{Open House} Special Touches

{Artwork Credit: Weddings in Houston}

So even though Fall is officially, here, we have some sizzling things happening...One of them is a fabulous "Special Touches" Open House you don't want to miss out on. How often do you get to decorate cookies for fun, while enjoying some great music and getting wonderful wedding tips?

A Day To Remember has partnered with Michael's Cookie Jar to bring you a fabulous event...so don't miss your chance this Thursday, Sept. 29th. See below for all the details!

We will be giving out door prizes every thirty minutes and you will walk away with some great items tucked away in our swag bags, some delicious food and drinks.

We have Houston's top wedding professionals there to answer your wedding questions! So make your way this Thursday! Be sure to RSVP by phone to Michael's Cookie Jar at 713.771.8603 or via email to michael@michaelscookiejar.com.

See you there!

{www.daytoremember.net}

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{Houston Events} Women's Empowerment Luncheon

{Artwork Credit: Galleria Chamber of Commerce}

Greetings! I hope you are all staying nice and cool. Houston is really kicking butt with this heat! WHEW! Well, I'm cordially inviting you to a wonderful event taking place in just a few weeks.

The Galleria Chamber of Commerce and General Motors proudly present, former First Lady of Mexico, Mrs. Marta Sahagún de Fox! How exciting!

The Galleria Chamber of Commerce is pleased to reveal that planning is well underway for the 2011 Leadership Luncheon at the Omni Riverway Hotel on September 15, 2011. We are honored to announce General Motors presents the former First Lady of Mexico, Mrs. Marta Sahagún de Fox speaking on “Women Empowerment”. In respect of Mrs. Fox’s direction in various political and philanthropic organizations, including her role as founder of Vamos México, her keynote address is sure to be a one-of-a-kind event! We anticipate over 300 guests from the Hispanic and Anglo business communities. The Leadership Luncheon featuring Mrs. Fox is an opportunity not only to celebrate a wonderful heritage, but also to ally our communities, reflect upon where we are now and where we want to go in the future. We hope that you will be there with us for this momentous occasion! Join us in welcoming Mrs. Fox to Houston!

This is such a great event you don't want to miss, so be sure to register early! For sponsorship information, please be sure to contact Lucy Gonzalez.

{www.daytoremember.net}

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{Wedding Inspiration} A Burlesque Themed Wedding!

{Written by Cortney Stanchfield; Inspiration Board Credit: Cortney, A Day To Remember}

Well hello there...it's me Cortney again and I am back to talk about an incredibly sexy wedding theme that has sparked my curiosity! :)

I fell in love with the music video "Lady Marmalade" featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink, as well as Christina Aguilera's newest movie "Burlesque", also starring the amazing Cher. I thought to myself, how amazing would it be to have a "Burlesque/Moulin Rouge" themed wedding? This wedding theme is definitely for the rebellious bride that isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone! I think it makes for a very dramatic, romantic and unique wedding! A "Burlesque" themed wedding is best suited for an evening wedding and will be sure to keep your guests talking! :)

To recreate the "Burlesque/Moulin Rouge" environment, your best bet is to find a venue that will lend itself to a unconventional feel, something on the dark and bold side. Houston lends itself to some great venues for this look: Hotel Zaza or The Majestic Metro Theatre.

To create a true "Burlesque/Moulin Rouge" vibe, you will be want to use dark rich colors {think red and black}. However, you will want to incorporate touches of gold and/or ivory, to add a touch of elegance to your special day. A great way to dress the venue: Go with black table linens, accented with some gold plate charges and props. For the flowers, use lots of red in your centerpieces. Some great flowers to use: Black Magic and Black Beauty roses. Like I mentioned earlier, for that added touch of elegance, incorporate some gold to the mix, with either gold sateen napkins or napkin rings, and lots of candles.

Not a big fan of red and black? No problem! As I mentioned before, to achieve this "Burlesque/Moulin Rouge" theme, we want rich and bold colors. Some great jewel tones you can use include dark green, royal purple, burgundy, royal blue and dark teal. This color palette will add more color to your evening but still help to create the same classic look. Some great options for your table centerpieces include the use birdcages or tall gold or black candelabras to help give you that true vintage, yet dark look. Of course, for a last detail, don't be shy and incorporate the feathers!

Now, let's chat about wardrobe. What do you wear for a Burlesque themed wedding? The ideal dress is a fitted upper body corset! Oohh la la! ;) As for the wedding dress color... that is totally up to you! You could wear the classic white wedding dress, a white dress with black or red detailing or even a complete red dress! So, how brave are you? :)

Since this wedding theme is very exciting and different, consider keeping things a secret! Planning an unusual wedding can be like creating a sculpture without knowing yet what your end result will be. Gift your guests with this unique surprise!

So what do you guys think? Are you rebellious enough to pull off such a seductive themed wedding? I am interested to hear your thoughts!

Well, like always, it has been a pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to check out my post! I am constantly working on new material, so like always, stay tuned! :)

{www.daytoremember.net}

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{Wedding Planning 101} Service Charges vs Gratuity

{Photo Credit: Gary Guy Photographer, DW Photography, Kelly Hornberger Photography}

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task to couples. Learning the lingo is even more daunting. So we've decided to start our Wedding Planning 101 tips for our fabulous readers. We want to provide you with some tidbits of information that can help the wedding planning process be a more pleasant experience.

{Photo Credit: Gary Guy Photography}

So, let's start with the difference between Service Charges vs. Gratuity. What is the difference? Why is my hotel charging me a Service Charge? Do I still have to tip the hotel staff if I'm already being charged a Service Charge? These are one of the many questions we get asked by our clients.

