Welcome Your Guests

Elaine - Basket Mania For Customized Gifts

The Basket Mania design studio is located in New York City, where Elaine's ample stock of unique baskets and containers wait to be turned into beautiful surprises that are sure to make you and your guests extremely happy. From various containers that include tall Martini glasses, cheeky lace bustier fabric gift bags and wired baskets to the more conventional gift baskets that come in various colors. Unlike massed produced packaged gift baskets, Elaine produces handmade custom designs, that are created with a love and passion for her craft, which means that whether you want a simple design or towering work of art your guests will receive a gift that expresses you're heart felt desires. http://www.basket-mania.com Telephone: 917-817 1257

When you have out of town guests that are going the distance to be a part of your special day, it's nice to be able to thank them for taking the time to share in your happiness.

Which is why Welcome Gifts for you're out of town guests should have a place in your wedding budget.

So here are 5 Tips on how to welcome your guests.

Tip #1.  Hire a gift basket designer like Elaine; from Basket Mania to make individual personalized welcome gifts for your guests and ask her create a unique design that includes all of their favorites.

Tip #2. Include whimsical novelties that will have sentimental meaning and long term value to your guests.  With customizable baskets you can decide on the contents so why not include whimsical novelties and trinkets, that Elaine can carefully place among beautifully packaged decadent Belgian gourmet truffles and chocolates drizzled with artistic swirls of white and dark chocolate, white chocolate popcorn, pistachios and mixed nuts, savory, herb and wine gourmet crackers and cheeses complimented with Tuscan styled dipping herbs, smoked salmon, scrumptious rum cakes, parmesan bruschetta chips, uniquely named gourmet coffees, cocoas and teas, wine biscuits and more.

Fruit & Gourmet Welcome Baskets

Consider the perks of personal service verses massed produced shelf stocked gifts and gift baskets.

1. The beauty of ordering your welcome gift from Basket Mania is that your welcome gifts can be themed to coincide with your wedding theme and colors, so if you are planning a tropical themed wedding for example think about including rich and extremely moist rum cakes and Jamaican Me Crazy gourmet coffee, of if you want to create a vintage inspired Marta's Vineyard themed wedding, include a selection of gourmet wine, cheeses and crackers along with red, green and black juicy grapes and non alcoholic beverages and sparkling apple ciders.
2. You can order welcome gifts that cater to your budget and Elaine can work with during a telephone consultation and make suggestions that take your budget into account.
3. You don't need to be in New York to order welcome gifts, Elaine ships her creations nation wide or if your local your guests can receive by  hand deliveries.
4. You can order from Basket Mania from 9 A.M. until 6 P.M and customer service is so important to Elaine that she does not offer on line ordering, instead call to speak to Elaine directly and receive personal attention during your complimentary ordering consultation,

Tip #3 Think outside the box by including information about the area where you will be hosting your wedding and ask Elaine to include tourist information about places to visit, restaurants, hair and beauty locations amusements, beaches etc. All of which you can gather and mail to Elaine so that she can add it as an inclusion.

Tip #4 Send parents a sentimental appreciation basket and release the wow in gift giving by sending mini framed photo's of you throughout the years, that Elaine can incorporate into her design, all of this and more can be possible with the kind of personalize service that Elaine provides through Basket Mania.

Tip #5 Spoil your bridal party with a gift certificate to get pampered and have Elaine include it in a after care pamper basket with top of the line pamper items that you will not find on the selves because they are specially made for gift basket designers. Items come in beautiful scents which are contained chic packagingyet totally affordable even if you have to watch your pennies.

The most important thing is to always have fun with each and every aspect of planning your wedding and Elaine makes that possible with gift basket classes where you can learn to make your own gift baskets, so why not arrange a bridal party gift basket making class and make it a group effort by making gifts for your guests?

No matter what you decide just remember to ensure that your guests know just how important it is for you to have them share in the beauty of your day and even if you have a modest budget before you say no I can't afford it, call Elaine to discover economical ways that she can create the most amazing welcome gifts for your family and friends and as you complete your order, know that the end result will always be sealed with love.

Tropical Colors on Stems

The final key in my five part series on how to create a "Tropical Destination Themed Wedding" 

Key Number Five
Floral



Bride's will tell you that their dress followed by their bouquet will be two of the most important details on  their wedding day, so when planning a tropical destination themed wedding, flowers naturally play an important part in tying the whole look together.

As a International Wedding Planning Professional, I can't deny that tropical flowers can be very expensive, especially if you live in an area that doesn't have a high demand for tropical flowers. However, when trying to fit tropical flowers into your wedding budget if you start with the most high demand tropical flowers it will help to ease the pressure from your floral budget by reducing the cost.

Popular Tropical Flowers.

