Suzanne The Party Girl

We've Moved!

2009-07-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

Suzanne The Party Girl's Blog has moved to:

www.SuzanneThePartyGirl.com

Please visit us and leave us a message on our new site!

We would love to hear what you think!

Thank you so much and have a wonderful day,

Suzanne

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale!

2009-07-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

Attention Brides!

There is a Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale THIS SUNDAY in downtown LA!

Her dresses are just gorgeous! Here is your chance to own one yourself!

Happy Shopping!

Suzanne

From Daily Candy:

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale
What: Find ready-t0-wear and dreamy bridal samples and overstock frocks at 40-90 percent off.
Why: Get that vow factor.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: 1201 S. Grand Ave., at W. 12th St., 2nd flr., Downtown.

Friday Feature: The Foundry on Melrose

2009-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun weddings that I have ever been to was in a restaurant.

When we entered, our coats were whisked away, a cocktail was placed in our hands and appetizers circled while while chatted up the guests and mingled with the bride and groom.

After we were all pink-cheeked, all of the guests gathered on the back patio for the ceremony, and stood around the bride and groom, while family and friends all shared their stories and declared their love of the couple. Then the couple declared their love for each other. It was so touching and sweet.

Afterward, we all sat at tables and enjoyed amazing food served family style followed by dancing and yummy deserts and more sparkling conversation. It was a blast!

The Foundry on Melrose has the perfect set up for a fun event such as this!

The Foundry has indoor and outdoor spaces to host your event. The restaurant has a modern, Art Deco meets Zen vibe. It is a really fun atmosphere to soak in over a delicious cocktail. (Their cocktails are the BEST!)

The Foundry on Melrose open air patio. Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

They have a beautiful outdoor space that is tented in the winter, but right now the tent is down and you can enjoy LA's beautiful, sunny weather and dine under the stars and a clear sky!

Front Entrance Bar in the Lounge. Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

Inside the Foundry on Melrose dining room. Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

If your event is on a scale that is too large for the restaurant itself, you're in for a treat. For all brides, grooms and party-throwers, chef Eric Greenspan and his team also cater. Yea!

Here two of the amazing desserts they create:

Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

Pictured above: Raspberry mousse with fried berry muffins and marscapone cream.

Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

Pictured above: Turkish coffee cake with baklava and chocolate covered espresso beans.

If you, like me, can't decide which one looks yummier, try both!

The Foundry on Melrose restaurant is sort of like a cool mullet: Party in the front, business in the back.

Well, actually, it is more like: Live music and cocktails with belly laughs coming from the kitchen in the front and awesome food, tranquil evening sky and more cocktails in the back.

Their Calendar (see here) sounds like so much fun, too:

Every Sunday is Scotch and a Song Sundays: Enjoy Scotch cocktails and Singer Songwriters in the lounge from 8:30 - 11 pm.

Every Tuesday is Bluesy Tuesdays: Enjoy Chef Greenspan's Southern fried chicken, waffles, sides of creamed corn, grits and greens, green tomatoes, and corn bread pudding (all at amazing prices) while enjoying a healthy does of Blues from 8-10 pm. (My mouth is watering just writing this!)

Live music also plays nightly in the lounge. If that is not enough for you, every day (except Mondays, as they're closed) you can check out their new Market Menu with 3 courses for $39 per person. Chef Greenspan will cook up new items for you to try using fresh market fare. You'll be a well-fed Guinea Pig (of the best order, of course)!

Their food is always amazing, so every day is the perfect day to drop in. Plus, their cocktails are out of this world, so no matter which part of the restaurant you dine in, you simply must get at least one.

The Billy Parks is soooo crazy good. Hendrick's Gin, fresh cucumber, chili and lillet blanc. We had two of those!

The Pooty Tang was so delicious, we were giggling (and not just because it is called Pooty Tang). Grey Goose, triple sec, mango and, yes, Tang. So yummy.

The Consigliere was another. This one we ordered because we wanted to feel like Consigliere. Woodford's Bourbon, Amaretto, and fresh grapefruit. We were rolling our eyes back in our heads because this, too, was delicious beyond words.

I would report on more cocktails, but seriously, I think that four was more than plenty because these drinks are the real deal. Just fresh juice and hard core, high quality booze. The way a cocktail was meant to be!

Chef Eric Greenspan not only shakes up a great cocktail, he also cooks up amazing food. He is a blast to be around, too. Those belly laughs coming from the kitchen. That would be him.

Chef Eric Greenspan. Image courtesy of The Foundry on Melrose.

I can't even talk about the food. It is so good that I couldn't even put it into words. You just have to try it for yourself. I mean: Cheddar Glazed Short Ribs with creamed corn, mustard greens and tempura onion rings; Roasted Hanger Steak with brown butter mash, peppers and capers; Seared Tuna with baby carrots, daikon and oranges; Carmelized Diver Scallops with saffron aioli, fennel arugula salad and tomato confit; Mango Flan with curry frozen yogurt and pistachios; are you getting this? I'm about to eat my own fist. The menu is constantly changing so you are always in for a treat!

Oh, and I want you all to know that I chose to write about The Foundry because their food is to-die-for-super-duper-amazing. They didn't even ask me to write a post. I did, of course, ask for permission to use their photos because I am a nice person with integrity and that is just how I roll.

They aren't paying me to say that. In fact, my entire blog is a collection of things to find, see an do based on things I have found, seen and did.

You will understand once you eat at The Foundry on Melrose, that once you bite into their delectable, mouth watering, totally amazing food that you will be compelled to tell EVERYONE to eat there, too!

So, read this and then, if you don't normally splurge on out-of-this-world food, save your pennies for a night out at one of the the yummiest spots in LA. Then write to thank me for telling you all about it!

Also, think of them when you have your next event. Your guests will be forever grateful!

Make your reservation today! Call The Foundry on Melrose and tell Chef Eric Greenspan that The Party Girl told you that you need:

1) A Billy Parks cocktail in your hand and

2) His favorite new item on the menu on your plate!

For Events or Catering with The Foundry on Melrose, Contact:

Vera Wagman

events@thefoundryonmelrose.com

(818) 687.6615

For Reservations at The Foundry on Melrose:

(323) 651.0915

7465 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 9046

Tues - Sat open at 6 pm

Sundays open at 5:30 pm

Closed Mondays

http://www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

Bon Appetite and

Party on!

Suzanne

Thursday Design Finds: Custom Wedding Signs

2009-07-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

A really fun trend with weddings are directional signs that show your guests where to go in a fun and creative way.

Directional signs also show your guests that you have thought about them and their experience by making it easier for them to navigate through your wedding events. By creating an easy way to let your guests know exactly where to go for each event during your wedding, you will have happy guests and be happy hosts!

Darline of The Back Porch Shoppe on Etsy creates the most lovely directional wedding signs (in addition to a plethora of other signs and objects).

I just love the rustic yet elegant look of these signs pointing the way to the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception:

images from BackPorchShoppe.Etsy.com

You can use The Back Porch Shoppe's signs to highlight your dessert table:

image from BackPorchShoppe.Etsy.com

And also mark the bride and groom's seats of honor:

image from BackPorchShoppe.Etsy.com

See Darline's handmade "Just Married" Sign featured on this wedding video (under the Groom's Arm): http://www.vimeo.com/5023199

Beltane Ranch, Sonoma Photoshoot from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Keep an eye out for this little beauty in the video:

image from BackPorchShoppe.Etsy.com

Thank you Darline! Love your work!

YOU can have a custom sign made by Darline, too! Find The Back Porch Shoppe on Etsy and order yours today!

Party on!

Suzanne

Wednesday Weirdness: Find Your Inner Super Hero

2009-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

You love parties, you love costumes and you love dressing up.

You also love to help out "the little guy," a person in need, and someone who just needs a good ol' fashioned rescue.

Perhaps your passion for these things has taken you to the next level.

I am referring, of course, to caped crusaders and super heroes. What else?

You can unleash your inner passion and dress up as your favorite super hero OR you can become your very own, unique super hero with your own special powers. (No need to prove that you have special powers. Just saying that you have them carries a lot of weight in some circles.)

And, should you feel so inclined, you can register your super hero self here:

http://www.worldsuperheroregistry.com/world_superhero_registry_gallery.htm

If I were a super hero, I would want to be her:

(That's She-ra, the Princess of Power, but I'm sure that she is trademarked to the hilt, or at least that giant shimmery-pink sword that she brandishes, so obviously I would never use her name. I merely bow to her mighty girly-greatness.)

Oh, and if you do register your super hero, please, please, pretty please comment and send a photo of yourself and your super hero name! You make this world a fun (and more safe) place to be!

And one last thing. If this is your bag, I HIGHLY recommend, checking out Joss Whedon and team's video series titled "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" (see http://doctorhorrible.net). It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day and it is spectacular. Really. I even purchased the amazingly awesome songs on iTunes. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog is now on DVD and rentable on Netflix or you can watch it on Hulu here:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/28343/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog.

About 4 minutes in, the singing begins, so wait for it. It pays in spades!

Party on!

Suzanne

Creative Inspiration: Wedding Cake Toppers

2009-07-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

image from www.L a u r e n A l a ne.com

The wedding cake topper has a history that is not clearly defined making it difficult to tell where and when the idea of the cake topper started. The legend/fable/rumor is that the first cake topper came into existence when a father-of-the-bride (and a baker by trade) crafted two figurines, representing the bride and groom, as a symbol of love and placed them on top of the cake for all to see. There is no way to verify this story (even with the internet), but regardless of how the first one was created, cake toppers have been an integral part of the wedding cake for many years.

