To Thine OWN Self, Be True .

Happy 15th!
May puts me in a super reflective mood, so for this post, I`d like to pull a selfish card and get personal with y`all if that`s alright :)

May is a month that I have truly come to love over the past 2 years, and each May since 2010 has been full of Blessings and milestones.

For starters, I graduated with my Bachelor`s of Science in Business from Virginia Tech`s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program in 2010. Can`t even believe that was 2 years ago, because it still feels like only yesterday I sported my decorated cap and gown, and proudly walked that stage.

Secondly, I embarked on my entrepreneurial venture and founded SEQUiN SOiREES in May of 2010. I remember wanting to take the plunge, but feeling anxious and thinking, "Really, Alana?! 21-year olds don`t open businesses, that`s insane!" But after much encouragement from supportive friends and family, I decided my dreams and my passion were so worth the risk. Extremely glad I listened, and can look back with nothing but a bright smile and huge heart full of humility for every single Blessing that has come my way from that decision.

Finally, I began this blog in May of 2011 :) At the time, I was extremely frustrated because there I was, one year post-grad, living on my own in a new city away from my family, working for a full-time employer that I couldn`t stand -- and one that had NOTHiNG to do with weddings or special events at all. I graduated into a tough economy, where applying for a full-time job was my full-time job, and I was just grateful to have a decent job offer with benefits. I still haven`t quite figured out which is the lesser of the two evils -- being unhappy but not knowing what you want to do in life, or knowing what you want to do and not knowing how to get there. The latter of the two was me, and I was absolutely miserable.

My blog was my creative outlet and my link to the wedding world. I felt like the real world was pulling me farther and farther AWAY from my passion for weddings and love -- the essence of who I have become.

Today, I also celebrate my one year anniversary with my current full-time employer :) No, it`s not in the wedding industry, but I am enjoying learning about corporate events and applying useful strategies to my approach with weddings! I`m beyond Blessed to say that SEQUiN SOiREES has already had one beautiful wedding this year (pics coming soon!), and has 3 more on the books so far between now and 2014!

I`m still seeking the day when I can be my own full-time employer and live in wedding bliss forever and ever, and trust me -- I WiLL get there ;) Thank you for supporting me in my blog and my entrepreneurial efforts, and from my heart I can honestly say:

Don`t EVER give up on your dreams, no matter what. Entrepreneur or not, you are your own biggest critic and your own walking brand. In the words of Ghandi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," and put your all into everything you do. The world is a better place because of who YOU are and the unique things that make you great.

DREAM hard,
ACHiEVE harder,
SMiLE often,
LOVE much, &
to thine OWN self, be true.

♥
I love you and I look forward to sharing many more anniversaries and accomplishments with you on my entrepreneurial journey to the very top, til the very end :)

---

Sequin Soirees is now on Pinterest !

>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/

Formspring me !

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Maid vs. Matron of Honor Duties

Happy April, lovebugs ! Since I recently blogged about the duties of the BEST MAN for all my male readers out there, I figured it`s time to show some love to my ladies on a similar topic --

Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor !

First, let`s begin with defining the 2 roles:

* The MAID of Honor is UNMARRIED, and typically has a huge emotional significance (sister, best friend, etc.) to the Bride ! The Maid of Honor stands directly beside the Bride during the ceremony, and holds her bouquet during the exchanging of vows . She should do a periodic check on the Bride`s dress and train throughout the ceremony, and adjust it as needed .

* The MATRON of Honor is MARRiED, and is usually a close friend or relative of the Bride ! The Matron of Honor stands immediately beside the Maid of Honor during the ceremony, so it`s the Bride, the Maid of Honor, the Matron of Honor, and then the remaining Bridesmaids .

Most weddings have one or the other, but it is definitely within the realm of proper etiquette to have both (:

Just as I stated with a Groom-to-be selecting his top candidate to fulfill the "Best Man" role, it is important for the woman/women that the Bride-to-be chooses for the Maid/Matron of Honor role(s) because there are a lot of responsibilities that come with the title(s) . Thus, selecting the individual(s) who can support you emotionally, stand by your side through the thick and thin of wedding planning, and who is able to accept accountability is how you should objectively make your decision(s) .

Now that we`ve cleared those things, let`s move on to the juicy parts, shall we ?!

_DUTiES/RESPONSiBiLiTiES OF THE MAiD/MATRON OF HONOR:

^^ The roles actually don`t vary that much, so if I don`t indicate a particular role to accomplish the task at hand, please assume that the task is interchangeable between the two ! Here we go --

* Be the POiNT OF CONTACT for the rest of your bridesmaids !
-- She should be dependable, reliable, timely, and organized, for she is the primary person responsible for making sure all of your ladies in waiting are on time, on task, and on point for ALL wedding-related events ! "ALL" means wedding-related events activities before and on wedding day .

* Hold the Bride`s bouquet during the wedding ceremony/exchanging of the vows !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR .

* BUSTLE her gown for the reception !
-- The other Bridesmaids should willingly help the Maid/Matron of Honor do this, of course !

* Join the Groom`s Best Man and give a TOAST at your wedding reception !

* BE SUPPORTiVE on wedding day !
-- In addition to providing emotional support, the Maid/Matron of Honor should also be prepared to pitch in on wedding day to keep everything running smoothly and keep the Bride`s nerves under control ! The candidate you select for this position should be prepared to pitch in and help answer phone calls, run last-minute errands (if necessary), and make sure the mingling Bride takes five minutes to sit and eat at the reception ! It sounds funny, but it`s amazing how many Brides forget to eat because they get so caught up in the excitement of the evening and focus more on trying to visit each table and personally thank the guests for attending .

