-paragon-restaura.html

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/04/11/hoffman-photography-modern-yellow-wedding/

http://blog.brancoprata.com/2011/09/06/real-wedding-angela-e-manuel/

http://ritzybee.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/04/details-we-are-loving.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2FZlhs+%28%7Britzy+bee+blog%7D%29

When life gives you lemons...

2012-02-22T18:56:00.004-08:00

Make lemonade! What a cute idea for a reception!

Epsom Salt Luminaries - DIY

2012-02-21T11:33:00.003-08:00

While browsing Pinterest(again... surprise!), I came across a very simple, VERY cheap project. Epsom salt luminaries are so pretty and can be made in any color. Perfect for any season, mason jars covered in this versatile mineral can be used for center pieces, quick gifts, and for home decor. Crafts by Amanda gives step-by-step instructions on how to assemble these pretty little jars. I would love to make these using old Starbucks frap glass bottles. Go to the dollar store and get funky shaped vases and bowls to experiment with. Goodwill is a great place to look for old mason jars and simple glass vases.

Picture using these jars for a nighttime beach wedding. How pretty.

Wedding Pomander

2012-02-17T20:19:00.003-08:00

Pinterest led me to an easy DIY decoration: wedding pomanders. Wedding pomanders can be used to decorate the venue or for the flower girl to carry down the aisle. Traditionally, pomanders are made of flowers, but who's to say you can't make it out of pretty scrapbook paper so it will last forever? Here is a great step by step guide to making your own pomander. This guide has pictures to follow, and easy instructions. Customize by using your wedding colors and different kinds of scrapbook paper. This would be a fun activity for the bride to do with her bridesmaids! Enjoy!

Cut back your budget with little things!

2012-02-15T19:10:00.002-08:00

Generally, wedding dresses are floor length or longer. Who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of shoes to wear on your big day that may not bee seen, and even worse, probably hurt so bad you wish you'd never bought them in the first place?! I sure don't! Here's an alternative: TOMS. TOMS has a gigantic selection of colors and sizes to choose from, and they are super comfy. The shoes range in price from $40 and up. Another perk? For every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. How awesome is that? I have a pair, and they are the most comfortable shoes I own. Be daring and buy a pair of bright pink of blue to wear on the big day! Make a statement, and don't break the bank in the process. Go for a pair of shoes you know you'll end up wearing again.

Color of the year: Tangerine!

2012-02-14T19:41:00.002-08:00

Pantone's color of the year for 2012 is "Tangerine Tango."

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

What a fun color! Tangerine can be downplayed, or it can be the center of attention. Work off the theme of tangerines, and serve tangerine martinis and have tangerine flavored cupcakes. How yummy!

Avoid last minute blunders.

2012-02-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

The bride and her bridesmaids are always giddy about what they're wearing. They make trip after trip to try on their dresses and make sure alterations have been done properly, and that colors match. Women pay close attention to every detail, so that the big day will go on hopefully without any mishaps.

Wouldn't it be awful if some details weren't paid attention to so closely? The Knot has a few comical blunders to read on their webpage. Make sure you don't end up like the folks in one of those stories. Put someone in charge to go over special last minute details, like checking the groomsmen's tuxedos to make sure pieces aren't missing, or that the best man doesn't have two left shoes Make checklists for everyone in your wedding party to make sure they have the essentials.

Here's an idea: put the maid of honor in charge of getting a day-of survival kit in order. The survival kit can include things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, gum, deodorant, lip gloss/chap stick, make-up remover, Tylenol, a mini first-aid kit, and a few protein filled snacks (because believe it or not, people may get busy enough that they'll forget to eat!). Customize the survival kit to weather and location. Include sunscreen if the venue is outdoors for those who are fair-skinned, and allergy medication if you're having a wedding in the Spring (that pollen can make someone's day bad in a matter of seconds). Someone will appreciate the though put into the idea, and the goodies in the kit will come in handy for sure.

DIY centerpieces that are easy and cheap!

2012-02-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Isn't this adorable?! Super easy too. You can make this using supplies you probably have laying around. Chelsea over at two twenty one gives a step-by-step tutorial and lists all the supplies you might need. You can make these in all different shapes and sizes, and change out the peas for other pretty accents, like cranberries, or kumquats. Placing strands of pearls (which you can get at craft stores) would be a nice touch for a bridal luncheon.