Recently, cake toppers seem to have fallen out of favor with most wedding designers. They have been replaced by real or fondant flowers or initials. Flowers and initials can look great and are a lovely option, but I do think that cake toppers still have a place as they can really express a bride and groom's personality and be a fun talking point for the guests. Here are some of my favorites:

I love these little wood people that you can customize on Kelly and Michelle's online Etsy Shop: Goose Grease. You can place a custom order and have Kelly and Michelle create your likeness in wooden dowel form from a photograph, or, you could order them plain and paint them yourself. They really do a superb job of painting the little people, though. Their refined and minimal painted details are visually interesting and even capture the essence of the real subject. I like the horn-rimmed glasses on the bride below. My favorite thing of all is that you can order a bride and groom, or a bride and bride, or a groom and groom, or two ninjas, or two pirates, or whatever your imagination dictates. For your very own little wooden people to adorn your wedding cake, contact Kelly and Michelle through their Etsy Shop, Goose Grease.Etsy.com.

images from Goose Grease Etsy Shop

These adorable wedding cake topers are crafted from felt by Lauren Alan e. According to Lauren's site, "(These) cake toppers are on-of-a-kind, and are custom made to include the special details of your wedding." So true. Her little birds, squirrels and woodland creatures are soooo precious! Email Lauren for availability: Lauren@LaurenAlane.com. You can find Laruen's felt toppers and other adorable little felt creatures (as well as pricing and other info) at: www.LaurenAlane.com.

image from www.L a u r e n A l a ne.com

Lauren arranges her felt creations in cute and hilarious ways. I enjoy looking at this little guy:

image from www.L a u r e n A l a n e.com

Classic porcelain figures can also have a twist. This one topped the cake of a wedding that I coordinated. It has a traditional groom but the bride is represented by a squirrel as "Squirrel" is her nick name. It also went with their Southern Jug Band and BBQ wedding elements. It is made by Melabo on Etsy.

photography by Phil Crosby, figurine by Melabo on Etsy

These ceramic little cuties are hand made by Jennifer Murphy and sold online throughJennifer's Etsy Shop. Jennifer makes these cake toppers and an abundance of other fun items, particularly bears, which you can see on her site: www.JMurphyBears.com. Jennifer also has a really fun blog full of her handmade projects from bears to quilts:www.AndOtherSillyThings.blogspot.com

image from Jennifer Murphy's Etsy Shop

If a couple is going for a retro vibe, nothing really says vintage wedding like your original bride and groom topper with the tulle and lace base set upon a white cake with a frosted basket weave pattern and adorned with yellow or peach flowers and some Baby's Breath. Just saying.

Party on!

Suzanne

Wedding Guest Book: fun options

2009-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

AB, CD, EF, GH...

image by RFranzDesgin.Etsy

image by Cut The Cake Designs on Etsy

Guest Book tables are a great opportunity to inject the personality of the bride and groom and to really make the experience fun for your guests and a great keepsake for the bride and groom.

In addition to the traditional guest book, here are some fun options to document your guests warm wishes.

RFranzDesign on Etsy and Cut The Cake Designs on Etsy sell really cute address books that you can also use for guest books.

image by Cut The Cake Designs on Etsy

image by RFranzDesgin.Etsy

There are a few ways you could use these:

1) One would be to just lay out an array of these sweet address cards crafted from pretty paper and have guests write a note and sign their name.

2) The other would be to have an address book in lieu of guest escort cards. How cute would it be to have each guest listed under their last name in the alphabet and then have an attendant hand them their "address card" with their table seating assignment on them. After the "address escort cards" are passed out, you could refill your file with all of the sentiments that your guests wrote out on the blank address cards.

3) You could add labels with your guests' actual address and phone information and adhere it to one side of the card. Then, you would arrange the cards like escort cards in alphabetical order (by last name) on your guest book table. Guests would then find their cards and write their sentiment on the back. When they are done, they would leave them in a tray for your table attendant to file (or for you to file later). I would definitely recommend a guest book attendant for this. A sign with clear directions could be left on the table, but for ease of guest service, I would recommend a live person.

image by RFranzDesgin.Etsy

Cute options for the Address A-Z tabs.

image by RFranzDesgin.Etsy

Fun address card papers that would look great arranged on a "guest book" table.

The Wedding Perch's Shop on Etsy has a really fun take using a slice of tree bark and a burning tool.

The Wedding Perch's tree trunk slice is burned by hand with the couple's initials. The initials are surrounded by a hand burned heart and arrow. Then, your wedding guests can sign their names directly onto the wood. The wooden memory plaque comes with a shadow box frame and a velcro attachment system so you can easily mount it after your guests have penned their names at your wedding. Such a great idea! This would look particularly beautiful on a table with woodland decorations such as a bed of green moss.

images by Wedding Perch's Shop on Etsy

What other creative ideas have you seen for wedding guest books? I would love to hear all about them!

Party on!

Suzanne

Beautiful Wedding Video

2009-07-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable video sent to me from Darline of The Back Porch Shoppe on Etsy.

More on her adorable custom hand made signs on Thursday! She will be featured in Bride's Magazine this Fall! (Hers is the "Just Married" sign under the groom's arm.)

Beltane Ranch, Sonoma Photoshoot from andrew msv on Vimeo.

Thanks, Darline!

Party on!

Suzanne

Friday Feature: The Flashdance

2009-07-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

For the most fun ever, you want The Flashdance at your wedding.

Not the movie, although that has potential. I refer to the DJ/Photographer troup: The Flashdance. (They are photographers and a DJ. Flash. Dance. . . get it?)

If you haven't heard of them by now, seriously, where have you been hiding? You must check them out now! Yes, NOW!

After you see them in action, you will never, ever confuse them with the movie again because they are just that cool. Reading an About Us page has never been so much fun. Read all about them here.

Michael Antonia is The Human Jukebox in The Flashdance tribe. Michael is one of the hippest, hottest wedding DJs in Los Angeles. He has spun records for weddings from LA to NY and even (as Chelsea Handler calls them) Herpes Simplex 1 and 2.

Michael Antonia, aka The Human Jukebox, of The Flashdance.

image from www.TheFlashdance.com

The Flashdance has fantastic photographers (check out their wedding photography) and a fun take on a photo booth called the "Smile Booth" that looks like so much fun I want to just climb inside my laptop!

My favorite wedding is this one at Union Station. It is the sweetest, most fun, most beautiful wedding. The bride and bride really know how to throw a party!

The Flashdance is going to be donating a portion of all their proceeds from commitment ceremonies this year to www.noonprop8.com to help reinstate equal marriage rights for everyone! I love that idea so much that I will, too!

If you want to get your groove on and have your guests busting out their old moves on the dance floor (and why wouldn't you?), give Michael a ring!

Also, Michael and The Flashdance are amazing bloggers. It really pays off in spades to follow The Flashdance on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to their updates. One of my favorite posts is here:

link from YouTube.com and TheFlashdance.com

DJ Mark, the 45 King (More about him on Wikipedia.)

This is REALLY COOL!!!! Thank you, Michael from The Flashdance!

Michael is pretty amazing himself! Check out The Flashdance! You can have as much fun as a Friday Night Out in your own living room just perusing their site!

Tell him The Party Girl says, "Hello!"

Party on!

Suzanne

Wedding Planning Checklist: A Lasting Impression! Part 9 of 9

2009-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is LAST part of several in a series. The checklist for AFTER your Wedding Day!

The day and weeks after your wedding are important because this is the last impression that you will leave on all of your guests and your vendors. Treat them all well, and you have friends (and possibly future helpers) for life!

To view the first post in this series, see Monday, June 22nd.

Here is part seven of my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs:

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a After the Wedding

The Dress	Take wedding dress to be cleaned and preserved.
Groom	Return tuxedos, if rented.
Rentals	Rentals picked up Monday after wedding (if at home).
Gifts	Mail thank you cards to guests within 4 weeks of returning from your honeymoon.
Gifts	Send thank you notes to your vendors.
Misc.	Send change-of-address form to post office, if necessary.
Misc.	Change your last name on necessary forms.
Gifts	As a token of appreciation and for something that they can use in their portfolio, send digital photos to your vendors who helped you out so they can see how their work looked in at your wedding.
Photographer	Choose the photos for your albums and decide if you want any additional photos or albums as gifts.
Videographer	View your final wedding video, request any changes, and decide if you would like additional copies as gifts.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Your Wedding Day! Part 8 of 9

2009-07-08T01:00:00.001-07:00

Here it is! Your Wedding Day!

All of your hard work is about to pay off!

To view the first post in this series, see Monday, June 22nd.

Here is part seven of my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs:

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a Your Wedding Day

Guest Book Adesso Album Discount

2009-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

www.adessoalbums.com/abc.html

Every one of your brides will use a guest book at her wedding. Why not help yours create something unique that she can enjoy immediately and save a little money for her and/or make a little for yourself in the process? Why not indeed!

For more information visit:

Wedding Planning Checklist: Getting Started! Part 7

2009-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

his is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Monday, July 6th.

To view the next post, check back on Wednesday, July 8th.

Here is my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs:

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 3 Weeks Out:

Coordinator	Final walk of your ceremony and reception sites with Suzanne and on-site leads/coordinators.
Caterer	Give your caterer your final head count.
Paper	Print menus.
Paper	Print seating plan. (You can frame a seating plan and frame nicely to place at reception entrance).
Reception Venue	Print ceremony pew cards, seating chart, escort cards and place cards. (Seating cards have your guests names and table number and replace a framed seating plan. Place cards have each guest’s name printed on them and are placed at each place setting.
Reception Venue	You will need to have a check-in table for guests to sign your guest book and have an area to place gifts. You will also need an envelope box on the gift table so loose cards don’t get lost.
Coordinator	Give reception location manager final seating chart and give Suzanne escort cards at your final reception venue meeting. Make certain that escort cards are alphabetized A-Z.
Coordinator	Give ceremony and reception location managers a vendor contact sheet . (We can do this for you.)
Coordinator	In addition to A-Z escort cards, give Suzanne any items that you will need for your ceremony and reception that she is not providing. Ex, Unity Candle, sand ceremony items, your marriage license and certificate or Ketubah, programs, cake cutting set, toasting flutes, comfortable reception shoes, etc.
Coordinator	Give Suzanne any additional copies of vendor contracts or agreements.
Gifts	Wrap gifts for your family, attendants and for each other (We also provide an expert wrapping service and bring these to your rehearsal dinner.)

Wedding Checklist a 1 Week Out:

Misc.	Ask your cleaning service to help clean your home to prepare for visitors a few (apx. 2) days before the wedding. If the wedding is at your home, schedule your service to clean two days before the wedding, touch up the morning of the wedding and return the day after the wedding.
Health & Beauty	Get a manicure and pedicure before rehearsal dinner.
Bridal Party	Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties. Schedule them either a week or a few days prior to the wedding as opposed to the night before.
Organization	Distribute final wedding day timeline and contact list to vendors and bridal party. (Suzanne will email vendors the timeline and hand out a timeline to your bridal party at your rehearsal.
Organization	Organize tipping envelopes and be ready to give them to Suzanne at the rehearsal.
Rehearsal	Attend rehearsal with Suzanne, bridal party and immediate family and attend rehearsal dinner.
Rehearsal	Practice your receiving line with all involved if you are doing one.
Rehearsal	Hand out wedding day timeline notes to bridal party and family.
Rehearsal	At rehearsal, give any remaining ceremony accessories to Suzanne – programs, yarmulkes, Unity Candle, tipping envelopes, etc.
Gifts	Give attendants and parents thank you gifts

Wedding Checklist a 1 Day Before Your Wedding:

Health & Beauty	Get a manicure and pedicure before wedding day (or morning of your wedding if having an evening wedding and your beauty service will come to your hotel in the early morning.
To Bring	Gather all of the items you will need for your honeymoon and keep them separate from the items that you will need to get ready the day of your wedding.
To Bring	Arrange to have your luggage delivered to your honeymoon suite or as needed according to your travel plans

Wedding Planning Checklist: Getting Started! Part 7

2009-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Wednesday, July 1st.

