How to choose Linens for your wedding!

persiankateyes — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:05:21 +0000

Choosing your wedding table linens can be confusing. Some venue have linens in house and show clients books of thousands of designs, overlays, and colors. But let’s break it down so you don’t break the bank or lose your mind.

First off is the size…

Standard height tables:

72″ round table = 132″ round linen
60″ round table = 120″ round linen
48″ round table = 108″ round linen
36″ round table = 96″ round linen
30″ round table = 90″ round linen
24″ round table = 84″ round linen

Cocktail height tables (42″ high):

36″ round table = 120″ round linen
30″ round table = 114″ round linen
24″ round table = 108″ round linen

For an overlay I would suggest an 84″ square overlay

This works for both 60″ and 72″ round tables

Most venues will offer you 60″ round tables, therefore the easiest to find linen rental size is 120″ round linens. Other sizes are harder to find, but with enough searching and sometimes the suggestion of a planner or venue coordinator you can find a place to help you out. When renting online, I would suggest ordering at least 8-6 months before you date to ensure the particular linens and amount you need will be available on your date. There is nothing sadder than finding the perfect linens, but waiting to order just to find out they are not available or they don’t carry enough for all your tables.

Luxury and unique linens can be extremely expensive. However, they are absolutely amazing to see.

Rather than blowing your budget on luxury linens that frankly can overwhelm an event, why not choose to only use them on a few tables like the sweetheart table, sign in table, and the cake table? With some linens running around $80 per table for linen rental fees, it’s silly to use them everywhere. Complement your luxury custom or designer linens with basic solid color ones. They are cheaper and easier for your florist to balance arrangements on

Don’t believe me, look up table linen photos a while and see how a single patter on 10 or so tables can look crowded or just “too much”. Keeping it just here and there adds a touch of something special.

Check out several linen rental companies before settling. Most of them won’t have all of their inventory online, so you will have to go there in person. It’s better that way as sometimes I find things look horrible online, but beautiful in person and vice versa. You never know until you see them with your own eyes.

A lot of linen rental places will custom make linens to your taste if they are not available. However, this requires a lot of time, so if you want custom book early! Many of the designer tables you see were custom designed and you’ll be shocked to know they only custom designed one or two for a photo for a styled shoot or advertisement. If you really want it, you have to wait for it.

Patterns are nice, but too much pattern and too much of the same everywhere is cluttered looking. The same with the luxury linens which can have a lot going on. That’s why many designers will insist a bride have different alternating colors on tables (either the overlay, tablecloth or both) and often times different arrangements for the flowers. Keeping the room from looking like a sea of same and making it interesting so the eye roams around with interest is your goal.

Purchasing linens can be a better and cheaper option if you only want basic colors and styles. Custom designs can usually also be purchased from your linen vendor. That way paying for something so expensive isn’t just for one day. You’ll have a fancy tablecloth to give out to a bunch of close family or friends.

Ordering online is a nice option if you have someone to set up or if your venue will set up linens you provide. After the event they normally provide a large bag you put all of them into to ship back. They handle the cleaning, so no worries there.

Always consider the big picture and your budget when making your final choices.

Happy Planning!

Cute Things We Love!

persiankateyes — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:32:35 +0000

These cute as a button Eco-Friendly toothbrushes come in a set of 4 and are the PERFECT addition to any guest bathroom. Imagine the look on your face if you were presented with one of these neat toothbrushes when you were an overnight guest? They are currently $22.99 and may be purchased here.

These colorful tube vases are really one piece where you can put multiple buds in. How cute is it?!
They are $25.99 and may be purchased here.

They are perfect for any vintage or rustic theme wedding! This cute set of glass bottle vases is only $17.99 and may be purchased here.

Lovely Pink Bridesmaids Dresses, Wedding Dresses, or just lovely date night dresses

persiankateyes — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:17:53 +0000

{source}

When looking for a dress to be your wedding dress or bridesmaids dresses don’t be limited by the dress being labeled for proms! You can find some lovely and affordable prom dresses to you. These dresses are lovely and hip and fun. Dresses labeled for weddings always carry a higher price tag. And for what? They just don’t need to be. All of these dresses are $200 or less. When purchasing made to order dresses from other countries I always recommend researching the experiences others have had and also budgeting a little extra for tailoring once your dress arrives.