If used for a wedding reception, keep a handful to decorate your home with during different seasons. Scout the secondhand shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Estate and garage sales will have some promising finds in lou of vases and candle holders too. What a fun, potentially cheap idea!

Lowcountry Venue

2012-02-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Savannah is home to beautiful winding rivers, mysterious Spanish moss, and exquisite overhanging oaks. There are beautiful stories behind most of our landmarks in Savannah, and the natural beauty that surrounds us is overwhelming. Bethesda home and school for boys is home to a cute little chapel- Whitefield Chapel- and is close to the water. The grounds are beautiful, and the road leading to the main area is framed by hundreds of Oaks. Many brides here in Savannah opt to have their ceremony in Whitfield Chapel and travel to a second location for the reception to dance the night away.

Whitfield Chapel
Savannah's own Paula Deen was married here! The chapel allows light to flow in through the expansive windows, which makes for great pictures. Take pictures by the water after the ceremony with your other half afterward!

The cost of an average wedding & ideas on how to have a lavish wedding without the lavish price tag!

2012-02-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

While browsing through Pinterest, I came upon a very interesting diagram. The average cost of a wedding in the United States will shock you! When you look at everything on the same page like the diagram below, it really puts cost into perspective. Thank goodness DIY is so popular and weddings are only as expensive as you want them to be. How much do you plan on spending? Does your budget match the average costs?

Here's an idea: instead of having a sit down dinner for your guests, have a wine, cheese, and cracker reception. It's potentially cheaper than a dinner could be- depending on your budget- and the idea is that your guests aren't at the reception to fill themselves up, but they're there to celebrate the union of two very special people and their families. Choose three to five different cheeses and pair them with different wines. Wine and beer would be the only choices for alcoholic beverages, but that would be enough. This is especially wonderful if you live near a specialty food store and could potentially get a good deal for cheeses in bulk! Have a light desert and that makes for a lovely late afternoon reception.

Green with Envy

2012-02-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

Top left: Table setting
Top middle left: Elegant cake with flowers
Top middle right: Sweet, simple bouquet
Top right: Cupcakes
Bottom left: Birdcage
Bottom middle: Lush reception decor
Bottom right: Bridesmaids dresses

Bridesmaids in a fuss?

2012-02-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

There are some cases in which bridesmaids cause a fuss about one aspect of your wedding that they think they can control: what they're wearing. There are so many options available in an array of beautiful colors, but ultimately there will always be one person who will be unhappy with the choice in attire you choose.

Here is an idea: Pick the color or combination of colors and materials that you want your girls to choose from. Decide between long and short dresses, and let your girls pick the style! You'll alleviate some stress this way, and the girls can let their personalities shine through in the dress of their choice. A happy wedding party is easy to achieve this way, and a happy wedding party equals a happy wedding day!

Everyone loves S'mores!

2012-02-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well, at least I do! Edible favors are a practical idea, because they will most likely not go to waste, and everyone loves a good treat. There are creative ways to package s'more ingredients. Twig &Thistle has a cute idea on their blog, and Merry Brides has adorable ideas too. Be creative and use different types of chocolate. Stick with the classic Hershey bar, or go with something with a little zing, such as a raspberry chocolate bar, or hazelnut... yummy!

Giving S'more favors out would be ideal for an outdoor wedding, it adds to the outdoorsy feel and brings back childhood memories. If there's anything guests will love, it is the simplicity of childhood memories-seeing the smile on their faces will be so worth it. The plus? If your guests forget their gifts, you'll have treats left over to enjoy for a while!

Out of town guests?

2012-02-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

No problem! Savannah has plenty of activities to keep guests busy. Savannah is known for it's lush historic charm, and the hospitality this fine city has to offer, but did you know that this charming city has a dark side too? Savannah is one of the most haunted cities, known for its juicy stories behind some of its' hauntings. Places like Bonaventure cemetery and The Pirates House offer a first hand look into the past. Your guests could even go on a haunted pub crawl, and learn some quirky facts about Savannah's history!!