* Assist with the COLLECTiON AND TRANSPORT OF WEDDiNG GiFTS !
-- When the reception ends and the party is over, the last thing the newlyweds are going to be thinking about is wrangling up all their gifts and transporting them back to the hotel/designated home . The Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should stay behind and help the family pack up all the gifts for the Bride and Groom .

* Spearhead the planning of THE BRiDAL SHOWER(S) !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR . Be sure to craft up some cute games for guests to play !

* Spearhead the planning of THE BACHELORETTE PARTY !
-- This role is typically reserved for the MAiD OF HONOR . Being a Maid of Honor takes a lot of dedication, but it can`t be all work and no play ! Make sure the Bride-to-Be has a fun night out, BUT keep it classy .

All of your Bridesmaids should be responsible, dependable, flexible, and ready to switch gears at a moment`s notice, but the girl(s) that you choose for the Maid/Matron of Honor slots need to be women that you can truly count on to serve as your right hand . If it`s too hard to make a decision or choosing would make things awkward with the rest of your Bridal party, then consider flanking yourself with Bridesmaids ONLY ! It`s up to you (:

Again --
CHOOSE WiSELY ! ;)

---

See you again on the 15th (:

Sequin Soirees is now on Pinterest !

>> http://pinterest.com/sequinsoirees/

Formspring me !

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Green With Envy Over These St. Patty`s Day Wedding Ideas !

Happy St. Patrick`s Day !

And until my next post on April 1st --

CHEERS !

♥

^^ Irish Cream wedding favors ! SO CUTE, right ?!

I`ll also be doing a St. Patty`s Day photo blitz via Pinterest . Enjoy !

---

Formspring me ! (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

"Best Friend" & "Best Man" -- Synonymous or Apples to Oranges ?

Happy 15th and I hope all of you enjoyed your Valentine`s Days ! It`s my 2nd most favorite day of the entire year, and I think of each of you as my Valentine`s . I`m very appreciative of the love that you bring to my life by supporting my blog and my passions, and your support is what makes coming back twice a month so worthwhile :)

Now, for the juicy topic ! MALES, word on the street is that while you`d never publicize it, you do actually read my blogposts . Some of my male sources exposed this secret and since this is the case, I figured I`d start showing the male audience more love in 2012 . So, guys, this post is for you !

When it comes to selecting the wedding party, it isn`t just the Bride-to-Be who gets to have the fun -- the Groom-to-Be needs to handpick men to stand proudly beside him on his wedding day ! On a serious note, what does it all mean ? And most for the key player on the Groom`s wing, the Best Man --

Are "Best Friend" & "Best Man" synonymous ?
-OR-
Is it more like comparing apples to oranges ?

Truthfully, your best friend CAN fill the shoes of being your Best Man, but ONLY IF he understands and is able to fulfill the responsibilities that come along with the title/position !

_DUTiES/RESPONSiBiLiTiES OF THE BEST MAN:

* Be the POiNT OF CONTACT for the rest of your groomsmen !
-- He should be dependable, reliable, timely, and organized, for he is the primary person responsible for making sure all of your men are on time, on task, and on point for ALL wedding-related events ! "ALL" means wedding-related events activities before and on wedding day .

* Give a TOAST at your wedding reception !

* KEEP TRACK OF THE RiNGS !
-- He should be prepared to guard them with his life . This is a HUGE responsibility, which is another reason why the person you choose must be dependable, reliable, timely, and organized .

* BE SUPPORTiVE on wedding day !
-- In addition to providing emotional support, the Best Man should also be prepared to pitch in on wedding day to keep everything running smoothly and keep the Groom`s nerves under control ! Your Best Man should be prepared to pitch in and help answer phone calls, run last-minute errands (if necessary), and keep an eye on your alcohol consumption ;)

* Assist with the COLLECTiON AND TRANSPORT OF WEDDiNG GiFTS !
-- When the reception ends and the party is over, the last thing the newlyweds are going to be thinking about is wrangling up all their gifts and transporting them back to the hotel/designated home . The Best Man should stay behind and help the family pack up all the gifts for the Bride and Groom .

* Spearhead the planning of THE BACHELOR PARTY, DUH !
-- Being a Best Man takes a lot of dedication, but it can`t be all work and no play ! Make sure the Groom-to-Be has a fun night out, BUT keep it classy . No Bride wants a hungover or injured Groom waiting for them at the end of the aisle !

All of your groomsmen need to be responsible, dependable, and willing to pitch in at any given time for whatever you may need, but your Best Man needs to be the BEST candidate of these traits to be the key player you deserve . If your Best Friend embodies all of the qualities that a Best Mn should have, then ask him to be your right-hand man . However, if he is NOT the best choice, it doesn`t mean that your friendship means anything less or that you don`t have love for him, but it`s okay to be selfish if it means that doing so will make your wedding day the best possible day it can be .

So,
CHOOSE WiSELY ! ;)

---

See you on March 1st and I hope you enjoy the rest of your February days !

Until then, please comment or Formspring me ! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Formspring Q&A Corner: Hi Alana, Love your website!! Question... should the wedding take place where the bride lives or the groom?

Q: Hi Alana, Love your website!! Question... should the wedding take place where the bride lives or the groom?

A: Hello there and thank you so much for the sweet compliment :)

I appreciate your great question regarding whether the Bride or the Groom determines the location for the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, it is the BRIDE who determines the wedding location and also, the Church/Chapel is located in the Bride`s hometown. I actually blogged about this in greater detail in August 2011 in a post entitled, "Going to the Chapel -- But Yours, Mine, or Ours?"

http://sequinsoirees.blogspot.com/2011/08/going-to-chapel-but-yours-mine-or-ours.html

In a nutshell, I suggested that while a tradition is in place, there is room for tweaking or "remixing" this wedding piece. If the Bride and Groom are from different hometowns, especially two hometowns that can present a logistical-nightmare when planning, I would instead look to see where the majority of your guests are commuting from, and try to find a favorable halfway point.

