St. Patrick's Day - a wee bit o' fun

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow! Where did the time go? It is uncharacteristically warm here in Fredericton (NB). I have no snow to speak of on my front lawn - eery..... usually we can expect a winter storm on St. Patty Day but I highly doubt it this year - double digits I suspect (not psychic - but watch the weather channel)

So, does this mean we are now experiencing the luck of the Irish? I don't know but I'm going to give you a few tips to make your party a bit more special with very budget wise ideas. Gotta luv the budget!

1. Send out an evite (www.evite.com) to all your guests inviting them to your fabulous last minute party. Hey-last minute can be fun especially for those who have children and didn't plan on going anywhere (yep - referring to me! we love St. Pat's at home & WHO wants to stand out in a line all night anyway!)

a sneak peak into my private life with the little man, wearing our 'mommy made' T-shirts....

Use creative language on the invites to make them more festive like:

a bit of malarkey
and lots of green beer
make no mistake
you'll want to be here

2. Play with colour - obviously I mean green! Decorations, Drinks, Food
Easy to do decorations:

• pick up some glow bracelets from the dollar store and transform them by using them as napkin rings - twist and slip - oh so simple! Green pipe-cleaners would also work, you could even shape them into a shamrock!
  
• use a white table cloth to make all decorations of green pop
• balloons - inexpensive & can make a big impact (shout out to my friend Claire at Just Balloons & Party Supplies located in Oromocto, NB)
  
• think pot of gold - tablescape made from clusters of pots filled moss/grass/potted herbs, etc with hidden gold coins (chocolate coins with gold foil)
  
• give the men a green carnation boutonniere and the ladies a green boa (if you can't get a green carnation you can dye them at home by cutting the stem and placing it in warm-to-hot water with green food colouring; leave for 1 day)
  

Easy to do drinks:

• pale ale with green food colouring, mix and serve.
• repeat with any drink,
• for children or those not drinking what about Oscars - my name for green milkshakes.

Easy to do food: (this is where I have sooo much fun!!!)

• Think small and portion size (and I choose to make this party a bit healthier - got to fit into that summer attire!).
• Start with a basil pesto pasta salad - pictured below
  
• if you have sandwiches cut them out with shamrock cookie cutters - very unexpected!
  
• Have green veggies galore - green peppers, cucumber, green beans, celery, broccoli.... (see my foodie attack of green peppers below)
• make green rice crispy treats to hand out as snacks - the smaller they are cut the more delicate and funky they become (insider CSJ secret - 1.5 inch squares are oh so one-bite-delish!)
• serve 'pots of gold', aka pineapple cubes in small dishes (dixie cups also work, a more elaborate look - step it up a notch by serving them on trays using the small plastic wine glasses you can buy at party stores - and I believe the $store too)
• shamrock cookies - mmmmm! If you don't bake you can pick them up at any bakery or get green frosted cupcakes instead.
  

love desserts check out the post by The Food Librarian.

3. Think Irish & Tradition. Incorporate traditions like placing a stone inside your door as the "Blarney Stone" tradition is that they kiss it while laying on their backs - should make for a fun time!

4. Games & Prizes. Try a limerick writing contest and give a prize to the best one. The prize could be a great basket of treats like Irish beer and gold foil chocolate coins.
How to write a limerick:
lines 1,2 and 5 should have 7-10 syllables and rhyme with each other
lines 3 & 4 should have 5-7 syllables and rhyme

Cheers! & be safe

Happy Pi Day!

Even if you are not a science geek like me you have probably heard of 'pi' before. The mathematical constant (check the link for the more in depth wikipedia definition).
If you are confused in thinking this is the wrong blog - wait! YOU are in the right place!

Entertaining can come in many forms and today is March 14th, the 3rd month and 14th day, or 3.14 => pi => pie => pies and lots of them!

Who doesn't love pie? There is a type of pie for everyone - pumpkin, strawberry, chocolate, cheesecake, lemon, coconut - the list is endless! Pie is a wonderful dessert that goes with everything.

In my search for pie recipes, I have come across a lovely idea - pie lolipops! I KNOW!! Can it get better than this - I sure don't think so.
Lolipop-Pies, Tiny Bite-Sized Pies on a Stick

I am sure going to have fun making these ones - mango blueberry perhaps?!