Vendor Spotlight – The Bella Couture Wedding Accessories

persiankateyes — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:13:49 +0000

I love finding you new wedding vendors to get those one of a kind finds for your wedding. In light of this I decided to find a few vendors that we love, but you may not have heard of yet and introduce you to them. I love one of a kind custom elements in weddings it really adds that extra touch. I also love helping new and small businesses. Home based businesses are the best to support in my book. When you support a home based business you support a family, not a big time corporation. Not to mention that when a vendor makes an item by hand it’s more special. You can see the love and details in every piece.

Today’s vendor is:

The Bella Couture and here is our mini interview to get to know the people who hand make everything.

Why did you start making accessories?
I’m a full time student and mom and I wanted to do something that could keep me at home with my toddler. The funny part is i started out making boutique hair bows & when i started making flower clips I would get request for bridal packages. So I decided I would change my plan and I would do wedding accessories.

Who’s idea was it to start the company and when?
It was my idea I started in Aug of 2011 mostly selling to friends at school and working off a word of mouth basis. Until my aunt told me I should start a Etsy and here I am now.

How long have you been in business?
I have been selling items since Aug of 2011.

How many people work in the company (if it’s a one man/woman show tell us how you manage it?
There is two of us. I do all the creating of items and putting them together along with listing and selling. My grandmother is more a support system and financed my supplies so I could start this business.

Which wedding accessories do you find get purchased the most?
My ivory hair flower that is embellished with a rhinestone center and my rosette hair piece.

How does it take you to create each item?
Most items don’t take longer than 30 Min to make. I know them by heart now.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from my wild imagination mostly I think of stuff & try to create it. Also magazines and nature.

What’s your absolute favorite wedding accessory you have done and why?
My favorite accessory would be my vintage inspired rosette wedding veil. Everything about it I love it was my first piece that I was extremely proud of and still think its just as beautiful as it was to me the first day.

Thanks to Amber for taking the time out to help make this post! Here is a photo of her and her lovely daughter.

Unique Wedding Venues in Miami South FL

persiankateyes — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:12:36 +0000

While MOST people get married at a hotel or just on the beach in South FL, you can still find offbeat wedding locations if you really try. Here are some I love.

The Spanish Monastery

{photos from official website}

16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, Fl 33160
Tel-305-945-1461, Fax-305-945-6986

For more information, please contact Tania Witten by calling 305-945-1461, or e-mail us at spanishmonastery@bellsouth.net

http://www.spanishmonastery.com

While there are many options as far as locations within the Spanish Monastery and different prices I would budget at least $3,800 for your typical wedding. That estimates around 100 guest and both the ceremony and reception with a cocktail hour. Don’t let the photos fool you, this place is full of old world charm and can be designed up to something out of this world spectacular.

The Thalatta Estate

{photos from official website}

17301 Old Cutler Road
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Phone: 305-234-6383
Fax: 305-234-6395
events@palmettobay-fl.gov

http://www.thalattaestate.com

The space is beautiful and can be tented. Permits with vendors will need to be pulled and I would estimate at least $5000 would be needed to pay for the space for around 100 guests with permits, mandatory valet, and mandatory security.

It’s a lovely outdoor space and the ceremony will have a waterfront view.

Coral Castle

28655 South Dixie Highway
Miami, Florida 33033
(305) 248-6345

http://www.coralcastle.com/

I would estimate for about 100 people wedding it will cost around $2700 + tent rental. That is based on their prices and known fees. They do allow a tent rental which is fabulous! The estimate also includes an opening of the interiors for guests to go in and view for 2 hours after closing which is optional and $100. I think it’s a great addition.

Cauley Square

Cauley Square Shoppes
22400 Old Dixie Highway, Miami, FL
Phone: 305-258-3543 or 305-878-1410

cauleysquareinfo@gmail.com

http://cauleysquare.com/

Depending on which section you choose for your wedding expect to pay between $2100 to $4000 for a wedding. The good thing is they do include tables, so that is one less item to rent.

The Village Chalet offers affordable buffet style catering and the restaurant is on the premises.

This location has a rare rustic wedding charm that is hard to find in South FL.