As I stated in my aforementioned blogpost,

"Following "loving, honoring, and cherishing", the first lesson in a happy marriage is COMPROMISE. As a following suggestion, if the Bride`s opinion weighs more heavily in the decision for selecting the wedding venue, perhaps the Groom`s opinion could be the louder voice in selecting the reception location? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dare to be different and make your decisions based on a day reflective of what your wedding is truly celebrating -- two lives becoming one -- in whatever ways that means to you!"

I hope this has been helpful and I hope you`ll read my post :) Have a wonderful week and a Happy Valentine`s Day!

--

Sincerely,
Alana
Sequin Soirees
Owner | Event Coordinator | Blogger <3
http://www.SequinSoirees.blogspot.com | SequinSoirees@gmail.com

Ask me anything weddings, special events, decor, && do-it-yourself design elements !!

Wedding Dresses_ Buy vs. RENT ?

How are we in February already?! Unbelievable, but it`s great to be back here with you :) My sincerest apologies for missing my post on January 15th, loves. On Friday, January 13th, I began my relocation from Washington, DC to Northern Virginia, and it was a terrible weekend of sorts! Absolutely everything that could`ve gone wrong did go wrong, and NOW I am a firm believer that Friday the 13th`s are all bad/cursed :( Through all of the madness, I didn`t have my act together by Sunday the 15th, but your girl is back! Now, on to the juice!

Have you ever been watching TV or reading a magazine and come across an ad for something you felt was so entirely simple, it was ridiculous to even think it would be a successful business venture -- but surprisingly, it catches on exponentially? Well, I`m not so sure if the idea I`m about to present to you will cause a similar tidal wave of popularity, but it is one I definitely feel is worth mentioning:

Wedding gowns --
FOR *RENT* !

Yes loves, I said WEDDiNG GOWNS FOR RENT .

The iconic wedding gown is often said to be THE most important dress of a lifetime, and for many Brides, the gown is the first wedding purchase they make to get it all into perspective. Wedding gowns come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and *PRiCE POiNTS*.

To some, the idea of renting a Bridal gown is absolutely preposterous. To others, they may welcome the idea, as renting may provide them an opportunity to wear an expensive dream gown for a price that is more comfortable for their budget! As a planner, it is my job to remain biased, but I can definitely see strong arguments for both sides.

To determine if renting is the right option for you, you first need to weigh which aspects of a wedding gown are most important for what you`re looking for. If cost is a major factor, renting could be great for you. However, if you are more concerned with wanting to be the first and the last to wear the dress you marry in, renting probably isn`t the right route.

Here are some pros and cons to renting wedding gowns instead of purchasing them:

*_PROS:*

• Renting a gown is bound to be MORE BUDGET and pocket FRiENDLY !
  -- By spending less on the gown, you have more money within your budget to spend on other things, like flowers!
• Renting a gown provides you with the opportunity to wear a lavish designer gown and look like a million bucks -- without paying it !
• Renting a gown still gives you the "Say Yes to the Dress" consultation feel with the same quality products -- for LESS !
• Renting a gown is a great option for your bridesmaids too,
  especially if you can find multiples of the style you`re looking for !

*_CONS:*

• Renting a gown means that you won`t be the first or the last to wear it
  -- But who cares?! Every wedding is different. Even if someone rents the same gown as you do, the odds of them jazzing it up with identical accessories are slim to none. Besides, she`s not YOU! Strut your stuff, girl :)

• Renting a gown means that you won`t get to keep it after your special day to pass along to a family member or a special friend.
  -- But think of all the fun you had on your special day, and think of how many other Brides can afford their dream "I Do`s" because of your selfless gesture. It`s like your gown is the gift that keeps on giving! Even though you may not know the individual it`s being rented by, you are still paying it forward.

^^ Did you like how I turned the negatives into positives, too?

Renting a wedding gown is definitely controversial, but it`s YOUR day and YOUR opportunity to make your day whatever you and your significant other want it to be.
Besides, no one will even know you rented your dress -- unless you tell them! ;-)

After reading, how do you feel about wedding dress rentals?
Please tell me here!

_Survey:

http://fs23.formsite.com/SequinSoirees/form2/index.html

---

Intrigued?
Check out some of these cool wedding dress rental sites below:

• One Night Affair: Designer Gown Rentals
• Alexandria`s Formal Gown Rentals
• Unforgettable Rentals
• Fairy Godmother Gown Rentals

---

See you on February 15th and I wish you all a lovely Valentine`s Day !

Until then, please comment or Formspring me ! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Formspring Q&A Corner: "Is it possible to have too many groomsmen? Although far from marriage I often think of what my wedding party [will be]."

Welcome back, my loves and

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! :)

I hope all of you had an amazing winter Holiday season filled with lots of happiness and cheer, and an equally good time bringing in 2012 ! I`ve been doing a lot of brainstorming for some new approaches for my blog material, and it wouldn`t have been possible without your helpful feedback ! I`m super excited for what`s on the horizon, and I hope you`re excited to take the journey with me too . I`ll probably begin my new format in February, but for this month, you can definitely count on another post on the 15th! For now, please check out my response below to an excellent Formspring question I received from an anonymous individual.

---

Q: "Is it possible to have too many groomsmen? Although far from marriage I often think of what my wedding party [will be]."

A: Greetings and Happy New Year to you! Thank you so much for your fantastic question and for taking the time to stop by and ask!

Selecting your wedding party is often one of the more exciting decisions to make during the wedding planning process, but it can also be one of the most difficult.

