Best Thing Ever: Summery Cake Competition

In the search for the "the best summery cake" I came across four very different cakes. Cake 1 is modern and geometric, but sweet at the same time. Can you picture this cake at a chic poolside wedding? Cake 2 is just so yummy looking with the textured frosting and sweet cherries- very southern comfort. Cake 3 is bright and fun, perfect for the girlie bride. Lastly, who doesn't love mini white and yellow daises on cake 4?

We need your help! What is your vote for the best summery cake? Leave a comment with your answer.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Guest Blogger: Merging Friendship Circles (advice from a Groom)

Usually on Wednesdays you will find Real Weddings or Best Thing Ever posts but today I am taking the liberty of skipping our regular column so that we can feature a Real Groom Article.  Enjoy!






Dear Brown Bag Fans --


It's been a while since our Real Groom, Danny La, joined us.  I'm thrilled and happy to have him return as a guest blogger today.    Isn't it always refreshing to get a groom's perspective on wedding "do"s and "don't"s?   Here is some great advice from Danny, our Real Groom, who has real hand experience in creating a smooth, seamless wedding environment.  Danny's topic today is about the guest experience.  Welcome Back Danny, always good to have you as a guest blogger.

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Merging Friendship Circles


As someone who has been to several weddings, I find each wedding I
 attend is special not only because I am participating in the most
 significant day of my friends’ lives, but also because I learn more 
about them by meeting the other people in their lives.  When we
 planned our wedding, we wanted to ensure that all of our guests had a 
fun and lively time, and at the same time wanted to weave together the
separate circles of friends and family which made up our individual
 lives.  

Here are some ways to nurture this interaction:


1. Promote a festive environment by providing alcohol –

Some of your
 guests will know very few people at your wedding, and for them it 
takes a little extra courage to open up to strangers.  The downtime
 between the wedding and reception – typically the cocktail hour –
really sets the tone for how a wedding guest’s evening will go.  An
 open bar during the cocktail hour creates an atmosphere for
 celebrating and mingling, so that the conversations will carry far
into the reception.


2. "Introduce" guests using fun fact games –

Prime discussion topics 
for your friends, by providing ways for them to discover common
 interests or shared experiences with you.  A common way to do this is
 by providing “bingo” cards at the cocktail hour.  Each square contains
 a description of one or more people at the wedding, such as “Played 
Little League baseball with the groom”, and guests are encouraged to
 mingle with other guests to get the squares filled out. This is a fun 
and useful game, but logistically messy during the cocktail hour.
 Guests usually have a drink in one hand and hors d'œuvre or camera in
 the other, so would have difficult passing around a card and pen for
 signatures.  One alternative is to do this introduction at the 
reception tables (see below).


3. Overlap friendship circles in seating charts – 

This is a good or bad 
idea, depending on the guest.  The safest way to draw up seating 
charts is to avoid overlapping friendship circles at a table; if
 everyone sitting at the same table already knows each other, there is 
no ice to break and everyone will have a good time.  However, they
 won't have an opportunity to meet and make new friends.  There may be 
people in two different circles of friends who have very similar or 
compatible interests, but who just have not yet had the opportunity to 
meet.  All of your closest friends are in the same place at the same 
time for your reception.  What better time is there to introduce them
 to each other?  This situation should be treated delicately; some
 guests are comfortable only when with their circle of friends, and 
need an adequate networking safety net.  

A good way to overlap
 friendship circles while preserving this safety net is to ensure that 
three or four people in a circle are together.  For eight-person
 tables, a 3-5 split or 4-4 split works well.  For 10-person tables, a 
4-6 split works best.  Having three circles at the same table may be 
too fragmented, because too many side conversations detract from the
 main table talk.


4. Provide ice breaker fun facts at the reception tables -

This is a
 good way to get conversation started between overlapping friendship
 circles.  Provide a small set of fun facts (“Someone at this table 
hiked Machu Picchu”) about one or more people at the table, so they 
can learn more about each other.  You can list the facts on the back 
of the table number or place cards.  These facts could be those which 
tie together the two friendship circles.


5. Start the reception with a slideshow –

 Most wedding receptions show 
a five-minute slideshow chronicling the childhoods of the bride and
 groom, and feature pictures/videos of their significant life events.
 All of them involve some of the guests, and when they see the video 
they will reminisce on those times.  Showing the slideshow at the start
 of the reception provides reminiscing opportunities and discussion 
topics for the rest of the reception.