To view the next post, check back on Tuesday, July 7th.

Here is my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs:

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 2 Months Out:

Guest List and rsvp	Continue tracking rsvps as they come in.
Guests	Draft seating plan for ceremony and reception. Suzanne can help you with this.
Guest List and rsvp	Make a list of ceremony seating or pew cards to print, if doing.
Guest List and rsvp	Make a list of reception seating chart, escort cards or place cards to print, if doing.
Bridal Party	Confirm that each bridesmaid has received her dress.
Ceremony	Review ceremony details with your officiant.
Ceremony	Distribute copies of selected readings and songs to ceremony participants.
Marriage License	Apply for a marriage license.
Music & Dancing	Send photo shot list to photographer and do/do not play list to band/DJ.
Toasts	Write your wedding speech/toast.
To Bring	Prepare bride and groom toiletries and extra essentials (socks, nylons, comfortable shoes, spare shoes in case of breakage, etc.) for day-of wedding. Suzanne will also have an emergency kit with her.
To Bring	Give any purchased or hand made items to Suzanne so she may assemble guest room gifts for out-of-town guests and/or packaged favors for guests.
To Do	Start breaking in your wedding day shoes (both bride and groom).
To Purchase	Purchase comfortable end-of-night shoes (or flip flops).
Optional	We can also purchase flip flops for your guests to be placed near the dance floor for their comfort. These items will coordinate with your decor color scheme.
Optional	If it will be chilly or warm, we can purchase pashminas or fans for your guests’ comfort. These items will coordinate with your decor color scheme.
Health & Beauty	Attend a hair and makeup trial and remember to take pictures of yourself.
Health & Beauty	Schedule a haircut appointment for the groom for the week or two before the wedding.
Health & Beauty	Schedule a facial or any waxing for yourself one to two weeks before the wedding so any breakouts can clear up.
The Dress	Find something old, new, borrowed and blue, and sixpence in the shoe, if doing.
The Dress	Attend final dress fitting.
The Rings	Pick up your wedding rings and try them on.
Paper	Send seating and place cards to calligrapher, or begin to write/print them yourself.

Wedding Checklist a 2 Months Out:

The Dress	Pick-up wedding dress from bridal salon. Ask them to press it. Hang it up when you get home in a secure area with lots of room. (Don’t let your dogs or cats get to it, but inside a closet isn’t good unless it won’t be crushed.)
Groom	Have groom and groomsmen pick-up their tuxedos.
Misc.	Ask your cleaning service to help clean your home to prepare for visitors a few (apx. 2) days before the wedding. If the wedding is at your home, schedule your service to clean two days before the wedding, touch up the morning of the wedding and return the day after the wedding.
Organization	Work on wedding day timeline and contact list for vendors and bridal party. (Suzanne will type up a timeline and send to you to review. Then, we will email vendors the timeline and hand out a timeline to your bridal party at your rehearsal.)
Health & Beauty	Confirm wedding day beauty appointments.
Organization	Confirm wedding day details with all vendors. (We will do this for you.)
To Bring	Pack for honeymoon.
Gifts	Deliver guest room gifts to hotel. (We can do this for you.)
Bridal Party	Assign day-of responsibilities to attendants.
The Dress	Arrange for someone to send your wedding dress to a preservationist. (We can do this for you.)
Caterer	Finalize catering menu so menus can be printed. If doing a menu based on Farmer’s Market availability, your menus will need to be printed the week of your wedding by a printer as opposed to being engraved, or, our calligrapher can create one menu per table.)
Invitations	Follow up with your guests who have not given you an rsvp. Your coordinator can also contact them. You will need to give your caterer the final head count two to three weeks in advance of your wedding date.
Reception Venue	If you are staying overnight at a hotel connected to your reception venue, ask your reception venue if they have refrigerators and can store your extra wedding cake after the ceremony. If they can’t do that for you, request for a mini-fridge to be delivered to your room.
Cake	Ask your cake baker to bring extra cake boxes for your cake. Ask for smaller boxes if you are storing your cake in a mini-fridge.

Celebrate July 4th in Los Angeles!

2009-07-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is almost here!

It definitely feels like Summer here in Los Angeles. It has been in the upper 80's all week.

Fritz Coleman, our Channel 4 NBC Weather Guru, has a hunch that our morning overcast will burn off by the evening. So far this week, the evenings have been crystal clear and beautiful. It is Southern California at its best with our flip-flop wearing weather!

Watch Fritz' weather report on the evening news or just ask him if you bump into him at Starbucks. I think that is where he spends all of his time when he is not broadcasting or running.

For some great sites on where to see fireworks in Los Angeles, just go here:

www.safejuly4th.org

This site lists the best places to see all of the Greater LA Area city-sponsored firework shows from July 2 - July 5.

LA Examiner

The LA Examiner has a great cohesive list of things to do in the Greater LA Area. See their list for some of the best restaurants and rooftop views (The Castaway in Burbank, The Standard, Downtown, and The Sky Room in Long Beach are some examples). They also list The Rose Bowl and Hollywood Bowl and other fun things to see and do in the city.

www.citysearch.com

golosangeles.about.com

Citysearch and GoLosAngeles list some of the same places as the above, but they have comprehensive directions and information and you can also find big sales listed and other fun things to do.

Wherever you go, have a wonderful, safe and Happy 4th of July!

Party on!

Suzanne

Random Fact: Why do trains stay on the tracks?

2009-07-03T00:38:00.001-07:00

RichardFeynman explains why trains stay on the tracks. It's not how you think. I love this guy. http://htxt.it/0BVL

Email Invitations from Cocodot.com: Goes Live Soon!

2009-07-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

I find so many great tips and things on Gweneth's website, GOOP!

One of her latest shares is a stunningly fresh, fun and fashionable online invitation and greeting card site called: Cocodot: celebrate + create

Their motto:

Beauty Meets Simplicity:

Save money. Save face. Save time. Save the planet.

Mighty big words. Mighty big designs. Me Mighty-LOVE them!

Their designs are so yummy! They are sleek in their design and have fun, simple graphics. Very chic and cool.

Cocodot has really cute designs to choose from and should be available to the public any day now. You can go to their site to sign up and be notified when they go live. Cocodot's annual subscription is $29.95 for invitations and $12.95 per event and free greeting cards. (I think I understand what that means, but it is a little fuzzy.)

Check them out at: cocodot.com

Maybe you need to plan a party just to have an excuse to send one of their uber-styish invites to your friends! Or, you could send one of their greeting cards...just because!

Party on!

Suzanne

In the spirit of Michael Jackson, bling it out, baby!

2009-07-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Michael Jackson, the "gloved one," bring on the bling, baby!

Who doesn't love them some bling? I am often asked for decor with "bling": Crystals dripping from tall flower arrangements, glittery chandeliers, diamond encrusted...everything.

One of my favorite sites for weirdness is www.oddee.com

Their current focus: The 12 Most Fascinating Diamond Encrusted Objects. How perfect is that?

They highlight diamond encrusted ear buds and cell phones. (I've seen many of these. They look fun but scratchy, I imagine.) And, my favorite, for all of my fellow party-hosts, they show edible diamonds for your cakes and cupcakes.

Www.rainbowsugarcraft.co.uk sells this delightful edible cake diamond jewelry. They're not real diamonds, mind you. They can be affected by heat and humidity. (I picture mini jelly-blobs if left out in the sun.) But, they certainly look dazzling. Check out their site for the sizes and prices. Prices are listed in pounds, but they do ship to the US and worldwide, so if you email them I am sure they will help you out with your order in dollars. Or, you can use Google's dollar converter. Just Google, "How much is 9 pounds (or whatever your total) in US dollars?" $14.7555 as it turns out. Thanks, Google.

images from www.rainbowsugarcraft.co.uk

And, if you want a diamond encrusted Mercedes SL (and who wouldn't), you can find that here, too: www.oddee.com

image from www.oddee.com

Get your sparkle on!

Party on!

Suzanne

How to: Escort Cards & Guest Seating List From A to Z

2009-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Many brides become overwhelmed by all of the wedding details. Especially during the last few weeks leading to their wedding. Instead of going into shut-down mode, choose one thing to focus on at a time. Finish that task and then move onto the next.

One task to focus on: Escort Cards and your Guest Seating List

The Escort Cards are the cards you give your guests prior to your sit-down dinner reception that let your guests know which table they are sitting at. This can be done by creating a large seating chart, but it is much easier to edit individual cards when you receive a last-minute request.

If this one is not done properly, your guests become frustrated (and whoever is helping you seat them). In fact, your guests may become downright angry and feel as if you did not care to put the time into making them feel welcome. They would be right. A bit of effort and know how can really ease the flow of your reception. So let's get started.

Have a guest list.

You sent out invitations, right? So you must have a list of guests. If not, take ALL of your guests' names and put them into a spreadsheet, such as Excel or Numbers.

Make a column for the guests first names and a separate column for their last names. You can enter everyone's names in any order that you wish. Why? Because you can SORT the list! When you are done, you will sort this list alphabetically from A-Z by LAST NAME. (Check your numbers or excel program's help section for directions on how to sort "rows" by the column that contains the last names.)

Choose your Escort Cards.

One you have your list completed, count how many cards you will need. Add on at least 25% for errors and some extras to have on hand your wedding day so your coordinator may fill out names if needed. (I have needed extra cards twice, so I definitely recommend this!)

There are many escort card style options. Here are just a few. You can choose:

Folded table tent cards. You would write the names and table numbers on the front or the names on the front and the table number inside the fold.
Mini envelopes with the names on the front and a small card with the table number on the inside.
Oragami shapes. Write guests names and table number on the wing or body of a crane or have a simple shape unfold to reveal the table number.
For a smaller party, write thank you notes to each guest with their name and table number on the front of the envelope and the thank you note tucked inside.
Flat cards with names and table numbers written on the front. You can glue the cards to toothpicks and insert them into beds of wheat grass or into a mini crab apple.
Use your imagination! The most wonderful displays reflect your personality, favorite things and your wedding colors and theme.

photo by Suzanne Carvlin, Suzanne The Party Girl, LLC

Fill Out Escort Cards.