Cheers!

Fruit - I LOVE IT!

The emerging trend that I am seeing all over the place and now hearing more about is sugared fruit. I think this is excellent. I get really excited when brides tell me they want to incorporate fruit into their weddings. So colourful, pretty, easily done in unique ways and oh so affordable!



Is is not uncommon to use fruit as decorative items at ones wedding or event:
- place settings
Cynthia Martyn Events

- escort cards


- included in centerpieces


...but now what I'm seeing is the next progression of this and using the fruit as the main decorative item in the centerpieces, fruit is no longer content to be an accent piece but wants to pull the show and with bright colours who can blame them! :)

The best part is that now you can sugar them to add the little bit of extra WOW. Who wouldn't want to have a little bit of sugar - mmmmm!

How to sugar fruit
What you will need: any kind of fruit, long floral pick or any pointy sticky object, egg whites, fine sugar, brush (paint or basting), wax paper
1. Spear the fruit. If using floral picks they have wire on one end which you can use to secure the speared fruit to another object (grape vine, oasis foam, etc)
2. Brush the fruit with a thin layer of egg white (paint brush or basting brush works well)
3. Lightly sprinkle the sugar over the fruit using your fingers (don't roll the fruit in the sugar - big mess!) The first bit of sugar will dissolve into the egg whites but keep sprinkling until it starts to look white. Extra sugar in a few spots will give it a pretty frosty like look.
4. Let dry about 30min (laying on wax paper)
Photo Credit Robyn Lehr


For those of you wishing to use fruit at your next event, I hope you found this inspirational. Let your imagination run with this one because you can't go wrong!

Cheers!

Oscar Buzz

How do you plan on celebrating this weekend?
What am I talking about - the Academy Awards of course!

The red carpet walk and interviews are my favorite. The dresses and the hair, remember Cojo? I loved him and I don't get to see him as often as I would like. I always look forward to his picks of the best & worst dressed. Do these people not have stylists? Seriously!? I question the loyalty of them if they do - friends, well, some friends and hey, I don't need to be your friend but I'll tell you if what you are wearing should be tossed out in the compost. I could always be hired to dress you celebs (if you're reading) - I'm quite reasonable.

Here's Cojo's picks for the Golden Globes just to remember how good he is!

Can you figure out his best & worst from the above without looking? Hint: One is just added in but is not his pick and there are more 'best' than 'worst'.

So, the question was how do you plan on celebrating this weekend? Will you sit back and enjoy a relaxing glass of wine or bubbly while you watch the celebs do their thing and walk down the red carpet? Will you be more involved? Hmmm....be more involved....

I like the sound of that!

Pull out your best dishes. Dust off you finest glassware. Invite your best friends over and put on your best star-studded threads - shine like the celeb-party hostess you are!

The Academy Awards website makes being at the "Oscars" all too easy. Click and print. Simple. They provide you with pdf versions of everything you need to be involved. Ballots, games and even more important recipes!
http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/82/partykit/index.html
Cheryl Cecchetto the planner for the best after party gives you tips to have a successful party at home - star style!

Have your guests fill out the ballots for the nomination categories and then collect them. Do your votes compare to all of America?

Have fun and relax - that's what all the star's are doing!

Cheers!

Stagette Party Signature Drinks

With the upcoming wedding season I'm often asked about the parties that surround the main event - The Stagette!
I like the signature drink idea and came across a most fabulous one in my opinion.
The Banana's Foster Cocktail which was submitted to the Food Network by Sandra Lee.
I think the photo itself describes exactly why I think it would be a perfect signature drink - lol!

To get the recipe for this creamy drink (which of course I had to make and sample - a bit on the sweet side but still Yummy!) just click on the drink name above.

I simply love signature party drinks. Every time we head over to a particular girlfriend's place we know we will be served Sangria. It's different every time but very good! She may be a mixologist at heart! A signature drink at any type of party is always great; it cuts down on the bar cost of having to have everything from gin to dark rum and various liqueurs. This way you can just have the ingredients for the one beverage and a few non-alcoholic choices as well. (I like saving money.)

Signature drinks don't even need to be something completely new and complex. Taking a favorite, say a mojito, is a classic drink that most will enjoy and simple to make. You can even play with colours of other drinks by simply adding food colouring to make your mark.

