Fantastic Finds

Here are some great finds! Check out ideas for a Girls Night Out, Kids Ice-Cream Theme Party, DIY tutorials and MORE! I love finding awesome sites and sharing them with you!

Super cute treat idea using cotton candy: From LivingLocurto.com

Via

SUPER cute idea for a girls night out themed party (bridal shower or bachelorette party!) modernmindy & favors from Bridal Buds

Via

Cake in a jar over at disneyweddingsblog.com 

Adorable Cowboy Baby Shower Theme

All American BBQ theme desert bar

DIY Decorations:

Family Fun- make your own photo holder

Tutorial on frosting a cookie with Royal Icing

*hugs*
Denice

Fantastic Finds ~ April 15, 2011

So I have been a little MIA I know...Sorry! Life has been crazy these past two weeks!! So here are a few fabulous post I have come across this week, ENJOY, I will be back soon!!

Super cute ideas for the Bride to be post wedding day http://www.theblogforbrides.com/1/post/2011/04/what-to-wear-on-your-bridal-shower.html

Who loves tea? I DO! My buddy Leeann over at Join the Gossip really wants to have one (it may be on the books for me to do one with her, I'll keep you all posted!)  http://jointhegossip.blogspot.com/2011/04/lets-have-tea-party.html

Bridal shower cookies that look like booties covered in panties / or a bikini bottom, SUPER cute!!! Also great for a bachelorette party! http://pinkmartinisandpearls.blogspot.com/2011/04/bridal-shower-tushie-cookies.html

Need ideas to be stress free in your wedding planning, check out http://oceandreams4sierra.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-post-by-molly-wedding-talk.html

Want your big day to be eco friendly? Check out this post http://www.budgetawedding.com/2011/04/8-ways-to-have-an-eco-friendly-wedding/

If I had little girls, I would SO do this party! Cake decorating!! Check it out, it is super cute http://adreamparty.blogspot.com/2011/04/cake-decorating-party-part-1.html

 

Have a great weekend friends!

 

*hugs*

Denice

Glenda's Glitzy Designs

Ladies, If you know a Bride to Be, or anyone in the Wedding Party Glenda is now making a lot of Bridal items. Some of the new items; a short sleeve Hoodie, perfect for the Bride or Bridal party to wear while getting their hair done the day of the wedding. It can have their name on it or just Bride, Maid or Honor, Bridesmaid, Flower Girl or any other word.

Glenda also specializes in Flip Flops, for all sizes.  I am TOTALLY addicted to these blinged out flip flops.  I love them. I have a grey Roxy pair from last year. The crystals have stayed put since then.  I get SOOO many compliments on them, I love em'!

Here are a few other things Glenda does:

Check her out. If you are local, she will even host a Flip Flop or Shirt party for you!  Glenda will pretty much bling out anything you want, need or can dream of! She's a super nice lady, and her super fab hubby helps her create these fabulous creations. Now GO... Check her out and get BLINGED out!!!!

Glenda on Facebook

Glenda's web site

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Glenda's Glitzy Designs

Cacao Sweets and Treats

I was recently sent these delicious treats from (cacao) sweets & treats review.  They are SO CUTE!  (cacao) sweets & treats offers a gourmet line of delicious delights, specializing in Cake Truffles,Impossibly Moist Cupcakes and our Signature Brownies.  (cacao)'s gourmet sweets & treats are handmade from scratch using the finest natural and organic ingredients and are always fresh to order.

I was sent the gourmet Cake Truffles, and it was so dainty and sophisticated!  The Cake Truffles are rich and decadent bon-bon like treat that are moist and creamy on the inside with a luscious chocolate coating. Each Cake Truffle is lovingly rolled, dipped and decorated by hand one at a time. They are made with the finest fresh, natural and organic ingredients. They come in fabulous flavors such as Triple Chocolate, French Vanilla, Lemon, Almond, Spiced Chi, Toasted Coconut (just to name a few!).