Fill out the names on the escort cards as you did your invitation. You invited Mr. and Mrs. John Fisher, they would receive one card. Ex.:

Mr. & Mrs. John Fisher - Table 4

Mr. and Mrs. John Fisher and family (young children under the age of ten) would be on one card if they are all at one table. If they are at two tables, the children would receive their own card. Ex.:

Mr. & Mrs. John Fisher - Table 4

Joanna, Kevin and Brian Fisher - Table 5

If the children are older than ten, they should have received their own invitation and, accordingly, you should write their names on individual escort cards. Especially if they are grown children. They may be at different tables with their cousins and mutual friends. Ex:

Mr. & Mrs. John Fisher - Table 4

Joanna Fisher - Table 5

Kevin Fisher - Table 6

Brian Fisher - Table 6

Escort cards may be passed out in several ways, but here are the two that work the smoothest.

1) Your guests find their own card. You can arrange them on a table, or a board, or a clothing line, or a tree (the list goes on) so guests may find their own card. You can place them all in alphabetical order from A to Z by the last name of the couple or by the last name of the eldest male guest, or the guest who is closest to you (if you invited a female guest and she brings an escort, you would use her last name). This is best done as guests arrive for the ceremony and during cocktail hour. If you wait until right before the reception, you can have quite a crowd.

2) Your coordinator hands guests their seating card. Another method is to have your coordinator hand guests their seating arrangements when they arrive to check in at your reception. If you have more than 50 guests, you will want more than one person to do this, or a bottle neck will be created. For more than 50 guests, have guests' names alphabetized from A to Z in more than one recipe-card holder-type boxes. When guests arrive, ask their name (first and last) then have one assistant look through an A-L card file or another assistant look through a M- Z file depending upon the last name. You can have their names printed on mini envelopes with a card inside revealing their table number. You can print the names on colored peel-and-stick paper then adhere the labels onto mini envelopes.

Tip: In both instances, have a gift table prior to your escort card table so guests' hands aren't full while they are retrieving their card.

Amber Gufsterson of Amber Events has a good tip on her blog, also. (I swear that we wrote our posts independently. We both had a similar experience though, that prompted the escort card hotline!) Amber's tip: Have a table on the perimeter of your event that has two extra seats not assigned to anyone. This way, if you make an error in your seating list and accidentally exclude someone, you still have a seat for them.

If you have any questions about escort cards, please leave a comment! I will gladly reply!

Party on!

Suzanne

Fun Decor: Hanging Plant Pockets

2009-07-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

Love these pockets for hanging plants (sorry about the naked, but PG-rated, people) Featured at Smogg Shoppe: http://htxt.it/SEiZ

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 6

2009-07-01T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Tuesday, June 30th.

To view the next post, check back on Monday, July 6th.

Here is my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs.

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 4 Months Out:

Paper	Draft wedding program information.
Rehearsal	Schedule your wedding rehearsal with officiant and bridal party. Have everyone who is going to walk down the aisle, stand with you or participate in the ceremony attend. Notify Suzanne of your rehearsal date.
Rehearsal	Decide whether or not you want a receiving line after your ceremony or at your reception.
The Dress	Attend first dress fitting. Bring your undergarments with you and wear them when you fit your dress.
Honeymoon Attire and Wedding Night Lingerie	Shop for wedding night lingerie. Shop for attire that will suit the season of your honeymoon destination. Remember to look online for items that you cannot find.
Rehearsal	Plan rehearsal dinner: book space and order invitations. (Or lighten your load and we can help you!)
Decor	Purchase guest book/vessel for guest notes.
Decor	Purchase or make guest envelope box.
Decor	Purchase frames and gather photographs for placement on guest book table or on your cake table.
Ceremony	Finalize ceremony items and purchases.
Decor	Reception items: Do you want to purchase or rent toasting flutes, a cake knife and server, etc.
Bar	Plan your reception cocktails. Decide and communicate how to handle the bar tab. Will you host a full bar for the entire evening, or a partial bar? We recommend hosting some sort of bar because your guests have made it a priority to attend your wedding and it is the mark of a good host to provide them with something to drink. It can be a dry bar with sodas, iced tea, coffee and water. It may include those items plus only wine and beer. But whatever you do, provide drinks and an option to upgrade. Please. Show your guests some love.
Bar	Research signature drink options. Cute idea: one drink named after the groom and one after the bride. Coordinating them with your colors or theme is even more fun!
Bar	Decide if you will be serving beverages before the ceremony, especially if your wedding will be during a season that is hot.
Caterer	Schedule a tasting with your caterer and confirm reception menu. Consider your guests. Are they vegetarian, vegan or Kosher? Do they have any food allergies? Will children be attending? Finalize all of your food and meal choices. Send Suzanne a copy of your final choices.
Reception	Contact your reception venue and review your BEO (Banquet Event Order). Check to see if equipment you may need (ask your DJ/Band) is available such as: PA system, microphones, projector, etc. Also ask if your venue will help set up table decorations and light candles. Anything that they will not do, ask your florist and coordinator for help. Forward Suzanne your final BEO.
Organization	Request time off from work for your honeymoon.
Flowers	Finalize flower arrangements for ceremony, reception and personal flowers. Discuss with your florist the final design of floral items. Keep in mind that guests often take the centerpieces and your coordinator will need to remove key arrangements for your suite or the next day if you want them to not be taken by guests. Forward Suzanne a copy of your final floral design.
Flowers or To Purchase	Arrange for florist to create something (such as a small box topped with a pillow made from flowers) to place rings on for your ring bearer, if having. You can also purchase a ring pillow.
Paper	Order wedding programs, ceremony seating cards, escort cards, and any other needed paper items.

Wedding Checklist a 3 Months Out:

Coordinator	Send Suzanne an update of your wedding checklist so we can admire your progress!
Invitations	Double-check and purchase postage for invitations and response cards. Weigh a completely assembled invitation at the post office prior to purchase. (We can provide this service for you.)
Invitations	Mail wedding invitations. (We can provide this service for you.)
Invitations	Keep a record of rsvp cards that you receive. (Update with Suzanne using online form or we can provide this for you.)
Health & Beauty	Book your wedding day beauty, makeup artist and hair stylist. Schedule a makeup and hair trial. Forward Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement with beauty team and their contact information.
Gifts	As a token of appreciation for your bridal party, parents and those helping you with your wedding (doing a reading, singing, greeting guests, etc.), it is a nice gesture to select gifts for them.
Bridal Party	Attend bridal shower.
Gifts	Write and mail shower thank-you notes.
Ceremony	Start drafting your wedding vows, if writing your own.
Misc.	Send wedding announcement to local newspaper, if desired.
Location	Decide where your wedding party will be getting dressed (on-site or in hotel rooms) and where your officiant will be dressing if at a unique location. Communicate to your Hair and Makeup team where the bridal party will be and how many they will be styling.

Bloggers Immortalized (well, sort of) by Holt Renfrew

2009-06-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

Department Store Holt Renfrew recreates their favourite bloggers in window form: @ready2spark http://htxt.it/u8Cg

Bruno Premier Party Glitters

2009-06-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

Glittery Tank @BrunoPremiere is the most over-the-top thing I have seen in a while. It obscured MJ's star, too. Nuts. http://bit.ly/bLpZM

Fun Destinations: Unique Hotels

2009-06-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

Unique hotels. Ever want to stay in a wine barrel? How about a survival pod? Ice hotel? http://bit.ly/wThCp

Unique and Bizarre Limousines

2009-06-30T12:18:00.001-07:00

Unique and bizarre limos - including one that is electric! http://bit.ly/aZfhg

Proposal Ideas: Make Yours Uniquely You

2009-06-30T12:05:00.001-07:00

Fun, nerdy and creative marriage proposals. http://htxt.it/WGrx

Twilight Theme Party

2009-06-30T02:28:00.001-07:00

Most detailed Twilight Party theme ideas I've seen and the New Moon trailer http://htxt.it/u3pI

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 5

2009-06-30T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Monday, June 29th.

To view the next post, check back tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1st.

Here is my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs.

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 6 Months Out:

Photographer	Schedule Engagement Photo Session, if doing.
Gifts	Update registry lists for bridal shower. You may need a registry appointment if registering at an upscale store. Give Suzanne a copy of your registry information in case of guest inquiries.
Invitations	Finalize invitation design and order wedding invitations, and don’t forget to order extra outer-envelopes. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement, and their contact information and your design.
Invitations	Formal invitations should only have your ceremony invitation and a reception card with details. Informal invitations should include: wedding ceremony and reception date, start times, parking, transportation (if using), accommodation options, directions, rsvp details. Please, do not include registry information. Have your maid-of-honor or future mother-in-law spread that information word of mouth or, if needed, in a separately mailed note from them, not you.
Invitations	Purchase thank you cards. These can coordinate with your invitations.
Invitations	Check invitation proof. Have someone else double-check it. Have your wedding coordinator triple-check it.
Invitations	Check wedding and reception directions before printing direction cards . (Google Maps is not always correct.) The best option is to test-drive them or record them when you visited your venue. Easier still is to have us do it for you!
Invitations	Suzanne will provide guest name and address list to our calligrapher.
Bridal Party	Provide bridal shower guest list to maid-of-honor. (We can assist by giving your maid-of-honor your guest list and helping her manage her rsvp list.)
Rentals	Reserve rental items.
Transportation and Travel	Book any remaining honeymoon arrangements, such as activities, reservations for special restaurants, etc. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and travel arrangements.

Wedding Checklist a 5 Months Out:

Coordinator	Send Suzanne an update of your wedding checklist so we can admire your progress!
Health & Beauty	Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas
Music & Dancing	Create song play and do not playlists. Select grand entrance, first dance, second dance (choreographed dance), father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, Hora your slideshow music, etc. Send all of your music requests to your musicians and your wedding coordinator. Give Suzanne a copy of your selections.
Music & Dancing	If you are using any music playing from an iPod, start creating your playlists.
Music & Dancing	Schedule dance lessons or wedding choreography if desired.
The Rings	Order wedding rings.
Groom	Purchase attire or reserve tuxedos for groom, dads and groomsmen.
Groom	Purchase shoes for groom, dads and groomsmen. They will be far more comfortable than rented shoes. You can choose black dress shoes, or fun, trendy sneakers, or, depending on your wedding location, even flip flops. Let the formality of your wedding dictate the attire.
Gifts	Order or make wedding favors.

Fashion: Great Deals on Handbags, Shoes and More!

2009-06-29T22:35:00.001-07:00

Fab fashion sales and finds before anyone else knows about them! Jimmy Choo handbag give away coming up! http://bit.ly/7nm1K

Attn. Entrepreneurs!

