The Traditional in Non-Traditional

One of my favorite things is when brides and grooms do something totally unexpected at their wedding. Maybe it's not as extreme as a first dance to the Hokey Pokey. But even something totally traditional with a unique spin on it.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend a beautiful wedding where the bride and groom did just that. We've all heard of the traditional receiving line. And, from a wedding planner's perspective, they're a pain. They take forever. They're hard to predict time-wise. They usually eat into the reception time. And so much more. But this wedding, you see, didn't have just any old receiving line.

After photos, the bride and groom welcomed everyone at the cocktail hour and began the receiving line there. After hugging and welcoming each guest, the guest would proceed into the reception where the buffet was waiting for them.

Why was this so brilliant? Because enough time elapsed between each guest speaking with the bride and groom that there was never a line for the buffet. Guests just grabbed a plate and were able to walk right up! Brilliant? I think so.

So, how did you or are you going to mix it up? Considering a receiving line? I recommend this!

Milk and Cookies

I have to admit, the idea has been around for a while. But, the first time I heard of it I think I gasped aloud at its brilliance: milk and cookies.

Maybe you plan on dancing so much you need a midnight snack. Maybe you just aren't into the cake thing (in which case, don't tell me - I'm obsessed!). Or maybe you just want to send your guests on their way with a little treat.

Whatever the case, I'm nearly obsessed with the milk and cookies idea.

You could have cute little shotglasses of milk.

Via Event Accomplished.

Or use them as a cake replacement.

Via Big Fat Cake.

Via Big Fat Cake.

My favorite? The attendant serving them on a tray to the guests on the dancefloor.

Via The Flirty Guide.

Whatever way you go about it, the milk and cookies idea is inexpensive, tasty, and incredibly cute. Fingers crossed I can convince one of my next brides on this!

Have you seen this or something like it? What were the guest's reactions? Or, are you planning to do this?

A Sad Goodbye, A Happy Hello

This is an announcement that I should have made a long time ago. But, somehow, for some reason, I just couldn't do it. Perhaps I couldn't bring myself to face the reality of it. Or I didn't want to disappoint. But, a while ago I began re-routing my calligraphy shop to this very blog. Why, you ask?

Well, I have many other things to be excited about. And with a big move and a lot of other projects to tend to, calligraphy was never the light of my life. Don't get me wrong - I loved it. But mostly, I loved it because I loved my clients - not the work. Sometime in January I spent one weekend writing over three hundred envelopes and designing two maps, and, quite literally, I lost feeling in the tip of my thumb. Unfortunately, I still do not have it completely back today - though it has gotten better. Thankfully, this has not affected my ability to write in any way. But it is frustrating and certainly weighed on this decision.

To my current clients: please rest assured. I will still be completing ALL OF THE ORDERS that I have already booked. This announcement is only being made so interested clients know that I am no longer accepting orders. Your already booked orders will still be processed and delivered on schedule and just as planned!

For those that were interested in my work, I would love to refer you to the ever-fabulous Penned & Pretty.

Jessica, owner and calligrapher, opened her doors just before I did last year and has a fabulous style and impeccable taste. Check out her beautiful blog and fall in love with her work. You won't be disappointed.

But, please don't feel sorry about this decision. I assure you - it was made with much excitement and enthusiasm for what is to come. It will be good. I promise. Oh yes, and rest assured that the SWOONOVERIT blog isn't going anywhere. Yet.

Big Announcement: Part I of III

Big announcement, you ask? Part I of III? Crazy, I know. I have three big announcements. And, assuming all goes as planned, will be making them one at a time over the next three weeks. One of them involves the mystery clues I've set along the way. But, I'm saving that one for later, my friends.

Today I bring to you a project that I've been working on with the lovely Meghan Magritz, also known as The City Bride. Over the past six weeks or so, we've sweated, cried, laughed, and obsessed over a concept that we believe will make a difference. We want to see wedding professionals across the country come together to help brides and grooms create the wedding of their dreams. We want to pull these wedding professional geniuses out of the crowd and deliver all their tips and advice in one spot. One blog for every city. So a New York City bride can read one spot to find all her favorite vendors inspiration, real work, tips, and advice. We bring you: The Wedding Boutique.

It's so complex however, that trying to explain it all in one simple blogpost just won't do it justice. Please, please, please hop on over to our website - The Wedding Boutique - to find out more about the project and how to get involved. It is, after all, a concept that changes everything.

Also, you can follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thewedboutique

Shoot us an e-mail: info@thewedboutique.com or amanda@thewedboutique.com

Or give us a call: 215.882.0857 (Meghan) or 215.588.9472 (me)

So, what do you think? Leave a comment here, or better yet, over there - giving us your feedback. We can't wait to hear it!