Some of the most memorable weddings I’ve attended involved meeting new
 people and making lasting friendships.  Setting up an ideal
 environment for them to meet and providing ice breakers to introduce
them in your absence requires thoughtful upfront planning and work.
 But, at your wedding you will foster a more interactive and memorable
 experience for your guests, and perhaps create new friendships and
 merge your circles of friends in the process.

Thank you to Danny for this accurate and applicable insight!


Today's images are courtesy of James and Lisa of Elie Jae Photogrpahy.  

Press: 2011 Best of the Bay Area Weddings

My heartfelt thanks to Today's Bride for featuring this modern design as one of many designs chosen for their 2011 Best of the Bay Area Weddings

Inspiration: Mauve, Taupe Rose Peach Blossoms

The other day someone asked me if I ever get tired of pink as a wedding color.  And to be honest, I don't. The depth and variation from deep magentas to pale seashells keep things from getting boring or mundane.

One particular shade that I don't see enough of are the dusty and peachier pinks.  Mauve, rose, blush are shades that can be sophisticated and modern yet utterly luxurious.

Today's inspiration board echos my mood these days.  With June being a particular busy month, I'm leaning toward  calm, serene, gentle, linear boards.

Inspiration: Swedish interiors, uneven lines
Colors: Wood, White Ceramic, Blush, Mauve, Peachy Pinks, Taupe Rose, Peach Blossoms
Textures: Lines,  pleats, twists, layers, windows, air

Ask Nancy: New Frustrations

Dear Brown Bag Fans

About a year ago I gave up writing the "Ask Nancy" column because I wanted to move away from giving advice that was too specific to any one person.  More importantly, many of the questions were a bit awkward to answer putting me in a place that I wasn't at ease with.  Sometimes not answering a question also hurt and insulted others so I just gave up the "Ask Nancy"column.  Ultimately, the fun was taken out of the whole thing and I almost gave up writing a blog because of the unnecesary drama it created.  (There's enough drama in producing events that I didn't want to go home dealing with what other clients and vendors thought about my advice.)

So, what happens when a reader writes me with a question.  Do I answer it?  Do I ignore it?

This question came to me about a month ago.  And here is my response.

Hi Nancy, 

Thank you for being honest with your posts. We too feel frustrated at times by unrealistic budgets reinforced by other wedding professionals. Its frustrating when, ultimately, all of us vendors are not all playing on the same team. 


We also feel challenged by venues that stack events or offer "centerpieces". Or (this is our favorite) advice like "the room is so pretty, you don't need centerpieces". Do you ever deal with similar situations? Have you ever worked with sales & catering personnel who are unwilling to cooperate or give you the information you need to properly design a floral plan? This is a huge frustration for us. 


Recently we had a 40 minute set-up window to style and set-up a wedding because the hotel had booked 6 weddings the same day. In the end we left the event feeling flustered and rushed and (although the client was pleased) we knew it wasn't as fabulous as it could have been because of the time constraint. There are many wonderful venues and sales & catering staff we work well with, but a few make a bad name for the rest!


Signed Thallo




Dear Thallo

After reading your note, I felt an instant connection as I could relate to your frustration.  I Am positive that many of us in the industry have gone through similar challenges.

As economic forces work with and against us, I'm afraid that many wedding vendors and venues will continue to offer additional services.  This is not an intentional threat against floral designers of your caliber but a response to a need that satisfies their clientale.   Many large and small companies diversify their services, expand their product offerings as a way to diversify, to simplify, and to add to their bottom line.

Diversifying Is Here to Stay

Venues offering centerpieces is just another example of a venue adding more services and offerings to their client.  I'm guessing that it's a product that the client probably already needs.  We've seen this in the past in other areas and businesses.  Let's examine a few....

Restaurants offering catering services, gas stations offering coffee and pastries, photographers offering cinematopher services, floral designer offering workshops on business strategies, these are not threats but business norms.  Diversification is not new.   Offering new products/services is the new standard and it's applauded when done correctly.

I'm sorry to say that venues offering centerpieces is not going to go away if a venue feels that it is offering their clients a good service/product.

Of course, you may not like it.  But it should give you further pause to make your product and service so amazing that your clients don't want a venue centerpiece. Right?