2009-06-29T21:20:00.001-07:00

Attn. Entrepreneurs! Inspiring mini-video on Smarty's site from grasshopper.com Love it! www.smartypeople.com

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 4

2009-06-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Wednesday, June 24th.

To view the next post, check back tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th.

Here is my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs.

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 8 Months Out:

Decor	Finalize wedding theme and palette.
Rentals	Begin working with Suzanne on tent rental companies (if needed for the event or as a rain back-up plan).
Rentals	Begin working with Suzanne on rental company items: Chairs, Chair Cushions, Chair Covers, Guest Tables, Head Table/Sweetheart Table, Gift Table, Memory Table, Guest Book Table, Escort Card Table, Buffet/Carving/Serving Stations, Cake/Dessert/Candy Bar Tables, Kids’ Activity Area, table underlays/overlays, napkins, bar supplies, china, glasses, flatware, Coat Check, sound equipment, dance floor, extra power, heaters/AC, portables, etc.
Special Services	Begin working with Suzanne on any special services such as child care, special needs guests, off-site catering, valet, on-site medic, security, trash removal, , etc.
Lighting	Begin working with Suzanne on lighting options. Lighting really sets the mood and makes your event decor pop!
Groom	Delegate agreed responsibilities to your groom: Partnering with the jeweler for your wedding rings, coming up with ideas for the groomsmen’s attire, choosing groomsmen gifts, and coordinating your honeymoon, for example.
Home	If you’re getting married at-home, or if guests will be staying at your home talk to your gardener about landscaping.
Cake	Schedule cake tastings with your favorite bakers.
Cake	Book baker and decide on cake flavor, design and style. Make your initial payment and keep track of future payment due dates in your calendar. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement, and their contact information and your cake design.
Cake	Discuss groom’s cake ideas.

Wedding Checklist a 7 Months Out:

Coordinator	Send Suzanne an update of your wedding checklist so we can admire your progress!
Caterer	Book caterer. Pay caterer to secure their services. Note future payments on your calendar. Determine overall meal and food plans such as buffet/sit-down dinner, number of courses, special needs meals (vegetarian, kosher, kids), bride and groom to-go meals, challah bread, ice sculptures, hor dourvres, etc. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Flowers	Book florist and determine overall style for personal flowers and ceremony and reception décor. Possible floral options include: bridal bouquet, maid/matron of honor bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, toss bouquet, tribute bouquets, corsages, groom’s boutonniere, groomsmen’s boutonnieres, family boutonnieres, flower girl basket and petals, ring bearer pillow decoration, ring bearer boutonniere, ceremony participant corsages/boutonnieres, floral hair pieces, rehearsal dinner flowers, Altar/Chuppah/Man-dap Flowers, pew flowers, aisle runner/petals or petals for throwing (freeze dried or silk for Churches and other locations with restrictions), front door decorations, votive/Unity Candle decoration, reception centerpieces, cocktail tables, guest book table, gift table, escort card table, buffet tables, cake table, cake knife/cake server/toasting flutes decoration, bar decor, ceiling/chandelier decor, restroom decor (always a nice touch), morning-after brunch, AND if any of the ceremony flowers will be repurposed at the reception or for your honeymoon suite or the morning-after brunch. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Music & Dancing	Book musicians. You may require ceremony musicians, cocktail hour musicians, reception performers, and a reception band or DJ. Pay each to secure their services and schedule future payments on your calendar. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Photographer	Book photographer. Pay your photographers to secure their services and schedule future payments on your calendar. Discuss the style of photography you desire (formal, informal, photojournalistic), how many albums you wish to purchase (you, parents, grandparents, gifts) and schedule an Engagement Photo Session if you desire. Request a photo shot list and start making notes of specific photos you would like. Ex. You with a special Aunt, photos of each reception table, etc. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Videographer	Book videographer. Pay your videographer secure their services and schedule future payments on your calendar. Discuss style of videography you desire. Ex. Would you like your guests interviewed? Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Guest List	Finalize guest list and mailing addresses. Fill names and information into Suzanne’s Guest List spreadsheet.
Invitations	Research invitation designs.
Ceremony	Attend pre-marriage counseling or classes, if required.
The Dress	Order your wedding dress and accessories. Accessories to consider include: Head piece, blusher or veil, garter and toss garter, jewelry, gloves, purse, ceremony shoes, reception shoes, flip flops or ballet flats, nylons, under garments, wedding night lingerie. Decide if you are going to need something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and sixpence in the shoe. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement, and their contact information and your dress design.
The Dress	After you purchase your dress, make a note of the under garments that you will require and go shopping. Have your undergarments with you when you arrive for your first dress fitting.
Bridal Party	Select bridesmaids’ attire and confirm that each bridesmaid has ordered her dress. A great modern option is to have your bridal party coordinate, but not wear matching dresses. Also, there are several ready-to-wear lines designing smart dresses your party can wear again, such as J.Crew. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement, and their contact information and your dress design.
Bridal Party	Select attire for your flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s)

Announcing the Jello Mold Competition Winners!

2009-06-27T14:20:00.001-07:00

Announcing the Jello Mold Competition Winners! (yes there is a jello competition!) Edible Art and Edible Oddities: http://bit.ly/5CeDR

Found on Twitter: Awesome Treats on the Go

2009-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Craving an ice cream sandwich? How about a cupcake? Want to turn your craving into an adventure?

Well you can in Los Angeles!

Follow the two latest mobile tasty-treat-trucks on Twitter and find Sprinkles Cupcakes and Coolhaus' Ice Cream Sandwiches on the go!

Sprinkles Cupcake Mobile

Sprinkles' new mobile cupcake van is roaming the streets of Los Angeles all Summer long with over 1,500 treats. The cool thing is that they will announce cupcake giveaways, too!

Follow them to find out where they will give away 500 cupcakes this Sunday!

http://twitter.com/sprinklesmobile

You can also follow the Sprinkles Cupcake stores for fun tips such as the secret word that will win you free cupcake in-store or even the secret flavor of the day!

http://twitter.com/sprinklesaddict

Coolhaus

Feel like an ice cream sandwich? Follow Coolhaus on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/coolhaus

Read all about them here:

http://suzannethepartygirl.coolhaus

Think of it as a mini treasure hunt!

Enjoy roaming the streets and grabbing tasty Summer treats!

Party on!

Suzanne

Feature Friday: Best BBQ in Los Angeles

2009-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love BBQ!

Last Friday, I posted about our #1 all-time favorite BBQ in Los Angeles, Big Mista's!

Two years ago, my husband and I took an entire week of vacation so we could scour all of Los Angeles for amazing BBQ. We made it our mission to eat BBQ for lunch and dinner but at a different BBQ joint each time. There are a LOT of BBQ joints in LA, but only a small handful are great. We have been seizing every opportunity to try out BBQ ever since! It isn't just that I need to know who is the best for my party coordinating business, Suzanne The Party Girl. It's a mission to treat the taste buds.

We have created our own Top Five list because there is no top ten. Other sites are very, very liar guys and their tongues are untrue. They are full of earth and California. (Um. That was an actual response that our friend received while working at Reader's Digest. The writer was upset that he didn't win the $1,000,000 "promised" to him. Well expressed, no?)

As I was saying, there really is no top ten. There are sooo many BBQ joints in Los Angeles, but most are either bland, dry meat drenched with too-sweet sauce, or are just mediocre in general with one good item. Oh, and we should point out that we don't like Texas style BBQ. Plus, we like it smoked in a real smoker. Ribs on the grill are NOT BBQ! They're just grilled!! OK. I'm getting off my soapbox now.

Here is our list of the best of the best:

Top Five BBQ Joints in Los Angeles

#1 Bigmista's BBQ. Congratulations! We don't think that anyone can beat them and we dare you to try! Their meats are insanely good, their sides are even crazier and their desserts will have you wishing your momma or big daddy could cook it up like that. They don't have a restaurant, but you can find them at your local Farmer's Market (see website for full list) or hire them to cater your party! Your friends will thank you! Yelpers agree!

Questions: BBQ@bigmista.com

Catering: e.mothershed@bigmista.com

Phone: 562.423.4BIG

Web: http://bigmista.com/

#2 Phillips Barbecue. Yes, it is a very close second. Their meats are awesomely good. But Bigmista's sides and desserts easily push them to #1. If you want to see Phillip's loyal fan following, just Google "Phillips". They are dominating the web. They have at least three locations. We recommend this one (mostly because it is near Exposition Park and USC where you can take your grub because it will be too packed at Phillips to sit):

4307 Leimert Blvd, #3, Los Angeles, CA 90008-5201

(323) 292.7613

Call for hours.

#3 Spring Street Smoke House. They're right on the corner near the main entrance to China Town and at the end of Olvera Street. You have driven by it a million times and didn't know it because the side wall on their building is totally plain and beige. The front on Spring Street boasts fun BBQ decor. Their BBQ is soooo good! Their edge: An amazing beer selection. We love Arrogant Bastard and they have a nice variety plus others that are great and hit the spot. See their website for the full beer list. The Summer heat is on its way and this is where you will want to find yourself, enjoying great beer and great eats.

640 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. Corner of Spring Street and West Cesar Chavez Avenue.

(213) 626.0535

M-F 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat & Sun 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m.

#4 The Pig. May it rest in peace. We're so sad. Is it fair to have them on the list when they are out of business? Probably not, but we want them back! Maybe this will help. We miss grubbing on their delicious eats before catching an outdoor movie viewing at Hollywood Forever on Summer Saturdays. Please come back!

So, to be really fair, in place of The Pig is (for real this time):

#4 Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ. Yes, it's a small chain with 13 locations, but there is a plus aside from the really good BBQ. Their mint juleps. Sometimes a little too sweet, but you can ask them to tone it down if sweet isn't your thing. Their mint juleps are the bomb! So are their biscuits.

Locations across the Southland (click here).

#5 Johnny Reb's Southern Roadhouse

They have delicious Louisiana Hot Links and pulled pork. (We prefer the southern style over the North Carolina style, but that is just personal preference.) They have sweet potato fries that are soo good!

They have four locations (click here for locations and info): Victorville, Orange, Long Beach (the original location and newly remodeled) and the one closest to us in Bellflower,

16639 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, California 90706

(562) 866.6455

Any real competition to these five would probably be found at the Annual Los Angeles BBQ Festival. We couldn't go this year because I was busy being a party coordinator. Next year!

If you disagree with us, feel free to post your favorites. (Please, use appropriate language, and we have the right to moderate your comments, I run a G-rated show here, people.) We will let you know if we did, in fact, eat there and didn't fall in love. If your suggestion is totally new to us, as long as it is in the Los Angeles area, we will try it! It would be our pleasure!