What is a Service Charge?
A Service Charge is a mandatory and automatic {pre-determined} fee that is typically added to your hotel or caterer contract for the service personnel. Just to give you an idea: Most hotels in the Houston and surrounding areas charge a Service Charge {ranging anywhere from 18% - 24%} on their Food and Beverage {F&B} contract. A Service Charge is not to be confused with a Gratuity. In the State of Texas, taxes are applicable to the Service Charge, so please remember to include this when creating your budget.

So what is included in the Service Charge?
How the Service Charge is broken down will vary from hotel to hotel {or caterer}, so don't be afraid to ask for an itemized breakdown. In general, the Service Charge offsets the hotel/caterer’s labor and administration costs, such as dishwashing, packing for your event, travel time to and from your event, ballroom/facility maintenance and so forth. Keep in mind, the Service charge DOES NOT equate to a Gratuity; therefore, it DOES NOT cover the gratuities for the wait staff {unless specifically noted by your caterer}.

{Photo Credit: DW Photography}

Service charges are NOT commonly billed by your other vendors {ie: photographers, videographers, officiants, etc.}, as the bulk of their entire business is a service...a service you have already hired them to provide you.

When you receive a proposal from a caterer or hotel/banquet facility, you will more than likely note a price per person, and notice a "++" after the price per person. What does this mean to you? Let's say your price per person at any given Houston hotel is $65.00++. As mentioned before, your Service Charges will range anywhere from 18% - 24%, depending on the venue/banquet facility/caterer. In Houston, Sales Tax for food and beverage is 8.25%. So, how do you decipher your total? Your cost per person is $65.00 "plus" a Service Charge of, let's say, 21%, "plus" Sales Tax of 8.25%.

What is a Gratuity?
A gratuity {also known as a tip} is a voluntary amount of money given in exchange for a service performed. For example -- We typically tip our waitstaff or our hair stylist for great service. Gratuity to the staff is soley at your discretion. If you are working with a caterer, they may ask that you tip them upfront {as they do the hardest physical labor on your wedding day, and should be compensated accordingly}. In the event you feel uncomfortable providing the gratuity ahead of time, you can do so at the end of the event {or have your planner/coordinator} provide the gratuity at the close of the event {normally in the form of cash or a check}. Do keep in mind, that while Gratuities are not required, it is in good etiquette to do so.

{Photo Credit: Kelly Hornberger Photography}

So there you have it folks. I hope this answers most of your questions on the difference of Service Charges vs Gratuity. Stay tuned for our next Wedding Planning 101 post when we discuss the etiquette of gratuities.

Happy Planning!

{www.daytoremember.net}

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{Wedding Tips} Houston We Have A Problem!!!

{Artwork & Photo Credit: B H L D N Website}

Yes, Houston, we have a problem...but a GOOD ONE! B H L D N is FINALLY here in Houston and that poses a HUGE problem on my bank account! I want to just live there and play with all the pretty dresses, all the pretty shoes and don on some GORGEOUS accessories! Yes...they have it all!

Now, let me just say that B H L D N isn't your typical or traditional wedding boutique. So ladies and gents, if you are wanting a traditional look, this may not be your cup of tea. What I have learned is that most couples believe to be "traditional" but when presented with "outside the box" ideas and looks, they get completely excited! So...the good news is, B H L D N is a place you can get excited about, get your creative juices flowing and allow you to create a beautiful and unique style perfect...just for you!

Oh..did I hear you say you've not heard of B H L D N???? GASP! Well, let me introduce you! I've provided you with a snippet off their website, just for your reading pleasure:

An understated word with significant meaning charmed us. And so began, BHLDN.

Inspired by the Dutch word for “to keep,” as well as countless tales from family and friends of the extraordinary weddings they’d been part of, we began dreaming up something new.

Our roots are with Anthropologie, so a passion for experience and creating one-of-a-kind moments runs deep. But our offering speaks more to the not-so-everyday occasions—ours is a voice that celebrates a woman’s most anticipated milestones. And one that gives tradition a twist.

We want, more than anything, to help a woman create an event that reflects her own unique perspective… to a tee. We want to give a bride that edit she’s been searching for—with heirloom-quality wedding gowns, artisanal hair adornments, footwear, and lingerie. And we want happy bridesmaids—in mix-and-match frocks with rich hues and unexpected details.

But it goes beyond the dress. Our goal, and the reason we drape, fold, bustle, and stitch, is to start a conversation with our customer—to build a resource where she can come to find inspiration and to share with those closest to her, as well as our broader coterie. BHLDN’s story is unfolding; and we’ll look to our customer for cues and guidance going forward.

There are no checkboxes. No fill-in-the-blanks. On the contrary, we think a moment should be as layered and dimensional as the woman standing within it.

Be you. Be loved. BHLDN

So, now that you are familiar with B H L D N, you can now understand my giddiness and excitement...so are you with me???

This is my favorite dress to date! Drooooool!

B H L D N invited an exclusive group of people to attend their Vendor brunch, which was held today. We were honored to be on this list and so excited to have the chance to touch and feel these pretty things...not just drool over, as I have online for a while now. :)

B H L D N officially opens their doors to Houston, tomorrow, August 18th. How exciting! I will be back tomorrow! Today just wasn't enough!

Brides and grooms...now that you are engaged, it's time to start the planning! Allow us the opportunity to guide you into the wonderful world of planning, and let's take a trip to B H L D N and have some fun!

{www.daytoremember.net}

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