Banquet & Event Resource, Inc.
(B&E) has a 17 year history in providing Western Washington's
best resource guides, websites and tradeshows. Visit our wedding planning website today for the most comprehensive wedding resources available today on the web for the Seattle area and beyond.
Creativity is always key when planning a wedding. That is one of the reasons we love this bright idea from Fantasy Floral. Fantasy Floral uses beautiful brooches to create unusual, yet incredibly beautiful wedding bouquets. From heirloom pieces, to brand new modern designs, these custom bouquets provide an unusual, yet truly spectacular detail for your wedding.
We think you'll love these one-of-a-kind tutus from JuJu's Tutus. After all, who can resist a little flower girl in a puffy princess skirt? Not us, that's for sure. All of their tutus are individually created from yards and yards of apparel & bridal quality tulle that's hand cut and wrapped around elastic bands. Every waistband is wrapped in either satin ribbon or coordinating tulle depending on the style.
We don't just think...we KNOW you'll love this new online magazine called Nesting Newbies. Nesting Newbies presents women just like yourself, with great ideas on entertaining, home decor, cooking and more. It is a fabulous find and a great source for inspiration and motivation.
Don't just take our word for it though, take a look at these fabulous tablescapes featured in their latest issue.
Good news! We've updated our Trend Section with all new wedding themes and hot ideas for 2010. Each theme and trend features beautiful images from Seattle-based wedding photographers, plus tidbits and tools to help you create the look for yourself. Head over to our trend section today and start getting inspired!
Here's a great idea for your wedding. From Native Vermont comes these fabulous custom typography boards, perfect for any message you want to relay for your wedding ceremony or reception. Then once the wedding is over, it makes a great art piece in your home.
Production time is approximately two weeks.
This canvas is: - ready to hang - made using recycled paper - signed and dated on the reverse side - safe for kid's rooms (no glass, made from non-toxic materials) - handmade by me – Ryan Fowler - dimensions are 12” x 24” x 1 ½” thick
Selecting The Best Spring Flowers For Your Wedding
The sun has been shining here in Seattle for the past three days, which always makes us giddy for spring. With spring comes a huge selection of in-season wedding flowers perfect for your bouquet. Because spring is so abundant in floral choices, you can save money by selecting flowers that are in-season, rather than trying to order an out-of-season flower that will inevitably cost you much more. Here is a breakdown of our top choices in flower selection for your spring wedding.
1. Tulips: On everyone's list of spring flowers, these are starting their long period of bloom in mid-spring.
2. Lily of the Valley: Even after the spring blooms fade, the leaves remain beautiful until fall and cover areas where other plants fail.
3. Hyacinth: These spring flowers bring scent as well as color to the spring garden.
4. Orchids: With their exotic colorful blooms, orchid wedding flowers are a popular favourite with brides.
5. Iris: The word Iris means rainbow. Irises come many colors: blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.
6. Peonies: These shrubs carry the garden from late spring into summer.
7. Lilac: These shrubs fill the late spring garden with scent and color.
Monday we featured the best Valentine's Day gifts "For Him." Today we feature our top picks for gifts "For Her." So if you are a woman reading this post, it's a good idea to sneakily leave this page open on your significant other's computer. And if in the end he still doesn't pick up the clues, don't feel bad buying one of these gifts for yourself. After all, you deserve it right?
1. Love Never Fails Wall Art by Red Letter Words: $55 Love Never Fails is printed on matte velvet archival fine art paper using pigment ink. It is mounted onto a 3/4 inch standout mount board with black edging. 12x12 size print is READY TO HANG or display on shelf or mantel.
2. Reasons I Love You Stones by Red Envelope: $29.95 The reasons are infinite, and now nine of them are etched in stone. One side of each brushed-nickel token says "I love you..." and the other bears a compelling reason, from "because you're an inspiration" to "because I just do!" and "for always getting my jokes." Comes in a red faux-suede pouch. Stones: approx. 1 3/8"L. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.
3. Perfect Endings Red Velvet Cake by Williams Sonoma: $68 Red velvet cake is a signature holiday dessert throughout the South, where it has been prized by generations of bakers. Distinguished by its scarlet hue, rich cocoa flavor and velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this vintage cake makes a grand finale for Valentine's Day celebrations. Our heart-shaped version of the classic cake combines two luscious layers of rich, fudgy devil's food cake with fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting. From the Perfect Endings vintage cake collection, it is made using premium ingredients, following an old family recipe. Shipped frozen. 8" diam., 2" high (serves 8-10). A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.