Remember, food is a matter of opinion, never fact. We appreciate your passion, though! We love BBQ, too!

Party on!

Suzanne

Wedding Favors and Signature Drinks

2009-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

One fun wedding idea is to create signature cocktail to serve at your wedding and then, as favors, provide minis of the main liquor ingredient and a recipe for your signature drink.

For instance, you could serve mint juleps (bourbon, crushed mint and sugar) and then gift a mini of Maker's Mark from BevMo. Oh, and as an aside, they now make Maker's Mark Mint Julep with mint and simple syrup in the mix. I've tried it and it is really good! Crush some fresh mint and shake it with ice and people will think you slaved for hours. They don't make that in a mini that I have found just yet. But, you can actually put some elbow grease into your drink and make one from the Maker's Mark Recipe Library. Have you visted the Maker's Mark Gift Shop? It is AWESOME! Great Father's Day gift ideas, too! You do need to be 21 to enter their site.

Another fun signature cocktail is anything made with Canton Ginger Liquor. The bottle is simply gorgeous and the mini is just as pretty. It would make a lovely wedding gift for your guests! The full bottles of Canton even come with a cute little cocktail recipe book attached so you can choose one of their fab creations.

Just gather a bunch of little minis (BevMo.com) and tie little bows around the neck of the bottle with a mini tag that includes the recipe. You and your guests can recreate your wedding libations at home!

One great source for minis is BevMo. I am slowly growing a collection of their minis so large that I am running out of space in my home bar. Not that I mind, of course.

Party on!

Suzanne

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 3

2009-06-24T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the previous post, see Tuesday, June 23rd.

To view the next post, come back Monday, June 29th.

Here is part two of my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs:

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 9 Months Out:

Coordinator	Send Suzanne an update of your wedding checklist so we can admire your progress!
The Dress	Make bridal salon appointments to try on wedding gowns. Arrange for one to two people to go with you. (Your mother or your Maid of Honor and Suzanne, for example).
The Dress	If wearing an heirloom gown, have it cleaned by an antique specialist and schedule alterations. (We know great preservationists.)
Honeymoon Attire and Wedding Night Lingerie	One thing to keep in mind for your honeymoon attire is the season of your honeymoon destination. If you are getting married in the US in the winter, but are honeymooning in Australia, you will be in an opposite season and will need to begin shopping while summer clothing is available in retail stores nearest you. If you need last minute items and cannot find them, online will be a good place to look.
Vendors	Suzanne will begin presenting you with vendor recommendations and obtaining quotes. (Four per each category that she is helping you find. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement with any booked vendors.)
Ceremony	Interview your top choices for your officiant.
Ceremony	Select an officiant and discuss your ceremony service. Pay your officiant (or make a donation) to secure his or her services and schedule future payments on your calendar. Discuss any desired or required ceremonial items. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Ceremony	Choose the wedding customs and traditions that you would like to include. You may need to obtain special items for your ceremony such as: Ketubah (will it be made by hand?), Badeken, Unity Candles, sand ceremony vases, wine carafes, Kiddush Cup, Kosher wine, a broom to jump, a glass (lightbulb) wrapped in a napkin, a mandap (Indian weddings) or a Chuppah (Jewish weddings), etc.
Ceremony	Decide if you both want to meet before the ceremony for photographs. The upside of this is you will have more time with your guests. A special meeting would still be arranged. If you decide to meet prior to the ceremony or after, your photographer, videographer, officiant and wedding planner should be made aware.
Change of Name and Address	Obtain Name Change Documents and Change of Address Documents. (Do not change your name until after your honeymoon as complications can arise if all of your documents for your travel do not match.)
Invitations and Stationary	Determine your invitation and stationary needs. You don’t need to order everything together, but sometimes you can receive a discount if you do. Think of: save-the-date cards, invitations with reception cards and rsvp cards, day-after bunch invitations, and thank you notes. Consider coordinating ceremony pew cards, ceremony programs, escort cards, seating cards, table numbers, menus, favor tags, schedule of activities, maps, off-premise signage, etc.
Invitations and Stationary Postage	Purchase postage required for all of your invitations. Ex. save-the-date cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, wedding invitation ensemble with reception and rsvp cards, brunch invitations and thank you notes. Weigh each item with all of its components on a scale prior to purchasing stamps.
Invitations	Order and mail save-the-date cards. Particularly for out-of-town guests or if you are planning a destination wedding. (We can use your guest list and either give it to a calligrapher or print and mail them for you.) Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement, their contact information, and a sample of your chosen design.
Vendors	Start meeting with vendors – photographers, caterers, bakers, videographers, florists, bands or DJs, etc. It is best to speak to four in each category. (We provide a vendor matching service and can make great recommendations that match what you are looking for in each category.)
Decor	Discuss decor and entertainment ideas with Suzanne, such as candy bars, photo booths, hamburger or taco trucks for late-night food, hiring magicians, cigar rollers or silhouette artists. We could go on and on with great entertainment ideas!
Decor	Discuss reception layout, guest flow and stations such as cocktail hour, guest book table, escort card table, gift table, photo booth memory table, kids’ activity area,cake/dessert/candy bar tables, after-party lounge, etc.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 2

2009-06-23T01:00:00.001-07:00

This is one part of several in a series.

To view the first post, see Monday, June 22nd.

To view the next post, come back tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24th.

Here is part two of my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs.

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 11 and 10 Months Out:

Location	Start your ceremony and reception location search with Suzanne.
Wedding Date	Select a few possible wedding dates to have ready when visiting venues.
Transportation and Travel	Research honeymoon destinations.
Health & Beauty	Start a fitness/workout regime. (We know great personal trainers!)
Health & Beauty	Make an appointment with your dentist for a routine cleaning and ask about teeth whitening if you are interested. It may take more than two appointments to reach your desired shade of white.

Decor	Determine your wedding’s color palette and theme.
Venue	Reserve a ceremony and reception site. Pay your fees to secure your locations and keep track of future payments on your calendar. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Wedding Date	Set a wedding date.
Transportation and Travel	Begin finalizing honeymoon destination and travel plans. This is a great task for the groom. He can ask for help from his family, friends and us. All arrangements should be made under your current names. Change your name after your honeymoon to avoid travel complications.
Marriage License	Research marriage license and residency requirements if you’re getting married abroad. (We know local requirements and can do extra research for you! Also, confidential marriage licenses may be available, check with your State.)
Bridal Party	Select the members of your bridal party.
Bridal Party	Invite your chosen bridal party members to be a part of your special day. This is best done one person at a time either over the phone or in person whenever possible.
Transportation and Travel	Before you call hotels, check online or and see what deals are offered so you are in a position to negotiate. Include travel and accommodation information with your save-the-dates or invitations. If you book all of your travel together, see if your guests will receive a discount. (We can handle all of your accommodation needs.)
Transportation and Travel	Reserve a hotel room for your wedding night. A good option is to also reserve a room for the groom the night before the wedding and a room for the bride the night before the wedding. See if your bridal party and family needs accommodations as well. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Transportation and Travel	Reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests. (We can help you determine how many rooms your guests will need and recommend great hotels.) Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Transportation and Travel	Choose transportation for the bride, groom and bridal party with Suzanne. Will you require limos, classic cars, shuttles for guests, etc.
Transportation and Travel	Book transportation services. Pay each to secure their services and schedule future payments on your calendar. Give Suzanne a copy of your contract/agreement and their contact information.
Transportation and Travel	If necessary, update passports. Have all of your travel documents printed with the same names. If you plan to change your last name, do it after your honeymoon.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Get Started! Part 1 of 9

2009-06-22T01:00:00.002-07:00

I am freakishly obsessive over organization. I even have everything stored in labeled Tupperware. Now you know a little too much about me.

One of my favorite wedding things to do is to create a wedding checklist. Before you start calling florists and cake shops, you should create a wedding checklist for yourself. This will keep you on track with budget as well. Why? Because you will arrange for the most important, big ticket items before you randomly purchase hundreds of trinkets and fritter away your wedding dollars.

To make your own checklist, first, make your checklist based on a realistic timeline. Yes, you can plan a wedding in two weeks, or less, but it really isn't relaxing nor is it much fun. The best option at that point is the courthouse and a dinner reservation. But I digress...

Checklist Essentials:

1. What needs to get done.

2. What order to do it in.

3. When to complete each task. (Start with your wedding date and work backward.)

Creating and following your checklist will keep you and your family and friends from falling into a total panic mode rushing to finish everything at the last moment. (If you really want to stay on track and not panic, you should hire a wedding coordinator!)

The average planning time for a wedding starts one year out. You can accomplish a wedding in less time, but your favorite vendors may be booked and the wedding dress of your dreams will take some time to find and order, so it is best to start soon after you become engaged. Try not to drag the process on to long, or talk about it all the time, though. You will drive everyone nuts.

Here is part one of my typical wedding checklist. You can use it, edit it and rearrange it to fit your personal needs.

To view the next post, come back tomorrow, June 23rd.

Party on!

Suzanne

Suzanne The Party Girl

love is a small word. we make it BIG. TM

Wedding Checklist a 12 Months Out

Coordinator	Hire your wedding consultant to design, plan and coordinate your wedding. We can help you pull everything together. As you can see, it is a long list and expert help is necessary!
Coordinator	Pay your coordinator to secure her services and mark future payments on your calendar.
Engagement	Announce engagement. You can also plan to do this via formal announcements or plan an engagement party. (see below)
Engagement	Arrange for your families to meet, if they haven’t already. Traditionally, the groom’s mother/parents contact the bride’s family first.
Budget	Set a budget and determine who will be paying for various events or categories (Rehearsal Dinner, Day After Brunch, Flowers, etc.)
Wedding Style	Decide what type of wedding you want: style, size, location, time of day, etc.
Website	Create a wedding wedding website for your guests. Write a fun bio on you both is a great way to share the story of how you both met. Add your engagement photos and useful information regarding travel, directions, local things to do, and more as you go. (We can create a custom site for you with your own domain name. You can also link this to your blog or do both together a’la Wordpress.)
Website	Start a Bridal Blog. Become a part of the bridal community. Write an entry for each item on your to do list. It will help you keep your thoughts organized and chronicle your journey and hard work. Plus, you will gain some insight and tips that will be useful to other brides! Another option would be Facebook, which has a wedding organizer application, or Twitter, so you can keep in touch with other brides and learn more about your vendors. There are applications, such as HelloTxt, where you can update all or select mediums with one entry. Ask us and we’ll show you how!
Guest List	Draft preliminary guest lists: Bride’s, Groom’s, Bride’s family, Groom’s family.
Budget	Create budget spreadsheet to determine where you will be spending your money. (We provide this service as part of our Budget Analysis.)
Engagement	Plan engagement party. (Have more fun by planning your engagement party with us!)
Gifts	Register for engagement gifts. You may need a registry appointment if registering at an upscale store.
Decor	Gather ideas for your ceremony and reception. Magazines, online sites (ex. The Knot, Project Wedding) and your wedding coordinator are great resources.
Gifts	Order thank-you notes for engagement gifts.
The Dress	Begin wedding dress research. Look through magazines and online designer sites to determine the makers and styles you like best. This will help narrow your bridal salon selection. Some dresses require more than six months to order, plus, you will require apx. three dress fittings.