The Cake Truffles can serve as beautiful Dessert Centerpieces, Wedding Cakes, Dinner Party Favors, Birthday, Romantic Getaway treats and much more!

Check out their website and Esty site!  They currently have Beer Cupcakes - One for the Guys Newcastle, Guinness or Blue Moon, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Cake Truffles.

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credit:

Gift box: me!

All others: (cacao) sweets & treats

Clickable Party- Party Decorations from your Computer?

I found a GREAT website for those who like to be creative in planning their events.  It's called Clickable Party.  Clickable Party is *printable* party decorations that are unique, customizable and reasonably priced. They create matching party invitations, thank you cards, cupcake wrappers, toppers, banners, favor boxes...everything you need to make your next party look extra special. All you do is just print and cut them out!

We are a family owned and operated business in Southern New England striving to offer unique printable party ware for events, holidays and special occasions. We hope you enjoy our designs. Don't forget to check out the Freebies page for free downloads.

Why not use a party store? You can’t find our designs in your local party store - they stand out from the rest! The designs are made to be personalized, and you control how many you print, how you print them and how you use them. ~ Krysten

They have a ton of cute stuff!  I stumbled upon them while surfing the twitter waves.  There is a freebies section with a full free downloadable party for an end of summer beach bash, and more is added all the time. Cruise on over and check them out!

http://www.clickableparty.com/

http://clickableparty.blogspot.com/

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credit: Clickable Party

Tahitian Themed Bridal Shower

We are at it again with the tropical themes.  I guess we love them and they come easy to us! So here we go...

We recently put together a bridal shower for a great friend.  She is getting married in July and lives at the beach so the Tahitian/Tropical theme just just fit.  We were able to recycle a lot of our decorations form past parties (50th anniversary, birthdays etc).  It was a small, so we were able to go a little over the top on food and drinks.

We simplified the centerpiece to be functional and fun.  We used sand and HOMEMADE bamboo, flower pens. Yes...homemade!  Sometimes Katie and Cindy get so creative I could just die.  Where they come up with these things is beyond me. But hey, that's why we are a good team, they are creative and I help organize and execute! Anyways, back to the pens:

We wrapped the patio posts in a burlap fabric and used real palms out the top to look like trees:

The famous KDC Event photo op was present (recycled from the anniversary party):

We served appetizers and a main course. The appetizers were delicious, see below for photos and details. For the main course we served chicken and beef kabobs with fresh veggies, coconut cilantro rice, and pasta salad.

For the appetizers we had delicious grapes that were rolled in a cream cheese/blue cheese mixture covered in shaved almonds, and an artichoke Parmesan mixture stuffed in homemade won ton cups A beautiful fruit and veggie tray.  We also served a signature drink, called a Tropical Honeymoon:

Beef and Chicken Kabobs with delicious, Fresh Veggies and Coconut Cilantro Rice:

The cake was a Momma Labonte original complete with surfer girl cake topper (thanks to Cindy):

It was such a fun shower to put on.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Let us know what your thoughts are on it, Thanks!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credits: Us =)

Book Review: The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book by Holly Lefevre

I want to introduce you to one of my new bloggy friends, her name is Holly Lefevre.  I met this fabulous woman through two of her blogs, Hip Weddings, and 504 Main.  I fell in love with her posts, they were always full of such great ideas and information.  After reading her blogs for a while, I learned that she is the author of a great book called The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book.  I am a HUGE fan of etiquette (my other favorite bloggy friends is Etiquette with Miss Janice), so I was immediately intrigued!

Holly was nice enough to send me her book.  I read it cover to cover in one night, it is a very easy read, and FULL of great information.  Etiquette is something that people do not spend enough time on these days, so Holly is making it VERY easy for you to stay in line.  She was even gracious enough to answer a few questions for me.  So, without further ado...