6. A Novel by Nicholas Sparks: Price varies Stimulate her mind with a love story by one of our centuries most celebrated love enthusiasts.
5. Multi-key Necklace by Juicy Couture: $68 A set of keys and a heart-shaped padlock make cute dangling charms on a delicate chain necklace.
4. The Love Fleece sherpa-trim short robe by Victoria's Secret: On sale for $39.50 Sublime softness for those who love to lounge. Full-length sleeves. Ties at waist. Mid thigh length. Imported cotton/polyester.
Get Inspired By The New Features in the 2010 Wedding Resource Guide
Pick up the newest edition of the 2010 Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide for these plus many, many more inspiring wedding themes, ideas and trends. Not only does the Wedding Resource Guide feature hundreds of qualified and professional local wedding services, but you'll be inspired by the unique color and trend boards featured inside.
Welcome to the Holiday Season for 2009. This is the official first post for our Winter wedding ideas. We thought candy canes was a great place to start. It incorporates all of the wonderful color of the season, masculine and feminine touches, keeps white as the ultimate wedding color and the best part, what a fantastic way to accessorize a room, the tables and the wedding party, no less the chairs and floral arrangements for very little money. Red ribbon . . . The world is full of it right now - and it's usually all on sale. So step out, and start gathering those wedding ideas and special buys for a wedding next winter. Everything is in your favor - you have a full year to plan. We have to warn you - you will find an explosion of candy cane everything - so make notes - and keep in mind those impressive after Christmas sales as well. Go to your local department stores or craft stores and start to feel the season. . . .
The golden glow of autumn can conjure up beautiful memories of family and friends, so why not a wedding? In today's environment of keeping costs in check, while assuring you do not compromise the essential elements of your dream day, this time of year covers all the necessities, cost savings, green elements (nature's leaf decor), warmth and treasured touches. Fall colors look good on everyone and around everything, from the napkin rings on your table settings to the elegance or simplicity of your invitations. Consider putting a beautiful leaf on each seating assignment, with the guest name in golden ink. A simple khaki or beige/taupe dress only requires a beautiful chocolate sash and it is transformed into something very special. A simple box with an amber bow and a beautifully scented candle inside is a perfect symbol of the season of your wedding day as a thank you to your attendants. Fabulous cocktail rings are fun additions to the attendants wear, and some fun comfort shoes for you - keep you in step with the weather and your gown safe. You can show them off after the "I Do's" Start with a walk in the park - it will show you some fabulous color options to start your inspiration.
We think you'll love these absolutely beautiful handmade floral accessories. These beautiful works of art can be added to clothes, hairpieces, bouquets and much more. Pretty much these lovely designs can be placed anywhere you can imagine. These handmade Rosette accessories are created by Hapitat. And the best part, is they are incredibly affordable. Here is just a sample of some of our favorites, but be sure to check out their entire collection.
Imagination and glass - two of the most creative forces come together to present just about anything you can think of. If you are looking for a spectacular centerpiece or something simple, this combination is all it really will take to start. Floral, shells, plants, rocks, colorful ornaments, sand, feathers, water and oil and the list goes anywhere you can imagine it. We found three great sources where you can begin. One of the all time favorites is Pottery Barn who each and every season brings you a new vessel to start the imagination process over again. Keep an eye on their sales - they are on-going and you can save big. If you are looking for possibly more traditional vessels and apothecary jars, English Creek Gardens is one of the best sources we found. Next, is Christmas World. This is not just for the holidays - this is where you really should think of looking first. Good luck, let that mind run and we would love to see what you create! Depending upon how you chose to fill your vessels, this is a very green option.
Sometimes picking out a unique gift that all your bridesmaids will love can be a difficult task. After all, you've chosen your bridesmaids based on their unique personal style and personalities. You want whatever gift you select to be loved by all your bridesmaids. So we've done some homework and found these fabulous gifts that any woman is sure to love. Plus, these gifts will fit your budget too. And anyone who's planning a wedding knows how great it is when you can actually find something to fit your budget.