Personally, I feel this is more of a subjective question, therefore lacking a truly definitive answer. I have done weddings with anywhere from zero attendants (bridesmaids/groomsmen) on either side of the couple to be wed, to as many as 11 attendants on either side (excluding the flower girls and ring bearers), in addition to weddings where the only attendants selected were the Maid/Matron of Honor and the Best Man.

Professionally, I would recommend choosing your number wisely, based on the following:

* HOW LARGE/OPEN iS YOUR CEREMONY VENUE?
_ If you are thinking about having a larger wedding party, I would keep that in mind when selecting your wedding ceremony venue! If there is not a lot of standing room for your bridesmaids and groomsmen to comfortably flank the two of you, I would either err on the side of caution and go with a smaller number, or have them sit after the bride makes her way down the aisle to meet you at the altar!

* WiLL YOUR ATTENDANTS (BRiDESMAiDS AND GROOMSMEN) STAND OR BE SEATED FOR THE DURATiON OF THE CEREMONY, OR WiLL THEY DO A MiXTURE OF BOTH?
_ Some couples do not have a true preference, often because it is a detail that most couples don`t think about until they arrive at their wedding rehearsal to get everyone on the same page before the big day!

I`ve seen a mixture of standing and seated parties, but weddings that tend to be later in the day or more formal tend to have their attendants stand for the duration of the ceremony -- with the exception of the young children (flower girls and ring bearers). If having your attendants flank you is really important to you, make sure your venue is large enough to accommodate your wish.

If your attendants will be seated, work with the layout of your venue space to arrange everyone in a configuration that works until the bride makes it to the altar, and then everyone can be seated on the first few pews until it is time to recess after the bride and groom have been married and presented as husband and wife!

* ARE THERE OTHER WAYS/ROLES YOU CAN THiNK OF TO iNCORPORATE SOME OF YOUR CHERiSHED iNDiViDUALS iNTO YOUR WEDDiNG DAY?
_ Perhaps you can designate other roles to indicate your key players, such as hosts/hostesses (who assist with seating your guests); readers (who can read a passage/poem or scripture during the ceremony); or they could help with coordinating the ceremony by rolling out the aisle runner before the bride enters or lighting candles to indicate that the ceremony is about to begin.

Other tips/things to keep in mind and help you make a decision:

* There are usually an equal number of attendants on either side, so
8 bridesmaids (including the Maid of Honor) + 1 flower girl often = 8 groomsmen (including the Best Man) + 1 ring bearer
^^ If your wedding party will stand for the ceremony, equal numbers on both sides are more visually appealing.

* Arrange your bridesmaids and groomsmen in a way that makes it easy for your photographer to photograph!
You don`t want it to look like an army, where the altar is so congested that it makes it hard to pick out who the bride and the groom are!

* Discuss with your partner if you want to have siblings included in the wedding party, especially if one of you has more siblings than the other!
If you only want 4 groomsmen but your bride-to-be has 3 brothers, that only leaves you 1 slot for a male of your choice.

* More bridesmaids/groomsmen = more people to coordinate for fittings, planning sessions, wedding socials, etc.

* More bridesmaids/groomsmen also = more gifts to purchase! Don`t be stingy!
Instead, choose nice gifts that your budget can accommodate comfortably.

--

I hope the information shared has been helpful, and thank you again for your thoughts! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future :) May you have a prosperous and beautifully-Blessed 2012!

Sincerely,
Alana
Sequin Soirees
Owner | Event Coordinator | Blogger <3
http://www.SequinSoirees.blogspot.com | SequinSoirees@gmail.com

Ask me anything weddings, special events, decor, && do-it-yourself design elements !!

---

See you on January 15th, kiddos!

Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Don`t Be A Grinch ! Gift Ideas for Your Amazing Wedding Party :)

Welcome back, lovebugs ! In honor of the slew of Winter Holidays at hand, I thought it would be befitting to do a post on:

*GiFTS_ For Your Wedding Party!*

Naturally, the Bride and Groom always get lots of goodies in celebration of their big day, but what about your amazing sidekicks ?! After all, tis the season ;)

_Ladies First !

All girls love jewelry and diamonds, but what about some other fun ideas ?!

** Personalize with cute designs, colors, monograms, etc. for a sentimental reminder of your wedding day and what each of your ladies in waiting mean to you !

• Quirky
TUMBLERS

• Trendy
TOTES

• Flirty
FLASKS

• Cutie
KOOZiES

• Fashionable
WiNE POUCHES

• Adorable
JEWELRY BAGS

• ^^ & My New Personal Favorite:
Handy
HANGERS !


Boys present a little more of a challenge, in MY opinion.

BUT, Because Boys Will Be Boys .. _

** Personalize with monograms, nicknames, inside jokes, etc. for a sentimental reminder of your wedding day and what each groomsmen means to you !

• Suave
CUFFLiNKS

• Fun
SHOOTERS

• Grown & Sexy
POCKET KNiVES

• Sporty
BEER MUGS

• Manly
FLASKS

• Fancy
LiGHTERS

• Handsome
POCKET WATCHES

• Functional
MONEY CLiPS

---

Words cannot truly express my eternal gratitude for your support since launching my blog in May of this year ! I hope I have warmed your heart in one way or another, and your support of my planning passion makes this experience so much more worthwhile. I`m looking very forward to 2012, have lots of great blogpost topics lined up, and an official website in the works ! Enjoy the remainder of 2011, cherishing each and every day as if it were your last . Can`t wait to be back with you again on January 1, 2012 . Love always and forever .

Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

& JOiN MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE !

>> https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sequin-Soirees/145262928914846

♥

Season`s Greetings: Have Yourself A MERRY Little Marriage :)

Happy December 1st, friends! I cannot even believe 2012 is already knocking, but time slows for no man, so all any of us can do is cherish every second we are given. I hope you enjoyed my November triple feature, and please do not forget to

>> PLACE YOUR VOTE ! << Leaving comments beneath my corresponding blogpost is also a great option if you wish to ever give feedback! The final results will be included in December 15th`s post. In light of the Winter season and all of the festive Holidays that are soon to follow, I thought I would follow suit and blog about ...

*WiNTER WEDDiNGS !*

_Winter Wedding
PROS:

* GREATER AVAILABILITY !
>> Winter weddings are not as common as their peak season (Spring/Summer/early Fall) counterparts. However, you have more power to use this to your advantage, as venues are much more likely to be available on your preferred wedding date and time!

* CHEAPER VENUE PRiCiNG !
>> Because winter is a relatively slow season for weddings, venues are likely to be much more accommodating with affordable pricing options. The slower winter season follows the booming wedding season, so venues will really want and need your business during this time of year.

* CHEAPER FLORAL PRiCiNG !
>> There aren`t many flowering plants that thrive in the winter season, and most of the "seasonal florals" that grow in the winter months are relatives of the evergreen. Hollies, evergreens, pines, and pine cones can add really nice textures and originality to bouquets and centerpieces! These floral elements are also less expensive than the colorful blooming plants that are available during other months of the year. You can also incorporate inorganic components, such as sparkly ornaments, glistening crystal, or warm (faux) furs!

* STAND OUT FROM THE REST !
>> Winter is the least common season for weddings, so be unique and go for it!

* GREATER POTENTiAL GUEST ATTENDANCE !
>> Socially, people tend to travel less in the colder months, meaning your guests will have a higher chance of being able to attend your wedding.

* PUT A FESTiVE SPiN ON YOUR COCKTAiL HOUR & SERVE *WARM* DRiNKS !
>> It`s winter and most likely, chilly outside. Why not switch things up and serve warm, festive drinks for the cocktail hour! Choose options that are versatile and alcohol-friendly, like spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, and hot toddies !

_Winter Wedding
CONS:

* WiNTER = [POTENTiAL] WiNTER WEATHER !
>> Please be mindful of this possibility when considering venues for your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and lodging for your out of town guests. Always better to be safe than sorry, and to try your best to plan for multiple possibilities -- ESPECiALLY the unfavorable ones that have a higher probability of occurring.

* WiNTER = LOTS OF WiNTER HOLiDAYS !
>> Winter is a season that holds many Holidays. Even though you may choose to personally celebrate some over others, you need to plan with your guests in mind. Keep winter holidays at the planning forefront when you are choosing dates and times!

---

Until December 15th, I bid you Season`s Greetings, jolly cheer, and warm hearts.

Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

>> http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees <<

♥

Wedding Trend Alert -- What`s In A Name ?

Hello again, and to my fellow American loves, I hope each of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holidays. Glad to see you survived the Black Friday madness to join me for another installment, and I hope life has treated you well since my last posting on November 15th :)

Much like my previous blogpost, today`s post was sponsored by a conversation with a male friend of mine concerning marriage, last names, and his strong belief that women should assume hyphenated last names upon tying the knot! Honestly, I had never really thought about it before, but nevertheless, I was greatly intrigued by our conversation and the possibilities that exist for newly-married couples` last names.

Like many girls, I realized that I based a lot of my opinions on marriage from the prominent feminine example in my life -- my mother. My mother was married at 26, dropped the middle name given to her at birth, made her maiden name her new middle name, and assumed my father`s last name as her own -- all without the inclusion of the infamous hyphen. Naturally, I was planning to follow suit someday, giving my daughter the middle name that was given to me at birth, either as a first or a middle name. My conversation with my friend prompted much research, and I had no idea that newlyweds, women AND men alike, had so many options! Admittedly, I am not a fan of all of them, but as an aspiring planner, it is my job to remain open-minded and unbiased.

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So, time to spill the juice!
Here are the trending surname options I stumbled upon:

• Option #1_
Both Parties Use the *Husband`s* Family Name .
>> This option is the most common and widely-used/widely accepted name change option in the USA.

[* iNTERESTiNG FACT: ]

"A recent study [April 2011] in the journal Gender and Society conducted a poll on American`s attitudes about women taking their husband`s surname. Fifty percent of those surveyed would support a law requiring women to take their husband`s last name" (Lucas, 2011).
^^ Absolutely crazy, right ?!

• Option #2_
Both Parties Keep Their Own Birth Names .
>> According to my research, this option is most popular if both the Bride and Groom`s last names hold much historical/social/educational significance. (Hyphenating is also a great option for this scenario.)

• Option #3_
Both Parties Use the *Wife`s* Family Name .
>> This newer-age idea is one I found very interesting, and while I do not know of any couples who have personally chosen this route, it does indeed exist! This option could also be useful if the Bride`s last name holds much historical/social/educational significance, especially if this is not the case for the Groom`s last name. This option relies heavily on a strong foundation from both parties, as this idea is not yet very socially-acceptable, and may receive some ridicule from those who aren`t a fan. However, I say -- be a trendsetter!

[* iNTERESTiNG FACTS: ]

Feminist and suffragette Lucy Stone first introduced this idea in the 1850s. While this idea peaked in the 1990s at 23% and hovered around 18% in 2009, a poll conducted earlier this year by TheKnot revealed that today, only 8% of women are choosing to keep their names (Bindley, 2011).