Not interested in a walking tour? Here is an alternative that would be better served in a vehicle.

Sounds quirky, huh? It would be fun - your guests can tour the city by trolley during day and get a completely different view of the city by night.

Pushy in-laws?

2012-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

Having trouble planning because of pushy in-laws? You're definitely not the first. It's almost a given that both sets of parents will want in on the planning, and soon it will become overwhelming when you've got the in-laws suggesting to do this with the guest list, or that with the centerpieces. Here's an idea: give the in-laws a special project that they can be in charge of. Just make sure all confirmations go through you. It is important that everyone involved in the wedding feels important, especially the parents and the in-laws. If they want to help, that's wonderful for you! Think of it more as a stress reliever by having them at your side. They'll love it, and you'll have a chance to have a few bonding moments in the process! Happy planning!

Pretty in Peach

2012-01-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

Peach is a delicate color that can be used as a bright, pop in your wedding, or as a subtle touch of sweetness. You can play on the theme of a peach, using the fruit itself to decorate tables and incorporate into favors. There are so many hues to choose from within the realm of peach - different hues and tones go nicely together. Wouldn't it be yummy to have peach cupcakes and peach Bellinis? How refreshing!

Top left: Pretty bouquet
Top, second to left: Peach place setting and invitation
Top, second to right: Center piece
Top right: Delicious cupcakes
Bottom left: Groomsmen in peach shirts
Bottom middle: Stylish fabric flowers
Bottom right: Bridesmaid dress

Fun DIY favor idea

2012-01-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

Ever tried making your own soaps? It's super fun and easy, and you can make any kind you might like. The possibilities are endless with the molds and scents to choose from. Homemade soaps can be a wonderful gift, especially for a small wedding or a bridesmaid luncheon. Customize the soaps according to color, and match your scents to the time of year or the venue. Packaging can be fun too: small terracotta pots with soaps stacked inside, tulle tied around them with a fluffy bow, tied to a naturally grown sponge.

Giving a handmade gift certainly means a lot, and there are so many options so you and your guests won't get bored. The plus side? Everyone uses soap :)

Martha Stewart's website has neat ideas!

Find directions and materials here

Put your own flower arrangements together!

2012-01-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Interested in cutting out a hunk of that budget of yours? Here's an idea: create your own bouquet and center pieces... boutineers too! You can use either real or silk flowers, and the beauty of using silk flowers is they will not die. There are wholesale flower shops in most areas where you can stroll through the warehouse and pick the type of flowers you might want. Prices will differ of course depending on what type of flower you choose and if it is the right time of year.

Nervous about your bouquet-making abilities? YouTube it! YouTube has a plethora of sources to choose from, offering directions for different bouquet styles and shapes. Center pieces are a breeze too! You can make these ahead of time, especially if you use silk flowers.

If it seems scary, it's not. Buy a few small bouquets of flowers and do practice runs a few weeks before the big day so you can get used to it. Think of it as girl-time with your bridesmaids. Make mimosas and have fun being creative.

Color of the Week: Lavender

2012-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Lavender is such a soothing color, and a wonderful scent too. Lavender is a versatile color, and complements most skin tones as well. It can be accompanied by darker shades of purple, and yellow looks lovely also. Perfect color for the spring. Consider giving guests lavender sachets to toss after your reception rather than bird seed or bubbles- it will smell amazing, and it is environmentally friendly! Lavender is a wonderful color for a Spring wedding! Happy planning!

Top left: Lavender bouquet
Bottom left: Bride and groom
Middle: Centerpiece
Top right: Cupcakes
Bottom right, farthest side: Lavender sachets
bottom left, closest to center: Boutineers

Bridal Party Gifts & Tips

2012-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

Your bridal party consists of a group of people who are special to you. It is an honor to be asked to be a part of someone's wedding, and it is a major responsibility in some cases as well. Bridesmaids and groomsmen play a large part in preparing for the big day. Bridesmaids are constantly planning and prepping for the day and the events leading up to the day to run as smoothly as possible.

The Bride's go-to girl is the maid/matron of honor. The maid of honor generally plans the bridal shower and the bachelorette party with the assistance of the bridesmaids. In addition to all the planning, the members of your wedding party may end up spending a gracious amount on traveling, dresses, shoes, etc. Yes, this is something members of your wedding party choose to do to be a part of your wedding, but there are a few things that can be done to make it an easier process for them, and also to thank them in the end.