How can anyone resist a beautiful baby girl? Especially when she is dressed to impress. For your adorable little flower girl, here is a great find to induce all the "ahh's" in the room. From the designer, Loveable Creations, comes these truly uniquely handcrafted gems that will only enhance the natural cuteness of the little one in your wedding. The best part is how affordable they are, averaging $12 each.
We think you'll love these completely unique floral bouquets available through Deco Fleur. Deco Fleur specializes in dried floral arrangements. These bouquets are designed with the holidays in mind, and are generally used as table centerpieces. But as unique as they are, we think they are also a great addition to a fall or winter wedding. All the contents in the bouquet are natural, and the best part is you can use them over and over again. Now that is what we call living green!
Not only are we involved heavily in the wedding industry, in our other lives we also publish the Puget Sound Event Resource Guide and produce the Northwest Event Show. The Northwest Event Show brings you a collection of professional event planning services and vendors displaying their best work in one day and in one place. Now in it's 15th year, the Northwest Event Show is the largest and most impressive show of its kind in the area. We invite you to come and make a day of it as you...
Eat - The Northwest Event Show feeds you creatively, visually, mentally, and of course physically, bringing together the area’s top caterers, bakers, wineries, and breweries.
Play - Engage in interactive games and activities and enter to win overnight trips for two to some of the hottest nearby retreat locations.
Shop - The Northwest Event Show is the only place you can comparison shop the area’s event vendors and services. From hotels, entertainers, decorators, rental companies and restaurants to printers, convention services and speakers, the Northwest Event Show has it all!
...And the greatest part is, you can tell your boss you’re working!
Show details:
Date: September 29th, 2009 Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center Time: 11 am to 5 pm Cost: It's 100% Free to attend, but you must pre-register at nweventshow.com!
You may have seen this couple recently featured on various TV shows and also featured in People magazine. When Jill and Kevin planned their unique wedding entrance, they never could have imagined the response they would receive. Their posted You Tube video has now received over 21 million hits and counting. If you haven't seen the video, check it out below.
Message from Kevin and Jill: We have been through a lot in life, but have come through each experience stronger and more in love with each other. Our experience since we posted the video has been incredible. We would never have expected this response to our wedding entrance in a million years.
We hope to direct this positivity to a good cause. Due to the circumstances surrounding the song in our wedding video, we have chosen the Sheila Wellstone Institute.
Sheila Wellstone was an advocate, organizer, and national champion in the effort to end domestic violence in our communities.
We are so grateful for all the love, kind words, and joy that have been shared with us from around the world. It has moved us deeply and filled our hearts.
If you would like to contact us, email jkweddinginfo@gmail.com
Every once in a while we come across some of the most spectacular displays of event design and know it would certainly be a crime not to share them with you. From celebrity event designer, Antony Todd, come some of the most unique and truly inspirational event themes we have seen. What we love most is the variety he offers and how imaginative and creative his ideas are. They translate magnificently from conception to execution. Although these are mostly examples of corporate and social events, there is no reason why you as a bride can't be inspired by some of his awesome expressions. Can you choose a favorite? We can't!
We think you'll love this new concept from Our Story Is A Song. How many couples actually have a song they can call their very own? Sure we've seen the couples on TV and movies sigh at the sound of their love song playing on the radio, but how many of us real couples actually remember the first song we danced to, or the song playing when we shared our first kiss? Chances are, not too many.
So that is why we love this idea from Our Story Is A Song. Our Story is a Song is an amazing way to help make the most significant day of your life stand out and capture memories by telling the REAL story of you as a couple. A song lasts forever and your unique story is such an important part of your life and wedding day.
You’ve put so much thought into making sure that just the right details reflect who you are into everything from the perfect wedding gown to the color of the paper for the guest placement cards to the ice sculpture that will be beautiful for a few hours, then is gone forever. So why would you choose a song for your day that doesn’t hold forever your story-and never melts away?
Here is how it works:
First, fill out the questionnaire in the “Begin Here” section and choose a song template that best describes you and fits your taste.
Accept the copyright legal information if you agree.
Make your $250 prepayment on the billing page.
Next, you will receive a first draft of the lyrics for your approval in 10-14 business days. At this time, you will need to pay the balance of $1,250 to begin the recording process.
Once you have approved the first draft of the lyrics and payed your balance, we will capture your story in song form and final vocals will be recorded to the track.