The Orchid which comes in a number of different varieties, when used in wedding bouquets, boutonnieres and floral arrangements can create a stunning look that can unify your wedding theme. 

The moth orchid, other wise known as the Phalaenopsis and it's family member the Cymbdium orchid can be used in two very different ways. This delicate flower with it's soft circular petals because of it's size, is perfect for boutonnieres and stands up extremely well throughout the day. Orchids come in a variety of different colors, including, yellow, white and a pale green which look totally stunning in arrangements.  

Anthuriums, also known as Flamingo flowers, are tropical flowers that can be found all year round which  make them a great choice for tropical themed weddings. Anthuriums come in various shakes of pink, orange, red or green which make them a good choice to consider as flowers to incorporate into your tropical color palette.

Birds of Paradise

Heliconia's

Heliconia's another favorite bridal flower, is often mistaken as Birds of Paradise, by the untrained eye, because of the resemblance to the bird similarity. However if you look closely at the two, there is a huge difference in shape and size. 

Bird of Paradise, also known as  "Strelitzia or Crane Flower"  because you guessed it, it looks like a  crane with it's long beak and long slender neck, can last up to two weeks in floral arrangements and although they originate from Africa, they are right there in the tropical destination family of flowers. Though they can be used in bouquets, I think they make better center piece and decorative floral arrangements.

The Hibiscus provides a full open bloom in wedding bouquets. Popular in  Hawaiian weddings the hibiscus is a beautiful flower to incorporate into your wedding.

Calla Lillies

Use A White Calla Lilly As A Stand Alone

 
The Calla Lilly is another popular wedding flower for Brides. Completely stunning this flower can be used in bouquets or as a stand alone flower. It's horn shaped petals and thick green stems make the Calla Lilly a statement piece in and of its self.

But what if of all the flowers mentioned above, you still find the expense of them too much for your wedding budget. What then?

Quick Tip.

Inexpensive Bridal Bouquet Alternative

Compare Cerbera Daisies Colors to Tropical Florals

The Gerbera Daisy

You couldn't find a more versitile flower than the Gerbera Daisy, which has more tropical colors than any other bloom you might flind. Gerbera Daisies are the color of the rainbow and the tropics combined and make beautiful bouquets and arrangements that won't break the bank.

Visit your local florist where you will be able to discover different flowers that  create  stunning bouquets, unique boutonnieres, corsages, and centerpieces. Don't forget to price forever flowers and shop your local farmers markets for flower types that you might be able to use to as part of your tropical wedding theme.

As always have fun doing planning, think outside the box and exercise your creative mindset always..

Ambiance

Creating the kind of ambiance that reflects the theme of your wedding, requires a little creativity, which brings me to key number four in this five part series of how to create a "Tropical destination themed wedding" right where you are without having to go to a tropical destination to have it.

                                                  Tropical Ambiance

Key Number Four
Ambiance

If you live in a state where there are beaches and palm trees then your fortunate to be able to utilize those things so create the perfect setting for your wedding. But what if you only have parks, or are planning a back yard wedding, or you want to have your wedding in a country club, community hall or community picnic area, then what do you do to create the kind of atmosphere that will make your themed event look every bit the part?

.

Creating A Tropical Ambiance 

That Is Beautiful For The

Both Of You

Three ways that you make your reception all that you dream for it to be  is by utilizing different colors, lighting and props to set the stage for an awe inspiring wedding day. 

QUICK TIPS

Lets start with the ceremony. So you don't have the beach, there isn't a palm tree anywhere to be seen, but thank goodness for florist rentals, garden nursery retailers and stores like Michael's and Pottery Barn to name but a few. Though the first and least expensive choice would be to rent palm trees and bamboo arches, if rental services for those items are not available in your local area, explore the possibility of purchasing potted palms and other forms of tropical greenery. Also price tropical floral from floral markets or your local florist and compare prices against silk forever flowers, which can sometimes be more costly than the real thing especially if they are the kind of silks and plastic floral that are made to look as close to authentic as the real thing may be.

Purchase or chop thick tree branches to make your very own unique tropical design topiaries, use tropical colored petals to line the aisle or scatter on tables.

Explore the use of tropical colors, by using a base color and all the other colors combined to compliment the over all look of your decor.

Hang Tropical Colored Paper Pom Poms Or Lanterns

Shell Displays

Add fun pieces as decoration, things like cute flip flops, sunglasses,  umbrellas and rolled solid colored beach towels to make decorative displays. Spotlight pictures taken of the both of you through different stages of your relationship and use them to add to display areas as props.

A word of caution however, when working your displays trust your first instinct, if it looks pitiful and the design concept isn't coming together rework it until it does, or eliminate it all together, because if you don't that display will stick out like a sore thumb.