Options are truly endless! Have fun and mix it up!

Over theTop Proposals

Well, it's February and LOVE is in the air with Valentine's Day approaching - only one day away! (OMG! I can't believe how the time has gone already this year!)

My thoughts have turned to love, engagements, proposals and with proposals, as an event planner, I tend to think about the opportunities available for 'over-the-top' proposals. There are many great restaurants which can set the stage for an amazing proposal but this has now become the norm.

A great marriage proposal includes 3 elements:
1. The setting
With the setting - it should be so that the question is not anticipated. Think outside of locations that are give-aways like the spot where you first kissed, etc. Instead think locations that are fun - eluding to the life you will have ahead of you. Think about dates and timing, on average, most proposals are in the evening on a special date. Create your own date - seriously thing out side the box. (This is something as an event planner I can help you with.)
2. The question
The question should be more than just 'will you marry me'. Romantic speeches are common based on love and commitment; however you can play it up many ways using word plays, poems, and even comic relief. A reference to future anniversaries or aspects of marriages could be used.
3. The ring
Once the ring is unveiled - it is the center of attention. An unconventional ring will bring more attention but a simple ring can bring in the nods by simply playing with how it is presented. Play with how you give it - just remember if you include it in a drink or food - be careful that she doesn't swallow it!

Often I'm approached with questions as to how to make a proposal more than spectacular. The answer really does depend on the couple and the soon to be bride's personality. Not all couples or women will appreciate a public proposal as they would prefer to have it in a quieter setting, a more intimate affair. That said, if you are thinking about a more extreme event then you probably have already considered the opposing factors. One being - will she say yes? With more extreme measures normally a crowd is involved and then there is also pressure as to feeling the need to answer right away.

This year I came across a wonderful company in PEI.....

The BeeKeeper aka 'Chase Crews' is who you should look up - www.aboveandbeeyond.com . For $225 they will take you and your honey up in their hot air balloon for a ride overlooking PEI. I bet there won't be many people who have done that! (Drop me a line to tell me about it if you have.)

If that doesn't get your juices flying, there is a high school in the US that gives creative asking a whole new look and that's just for the prom! The point being if high-schoolers can come up with outlandish ways to ask a date to the prom certainly you can spend a bit of time thinking of how to ask the woman of your life to marry you.

Cheers!

Wedding Show Season is Upon Us

It is that time of fever again - Wedding Show Fever!
Below is a list of shows that I've compiled for New Brunswick. By no means am I saying these are all the shows as I could have missed some, but these are the ones I know about or am in.

You will find me here:
January 10th - Heavenly Gowns Bridal Gala @ Saint John Convention Centre 12-5pm
January 17th - A Time for Weddings @ Delta Fredericton 11-3:30pm
January 24th - 20Ten: A Bridal Show @ Delta Beausejour Moncton 12-5pm

Other Bridal Shows: (But I won't be at these ones....)
Crowne Plaza Fredericton on January 10th from 12-4pm
Delta Brunswick Saint John on January 17th from 12-4pm
Moncton Wesleyan Church (945 St.George Blvd) on February 1 6:30pm
Moncton Coliseum on February 21st from 10-5pm
Forte Howe Hotel Saint John on February 28th from 1-4:30pm

With many new bride-to-be's now discovering that they need to start planning a wedding I have compiled a few tips for you prior to you venturing out to the shows. I want you to be prepared!

10 Tips for Attending Bridal Shows
1. Get a list of the shows in your area (Check - I just gave it to you) We are really getting off to a good start!
2. Pre-printed labels. Easy to do on your home computer. Have them with your address, email, phone and don't forget your wedding date! Some vendors will be "qualifying" you - this means that they are looking for your date and checking to see if they are available. (I'm booked for August 7th and can't take another client) Saves time (see #9)
3. Register for a free email account and have all wedding related emails go to that. Easy to stop unwanted emails after the wedding :)
4. Be prepared. Dress appropriately - wear comfortable shoes, it will be a long day for standing and walking around. Bring a bottle of water. Have a bag with handles for all the literature (see #8) or a large purse.
5. Bring a friend. Take someone from your bridal party who's opinion you want. Yes, you can even take your finance.
6. Bring swatches of your colours. This helps bakers, florists, planners and others make suggestions as to what they can do for you with out generalizing.
7. Be prepared to book. Or make follow-up appointments within 24-48 hours. This is really important with vendors who's services are limitted to only one-of's.
8. Take as much literature as possible & take notes. When you get home this will be all that you have - your notes will be what sets "your" vendors apart from the others.
9. Don't waste your time. If you don't need it, don't check it out. If you have a hall or ballroom booked you won't need another one. If you have a dress, chances are that you won't buy another one - use the time during the fashion show to go back and talk to vendors you were interested in. I'm always at my booth during the fashion show
10. Enjoy the experience!