Why did you decide to write an etiquette book?

It actually found me. I was working on another wedding project, when this opportunity came along. The other project was not moving along as quickly as I liked so I jumped at the chance to write something for the Everything series. There is a lot of wedding information out there, but I truly enjoy being able to provide advice that is real and honest - weddings are amazing but not always fun and "hearts and flowers" - there is real emotion and problems involved too. I had also been a speaker at bridal shows for years, covering planning design, and etiquette, so this was a natural progression.

How long did it take you to write the book?

If I recall the whole process was only about 3-4 months. Since this book is part of the Everything Series, there had been previous editions. I was not starting from scratch, but rather updating and rearranging a previous edition, which in some ways is a lot easier than starting from scratch, and other ways not. While I had the basic premise and a lot of viable information already, it was up to me to update the book with new etiquette questions and standards, to make the book my own, and to make it fit withe the series of books.

 

What is your favorite section of the book?

Tough one - they are all my favorites in different ways and for different reasons. I think I like The Business of Being A Bride. So many brides do not realize what it takes to pull a wedding - as they envisions weddings to be - off. I strive to be realistic in my advice and answers. I want them to understand this is a business for the vendors and for them, for two reasons...I do not believe in negotiating anyone to death or manipulating anyone into a price or service they cannot afford...this is both for the vendors and the brides. I want brides to realize help is out there in the form of a wedding planner or by involving your groom or family members. As much as I wish everyone would hire a wedding planner, I know this is not going to happen, so I really want to educate brides.

Which etiquette standard is ignored the most by brides, or grooms?

The one etiquette standard I see brides wanting to wiggle on all the time is not having the guests pay for anything. Too many times, to save money they want to have a cash bar or have the guests pay for their own valet parking. No, no, no! If you cannot afford it do not do it. Plan a wedding within your means.

I once worked with a couple who married at a major luxury hotel. They thought food was of the utmost importance (which it is to a degree). They had 10 different hor d'oeuvres and paid over $10,000 for their cocktail hour and then refused to pick up the valet parking (the only parking available without having to walk a number of blocks) bill of $10.00 per car. The hotel was even advising against this amount of hors d'oeuvres and they refused to listen. As a planner you can only do so much. Couples should also learn to trust the experts they hire and are working with.

Overall I say being gracious goes a long way. I was fortunate to work with mainly wonderful, kind brides, but I have also worked with my share of diva brides. The guests are paying the bride and groom an honor by coming to the wedding, as the bride/groom is honoring them with the invitation. This extends from beginning the ceremony on time and not making the guests wait for an unreasonable amount of time to planning your timeline so that guests are not left waiting for 2 hours for dinner to begin after the ceremony to playing appropriate music at the appropriate times of the reception.

 

Some of my Favorite Holly posts:
~ A Gracious Bride Knows
~ What's A Mother To Do?
~ True or False...The Mom's Must Match?

THANK YOU Holly for writing this book. I hope future brides realize how important it is, and read it! If you are interested in buying Holly's book, check out Amazon.
 
*hugs*
Denice
 
Photo Credit: http://hipweddings.blogspot.com/

Stacie's Gifts Features KDC Events!

A VERY big thank you to our friends over at Stacie's gifts for featuring our recent post: Last Minute Wedding "To Do List".

So, head on over to their blog and check it out, and while you are there, check out their website for an, "Exquisite Selection of Gifts For Most Any Occasion."

A little info on Stacie's Gifts:

Stacie's Gifts is an online retail outlet focused on providing fashionable jewelry, totes, and fashion accessories at the most affordable prices. We are a family operation based in Tampa, Florida with a combined 10 years experience in customer service and retail.


Our goal is to make your shopping experience the best of any online retailer. With a wide variety of fine jewelry, we have also expanded in very unique items, and accessories. You'll find that our products meet a variety of tastes at affordable price ranges. Our products are of the best quality, and are inspected prior to delivery. Our jewelry and gift items come from all over the world.