In March 2007, the legislature in the state of California was scheduled to consider a bill "that would allow men to change their surnames upon marriage as seamlessly as women can. Only seven states now allow a mn who wishes to alter his name after his wedding to do so without going through the laborious, frequently expensive legal process set out by the courts for any name change. Women don`t have to do so" (Friess, 2007).
^^ Since this article was published in 2007, I am not currently aware of the updated legal information. However, I found the issue at hand very interesting and wanted to share.

• Option #4_
Wife Uses BOTH Her Birth Name and Husband`s Family Name, By Making Her Maiden Name Her New Middle Name .
>> This is the option my mother chose, and the one that I had always considered (and still am considering), prior to educating myself for this blogpost. Since the Bride who chooses this option is choosing to drop the middle name she was born with entirely, a nice compromise for Brides would be to pass her middle name down to her female offspring as a first or middle name.

• Option #5_
Both Parties Agree to Hyphenate Their Two Names .
>> An option that is gaining more social acceptance and commonality. Again, a great option if both the Bride and Groom`s last names hold much historical/social/educational significance.

[* iNTERESTiNG FACT: ]

"The case for women changing their name lies with the idea of the couple shifting their identities from being two individuals into a collective unit, while the 30 percent of women who would keep their maiden name want to do so out of a desire for maintaining a personal identity. Hyphenation is the happy medium I guess" (Victorian, 2011).

• Option #6_
Both Parties Agree to Choose An Entirely NEW Name .
>> This option TRULY embraces the idea of compromise and merging two lives into one fold the best. It is also one of the most rare options I came across.
* For example: "Laura Lindstrom + Eric Jankstrom = Laura & Eric JANKSTROM" (Bindley, 2011).

• Other Reasons People Consider When Electing An Aforementioned Option_
* Does the Bride/Groom`s last name sound better ? -- Somewhat superficial, I know, but it is true!
* Is the Bride "the last of a dying breed," or the last living family member able to continue the family name ?
* Has the Bride obtained an extensive professional reputation in her career field under her maiden name ? Changing her last name after marrying could make it difficult for her to try to reestablish herself amongst her colleagues .
* A really interesting article by The New York Times provided an argument for those women who prefer to keep their last names after marriage:

"Women who do not take their husbands` last names tend to be "achievers," according to an American Demographics magazine poll. Fewer than five percent of wives who had only a high school education used something other than their husbands` names, compared with fifteen percent of those with bachelor`s degrees and more than 20 percent of those with post-graduate degrees. [Women who do not take their husbands` last names are] getting married later, usually after starting careers, and are eager to preserve work identities along with any credentials earned under birth names" (Pedersen-Peterson, 2007).

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• HiSTORiCALLY_
It is actually a common misconception that hyphenating is the default for most couples. In an interesting article I read on YAHOO! News that was published earlier this year, author Stephanie Pappas stated,

"Throughout most of the 1800s and into the 1900s, U.S. common law abided by the doctrine of coverture. Under coverture, a married woman had no rights to her own property or to make contracts in her own name -- nd indeed, she had no right to her own name at all. Her husband took on all legal rights for the couple" (2011).

Thus, the tradition of inheriting the Groom`s last name after marrying became ingrained in the fibers of the American wedding culture.

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• IN SUMMARY_
Ultimately, the decision is up to the couple. Much thought is put into the naming process, and it is often said that "Children become their namesake." While last names are slightly different, as they are inherited and play heavy roles in the historical stature of the modern family, marriage is about compromise and the formation of a union -- so BOTH parties should work together to come up with a solution that is most comfortable for their bond. Just be sure on which surnames both the Bride and Groom will use legally, professionally, and socially, so everyone is on one accord.

I`d love to hear which of the options I discussed is YOUR favorite! Please,

>> CAST YOUR VOTE HERE! <<

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I hope you enjoyed November`s triple feature! See you lovelies again on Thursday, December 1st!

Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

♥

Hey Ladies: Let`s Hear It For the Boys !

Happy 15th, blog fam! I hope November`s been wonderful to each of you, and I am elated to be back with you again. I was talking with a male friend of mine, and our conversation actually inspired this post. He asked if I ever considered doing a post from the male perspective/creative ways to involve interested males in the wedding planning process. I thought it was a fabulous idea, so for this post --

LET`S HEAR iT FOR THE BOYS !

Everyone has his or her own perspective of what weddings are, what they should be, and what they want their personal day to say about themselves.

girls vs. boys?

Thanks to Disney, Barbie, and all things girly, many females dream about their "perfect wedding day" from a tender age.

I do feel there is a stigma that has somewhat formulated around males and weddings. Many people think that men don`t care about the wedding planning process or having input in the wedding details. Sometimes, this is genuinely the case. Other times, however, males do want to be involved but don`t know how to express this to their blushing bride-to-be!

So ladies, how do you get your man excited enough to want to participate in the planning process with you? And males, how do YOU express an interest in getting involved and voicing your opinions without deflating her childhood dreams of her perfect princess day?

Let`s go (:
The wedding ceremony itself is the public declaration of two souls uniting as one, and technically speaking -- a couple`s wedding festivities should be reflective of BOTH parties. After all, you`re not marrying yourself! So what are some ways both parties can compromise to accomplish this?

_ Lana`s Top *5* Tips:

• COMMUNiCATiON iS KEY ! →

Talk to each other about planning details and keep one another informed about where you`re at in the planning process -- especially if decisions have been made, money has been put down for a deposit, or if you`re on the verge of doing either of the two. One party may choose to take the lead for most of the planning, but it doesn`t mean the other person should take a backseat or a total "hands off" approach. Even if the other person SEEMS uninterested in all of the moving puzzle pieces, eventually, keeping the line of communication open might encourage them to step up and actually WANT to contribute.