South FL, Miami-Dade and Borward County Wedding Venues on a Budget

persiankateyes — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:18:08 +0000

Looking for a nice wedding venue without blowing your budget? Here are some great wedding ceremony and reception venues in South FL, Miami and Broward counties that offer affordable wedding locations without a ton of your budget.

From Least to most expensive:

Pinecrest Gardens:

11000 Red Road
Pinecrest, FL 33156

It used to be the old site of Patriot Jungle. Those of us that grew up here will always remember that location fondly. Now they have the gardens open to the public for just a few bucks each you can check out the location and there is even splash a play area for parents to take their little ones for a fun summer afternoon.
Available only between 10AM and 4:30PM

The Lakeview Terrace, Patio and Pergola, overlooking famous Swan Lake, are favorites amongst Brides and Grooms-to-be and the large grassy Meadow can accomodate open-air or tented seating. Available for rental starting at $400.00, these areas can be rented seperately or combined to accommodate parties from 50 - 500 guests. To check availability, please contact Pinecrest Gardens at 305.669.6990 or e-mail gardens@pinecrest-fl.gov . In addition, please refer to the Rental Rules for the regulations governing the rentals.

I recommend this location for short and smaller events that don’t need a lot of loud music and dancing and also don’t mind a wedding during the day. It’s also a great location for a ceremony only.

Tree Top Oak Ridge Hall:

Tree Tops Park
3900 S.W. 100th Ave., Davie, FL 33328
Phone: 954-357-5130
Fax: 954-357-5131
TreeTopsPark@broward.org

Starting at around $900.00, click here for more information. Hours of Rental: Fridays, Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Time frame includes setup and cleanup and must be strictly adhered to. Park staff will set up tables and chairs if requested.

The facility may be used for most activities. Any unusual activity and/or equipment (i.e., tents, archways, and gazebos) must be approved by park management and noted on the permit prior to activity date.

Pets: Dogs and cats must be on six-foot leashes and under owner’s control at all times. So YES this seems to be the one location where you can have your pet in the ceremony. Imagine that!?

Capacity: Banquet (60-inch diameter round tables and chairs) seating: 184 people.
The Royal Fern Hall:

Fern Forest Nature Center
201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, FL 33063
Phone: 954-357-5198
Fax: 954-357-5295
E-mail: FernForest@broward.org

For information please see here.
Rental fee: Starting around $1000, call for current information

Capacities
Royal Fern Hall: 175 auditorium-style seating (no tables)
Royal Fern Hall: 120 for a sit-down dinner with dance floor
Amphitheater: 125
Picnic Shelter: 40
Parking Spaces: 90, plus four designated handicapped spaces
Facility Rental Hours & Fees

Royal Fern Hall
Mondays-Thursdays: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$50 per hour

Royal Fern Hall & Amphitheater
Fridays-Sundays and holidays: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
$800

Amphitheater Only
Fridays-Sundays and holidays: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
$150 for four hours, $38 for each additional hour

Picnic Shelter
Mondays-Fridays: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$50

Picnic Shelter
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
$110

Setup Rental
Day before the event: four-hour rental between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
$300

Cleanup/Security Deposit (CASH ONLY)

Royal Fern Hall or Royal Fern Hall and Amphitheater together
$200

Amphitheater only or Picnic Shelter
$50

Mangrove Hall:

West Lake Park
1200 Sheridan St., Hollywood, FL 33019
Phone: 954-357-5161
Fax: 954-357-5163
WestLakePark@broward.org

Fees: Starting at around $1,600.00

Capacity: Conference (72″ x 24″ tables and chairs) seating: 160. Banquet (72″ diameter round tables and chairs) seating: 210.

Rental hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Time frame includes setup and cleanup and must be strictly adhered to. Park staff will set up tables and chairs if requested. No early admittance prior to permit time allowed.

The facility may be used for most activities. Any unusual activity and/or equipment (i.e., tents, archways, gazebos) must be approved by park management and noted on the permit prior to activity date. Amplified music and loud noises that interfere with other park patrons are prohibited.

All intoxicants other than beer and wine are prohibited. Kegs must be placed in a plastic container. No smoking is allowed in the Mangrove Hall.