You can order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding our products. We strive to provide the best online shopping experience.

Thanks again!
*hugs*
Denice

Brides turns 75

Brides magazine is celebrating 75 years of helping you plan your big day. The Today Show looks at the past 7 decades of bridal bliss. From engagements to the lavish ceremonies, Brides Magazine has covered it all.

Check out the full story at the Today Show on NBC.

Have a fabulous day!

*hugs*
Denice

Wedding Question Wednesday- Gifts

I received this question for my co-worker, Stephanie. She asks, "If you are invited to the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and the wedding are you required to get a gift for all there events?"

This is a great question Stephanie! I don't think there is a definite yes or no answer, but here are my thoughts.

If you are invited to the engagement party, all that is required is a card! That's it, unless you are the parents, grandparents or sibling, then a little more may be required.

If you are invited to the shower you definitely need to bring a gift, preferably something for the bride or off the registry. Some showers these days are themed, so you know what type of gift to bring.

If you are invited to the bachelorette party, I don't believe a gift is necessary, but usually a gag gift of some sort, OR you can assist in bringing something necessary for the night (ie: drinks, food, etc.)

For the wedding, it is ok, to again, buy off the registry or simply give a gift card or money.

I guarantee in 10 years (heck, maybe even 2), the bride and groom will not even remember what they received as gifts from the showers or wedding.

Just remember, give only with in your means. Do not go into debt supplying the bride and groom with the top of the line blender. Only buy what you can afford.

I hope this helps! Let me know.

Photo credit: Denice's wedding


[wedding]

Showers- "To Drink Or Not To Drink?"

This questions always seems to surround showers, bridal or baby. Is it ok to drink? The answer...not a clear one! I guess it would all depend on the guests attending the shower. It pays to be respectful, but it also pays to have a good time!

If the shower is packed full of grandmas, aunts, little cousins, and an unapproving mother or mother in law, then I would lean towards a "NO Drinking" shower. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Introducing any sort of alcoholic drinks may make some feel like they are outsiders.

Then again, I have been to many bridal showers that have a nice amount of drinks and the tone is correctly set. It is done in a way that is classy. It is clearly stated in the way the alcohol is presented that it is not a "who can get drunk first" and "who wants to play beer pong?" type of shower.

To do this, just serve wine and or a themed cocktail. That's it. No open bar or ice chest full of beer. There is nothing more embarrassing (or unladylike) than to have a bride and all her bridesmaids be smashed at her shower (not to mention it gives people a lot to talk about).

Keep it nice for those attending. Save the "party" for your Bachlorette shin-dig. Relax with those who are showering you with presents and wishing you well on your new journey!

Have a different opinion, let us know!

Photo credit: Denice (it's Katie at her sister Soozie's shower in 2005)



[bridal shower]

Wedding Question Wednesday- Bridal Shower

Dear Wedding Question Wednesday,

I need help!! I have never planned a bridal shower before (only attended). What are the necessities for the event? I don't want to leave anything out!

Thanks!! Leeann (join the gossip)

Hey Leeann! Thanks for the question!

Planning a bridal shower can be so much fun, but a lot of work. Here are some tips we hope help you out!

1) Plan ahead - way in advance (at least 1 month before the wedding)
2) Cater the event towards the brides personality
3) Make it a theme all will enjoy
4) Compile a reasonable guest list for your budget
5) Give all those invited ample time to plan
6) Have fun!!

Here are a couple of interesting and helpful sites:
Bridesmaid.com
Bridalshowertips.com
Allaboutshowers.com
Bridal-shower-ideas-for-you.com
RealSimple.com
Yeahmom.com (shower games)

I hope this helps Leeann! Let us know, and thanks for your question!