You will then receive both male and female versions in 3 different keys to fit different vocal ranges, and the tracks without vocals in both keys (that’s a total of nine audio tracks for your purchase). A lead music sheet will be included in all keys as well. All songs will be extended so you will have lots of extra time, if you need it for the wedding service, the wedding video or the reception.
This has to be one of the most unique ideas we've ever heard of. Kudos to Our Story for such a novel idea!
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, its easy to neglect your girlfriends. So if you need some good old fashioned, never-go-out-of-style, girl time, here's a summer flick opening this weekend that we recommend getting the ladies together for. Just don't forget the tissues.
The film is based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger. Clare (played by Rachel McAdams) has been in love with Henry (Eric Bana) her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveler-cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control. Despite the fact that Henry's travels force them apart with no warning, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.
We read the book and loved it and are crossing our fingers that the movie version will be just as heart-wrenching. See you at the movies!
Escorted with gold, pink moves far away from the often related to female persona. Now we have an edgy metal weight binding his strength of style on it's side. Pink and gold are one of the oldest and strongest coordinates to blend femininity and masculinity. It only takes a touch to set the balance in your attire (top left John Galliano), venue, table arrangements, or accessories. Some of the most traditional cultures such as those in Japan or India have used this combination for centuries. Gilt a cake (I Dream of Cakes), band your favors or your fingers (pink gold), or display your china or floral with the lavish embellishment of gold and you just set the mood of the occasion for bride and groom.
We think you'll love this great little gadget called the Canditto. Finally, here is a new alternative to disposable cameras. Simply plug your Canditto into an electrical outlet and you're ready to start collecting all the photos your guests have taken. All your guests need to do is insert their digital cameras' memory cards, and it will automatically and instantly copy the photos they’ve taken in the last 8 hours. At the end of your celebration, remove the two identical thumb drives. Keep one for yourself and keep the other as a backup, or an instant gift to your new in-laws.
You can rent a Canditto online for $450, which we admit is high in price. But the convenience of being able to collect your friends pictures is certainly a bonus. These pictures will hold you over while you wait on the professional images from your photographer. And every bride knows just how fun it is to remember all the fabulous details while honeymooning with your new spouse.
This is for all of you who want to move it up a notch on love. Why stop with a wedding? What about your surroundings? We just thought these were too fun, so to inspire the love you have here you go. One of the most interesting of these is the left column middle positions - the Giovannetti love swivel chair. It also is available in red on red. Another is the beautiful "The Heartbreaker Chair by Tonon" top right photo is another stunning style. In the middle is some shower creativity from Colacril called "Musa". The "Edda Eme" love sink at center bottom would spice up any kitchen or bar area. Gruppo Tressa's custom bathtub is an egg shape of love and fun graphics. The irridescent mosaic tile wall is highlighted with the inset of hearts along one side. This is all fun and mean to be just that, so what are your thoughts? Our love to you......
If the state of the economy has still got you bummed out and penny pinching, we've got all the best beauty products that won't bust your budget. Check out our favorite drugstore finds that will keep you beautiful and on budget.
1. Olay In-Shower Body Lotion: We've heard it said a million times..."moisturize, moisturize, moisturize..." So when we tried this product by Olay, we we hopeful it would do what it promised. Olay Ultra Moisture In-shower Body Lotion works with the warmth and humidity of your shower to reveal soft, smooth skin after just one use. Just put it on your legs in the shower and you literally won't have to put on lotion again for the rest of the day. We say Horray for Olay!
2. Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Mascara: Thick, femine lashes don't come naturally for everyone, so if you can use a little boost to your dull lashes, we highly recommend Maybellin's Volum' Express Turbo Boost Bascara in Very Black. The masquera stays soft and light on your lashes and doesn't clump. It goes on easily and thickens with one swoop. Great buy!
3. Sleek.look by Matrix Smoothing System Shampoo & Conditioner: We are always on the hunt for the best shampoo that will leave our hair silky-smooth without being to greasy. Our latest love is by Matrix. Try Sleek.look for a truly slick and salon-ready style that will leave your hair shiny and healthy looking.
4. Colgate Wisp Portable Mini-Brush: Fresh breath is always a turn-on, but if you are also a girl that likes extra onions on your burger, you need a little extra help to stay minty. We love these Portable mini toothbrushes by Colgate that easily slip into our purse and let us freshen our mouths throughout the day. You don't even need water. These brushes work great for that quick brush in your car on your way to your afternoon meeting.
