All types of presents require nice words of thanks in reply, even if you hate the gift.  Yet, it is extremely easy to get stuck with blank cards and blank minds.  Below are some tips we found in Brides Magazine that we love!

1.  Corral Your Supplies-  Stay organized and keep all your supplies in one place.

2.  Love Your Pens-  You want to make this fun! To do this, buy pens that are comfortable and fun to write with.  No one likes the hand cramp!

3.  Make it a Contest-  Set a specific amount of time and see how many each of you can finish.  The winner gets something special…

4.  Keep it Short-  Buying smaller cards allows you to make your note short and sweet.  Possibly make a template with different options to reduce the amount of creativity required for each note.

5.  Go With Whom You Know-  There is no use in the bride writing the thank you note for the Best Man.  This is not personal or genuine.  Keep the friends and family members in separate stacks to keep the notes personal.

6.  Act Alone-  Two signatures at the bottom is not required at all.  You should each write your own letters and reference the other in the note.  Example: “John and I cannot wait to show it off in our home – we will think of you every time we see it.”

Good luck and remember to make it fun, fast, and heartfelt!!

Posted by: Always Planned

This romantic and timeless wedding was photographed by The Time Photography.

Posted by: Always Planned

Let me start by saying that I truly love all of my brides!

That being said, there is something so meaningful to me to know that I have formed a true friendship with one of my brides.  You see, when I met Emily and her mom I instantly knew that we were meant to be friends.  Emily is the image of a modern southern belle and her mom, Julie sweet as pie! We have dined together and had cocktails together, laughed together and cried together.  And together we transformed Talon Winery into a rustic, romantic and elegant venue for the celebration of Emily and Bobby.  I must admit – that big barn has never looked better!

These first few images were taken by the Always Planned Team and simply do not do the decor justice.

The amazing photos below are from the incredibly talented Melanie Mauer – who when I found out we were working together I honestly started to jump up and down!!  Seriously!

Posted by: Dupree Catering

One of the hottest trends lately for parties and weddings is Candy Displays. The best candy displays are the ones that match the color & theme of the event. The display is all about the mix of containers ~ so, make sure to use a variety of sizes and heights to accomplish the best look. You can also give small bags with custom labels for your guests to take candy as a sweet treat. Everyone always loves a snack after the party!

1. It’s all about the containers! Plan your display around your table size and containers.

2. Figure out which candy you want to put in each container and then how much of that candy the container will hold. You can do this by finding something that you already have that is measured that is the aprox. density of your candy (for example a bag of sugar) and pouring it into your container.  If you are buying an odd shaped candy call your candy provider and explain the container to them - they are great about helping estimate the amount of candy that will fit in it.

3. Buy bulk candy. The shipping charges are expensive but you will save a ton of money by buying bulk. We order all of our candy from www.candywarehouse.com. They make it really easy and you can even shop by theme, for example wedding candy, old fashioned and nostalgic candy, even pirate candy!

4. Coordinate the theme and colors of your candy to the event. For example if your wedding colors are orange and pink just do caring shades of that colored candy.

5. Remember to also order the candy that will hold your other candy in place. For example if you are having lollipops, rock candy to pour in the bottom of the candy will hold the lollipops up right and in place.

6. Check out how to’s on youtube. Search Candy Display. Good Luck!!

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