• SET THE MOOD WiTH A GROOVE ! →

Everyone loves music! As couple, music provides a great opportunity for the two of you to work together to choose the songs you want to involve in your wedding ceremony and reception. Along with the song choices themselves, this is a great time for the two of you to discuss options for types of music
-- live band vs. DJ vs. iPod/CD vs. etc.
Choosing hours and hours of music, with each of you and your guests in mind, can be harder to do than you think! As a suggestion, it may be easier for the two of you to put your heads together to decide which songs you definitely DO NOT want played, and take it from there. Many music vendors choose to operate this way also.

• 31 FLAVORS ? →

One life necessity that NO ONE can deny a love for is FOOD! A fun opportunity to lift your spirits and fill your tummies is to accompany one another on tasting appointments with your caterers. Be sure to keep your guests in mind, and having options for them to choose from is always a plus! Also, don`t forget to request a few vegetarian meals, just in case. In addition to how the food tastes, pay close attention to the presentation of the food that is presented to you at your tasting. Think of tastings as fun dress rehearsals of your REAL day and leave nothing to chance.
Nom, nom nom -- eat up! (:

• PRETTY iN PiNK ? A BLACK TiE AFFAiR ? A SiLVER LiNiNG ? →

This tip is probably the most obvious point where both parties can be vocal -- YOUR WEDDiNG COLOR SCHEME! While many women assume that men are not great with color coordinating, you can definitely rest assured that men definitely know which colors they DO NOT like! So the two of you should discuss colors and palettes that each of you like, and then narrow those down to some complimentary options. Or, if one party is primarily impartial, find out which colors they absolutely HATE, and use that as a starting point.

• YOUR DREAM DRESS, HiS DREAM TUX ! →

Women always have the fun task of hunting for the perfect dress(es) to wear on their special day, oftentimes referred to as "The most important dress you`ll ever wear!" Why not let the fellas have a say in choosing their ideal tuxedo? There are so many styles, cuts, fabrics, and colors to choose from, and this is a really classic way to let him stamp the day with his personal flair! The dress and the tuxedo should compliment each other and echo the theme, so make sure you`re both on the same page about these aspects.

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Just remember, your wedding day isn`t a day for ONE -- it`s a day for TWO (: I hope some of these ideas have been helpful in giving both sides a voice.

Normally, I wouldn`t see you again until December 1st -- however, I promised you a triple-feature this month, so stay tuned for when I next get inspired for a November post!

Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

♥

Color Alert_ Today`s "Something BLUE" & the New White ? THINK PINK !

Happy NOVEMBER 1st and I hope everyone`s been wonderful since I last published on the 1st of October! My sincerest apologies for missing my post on the 15th, but I promise to make it up to you with *3* posts this month instead of my usual 2 (: I`ve missed each of you and am SO excited to bring you today`s trending topic!

In relation to weddings, I`m sure you`re all familiar with the traditional wedding phrase:
"Something old, something new .
Something borrowed, something BLUE !"

However,

PiNK

is quickly emerging as a new wedding favorite, especially in the realm of wedding fashion. True, we just wrapped up October in which we celebrated NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, but who says you can`t dare to be different, year round? The fabulous designers below greatly encourage it, as do I, since pink is also my favorite color! Feast your eyes on some beautiful pink creations from renowned designers below. Happy drooling ;)

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_LAZARO* :
2011 Spring Collection

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_VERA WANG* :
2012 Spring Collection

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_Badgley Mischka*

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_Ippolita*

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_Monique Lhuillier* :
Spring 2012 Collection

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_Model Novias*

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_Amsale*

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_Amalia Carrara*

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_Etsy Finds*

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I`ll see you lovelies again on November 15th!
Until then, please comment or Formspring me! Mwahhh (:

http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

♥

The Unity Candle _ To Have, Or To Have Not ?

Happy 15th and thanks for stopping by! Today`s focus is on *THE UNiTY CANDLE* -- one of the most traditional ceremonial elements with a beautiful meaning, but also an element that I see rapidly becoming a way of the past. So let`s explore a little, shall we?

UNiTY

u ni ty |ˈyoōnətē|
noun ( pl. -ties)
1. the state of being united or joined as a whole.
^^
Well, according to the dictionary that came installed on my MacBookPro :)


Other than "love", the word "unity" is the one word I would use to adequately describe the meaning of the entire wedding experience. Regardless of the location, budget, number of guests, or the size of the wedding gown, the wedding itself is the social proclamation of two independent lives *uniting* as one.

The UNiTY CANDLE CEREMONY is a piece of the wedding ceremony that further solidifies this idea. While it`s a relatively young tradition that has only been around arguably since the mid to late 1900s, it is one that took off quickly and became widely synonymous with "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."

Traditionally, there is a tri-candle configuration on or near the altar:
→ 1 large pillar candle (the UNiTY CANDLE) flanked by 2 narrow taper candles.
The mother of the Groom (or a representative of the Groom`s family) lights the taper on whichever side of the venue the Groom`s family is seated (typically the RiGHT), and the mother of the Bride (or a representative of the Bride`s family) lights the candle closest to the side on which the Bride`s family is seated (the LEFT). At some point during the wedding ceremony (commonly after the exchanging of the vows/rings but before the kiss), the Bride and Groom will light the large central pillar candle in unison. They use the flames of the flanking taper candles to light the central candle, signifying the act of two lives now joining together as one.

Many couples are doing away with this piece of the ceremony altogether. While it`s 100% your prerogative, I`d love to show you some new ideas for this old classic.

1. | Unity with a Floating Candle

→ The floating center candle can replace the central pillar candle, and you can still have the traditional taper candles flanking it. For another pretty twist, add some colored rocks to the bottom of the glass that accent the colors you chose for your wedding!