Quick Tip
Don't assume that because a centerpiece has some sand and a few seashells and star fish in it, that you will have the over all look that your hoping for, when you theme your event, you have to go all out to pull it together and you can will a little imagination.

Group candles together to create a beautiful display

Candles, candles and more candles, are a quick easy and totally beautiful way to create a soft, romantic atmosphere. Float candles on top floral  immersed in clear or lightly tinted colored water for a really great effect. Use lighting to add a romantic glow that can transform a dull space and ultimately make your reception beautiful.

Last but not least linens, napkins, sashes and runners, visit your local wedding linen rental specialist to select linens that will compliment your theme. Remember to keep patterned linens at a minimum if you are using lots of vibrant colored accessories in your decor.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun!

Key Number Three Food Glorious Food

Key Number Three in my five part series of how to create a "Tropical Destination" themed wedding brings us to food and beverage. In the previous posts I discussed the Jamaican style rum cake and Caribbean inspired music, so in keeping with the theme,  I think it's important to cover other Tropical Islands so that you can theme your wedding accordingly.

Key Number Three
Tropical Islands, Food & Beverages           

Island In The Sun

Key Number Two, Let's Party!

Key number two in the Wow Bridal News five part Blog series, is bound to open the rhythm of  your heart, as you use it to unlock a creative way of thinking. 

Key Number Two
Island Music.                                   
                                                            
                                              Your Guests Want To Have Fun!

                                                                       

A tropical destination themed wedding would be far from complete without the exotic sounds of Island music. From Procession to Recession, cocktail hour, reception and if applicable after party the beautiful rhythms of the Island will add a unique touch to your wedding day.

Now I know you may say, I don't understand the words, but as they say in Jamaica, everything is everything, and everything is Ire! because if you think about it, it's the instrumental beats in music that get people moving and when you add the sounds of the Island to your wedding you are without a doubt going to create a signature event that you and your guests will enjoy. 

Incorporate Reggae, Calypso, Socca and Steel Pan music and get your guests up and dancing. Allow the gentle melodies of  steel pans entertain your guests whilst they are waiting for you to appear at the ceremony and during the cocktail reception.

     Your Favorite Songs Played 

               On Steel Pans

                                                                             

As you create you music lists, you might be surprised when you discover how many songs, by your  favorite country, pop, RnB, artists are included in the music libraries of Island music. Though a lot of DJ's may not specialize in being able to create a seamless flow with Caribbean music, the good news is, that there are lots of professional DJ's in the United States that specialize in Reggae, Reggaeton, Socca and Calypso music. DJ's like DJ Vibez of KillaFace Sound Station for example.

DJ Vibez's sought after mixing styles, of Reggae, Socca, Calypso Pop, RnB, Hip Hop and the Top 40 Wedding songs, can be heard at popular SW Florida night clubs and weddings and social events. Located in SW Florida, the demand for his specialty enables him to travel as a solo DJ, or with the crew of KillaFace Sound Station, to destinations in all 50 States just to add spice to special events that want a taste of the Island music. In a recent Interview with Vibez he informed me that he is "always ready to solute the Bride and Groom", which is his professional signature to let them know that the party is on!  To contact Vibez or to book KillaFace Sound Station for your wedding or social event call  the following number and mention Wow Bridal News to receive a 10% Discount. 941-677 3442

           Specializing In Reggae, Socca & Calypso 

A Taste Of The Tropics With Caribbean Wedding Cake

You can have your cake and eat it too!

If your fantasy has always been to have a tropical destination wedding, but your wedding budget is clearly standing in the way of making it a dream come true, the good news is that you don’t need to travel to the Caribbean or to the Florida Keys to incorporate the elements associated with an Island in the sun wedding, In fact there are lots of things that you can do to bring the tropics to you no matter where you are.

So, let me help you to exercise your creativity so that you can make your dreams a livable reality, as you utilize a bit of professional directionality in order to have your themed wedding as you enjoy the planning process, without stressing over all of the "Coulda, Shoulda, Wouldas," that you might find yourself dealing with because you believe that you have to settle for the kind of wedding that you really don't want. 

With that said, all you need to do is commit to following my five day Blog series to receive five Wow Bridal News keys to creating  a tropical destination themed wedding, right in your own back yard, by back yard I mean, wherever your wedding destination is, even if your fortunate to be able to have your wedding in Florida or the Caribbean.
                                                    

         
               

              





Key Number One
The Caribbean Wedding Cake

A Must For A Tropical Themed Wedding

Cake History!
The conception of the wedding cake dates back to the Roman Empire, when the presence of a barley loaf  stood in place of the wedding cake, as we know it to be today. Although  the yummy sweet taste of cake verses a very healthy barley loaf doesn't sound very appealing and I'm almost sure that the Romans didn't think about toasting it and smearing it mashed berries or honey, the fact is the symbolic rituals associated with it's presence, was just as important as our cake cutting rituals are today.