Consider choosing dresses and accessories that will not break the bank for your wedding party. Remember, generally those bridesmaid dresses end up in the back of the closet, unfortunately. Depending on the style of your wedding, it may be a nice touch to allow the girls to choose their own style within the color scheme you choose.

On a budget? Worried about what to get or how much to spend on gifts for the wedding party? Of course it is not mandatory to give gifts, but it is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. There are so many ideas out there to choose from, and no set rules for what to give. Base gifts on your budget for the wedding. It is thoughtful to customize each gift towards the person you're giving it to, and gifts don't have to be extravagant. Something useful would be nice- a jewelry box, or a plush robe. Even a basket of her favorite scent- lotion, shower gel, scented spray.

Another thought: make sure to do a little something extra for your maid of honor... she will do a lot for you and be your rock sometimes. Make sure she feels like it meant something!

Consider using Pinterest as a tool, and get that creativity flowing. A Handmade gift always means a lot. Mason jar candles, a fluffy scarf, a scrap book filled with your favorite memories of you and her... the message of appreciation will definitely get across.

Whatever you do decide on, don't wait until the last minute. Rushed gifts are sometimes obvious, and almost always turn into a very expensive ordeal.

Consider this when giving a gift to anyone: would you want it?

Need more ideas? We'd be happy to help!

Beautiful Savannah

2012-01-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

Savannah, Georgia is a treasure just waiting to be explored. With all the beauty surrounding this historic town, there are endless amounts of things to do in the area. What a perfect place to celebrate your love.

One things Savannah is very well-known for is an overwhelming amount of majestic oak trees that are hundreds of years old. Wouldn't getting married under a tent of beautiful Oak trees be breath-taking?

The entrance to Wormsloe

Wormsloe Plantation is home to a very interesting history, as well as tabby ruins, marsh views, and plantation homes. The Spanish Moss that hangs from the trees looks mysterious, and makes for beautiful photos, too! Several paths coil through the park, where guests will uncover interesting facts. Wormsloe is home to some of Savannah's oldest standing structures.

Savannah offers a ton of things to do for guests attending your wedding from out of town. With tours galore, and the a beach twenty minutes from downtown Savannah, they'll never run out of things to do! Horse-drawn carriage tours are offered downtown that will wind around the squares, which is a lovely way to explore the city. Tours last about one hour, and are reasonable. Carriage Tours of Savannah offers a few different packages, and the tour departs from a central location in downtown Savannah.

In addition to joining you on your special day, out-of-town guests can enjoy a mini-vacation while they celebrate a joyous time in your life.

On a budget?

2012-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Let your venue serve as your decorations! Rather than opting to use a reception hall, or dress up the rec room at a church, think about using the outdoors.

Local venues including (but not limited to) parks, backyards, and local public docks serve as their own decor. There is little you need to do to dress up a park or a square during those first few weeks of Spring when all the greenery is coming back to life, and the flowers are making their come-back. Other than the beautiful bride and the hansom groom, there is not much else to add to make your day spectacular - other than chairs, maybe! Nature will work for you, and it will make a beautiful impact on your guests.

Price tags for outdoor weddings and receptions will vary depending on time of year, location, and number of guests. The possibilities are endless. As for using a back yard for your venue- some families will rent out their property for the day. How lovely.

Top left: Benches on an open lawn
Bottom left: Majestic overhanging Oaks
Middle: An enchanting field of flowers
Top right: Existing brick structure with lush vines
Bottom right: River as a backdrop

Champagne and Soft Pink

2012-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Champagne eludes elegance and grace, and while it is a very subtle color, it can make a lasting impact on your guests. Champagne is versatile. Beautiful when worn, and lovely as an accent, champagne makes an excellent color choice anytime of the year, and adds a light sparkle to any venue. Adding a soft pink in the mix adds a bit of innocence and is very romantic.