Open Flames: Candles, tiki torches, and open flames in the hall or courtyard are prohibited.

Oak Hammock Hall

Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center
3501 S.W. 130th Ave., Davie, FL 33330
Phone: 954-357-8797
Fax: 954-357-8796
E-mail: LongKey@broward.org

Rental fees starting at around $1640.00

Capacity: Conference (72″ x 24″ tables and chairs) seating: 60 people. Banquet (60″-diameter round tables and chairs) seating: 240 people.

Hours of Rental: Fridays-Sundays: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Time frame includes setup and cleanup and must be strictly adhered to.

Open Flames: Candles, tiki torches, and open flames in the hall or courtyard are prohibited.

Sound Policy: Amplified music and loud noises that interfere with other park patrons are prohibited.

Activities: The facility may be used for most activities. Any unusual activity and/or equipment (i.e., tents, archways, gazebos) must be approved by park management and noted on the permit prior to activity date.

Venetian Pool

Coral Gables Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL
Tel: 305-460-5306

Rental fees starting at around $1900.00

Venetian Pool is available from closing until 10:00 pm throughout the year for parties and special events such as weddings. Please review the appropiate forms below.

If you have any questions please contact us at (305) 460-5306 or e-mail Assistant Supervisor Carolina Vester at cvester@coralgables.com.

Basic Rental Fee: $1,680
Deposit: $262.00 to hold the date plus $1000 performance bond for damages. The security deposit and performance bond are refunded after the event is concluded and if no damage is incurred to facility and facility is returned to original condition.

For more information regarding rental policies, pricing and reservations, please call 305-460-5306 and ask for a member of the Venetian Pool management.

{all prices subject to change, please call for information}

While these locations are pretty basic and don’t come with fancy linens and chairs, these items can easily be rented and with the savings from your location costs you can make a pretty spectacular event! Of course for brides on an even tighter budget I would suggest a ballroom wedding. The best is if you can find one with an outside area for at least the ceremony. Remember brides, natural light makes the best photos! So do your ceremonies outdoors right before sunset to get your once in a lifetime amazing shots. ;)

Cute Giant Paper Flowers for Weddings and Photography Props

persiankateyes — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:49:54 +0000

VISITING LAS VEGAS AKA STAYING AT MY HOUSE

persiankateyes — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:35:35 +0000

Thanks to Roman May

I think that I am the last person to get on the Groupon boat. My cousin was in town last weekend and suggested that we log onto Groupon.com using my north las vegas internet connection, to see if we could get any deals for going out that night. I live in Las Vegas and gets lots of visitors ( if you can imagine). My cousin thought that it was hilarious that I had never signed up for Groupon or Living Social. She lives in Boston and she says that she doesn’t eat out unless she has a Groupon. She said that saving money makes her feel great about herself and spending lots of money makes her feel really bad. I can’t blame her, I hate to over pay for things. Unfortunately, for the three days that she was there, we didn’t come across anything that tickled our fancy. She did sign me up though, and now, I will be able to log onto Groupon everyday. If I find something good, I am always going to buy two.

Red, Green and Yellow Vintage Wedding Bouquet for a styled photo shoot

persiankateyes — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:27:41 +0000

This lovely vintage inspired flower bouquet was made as part of a styled engagement photo shoot by Persian Kitty Kat Photography. The entire shoot was styled by SouthFLWeddingPlanner.com and shoot in South Pointe Park in South Beach Miami, FL . More photo for this lovely styled shoot coming soon!

The bouquet was made with left over ribbon from other craft projects and yarn. I ran out of floral wire so scrap ribbon was used to tied the flowers, then I hot glue gunned the decorative ribbons and yarn on top of floral tape (but any tape can be used in a pinch).

Colorful wedding dress ideas! Forget your Wedding Whites and try pink, blush, blue, teals, etc. instead

persiankateyes — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:43:46 +0000

These colorful dress are not just fabulous for a Prom, why not your wedding?! Yes, you read that right Around the world other cultures get married in all sorts of colors. If you’re not super traditional to begin with, why not? Not everyone should have to go down that aisle in a white dress. There are no rules anymore. If you don’t want a strong colors like the dresses above, try sky blue or blush pink. Just a hint is enough if you want to find the perfect space between unique and traditional.