This brings me to another point.  One day, you might need to change your business plans and you might also want to offer more services/products.  It's all part of growing a business ---- branching into new directions.

Plan Accordingly, Preparation is the Strategy
As for the setup time, that is also something that is surprisingly common.  Venues have a property that is meant to be used.  So if a venue chooses to do multiple weddings, what can you do?  It's their policy, not yours.

It's sad that you only have a limited time.  For me, make buddy buddy with venues and ask them how long you have to setup ahead of time and do like what many vendors do, add more staff.  I have heard that some floral designer have two set up people for a $12,000 floral order.  That might be fine for some, but I personally feel that's a little tight especially when you have a limited setup time.

For a small wedding(30 guests), we had 5 staff members setting up the event.  And of course the client had to pay for the amount of floral designers and setup assistants.  We did it because our setup time was very short and the ceremony was very hard to get to.  It would have been impossible for the ceremony staff to set up the reception.  We had to divide and conquer.  It was the right decision and we had very little time to spare even with 5 staff members.

I'm sorry to have to say this but it's critical that you plan accordingly.  Staff accordingly.  If your clients cannot pay for more staffing, then you have to tell them that you cannot get everything done in the fashion that you want to.  Give them the option to say "yes" to more staffing or "no" to more staffing.  Reduce on site setup, pre plan, and simplify the design if you have to.  Preparation is the key.  The more that you prepare, you can plan for small changes and errors.

No matter what, do work with the venue.  In this day and age, we have to work together and create the right energy.  Knowing to be a positive force during even the most stress of weddings is a true mark of your professionalism.

Bottom line:  Plan accordingly.  Preparation is key.  Roll with it.

Hope this helps.

Wedding Polls: What Real Weddings do you want to see more of?

Back for the summer and possibly beyond, we end this week with the return of wedding polls.  For our first "Wedding Poll", we ask readers "What Real Weddings do you want to see more of?

This shouldn't surprise many of you but we feel that the majority of the real weddings on blogs and magazines these days are trending way too "vintage".  Vintage rustic, vintage diy, vintage sweet, vintage whimsical, vintage 50's, vintage modern.

In fact, word on the street is that many vendors(you know who you are!) and even clients want to move beyond, exiting from vintage(boho or backyard chic) to something else.  Whatever you call it, vendors and possibly brides might be a little bit tired.  We want to see a new twist to vintage --- how about moving beyond the mason jars, wooden signs, colored shoes, suitcases, old stacked books, old fashion candies, calico prints, barns, distressed frames, clothespins.

So - let the polls begin.

We can't wait to find out if there is still life to vintage or is ballroom the new fantasy wedding dream or perhaps western could have an influence on weddings this summer and beyond. If there's something you don't feel that you see enough of, please comment to.

Our poll will be open for two weeks and we'll give you the results in a couple weeks. Stay tuned and find out who will race to the finish line.

Best Thing Ever: Mr. Boddington's Invites

Recently, our intern, Erin, discovered the charming, sweet, and simplistic invitation designs of Mr. Boddington.   Together we browsed the entire website filled with clever designs.

This Sonoma wedding design is one of many adorable invitations that we fell for.

The use of Kelly greens, true Blues and a Hot Pink is refreshingly fun when done this way.  In a way, it's preppy but classic.

 The rock candy tied to the menu card is genius.  I may have to steal this idea.

I love the use of sweet motifs especially the one of the dog for the escort card tables.

Thanks for my gal pal, Angie Silvy for sharing these images with me.

Press: Bear Flag Farm Featured in Project Wedding

A very grateful thanks to Project Wedding for featuring Zoe + John's wedding which was crafted by her sister, Michelle Chen Miyari of Bliss'd Events and photographed by the uber talented Jose Villa(a crush).

You will love the sweet and charming details.   Love all the thoughtful paper details including the escort cards.  CUTE!

Inspiration: Rain Showers and Garden Flowers

Rain season doesn't have to be gloomy and grey. Summer showers bring beautiful garden flowers that inspire sweet wedding themes.