Champagne and gold tones are used here at a reception, just the slightest hint of color can go so far and be so simple. -- http://www.weddingchicks.com20091216classic-black-and-white-wedding-from-jl-designs

Used as an accent to bridesmaids dresses or extra flair for your gown, these fabric flowers are simple and sweet. --http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-gorgeous-chiffon-and-tulle-flowers/8

The muted pink here is sweet and simple. Elegant. -- http://stjudescreations.blogspot.com/2009/11/pink-dahlia-paper-flower-wedding.html

The greenery here complements the champagne-almost gold- chairs and linens. Beautiful location, all the colors seem to work together, and definitely belong in this area. -- http://theberry.com/2012/01/09/b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l-wedding-ideas-35-photos/

What a statement! So elegant and sophisticated- this would be a gorgeous accessory for any bride. --http://www.etsy.com/listing/90262822/wedding-bridal-ivory-champagne-peacock?ref=sr_gallery_7&sref=&ga_search_query=champagne&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_locationFull=&ga_removeLocation=1&ga_locationQuery=&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Excited to join the team!

2012-01-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hey there, brides and bloggers! I'm Madeline- the new intern at Everlasting Occasions, and I'm thrilled for the opportunity to work for and learn from Raven and Kate. I am a senior at Armstrong here in Savannah, graduating with a degree in English Communications.

As many women are, I am enthralled with weddings. The wedding I may have one day, weddings of my friends and family, and even weddings of complete strangers. I love hearing every detail, from the dress to the walk down the aisle and everything in between. The fact that the whole day- and every day leading up to the big day- can be customized in so many terrific ways is so exciting. The bride and groom's personalities and interests shine through the decorations, the choice of music, and the venue. I love that in the wedding planning industry, people like Raven and Kate can help that special couple bring their vision to life through their visions and expertise. The possibilities are endless!

I'm so excited to learn about how the wedding planning business works, and what it takes to help the big day run beautifully. I cannot wait to be a part of something that achieves such a magical outcome, and work alongside experienced, creative planners. I look forward to meeting people and exploring the options available to couples planning one of the most magical times in their lives.

So grateful for this opportunity!

Madeline

WeddingWire's Bride's Choice Awards 2012 Winner!

2012-01-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to announce that we have won WeddingWire's Bride's Choice Awards for 2012! This will be the third year in a row that we have attained this fantastic honor. This means we are in the top 5% of Wedding Professionals nationwide! As stated by WeddingWire, "The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards™ recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined solely by the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds."

We would like to thank our wonderful clients for giving us such fabulous reviews. We are so happy that they were pleased with our services and were thoughtful enough to leave us such wonderful comments!

We hope that everyone had a fantastic New Year's and we are looking forward to the exciting weddings that we have during 2012!

CONGRATS TO ALL COUPLES ENGAGED OVER THE HOLIDAYS

2012-01-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years! We would like to wish everyone an amazing 2012 full of love, happiness, friendship and dreams that do come true! We want to extend a special congratulations to all the newly engaged couples over the holiday season. Please like us on Facebook between now and January 31st and we will give you $200 off our full planning package From This Day Forward, and $150 off our day of package Happily Ever After!

Bustles and Badges

2012-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to be a part of this! Email us if you would like more information!!

	A Wedding Event That Gives Back

Come experience Savannah's newest Wedding venue along with the area's top wedding Vendors.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind fashion show featuring traditional and modern bridal gowns from The Bride On Broughton.

Officers of the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department will have a chance to register to win a complimentary Spring 2013 Wedding, donated by the following:
...
List of Wedding Vendors, as of December 10, 2011:
The Bride On Broughton, an exclusive bridal boutique.

The Bride On Broughton, an exclusive bridal boutique: Bridal Gown.

Rev. Steve Schulte; Officiant.

Savannah Wedding Makeup & Hair Professionals, by Lynn & Co.; will provide hair and makeup for bride and bridal party.

Kato Floral Design; flowers for tables at reception.

Everlasting Occasions; reception coordination.
Savannah Welcome Totes; welcome gifts for guests.

Brockington Hall; reception location.

309 east Wedding Gallery:

All About You Entertainment; DJ for reception.

Beacon Photo; wedding photos.

Posh, Petals, and Pearls; wedding day coordination.

Savannah Event Catering; food for reception.

Dream Weaver Photo Booth; photo booth for reception.