I hope this has been helpful. If you have other suggestions that would make things easier please send them to me.

Cheers! & Happy Planning

Wedding Trends for 2010

With the start of a new year and decade, CSJEvents has decided to produce a newsletter. The first issue went out a few days ago. In this issue I listed, in bullet form, top trends I see coming for 2010 in weddings. I've received a few emails asking me about these so I'd like to take this time to clarify "why"......

W-Trends for 2010
1. Continuance of blues (every shade) along with grays as dominate colours - monochromatic schemes are on the rise.

why: Blues are serene, depicts water, relaxing. Gray is the new neutral with a sophisticated edge.

This photo is an 'inspiration board' from "Here Comes the Blog - Wedding Ideas for Brides"

2. Breaking of all the 'traditional' rules

why: Simply because the girl getting married today is not the same girl getting married 20 years ago. We don't do things simply because they've 'always been done' and when we do, they typically have an individual flare to them. No one would have dreamed of having black dresses in their wedding party 10 years ago or walking down the asile in a pink wedding gown.

Vera Wang 2010 - Dovima, long asymetric pale pink organza dress with bows on shoulder and waist

3. Outrageous colour combinations; a dominate colour with a surprising accent
why: With monochromatic colour themes it is very easy to add that visual interest with a surprising accent (feathers, crystals, trees, etc.). Paint companies have named their "hot" colours for the year and generally (whether subconscious or not) they tend to show up in weddings. This year you will see - oranges, turquious and bright yellow as well as combinations of these. Very tropical.

4. Monograms; simple to elaborate and on everything

why: Brides and Grooms want to touch every aspect of their day. This is their stamp. expect it to be on everything from the invitations to the walls & dance floor.

5. Focus on more personal & detailed touches
why: Couples are more thoughtful on making guests feel welcomed and want to ensure they enjoy their time. This will be seen in the form of welcome baskets, weekend affairs and take home favours. Focus will be on the DIY more than ever but expect the budget to be increased.

6. Groom style: grooms will be more involved and will add their special touch in forms from converse sneakers to fedoras, etc.

why: The groom of today wants to be involved. No longer are they on the sidelines letting the bride take charge. They want the wedding to be equally theirs and to see their own personality shine through.

So I simply had to post these photos from my cousin's wedding this past November. This is completely their individual style.

7. Smaller guest counts lending to more elaborate "parties" at unique venues.

why:With a smaller guest count you open up options of other venues for your reception other than the traditional hall or hotel ballroom. You can look at galleries, back yards, clubs and even museums.

8. Mini-destination weddings: staying home but yet opting for another city.

why: With the economy the way it is, those with money are choosing to spend it inconspictiously so an extravent affair scheduled to be away is now scaled back to a more local destination which will still have the same feel and features. The destination wedding will ever popular remain but guests will get out of town by car (within driving distance) so couples can create a weekend affair, guests get an escape an no one breaks the bank.
example: I have a current client who lives in Fredericton and we are planning her wedding in St. Andrews. FUN!

9. Landscape centerpieces

why: First it started as monochromatic and then developed into multiple clusters of different flowers. With the focus now more than ever on green practices and getting the 'largest bang for your buck' landscapes are emerging. They last longer and are a real focal point. You can use fewer of them as they are typically larger - 1 on every other table.

Expect the price point on these to be higher. The impact is undeniable!

10. Shorter wedding dresses
why: Shorter dresses lend themselves to more feminine details.Shoes are getting bolder and we have a variety to choose from. Pairing a super short dress with some ankel tied sandles shows off your individual flair. Think flirty 30's.