5. Neutrogena Moisture Oil Free Formula, Sensitive Skin: We've heard it said a million times...the best way to healthy skin is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. But with so many different types of moisturizers on the market all ranging in price, how do you know what the best product is for the money? There is a reason why some of the manufacturers remain at the top. Try Neutrogena's Moisture Oil Free Formula for Senstive Skin. The formula is smooth and silky and won't feel greasy or heavy on your skin. It's great under makeup or to put on before bed. Just remember to also wear a SPF if you are going to be outside.
6. Salon Grafix Professional Shaping Hair Spray Styling Mist, Unscented Super Hold: If there is one beauty product you can save money on, it's HAIRSPRAY! Salon Grafix Professional Shaping Hair Spray keeps your hair in place all day long and its a great bargain.
7. Biosilk Silk Therapy, Silk: If you have naturally try or frizzy hair, you'll love Biosilk Silk Therapy. Just comb it through your wet hair after you wash it and before your blow dry it and notice the added shine it gives your dull hair.
8. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm, Regular, SPF 15: Chapstick is a godsend in the summer and our favorite brand of all is good-old-BLISTEX. The version that does the trick for our chapped lips is the Medicated version that also includes an SPF of 15 which is always an added plus!
9. Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil: This tiny pencil makes precision a breeze when its time to shape and fill-in those patchy eyebrows. Comes in several colors so find the match that is right for you.
Got a drugstore beauty product you can't live without? Share it with us in our comments section below.
Lip Print Reading Entertainment for Your Wedding Reception, Bachlorette Party or Bridal Shower
Today we have a special guest blog written by Jilly Eddy, a Lipsologist in the Seattle area. What is a Lipsologist you ask? Read on to find out more.
By Jilly Eddy, Lipsologist Love is in the air and so are kisses blown from the bride and groom to their family and friends as they depart on their honeymoon. Weddings are a time of many parties and lots of opportunity for exchanging hugs and kisses. Our kisses are sweet and sentimental and informative whether flying through the air or frozen in time with a lipstick kiss on paper. Interpreting those kisses on paper is a fun, unique entertainment for your wedding reception, bachlorette party or bridal shower.
Your lip prints tell your story and reveal information about your personality and energy and how you interact with others. They tell things like who needs a vacation, who is well organized and a perfectionist or who likes to give lots of hugs. Lip print reading is lots of fun for everyone. Everybody wants to find out what their lips have to say, from the ring bearer to the best man, from the mothers of the bride and groom to the grandmas (and even grandpas). There will also be wonderful photo opportunities with people putting on lipstick and kissing paper. So be sure and have disposable cameras handy.
For your shower or bachlorette party you’ll want to bring your fiancés lip prints with you or if it is a surprise, the person planning your party can arrange to get them and the lip print reader will interpret them too. There are all kinds of things we’ll be looking for like; “Hug Puckers,” “Gourmet Lip Splits,” “Gerbil Wheels,” and even “Angel Wings”! Also, it is fun to have someone write down what the fiancés lip print’s have to say and then give this information to him or her later.
Your professional lip print reader (Lipsologist) will bring everything that is needed for your guests to make their lip prints; lipsticks, mirrors, cold cream and Kleenex (some people like to take the lipstick off after they’ve made their prints), pens and personalized Kiss Cards for your guests to keep as a lovely memory of your special occasion. You supply the lips!
The greatest part about a tented wedding is the endless possibility for wedding themes. Often times, when you select a venue, it will have its own unique personality and it can be difficult to merge your style with the decor and colors of your reception or ceremony site. By having a tent wedding, you can basically start from scratch with theme and colors and you are not confounded by the structure and style of an existing space.
If you have a specific theme and color palette in mind for your wedding, but can't seem to find the right space to fit your vision, talk with your local tent rental company of the types of tents available to you. You will be surprised to discover all the options available to you, from open spaces to fully enclosed formal tents, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few of our most favorite "tent wedding" finds. We hope you enjoy!
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You will then receive both male and female versions in 3 different keys to fit different vocal ranges, and the tracks without vocals in both keys (that’s a total of nine audio tracks for your purchase). A lead music sheet will be included in all keys as well. All songs will be extended so you will have lots of extra time, if you need it for the wedding service, the wedding video or the reception.