Blue Sparrow Bridal; providing minor alterations for bridal gown and custom head piece.

Gabby Cakes; wedding cake.

Lizard Eye Photo; engagement photos.

Massage by Hannah; couples message week of ceremony.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’; security for park or square.

Madison Carriage Company; carriage (must be historic district pick-up) to ceremony location.

Grace Limo; transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception from one downtown location.

Urban Poppy; bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets, groom’s boutonniere and groomsmen boutonnieres, flowers for parents.

In Any Event; event supplies such as chairs, tables, linens.

Instrumental Music by Chris Dooley for ceremony.

Hotel; wedding night lodging, one night stay.

AMH Communications; local announcements.

Mason Jars -- So Many Uses

2011-12-03T16:38:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite every day items that has become very popular as wedding decor is the mason jar. There are so many uses for them from centerpieces, aisle markers, lighting pieces and even special drink glasses. I love how they can be used in a casual way, romantic setting, or even as a vintage touch to wedding decor. And the best thing about them, they are inexpensive and can be done as a DIY touch to your wedding. What a wonderful way to stay in budget and get amazing decor for your big day.

Check out these designs on Etsy!

Wooden Mason Jar Table Numbers -- Blue Envelope on Etsy
Etched Mason Jars -- Icatlla on Etsy
Burlap Covered Mason Jars -- Craft up Your Life on Etsy
Mason Jar Table Numbers -- DazzlingExpressions on Etsy
Hanging Pew Flower Mason Jars --Bloomed to Last on Etsy
Chalboard Mason Jars -- Urban Belle Couture on Etsy

Wedding Favors...What to Give Your Guests

2011-12-03T15:16:00.001-08:00

How many of you have been to many weddings and you leave the big event with a favor that you will never use? Okay, put your hands down now. Many times brides try to find favors that they think are cute and that the guests will enjoy. But unfortunately some of them go in the trash or in a drawer at home never to be looked at again. I remember being at my aunt's house not too long ago helping my cousin's fiance' plan her wedding and the topic of favors came up. I was telling her that you want to give your guests something they can use. My aunt them held up a wine bottle stopper that she had on the top of her computer desk and said "Like this, I have never used it. Notice where it has sat since I came home from the wedding". I started laughing and said exactly. Here are some examples of those favors that may look cute on a guest table, but will never be put to use in the future.

For those of you who do not want to spend money on something your guests will never look at again, here are some examples for you!

Some ideas from this inspiration board are:

Decorative Candles --Pebble Creek Candles on Etsy

Small plants that can be planted in your guests yard --Plant a Memory Favors and Gifts

Labeled bottles of wine or champagne-- Labels from I Do Artsy Weddings on Etsy

Decorative Cookies--A popular choice in Savannah is Two Smart Cookies

Candied Apples-- Try Savannah Sweets

Boxed Chocolates--All ThingsChocolate and More

Your favorite jelly or jam-- Labels from Miss Pickles Press on Etsy

Honey-- Try Savannah Bee Company

Cute Vases filled with your favorite jelly bean --Jelly Belly

Your favorite tea or spice blend in a tin -- Tea For All Reasons on Etsy

Cupcake in a jar, perfect favor and can be used as the desert for the evening -- Half Baked Company on Etsy

Bagged coffee beans or chocolate covered espresso beans --Nuts Online

And for me the best favor of all is a donation from the bride and groom to a local or national charity in honor of each of the guests.

Unique Centerpiece Ideas

2011-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lately we have had our brides asking us for unique centerpiece ideas for their weddings. Yes, tall lavish floral centerpieces are definitely an eye catching centerpiece, but brides now a days are looking for something to adorn their guest tables that are different from any other wedding they have been to. There are so many unique ideas out there that would be amazing on any guest table. These unique ideas can help in coming up with an overall theme for the wedding reception. Here are a few that we found and love.

The best thing about these centerpieces is that the majority of them can be done on your own so that you are saving money in the long run and having an adorable centerpiece for your tables. Below are some Etsy shops that we have found that can help you in achieving these centerpieces if you are not the creative person.