Party on!

Suzanne

Feature Friday: Best BBQ in Los Angeles, Bigmista's BBQ

2009-06-19T01:00:00.001-07:00

So you like BBQ, you say. Well, I LOVE it!

It is the mixture of the mouth-watering meat and the tantalizing sauce that brings me to my knees. Both need to be superb to create a winning combination.

Two years ago, my husband and I took an entire week of vacation so we could scour all of Los Angeles for amazing BBQ. We made it our mission to eat BBQ for lunch and dinner but at a different BBQ joint each time. There are a LOT of BBQ joints in LA, but only a small handful are great. We even came up with a short list of good eats (see all of our Top Five BBQ Joints list in Los Angeles post next Friday).

But, out of all of the BBQ joints that we enjoyed (and we are always on the hunt for great BBQ joints), we missed one of the best: Bigmista's BBQ! My clients, Erica + Rupert hired Bigmista's to cater their wedding and I am soooo glad that they did! We missed them on our BBQ vacation because they don't have a restaurant. You need to be in-the-know and PLAN to delve into their amazing eats.

Now Bigmista's tops our Best BBQ in Los Angeles at #1!!

Phyllis and Neil Strawder, Mrs. Mista and Big Mista. They know BBQ!

It isn't too hard to track them down, though, especially when you desire the best. You can either find them at your local Farmer's Market (see locations and time below) or, better yet, have them cater your Summer Party! (Please tell me that you do hang out with your friends during the summer! A casual get-together can be made into an event with their amazing BBQ.)

Bigmista's catered Erica + Rupert's wedding. The vibe was cool, hip, relaxed and had the best food ever thanks to Bigmista's. Guests were approaching me at two in the morning asking if there was any mac n' cheese left. (Um. No! You ate it ALL!)

The super cool Bigmista's crew serving up tasty meat, mac n' cheese and greens.

Big Mista carvin' up some succulent tri-tip for Erica + Rupert's 80 lucky guests.

Bigmista's crew is cool to work with and just fun to hang around. You will see what I mean when you drop in on their Farmer's Market circuit. They are laughing, hooting, m'hmmm-ing, and cracking jokes. You feel like your in the middle of a comedy routine while waiting for your order up.

When they cater your gig, their giant old-school flat-black catering van shows up like a stealth bomber (only better, because it is chock-full of delicious BBQ)! They roll out their racks and stacks of heaters/coolers and set up shop within minutes.

We have enjoyed their pulled pork, brisket (oh my lord, it's good!) tri-tip (are you kidding me with that tri-tip?), mac n' cheese (always the first to go), their AMAZING BBQ SAUCE, green beans, and more. Did I mention their red-velvet cupcakes and their banana Nilla wafer pudding (yes, just like your mom used to make!). They are crazy-good and only two of the many desserts that they offer.

Bigmista's will also work with you to create a custom menu. In addition to BBQ, they cater Soul/Southern food, Cajun/Creole food and other ethnic dishes.

Bigmista's succulent tri-tip. It tastes even better than it looks!

Hungry, now, aren't you?!

Find Bigmista's at your local Farmer's Market:

Sundays | 10:00-2:00

Atwater Village

Wells Fargo Parking Lot

3250 Glendale Boulevard

Tuesdays | 8:00-1:00

Torrance

Charles H Wilson Park

2200 Crenshaw Boulevard

Wednesdays | 2:00-7:00

Lawndale

147th Street and Hawthorne Boulevard

Thursdays | 3:00-7:00

El Segundo

Main Street & Pine Avenue

Saturdays | 10:00-2:00

Watts

Ted Watkins Park

103rd & Central Avenue

If you would like to book Bigmista's Barbecue to cater your next event (if you want the best BBQ in town, you DO), or if you would like more information, please contact Bigmista's:

Questions: BBQ@bigmista.com

Catering: e.mothershed@bigmista.com

Phone: 562.423.4BIG

Web: http://bigmista.com/

Bigmista's is located in Long Beach, California and are available for events all over Los Angeles County.

Impress your friends, and call them today!

I'll see you at the Atwater Village Farmer's Market!

Party on!

Suzanne

How To Build your own Candy Bar: Part 3 of 3

2009-06-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

Candy Bar Inspiration from the Pros

Amy Atlas is a Candy and Dessert Bar Creator Extraordinaire!

She has been creating candy and dessert bars for Weddings and has been featured in several magazines, including Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Food & Wine and more.

We did our own modern version on a shoestring budget here:

Photo by Phil Crosby Photography.

Check out here website and blog for great photos and inspiration!

http://www.amyatlas.blogspot.com

Want to find the best candy bar jars, scoops, gift boxes, gift bags, candy and more Online? Well let's go Online candy shopping! Check out my Squidoo page for all of the fun stuff!

www.Squidoo.com/thepartygirl_candybars

Ah candy! How sweet it is!

Party on!

Suzanne

How to Build your own Candy Bar: Part 2 of 3

2009-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Create a Candy Bar Backdrop

Give your candy bar identity by hanging a backdrop that ties in with your party theme.

There are several things that you can do to create a backdrop:
1) Hang a fabric backdrop. Use a solid or patterned drape (or sheet from IKEA even). You can use pipe and drape to create a structure. 2 bases, 2 uprights and 1 cross-beam will achieve a perfect frame for drape hanging. Classic Party Rents is a great resource. Ask to have the bases and uprights wrapped in white or black (or whatever color suits you) velon so the raw metal poles don't show. You may need 2 sandbags, two. Ask for extra velon to wrap them in and hide the big ol' bag of sand.

www.ClassicPartyRents.com
found all across the US.
If you are in LA, go to the Culver City store and ask for Bryan Phelps or Sue Nega.

2) Have a transfer (die-cut letters made from sticky-backed vinyl) cut out by your local sign shop. My favorite of all is Brixen & Sons in Costa Mesa. They handled all of our transfers, signs and giant clings when I worked with Nordstrom. They ship anywhere in the US and possibly even further than that! Janice can give you tips for hanging the sign in your situation. Or call me. I'll help you! 818.762.8105 M-F 9 - 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Ask for Janice Turley!

Brixen & Sons
http://www.brixen.com
15542 Mosher Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
714-566-1444 / (fax) 714-566-1440

Come back Friday for Part 3: Shop for Candy Bar Items Online and Inspiration

See Monday for earlier post on How to Build Your Own Candy Bar.

Design finds: Custom Wedding Guest Books

2009-06-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I confess. I absolutely adore books. Particularly books that have fabric covers and are hand bound. I love the care and attention to detail, the texture of the pages, the smell of linen.... Given my selections below, you can also see that I am having a hot love affair with fun, modern, and graphic prints!

Here are a selection of my favorite Wedding Guest Books from Etsy: The Handmade Boutique, Enji Beck and Kate Blocher's Bookshop.

The Handmade Boutique

Lisa's Handmade Boutique creates each guest book by hand based on your fabric and ribbon selections from over 300 designer fabrics, silk and luxury paper choices. These books have a very sassy and sweet quality which make them not only beautiful but fun, too!

images used with permission from www.lisashandmadeboutique.com

This album by Lisa's Handmade Boutique on Etsy features a place to put Polaroid photos (or fujiphotos) and space to write a note: TheHandmadeBoutique.Etsy.polaroid. You have someone at your guest book table to snap Polaroid's of your guests and then you easily insert the photos (after they develop, of course) into the provided protective sleeves. Your guests can then embellish their page with notes and wishes for the happy couple.

images used with permission from www.lisashandmadeboutique.com

Enji Beck

Enji Beck creates lovely custom wedding guest books in many fun and modern patterns. Wedding guest books feature your choice of binding: post bound or traditionally bound with a layer of glassine in between pages. Enji Beck was also featured on Martha Stewart Weddings as one of their favorite wedding vendors! She has a website and an Etsy shop where you can peruse their many patterns and choose your binding color.

Enjibeck's Shop on Etsy features beautifully covered, modern and well-crafted guest books such as these (she does have more girly patterns, but I just love these colors):

images used with permission from Enjibeck's Shop on Etsy

You can really see the work that goes into the custom books with these detail shots:

images used with permission from Enjibeck's Shop on Etsy

This photo of the pages looks like a framable work of art itself:

images used with permission from Enjibeck's Shop on Etsy

Kate Blocher Bookshop

The Kate Blocher Bookshop on Etsy also features some really beautiful wedding guest books that are custom made by hand and all bound by hand. The hand binding really adds a nice touch and shows the amount of time and care that goes into each book.

image used with permission from the Kate Blocher Bookshop on Etsy

I love the heft of these pages and the look of the hand-bound binding:

images used with permission from the Kate Blocher Bookshop on Etsy

A shallow square at the bottom right corner of the guest book is a perfect place for a photograph, monogram, or names and wedding date:

images used with permission from the Kate Blocher Bookshop on Etsy

Carry through your love of custom, personal books and journals with some mini custom books for your guests as favors! Try these adorable minis also by Kate Blocher's Bookshop:

images used with permission from the Kate Blocher Bookshop on Etsy

May your guests' wishes and notes for you always evoke wonderful memories that you can enjoy and revisit in your cherished, custom made wedding guest book!

Party on!

Suzanne

How to Build your own Candy Bar: Part 1 of 3

2009-06-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

How to Build Your Very Own Candy Bar for Your Party or Wedding

Guests love sweet treats! Especially when it is your favorite childhood candy!

A candy bar is a fun way to offer dessert and give treats for the road. Plus, you can tie them into your party theme! Now, you can build your own!

Read below for How to create a candy bar: find the jars, the labels, the scoops and the candy!

My personal party planning bookmarks are over 3K. This is great for you! I have pulled off the best and most useful candy bar links. I have links for finding and buying great candy to compliment your candy bar plus unique vessels to show off your candy and more!

Read on candy lovers!

Build Your Own Candy Bar

1) Choose a theme. What is the candy bar for? What colors do you want to use?