[bridalshower]

Wedding Question Wednesday- Wedding Favors

Today's question comes from a random discussion amongst co-workers at my day job, PlasticSurgery.com. We were discussing wedding party favors. One lady asked, "is it necessary to have a favor for each guest and if so what should it be?"

This is a fabulous question! The gals of KDC Events feel that YES, it is respectful to give your guest a parting favor from your big day. Your guests spend a lot of money attending your wedding; it is nice to show them you appreciate it. We strongly feel that the favor should be one of two things:

1) Something reusable (and we don't mean a champagne glass with your name on it or bubbles). We mean something tangible! Maybe a wine stopper, candle or mini frame.

We recently tried these fabulous candles from Travertine Spa. They are Bergamot Soy Wax Candles, and they smell fantastic! It is a fragrance of fresh bergamot blended with citrus, for a soft scent. Each candle is adorned with a band of light-enhancing prisms that are beautiful and chic!


They look very elegant and would go in almost any home decor...after the wedding. You could also use them as wedding shower gifts, or gifts for your wedding party. You can purchase these directly from Travertine Spa.

2) Something edible! If the guest can eat it, the happier they are! Couples are getting very creative with this one. We have seen the traditional Hershey Kiss filled bag, and Jordan Almonds all they way to a custom candy bar catered to the bride and grooms favorite sweets.

So YES, wedding favors are necessary! Get creative and show your guests some love!

Share your favorite wedding favor with us!

[wedding]
[wedding favors]

Wednesday Wedding Question

So we are going to start a new series...Wednesday Wedding Questions! Just send in your wedding related questions. Whether it is engagement, shower, dress, ceremony, gift etc. related, BRING IT ON!!! Let us help you.

Our first question comes from Elana from Good Girl Gone Shopping:
"I am a little confused; does a bridal shower mean that you buy a cute, sexy gift for bride? Or, do we just use the registry and give her the wedding gift then? It is so confusing!!!! ;)"

Well Elana, the shower gift is completely separate form the wedding gift. The type of gift you decide to give solely depends on the Bride and the type of shower. Some showers can be theme oriented (think naughty lingerie shower, or honeymoon destination shower). If they are theme oriented, you would like to comply with that and stick to something related to it.

If it is not themed, then a nice gift of your choice or off the registry is fine. Typically wedding showers are looked upon to "shower" the bride or couple and help prepare them for marriage. So if it’s nice (or naughty) lingerie, or a handy dandy coffee pot, either will help equip the new couple with the necessary tools to begin their marriage. But remember, the shower gift IS separate form the wedding gift!


We hope this helps, have fun!


Photo credits: http://www.onlingerie.co.uk/bridal.html




[bridal shower]

2008...What are your goals?

So it is officially 2008...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With the beginning of the new year comes the promise of new resolutions. So this year I have vowed to NOT make the standard resolution of "I would like to lose weight" or "I vow to work out more".

NOT THIS YEAR!!! I decided to make a resolution that I could actually strive for and work towards without feeling like a broken record. So, my 2008 New Years Resolution is to become successful in my own venture...KDC Events. I am not saying I want it to be uber successful this year, but my goal is to successfully plan and execute at least one major event.

So, now that I have committed it to writing, I better get cracking on finding a client! If you know of anyone seeking an event planner, Hit us up!

Let us know what your 2008 Resolutions are!!

[business]

And so it BEGINS...KDC Events!

So I have decided to embark on this journey of starting my own business...KDC Events.

I have dreamed about becoming an event planner since my sorority days. I think I am pretty good at it, I am well organized and have a knack for keeping things moving!

I am not doing this alone, no. I have the great pleasure to be doing this with my two BEST friends, Katie and Cindy...Hence KDC Events.

With Katie's keen sense of creativity and Cindy's hard work ethic, I think we have a great team.

So here we go...off on our journey.

CALL us, let us plan your event. Whether it be a small intimate gathering, or a HUGE family event such as a wedding, we've got you covered!

Thanks! And check back often!