NHWoodcreations --wood vases

Custom Love Gifts --tin jar centerpieces

Petals and Chalk --mason jar centerpieces

AmandaCereola --paper flower centerpieces

The Gingham Bird --fabric flower centerpieces

Klips N Scraps -- paper pinwheels

Our Holiday Gift to You...

2011-12-02T22:39:00.001-08:00

During this magical time of good cheer, we at Everlasting Occasions have decided to extend a discount of 30% off of the package of your choice. Choose from one of the packages listed below:

From This Day Forward - Our full planning package.

To Have and To Hold - Begins one month prior to your wedding.

Happily Ever After - Our popular day-of coordination package.

You May Kiss the Bride - Your choice of rehearsal, day-of, or reception only coordination.

I Do - All inclusive elopement package.

This fabulous discount will be applied to any bride who books with us by December 25th!
Have you thought about having a wedding planner to coordinate all the details of your dream wedding but thought that you could not include one in your wedding budget? With this amazing holiday deal you can now have the help that you need so that you can relax and enjoy your special day!

Please see our website www.everlastingoccasions.net for detailed information on each of our packages.

Act fast, for this special holiday discount will be gone before you know it!

Why Should I Hire a Wedding Planner

2011-12-02T18:09:00.001-08:00

Many brides always start out excited about the wedding planning process, but that feeling often goes away when the reality of all the responsibilities sets in. The long to do list - from filling out seating charts to what photographer to choose - can be very overwhelming, taking the fun out of the big day. One way to avoid this stress is to hire a wedding planner. If you hire a wedding planner with a good reputation, they can take a lot of the stress out of planning for your special day. More times than not, they are worth the money that you pay for their services.

One of the advantages of hiring a wedding planner is that they have connections with the local venues and vendors that are used for a wedding. Today's couples have three things that are top on their list, venue, photography and catering. Sometimes wedding planners may have special deals with certain vendors and may be able to get you a discount. They also know who is the best of the best to work with so that you know you are getting what you paid for with no worries.

Another benefit is that professional planners have been there before. We know what problems could arise and have a solution ready just in case. Did the groom lose a button on his tux? We are ready to sew it on for him. Did you forget the bubbles for your send off? We have some just in case. No matter the problem, many experienced wedding planners have a solution already prepared for such an event. Because of this, the peace of mind that you will receive from hiring a planner out weighs the cost of hiring one.

As your planner we will sit down with you and talk through each decision that will need to be made regarding your big day. We will also keep you posted on when things come up that you may need to give attention to. We will ask you about your preferences so everything goes according to your plan. Our job is just to make the day go smoother and with less stress for you and your families.

The decision for you to make is whether you need a planner there to walk you through every step from your engagement to your honeymoon or if you want someone to make sure that everything you planned goes off without any problems. Either way, it is best to find a planner that makes you feel comfortable and that you know you can have a good relationship with.

Our goal with every bride and groom is to establish a relationship with them. This is our first priority, followed by making the entire process as stress free as possible. We are there to take the stress away from not only the bride and groom but also their entire families. Noone wants their friends or families to have to work for them on their wedding day by doing last minute tasks. Everyone involved should be wrapped up in the excitement of celebrating such a big day.

See what some of our brides say:

Amanda:

Let's see why shoudl you hire a wedding planner....

To begin, when you first become engaged, the euphoria of a wedding can be overwhelming; not only are you hearing "advice" from friends, family, and acquaintances, but also vendors. And unfortunately, not every vendor is trying to help you achieve the vision that fits in your budget. Personally, hiring a wedding planner was the best investment I could have made for my wedding. Not only did Raven have experience with many vendors in the area (she helped me avoid people who would not treat me right), she helped me organize my budget to fit in everything I really wanted into my wedding. If you are seeking unbiased and true advice from a previous bride, heed me now: a wedding planner will help you enjoy and treasure the time before, during, and after your wedding. She will help you be organized, carefree, and calm. Raven and Everlasting Occasions not only helped me to have absolutely no regrets after my wedding, but every memory of my day is wonderful; no crying, no stress, and no last minute set up or helping the vendors. And to top it all off, I still maintain a friendship with Raven that I treasure! Take it from me...hiring a wedding planner is the best money you will spend on your wedding! I can promise you that!