Inspiration: Rain Showers and Garden Flowers

Colors: Bright Canary Yellow, Pale Pink, Metal Hues

Textures: Tin Watering Cans, Rubber Rain Boots, Clothes Pins, Fresh Cut Flowers, Umbrellas, Rainy Wedding Days

Photo Credits: Tartelette, Kelly Shiro Events, Etsy, Ruffled, Brides Cafe, Green Wedding Shoes, Allyson Magda Photography

Press: Style Me Pretty Features A Vow Renewal

We are loving that Style Me Pretty is doing regional features.  We feel so honored that SMP choose Antoinette and Lance's vow renewel photographed by Erica Loeks for a real wedding article.  It's also nice to see it featured on their new regional page. Antoinette is the owner of Paperista and created all the fine paper products.  You can read more about the wonderful story of Antoinette and Lance on Style Me Pretty.

Thank you, SMP for featuring this darling Sonoma Weddding.

Guest Blogger: Where do you want to go with your Business: Part II

Last week we all got to read the start of a great post by guest blogger, Michelle Loretta of Sage Wedding Pros.  Read her conclusion to her wonderful and well written post, Where do you want to go with your Business?

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Where do you want to go with your Business Part II?

Close Your Business

Closing a business is not something people generally plan for. It’s generally something people fall into if they aren’t able to sell it or leave it to anyone. But, I’m being REAL here. You may have no desire to someday sell your business. You may see your business solely as a purpose for gaining income for the next several years until you retire or move onto something else. And, you may not have a team of people you to which you want to leave your business. Closing your business is a very realistic choice in the future of your business, particularly in the wedding industry.

Here are points you will want to consider:
- How long do you see yourself working in your business?
- Do you see yourself evolving your business into something new? For example, if you have a brick-n-mortar flower shop do you foresee closing your shop to service a limited number of exclusive events?
- What is your timeline for closing your business? If your longest sales cycle is 2 years (2 years between booking an event and servicing the event), when do you stop taking new jobs?
- How will you decide that it’s a good time to close your business?
- Will you sell any portion of your business? Your assets – equipment, machinery, and inventory – can all be sold.

Other Elements of a Succession Plan

I’ve identified the first big question in creating a succession plan for your business: what do you want to do with your business? It’s up to you to fill in all the other little pieces. A succession plan is much like a business plan in that it details a series of goals in relation to your business model. It identifies where you are and how are you going to get to the eventual goal you have for your business.

Another element of the succession plan is a planning for the dreaded question: what if something happens to you? How will your business go on without out? Can it go on without you?

What do you think? What are your thoughts on the future of your business?

Michelle Loretta, along with Kelly Simants, are owners of Sage Wedding Pros, a resource for professionals who want to create sustainable businesses in the wedding industry. If you need additional information about Sage Wedding Pros, including their one-to-one business plan coaching and workshops, please visit www.sageweddingpros.com

Floral Inspiration: From the Trash to Fash

Who remembers last week's post Floral Inspiration: Country Peonies Bouquet?


After the photoshoot, I had some extra flowers that I kept in our awesome walk in cooler.  Even after a week in the cooler, they were still beautiful but were ready to be replaced with the hundreds of new flowers for this weekend's events.

I happen to be cleaning out my walk in when Angie Silvy came by.  Not only is Angie an awesome photographer but she's my neighbor and buddy.  Though she came over to drop off a disc of images, I managed to get her to take a whole bunch of flowers.  As she left, I handed her an arm full of blooms in apricot, peaches, pinks, coral, and hot pink.  Little did I know that she would turn our nearly "in the trash" flowers into a beautiful spread.  So delicious, right?

With only ranunculus, Jonathan Adler vases, and a simple modern table, she created these amazing images and florals....WOW!  You have to see the rest of the images on her May 25th post.  It's gorgeous.  With vintage becoming mainstream, I'm loving this retro, refined, luxe look.  It's a dash more modern with luxury details.  Refined retro --- here you come!

Best Thing Ever: Owl Cake by Studio Cake

A while back I was invited to an adorable baby shower.  It was for vendor buddy Gloria Wong and her husband Tani Tritasivit..    Happy to say that little Taylor Ling Tritasivit arrived safely on February 28, 2011.

When the shower invitation came I noticed this charming and sweet Owl on the invitation card.  So of course, when I saw the Owl cake at Gloria and Tani's joint baby lshower, I was like a 6 year old ---  lil' bit wow'd.

The adorable and eatable treat was designed by the super talented Beth Ann Goldberg of Studio Cake.  I just love it.  And yes, it tasted equally blissful.

Thank you Kevin Chin for capturing the event!