2) Gather candy containers. These can be urns, vases you have, bowls, etc. The more they look like they go together, the better the candy bar will look. Choose glass containers with thick sides. If you use a thin-walled glass vase, it may break. If you still want to use that thin-walled vase, put the lighter candy in that one and use a plastic scoop/grabber. (Metal scoops easily punch holes in the sides of thin vases). The easiest way to ruin good candy is to put broken glass in it. It's happened to me! You've been warned!

3) Gather supplies: scoops for candy, mini clear cello or colored paper candy bags, twist ties or mini take-out boxes.

4) Choose your candy. Candy within a color scheme looks best, but you can have all old-school favorites, too. See online recommended shopping list or find your local candy store on google maps.

5) Buy enough candy for each vessel. This is a bit of a guessing game, but you can do this by taking a large bag of rice and filling the vessel. Take the rice that fits in the vessel and put it into a Ziploc baggie. Weigh the bag. Use a kitchen scale or go to the candy store and use their scale (or grocery store if you are buying on-line). Yes, it is best if you do this for each vessel. Keep in mind that candies vary in density compared to rice, but get just a tad extra if the candy seems fairly light.

6) Make labels to describe your candies. Tie these to your vessels with ribbon that matches your theme. If your vessels have lids, keep in mind that these won't stay on while people are scooping candy. Instead of tying your description to a moving lid tie it to the vessel body. You may also make table tents to set in front of each vessel.

7) Choose your table. Select a table that is shallow so your guests can reach the candy. If they lean too far, things fall over. You could also use a round table so guests may walk 360 around the table.

8) Arrange the vessels so the tallest vessels are in the center of your display. Try to use symmetry. Remember that your goal should be ease of use. Otherwise, you are just going to infuriate your guests.

9) Remove vessels one at a time to another, easy-to-clean area (over a towel on the floor or over a trash bag on another table, etc.). Fill the vessel with candy. Replace the vessel on your table.

10) Set your scoops and grabbers next to the filled candy vessels so multiple guests may fill their treat bags at the same time. (Scoops are for small candies and grabbers are for picking out full candy bars or taffies.)

11) Set out your bags and ties or boxes either all in one location or at each end/opposite side of your table.

12) Stand back and admire your work!

13) Take a photo of your awesome candy bar!

14) Your candy bar is now open for business (or guest enjoyment)!

Come back Wednesday for Part 2: Create a Candy Bar Backdrop

Come back Friday for Part 3: Shop for Candy Bar Items Online and Inspiration

COOLHAUS Ice Cream on the Go!

2009-06-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm. Tiny delicious ice cream morsels. Yummy, local, organic ingredients. Named after architects....

You will need to Tweet them to find them. Cool Haus is always cruising the LA area in their ice cream truck with their unique ice cream block sandwich concoctions (all named after famous architects).

Their ice cream is all natural and home-made featuring local and organic ingredients (when possible). The mini sandwiches are only 2 x 2 x 1 inches big! And they are tasty little suckers.

You can even get them with an edible wrapping. You heard me! An EDIBLE WRAPPING!

Getting married? You can feature your wedding logo on the EDIBLE wrapper! (Did I mention that the wrapper was edible?)

What a cool idea! (No pun intended.) CoolHaus can deliver the mini ice cream sandwiches or make them at your event on the spot.

Their motto is:

Cool Haus. Where architecture meets dessert.

Indeed. Neutrapolitan anyone? Frank Behry? (sugar cookie, strawberry ice cream) Mies Vanilla Rhoe? (chocolate chip cookie, vanilla ice cream) Richard Meyer Lemon? (ginger snap, lemon ice cream)

Awww, SNAP! Clever girls!

Find Cool Haus on Twitter so you can find them on the road!

twitter.com/CoolHaus

http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/

And be cool!

Party on,

The Party Girl

You've NEVER Seen This! A COOL Chain Link Fence!

2009-06-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

They keep you in. They keep you out. They corral the masses during events. They keep feet off you lawn and the kids on it. But they have rarely looked good.

That's right. I'm talking about the ubiquitous chain link fence.

Dutch design house Demakersvan (the lace fence designer) has changed the ever-present chain link landscape with their new line of patterned chain link fences. "A LACE chain link fence," you ask? Well, yes!

Described as a galvanized metal embroidered industrial fence, it looks more like a dramatic cage curtain. You can use it indoors or out and for just about any fence/railing use that you need.

The lace fence is imported by DROOG (slang for "friend"). Their motto is:
Hostility versus kindness. Industry versus craft.

Go to DROOG and look under the Furniture tab. Then, download their Lace Fence PDF catalog. It is amazing. The fence is available in a galvanized metal or PVC coat (note the cool, white lace fence).

While you're there, check out DROOG's other cool products. Everything from a $30 "Strap" rubber band for hanging things on your wall to a $3500 chair made of knotted rope.

Thank you for facilitating a community of cool products, DROOG! Our homes and event barricades will look a lot cooler now!

Your droog,
Suzanne
The Party Gir

http://DROOG Design

Feature Friday: Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson

2009-06-02T16:09:00.001-07:00

We all want every party that we host to be fun and memorable. Right? Right!

One great way to create a memorable party is to entertains your guests with an unexpected surprise.

For a truly unexpected idea: Have a silhouette artist custom-cut silhouettes for each guest!

Southern California is lucky to be near a great silhouette artist (who will travel!), Karl Johnson.

Karl is a renowned silhouette artist who will travel far and wide for your party, wedding, mitzvah, corporate event, fund-raiser, and all sorts of special occasions.

Karl cuts out two silhouettes, one for your guests and a keepsake for you! First, he expertly cuts both silhouettes at the same time on solid paper. He then mounts the cutout onto the paper background of your choosing.

Guests can write you a personal note on the back. You can also place your cutout into a decorative scrapbook and guests can write you a note on the scrapbook page.

A neat idea is to sweetly hang your keepsake silhouettes from a clothesline so your guests can enjoy them all and have fun finding their family's and friends' faces on display.

Now how often have you seen that done at a party or wedding? Not often, right?

A silhouette is the perfect combination of interactive fun, conversation starter, nostalgic heart-string puller ("I remember when we had these hanging in our home when I was a girl," says your Great Aunt Edith.), and memorable keepsake to cherish always.

I was lucky enough to have Karl create my silhouette at a local ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) gathering. He is quite fast! I was sitting for only a minute while he whittled away the paper edges to make an image that looked like me in shadow. Take a look:

You can have Karl make a silhouette for you, too!

Silhouettes not only make great favors, you can also tie them into your decor! Some more great silhouette ideas are:

In fact, as I was thinking about it, why stop at your party? I think that my Labradors, Rocky (black) and Jaco (light chocolate), would look great in silhouette! Hmmmm...

Call Karl today, toll free, at: 877.288.2787

or, email Karl at: Karl@CutArts.com

Thank you to Lauren Johnson for permission to use the photos you see here!

You can also check out Karl's fabulous work on the web: www.CutArts.com

Party on!

Suzanne

ooooh it's working!

2009-05-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

ooooh it's working! I think it's working!

/ˈfəʊtəgrɑ:f/ photos (light) + graphein (write)

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Haunting, captivating, beautiful.

Three words to describe the work of photographer Jody Ake.

I found Jody last week on the Offbeat Bride. I immediately fell in love with his work. I could not stop staring at his images. His bridal portraits are gorgeous. It isn't just the process Jody uses, either. But, that alone deserves a mention.

Jody uses a very distinctive process called collodion.

In 1851, Frederick Scott Archer discovered that collodion could be used as an alternative to albumen on glass plates. This process was not only less grainy, it also reduced the exposure time when making the image. Therefore, you would have less blurring as your subject tried desperately to not blink, not move, and basically not breathe.

The last time I saw a photographer use this process, I was looking at an image taken during the American Civil War. It was of a dead soldier laying in a ditch fully clothed in his heavy wool uniform. You could feel yourself choking on the hot dust. Not easy to forget. My neighbor also has photos of her ancestors taken with this very process. (Yes, I am a bit jealous.)

While the collodion process has been around for awhile, it is not very common to see it used in modern portraiture. The process is very involved and, according to the wiki (pedia, that is), includes the following steps:

Clean the glass plate (extremely well)
Flow the glass plate with "salted" (iodide/bromide) collodion
Immerse the plate in a silver nitrate bath (for 3-5 minutes)
Expose the plate (can range from less than a second to several minutes)
Develop the plate (using an ferrous sulfate based developer)
Fix the plate (with potassium cyanide or sodium thiosulfate)

Sounds easy? Right. Maybe with some dedication and practice, say, like, the 11 years Jody has been doing this. Jody hand mixes all of the chemicals used in each exposure. There is something alluring about something so tactile. Total mess. Total stink. Total love.

It is Jody's capture of his subjects that really gets my attention. His photographs really go against the trend of photojournalism and action shots in photography. They are posed, calculated and controlled. Yet they capture a slice of time; a shifting expression captured in just a moment.

Maybe it is the eyes. His subjects' eyes just pierce you. It is a rare thing to see an intentionally posed photograph where the subject is attempting to capture your soul and you find it succeeding.

To have your own soul captured, click on over to Jody's website: www.jodyake.com.

You'll be glad that you did. Even your stolen soul will thank you.

Jody holds a BFA from the College of Santa Fe and BFA from the University of Oregon. He currently lives and works in New York.

You can contact Jody at:
jody@jodyake.com

or visit his website at:
www.jodyake.com

Aaron Gregory is Fabulous

2009-03-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

This is why Aaron is amazing.

Not only is he nice, kind and super cool, he is also a wonderfully talented artist.

He works mainly on acrylic on muslin over wood. Some of his works are very small, delicate and detailed: like a piece of embroidery. Others, are quite large and more bold in their strokes. The one that hangs in my house is about 5 feet tall x 8 feet long.

Aaron's latest work is a series of self-portraits.

His detail work is really amazing.

You can just feel the holiday drama in this one:

Here he is with Bjork. Love her.

Aaron has a BFA in Painting and Drawing from California State University at Fullerton. He worked for eleven years as an apprentice and professional theatrical scenic artist, as well as nine years in the field of visual merchandising.

He also is a frequent assistant and contributer at The Party Girl. And thank goodness for that! He is so creative, warm and fun. I thoroughly enjoy working with him. Plus, he is a great friend. Hence, I am sharing his work with you. Because I'm not selfish. I share. And you would be fortunate to look at something every day that Aaron has made. I know I am!

He also maintains a small clothing line and store: ChillOperaWork+Goods where he takes commissions for both clothing and custom artwork.

Here he is, hard at work in the studio.

Art you wear. Mask optional.

I just love his work. Don't you?

All images copyrighted by Aaron Gregory and Chill Opera Work + Goods.
Please do not republish without permission.