Show Success

I had a great time at the Manor Bridal Show today and really enjoyed meeting brides and grooms of all ages! (Check out the beautiful face I am making as I speak with a potential client!) This was a great learning experience for me - I was asked many different questions about what can be done and find it so interesting to hear the plans of these couples for their BIG day. There is really such a desire to have the most individual and unique event for your guests...to be so "UNlike" anyone else. The challenge for me is having samples that meet ALL of their visions!

I also got to chat with some incredible vendors: Check out www.essencecatering.ca the site of Chef Jason & Kelly...not only was their food enticing to the eyes, but tasted divine! Both Jason and Kelly were so down-to-earth and super easy to talk to. If only I could go back and get married again!

Check out www.wedecor.ca who had set up an exquisite candy bar, www.scottphotography.ca featured tonnes of stunning work and of course www.crazy4chocolate.ca had Sue offering tastes of her delectable truffles to the newly engaged (and any begging vendors too!).

Getting ready for the show

I am super excited about The Manor Bridal Show this Sunday, so I am busy getting my samples together and attempting some creative new pieces! The challenge with custom-made stationery is knowing what potential brides are looking for; so I've put together a little bit of everything from natural-looking earthy tones to bright and funky colours and textures. Check out a few pictures...I'll leave the rest a surprise for now! See you at The Keg Manor: 529 Richmond Rd between 9am and 3pm.

A MUST READ...

When planning my own wedding, I received this book as a gift from my mother (and I'm wondering now if I should take offence?!!!!) The book is called “Wedding Etiquette Hell: The Bride's Bible to Avoiding Everlasting Damnation” written by event consultant and etiquette blogger Jeanne Hamilton. In my opinion, it is the perfect blend of fiction and real-life events that will have you either gasping or ROTFL! Hamilton uses some fictional characters, such as newly engaged “Brideweena” and her wedding planner “Miss Jeanne” (I wonder who this is) to walk the reader through many etiquette-related questions. From invitations and engagement parties, to showers and registries; the book is filled with tacky and unbelievably true stories that she has accumulated through her own etiquette website. Would you believe that one guest wrote about a bride that insisted on having three engagement parties, four showers, and a gift opening celebration after the wedding and sent invitations with her registry information to the same people for each event? I guess that is one way to ensure you complete your registry!!! A great read for brides, bridesmaids, moms and anyone involved in the event planning – just don't give it as a shower gift!

Favours as the centrepiece

Looking to cut costs from your floral or decor budget – why not display your beautiful favours as the centrepiece? Stacking boxes, small pillows or bags can be visually stunning and practical! Check out these examples from none other than Marthaweddings.com. They look especially elegant and interesting when created in complimentary, not all identical, colours. To add height, why not try using a two or three-tiered “dessert” tray? I will be showcasing such examples at The Manor Bridal Show. Come check it out on February 21st at The Keg Manor in Ottawa.

See me at The Manor Bridal Show

Sunday, February 21st, 2010 9am to 3pm - Come to The Keg Manor at 529 Richmond Road for the 7th annual Manor Bridal Show. It features vendors from every category to help you plan and pull-off your perfect Wedding Day! RW Design will be there with sample stationery and favours as well as some creative ideas. I would love to meet you and answer any questions you might have. For more information, go to: www.tjscakedesign.com

Truffle Boxes

Here are a few of the truffle boxes created by RW Design that featured the dark chocolate & sea salt combination truffles (see previous posting). The bride and groom had a vision of black and white tables – so we had fun playing with different designs and textures (such as velvet) while respecting their theme. The boxes were arranged as name cards on the tables and the coloured ribbons served to help the wait staff identify the meal choice of the guests. I just love how the pink ribbon pops against the black and white.

Would you like some salt with your chocolate?

Who would have thought to pair salt with chocolate? Sure, it sounds dreadful; however, a client I worked with this past summer offered two chocolate truffles per guest as a favour, one of which featured this interesting combination of dark chocolate with sea salt sprinkled on top. Of course, I had to have one (or two, or three) and…it was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Sue, the creative genius behind this combination creates beautiful truffles for any special occasion. Check out her website for all her delicious combinations and try not to drool on your keyboard: www.crazy4chocolate.ca !