During that historical period a freshly baked barley loaf  made especially for the wedding feast, was given to the  Groom who would then take it to symbolize his dominant role as the  head of household and man over his Bride. The guests would look on as they witnessed the traditional breaking of the barley loaf by the Groom over his Bride's head, symbolizing the breaking of her hymen and soon to be lost virginity.

Of course today's Bride would reject having the crumbs from a barley loaf falling into her bridal up do, in a modern wedding minute, so thank goodness for the introduction of  cakes that the Bride and Groom can now feed to each other, or mush into each other's faces. What's funny however, is that if the Romans could peek into the future our modern day rituals would be just as amusing to them as theirs is to us.

Cake Designed By Caribbean Wedding Cakes

www.caribbeanweddingcake.com

The Rum Cake
The fruit cake was introduced to the Caribbean Island by the English during the 17th century, however the recipe  was quickly altered by the African slaves who they  brought to the Caribbean Islands during the slave trade. Since then all of the Caribbean Islands have developed their own version of the fruit cake, as families pass down secret ingredients of spices to use and how to prepare the fruit before baking.

A Caribbean Rum Cake For A 

Tropical Destination Themed Wedding.

Claire, the owner of Caribbean Wedding Cakes runs her Caribbean Bakery business in New York, after inheriting the secret recipes of the rum cake  that her mother used to bake in the Caribbean.  As a little girl Claire would stand on a chair in her mother's kitchen as she studied her mother, cracking the freshly laid eggs they had collected earlier. Claire would listen intently to the stories that her mother told about weddings she had baked for and how she as a little girl would watch her own mother making cakes, Her mother would then pour a little flour and water into a small clay bowl and and as she gave  Claire a small wooden spoon with which to mix the flour and water with, what she was in fact doing     un-be-known to her little girl, was passing down a tradition that her mother had in turn passed down to her.  Mimicking her mother, Claire would stir the flour and water mix,  pretending to cream the sweet butters and granulated sugars, as she poured invisible  pure essences and freshly ground spices mirroring her mother who was adding the right measures of the secret ingredients into her large baking bowl.

Individual Rum Cakes Make Great Wedding Favors For You're Guest.

                                                                                                               

As a little girl, licking the spoon after the cake batter was poured became a welcomed treat for Claire, as it for many  little girls and boys we enjoy licking cake batter or nibbling on small pieces of raw cookie dough during those special moments spent baking in the kitchen with their mothers.

From a seventieth Century Introduction of the fruit cake with recipes tweaked and personalized through the ages, Claire's customers are able to enjoy her rum cakes in today's twentieth century and they don't have to be on the Islands of the Caribbean or Florida to be able to do it.  From traditional tiered wedding cakes to individually boxed or wrapped cakes, you can incorporate the same  delicious  tasting wedding cakes that would be a part of your special day, if you were to have your wedding at a tropical destination.

 Claire can ship your cake or individually wrapped cakes directly to you anywhere in the United States, either decorated with semi royal fondant or plain so that you can take it to a Professional Baker, to have it decorated  in your wedding colors.  Claire also provides Baker Concierge delivery and set up service of her cakes, to anywhere in the United States.

For more information and consultations connect with Claire, via her web site  at www.caribbeanweddingcake.com or call her and mention Wow Bridal News to receive a 10% discount off your Caribbean Wedding Cake order.

Signature Cocktails.

Cocktails Borrowed, Cocktails Blue, Cocktail Old, Cocktails New!

Naming a signature drink, can definitely be a fun and creative way to add a special twist to your cocktail reception, even if your opting to have non alcoholic beverages.

So, don't forget to schedule a consultation appointment with you're venue bartender, who should be able to help you create a signature drink that incorporates your favorite liquors, drink mixes, garnishes, wedding colors, theme and style.

  

Check out the new "Happily Ever After," signature drink recipes, by Hpnotiq called "Blushing Bride." and "Something Blue."

                                 "Blushing Bride."

                                                  A lavender colored drink, that is served in champagne flutes.

                                                  Mix together,

 

2 oz Harmonie.

2 oz Champagne. (Extra Dry)

Pour Chilled mix and enjoy!  

                         

"Something Blue."

Representive of it's name, this blue colored drink is also a champagne mix.

Mix together,

2 oz Hpnotiq

2 oz Champagne. (Extra Dry)

Pour Chilled mix and enjoy!

Also, check out http://www.drinksmixer.com/ for over 2,240 drink variations, for DIY signature drink options.