Brooker:

When you picture your wedding day... you hope for beautiful weather, good health, and a smooth ceremony and reception! Granite hiring a wedding coordinator can't fix mother nature or your health but they sure can make you day go right! :) By hiring Everlasting Occasions to coordinator my wedding day was one of the smartest move I made...they were so wonderful to work with! They listened to what I wanted and made it happen. Weddings can cost a lot of money...by hiring a wedding coordinator you will NOT go wrong! It's nice to know you have someone you can count on and trust to make sure everything happens as planned. Again weddings can become costly but the price you pay for a coordinator is priceless! You pay for a piece of mind at a reasonable price. :) You can plan your whole wedding but to pull the day off like you want you need someone you can trust...and Everlasting Occasions was it for us. Xo

Sarah:

Raven was the "day of" coordinator for our destination wedding, in Savannah. However, she was so involved before the wedding, she became a lifesaver. When things got a little out of hand on my end, out of state, she was right there. Then at the rehearsal, she made sure everyone understood what we wanted and made it happen. On the day of our wedding one of her family members was in the hospital, however she still managed to be there for me while I was getting ready, and to help my party walk down the aisle (plus all of the other "little" details"). She was amazing and I will always thank her for helping me create one of the most cherished memories of my life.

Brooker's Trash the Dress Session

2011-11-27T12:16:00.001-08:00

Often times when looking at photographer's wedding packages, brides do not know what other options to choose from besides wedding day photos. Photographers are now offering other sessions as part of their main packages and that allows brides and grooms to either choose an engagement session, bridal session or even a trash the dress session. Most brides may cringe thinking about trashing their wedding dress, but as you can see below it can be done in a tasteful, creative manner and the pictures are to die for! I must say, I loved all of Brooker and Keith's wedding photos but these that were taken about a month or so later are some of my all time favorites! Nichole Barrali of Nichole Barrali Photography did an amazing job!

Beautiful photo of such a sweet couple!

Showing their personalities!

Too cute!!

The Bride on Broughton

2011-11-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

There are no words to describe this incredible bridal boutique on Broughton Street in Savannah. Walking inside the front doors of The Bride on Broughton is like walking inside Cinderella's palace. The dresses that adorn the front display catch your eye before you even have a chance to go in to the next room. Most people would think that a bridal boutique on Broughton Street would indicate expensive bridal gowns, but that is definitely not the case. I was most amazed at the amazing quality of each of the gowns and even more so by the price of each one. You almost have to sit down before looking at the price tags, it is so unbelievable.
They have a dress for any bride's dream day. From vintage designs to more contemporary ones there are so many to choose from. Not to mention the detail that they put into each appointment making each bride the center of their attention. Please check them out at www.thebrideonbroughton.com They are by appointment only!

Here are a few pics!

Can you see the prize tag of this beauty?

Kim and Jason's Intimate Tybee Island Wedding

2011-11-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago we received an email from bride Kim asking for someone to help with day of coordination for her Tybee Island Wedding Chapel Wedding. Kim had everything planned and she did an outstanding job, even though she said she had only been to one other wedding before. Today, her plans came to life as her wedding was absolutely perfect!

I found out today that Jason planned the flowers for the ceremony and he did an amazing job. Harvey Designs did exactly what he asked them to do and the outcome was gorgeous. Here are a few pics!

Believe me the pictures do not do them justice!

After a beautiful ceremony performed by a friend of the bride and groom, the guests were treated to a cocktail hour out on the beautiful deck of the Tybee Wedding Chapel while the bride and groom did pictures. Thrive Catering did an outstanding job with the mimosa cocktail hour as well as with brunch. The guests then enjoyed a yummy cheesecake wedding cake done by Michelle Still of Delectable Designs. The guests loved being able to choose between a delicious marble cake layer and a cappuccino layer of the cake. Here is a picture of the beautiful design.

The couple then did the traditional bouquet and garter toss before they left to their guests sending them off with bubbles. They were such a sweet couple and family to work with. We wish them many years of happiness!

Exciting News

2011-11-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to announce a few changes that have taken place over the last month. We have opened our office inside The Bride on Broughton, a beautiful bridal boutique in downtown Savannah. We now join several other vendors who are sharing this location. We could not be more excited about this new adventure.