2. & 5. | Unity with a Decorated Pillar Candle

→ The monogram is a nice, subtle touch, and would go fabulously with a monogrammed aisle runner from my September 1st blogpost ;-) Or, if the monogram is too over-the-top for your theme, do something more cheeky by decorating it according to your wedding theme!

3. | Unity with a Unique Shape!

→ Of course, since I`m obsessed with everything Disney, y`all already know I LOVE this one!

4. | Decorative Unity Candle Holders

→ This unity candle ceremony still has the traditional tri-candle setup, but with a cute twist. Look at the sweet candle holders!

6. | Sand Ceremony

→ THE MOST POPULAR RENDITION I`VE SEEN! It works the same as the traditional unity candle ceremony, except instead of fire, you have sand. You can choose an array of colors, but I would stick with 3: 1 to represent the Groom, 1 to represent the Bride, and 1 to represent the couple uniting as one.

NOT PiCTURED. | Water Ceremony

→ Works in the same manner as the Sand Ceremony above, but with water instead. While you could incorporate food coloring into the water, I would test it before the big day! You don`t want the colors mixing and making an eyesore in the background of all your pretty wedding photos at the altar!

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I`ll see you again on October 1st!
Until then, feel free to comment or shoot me some questions on my formspring:

http://www.formspring.me/SequinSoirees

♥

Formspring Q&A Corner: Hello Alana, My niece would like to do away with the traditional seating arrangements for the ceremony (Brides family on one side and the Grooms family on the other). What would be an appropriate statement to help intermingle guests?

Thank you so much for your great question! Traditionally, you are correct in referring to the divided seating of the families for the ceremony. The Bride`s family is seated on one side (normally the Left) & the Groom`s family on the other (the Right).

However, I think switching it up is a cool idea, & I`ve done several weddings where the couple has chosen to do it this way. This is also a great option if either the Bride or the Groom is expecting more guests than the other. I would approach it from the perspective of "equally filling out the space".

Is your niece having hosts/hostesses or greeters at her ceremony? If not, I would recommend her selecting a few. This way, when people enter the ceremony venue, the host(ess) can great the guests, and escort them to a seat on one side or the other. If you have an equal number of hosts, you can assign an equal number to each side of the venue. Then, the hosts would alternately seat the guests as they arrive.

Example:
Guests arrive to ceremony venue.
Host #1: Greets & seats guests on the Left
Host #2: Greets & seats next group of guests on the Right
Host #3: Greets & seats next group of guests on the Left
Host #4: Greets & seats next group of guests on the Right
etc. until the venue is full.

The big "I Do" represents 2 separate lives becoming 1 unified life anyway, so why not get your guests in on the action in a similar manner?!

I hope this has answered your question and has given you some helpful ideas to pass along to your niece! Congratulations to her & to your family, & please feel free to use me as a resource if you think of anything else! You have been my first visitor on formspring, & it has been a pleasure meeting you!

Sincerely,
Alana
Sequin Soirees
Owner | Event Coordinator | Blogger <3
http://www.SequinSoirees.blogspot.com | SequinSoirees@gmail.com

Ask me anything weddings, special events, decor, && do-it-yourself design elements !!

Trend Alert: Customizing YOUR Yellow Brick Road

HAPPY SEPTEMBER, KIDDOS :)
If you`re anything like me, you`re still trying to figure out where exactly summer went, but I hope each of you made your summer count.

We are well into the heat of wedding season, and I have noticed an increasingly large trend in wedding ceremonies that I wanted to share with you --

M0DERN AiSLE RUNNER TWiSTS!

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*RUNNER TIPS*

Before taking a peek, there are a few important things to be mindful of when considering using an aisle runner for your special day:

• Not all venues even allow runners →

So ask far enough in advance so you are perfectly clear!

• If the venue DOES allow runners →

Be mindful of the flooring surface the runner will be placed on. Beware of tile or polished floors, and bring a sample piece of your runner with you to one of your venue consultations to make sure you are comfortable. It`s going to be the most important walk of your life where ALL eyes are on you -- let`s make sure your wedding is memorable for the right reasons, not for you slipping down the aisle in your pretty dress!

• If you will be using flower petals →

Make sure your venue is comfortable with this preference, and ask in advance who will be responsible for cleaning the petals up! Why get charged a cleaning fee unnecessarily?

• If you will be using candles →

Make sure you have discussed it with your venue and thoroughly reviewed their fire codes/safety guidelines. We don`t need, you, your dress, your aisle, or your guests going up in flames!

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Now for the fun stuff ...

You could have this:

^^ THE TRADITIONAL AISLE RUNNER
-- With either a delicate paisley/floral/lace/damask pattern or plain with no pattern at all.

_ OR _

You could have these :)

^^ Monograms
-- Such a classy way to make a bold statement. You could either pay to get this printed, or easily do it yourself with a template and a paintbrush! Also, consider accenting your monogram with one of your wedding colors!

^^ Monogrammed aisle runner and petal combination
-- Real petals are more expensive but harder to clean up than false ones, and could actually stain. Beware if using real petals in your venue, especially if it is carpeted!

^^ An aisle runner covered in patterns/textures

^^ Decorative flower petal designs
-- GREAT OPTION for outdoor venues!

^^ Simplistic solid-color aisle runner adorned with complimentary candles

^^ Aisle runner flanked with flower petals and illuminated floral arrangements
-- SO ROMANTIC and great for an evening wedding or a darker venue, indoors or outdoors

^^ 2 Runners
-- 1 large solid color runner with a more narrow traditional aisle runner laid down the middle and flanked with floral designs and petals

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Love and hugs until September 15th, and as always -- stay fabulous.

♥

Wedding Cake Remix

Hello, lovelies! Thanks for stopping by my blog for my second bi-monthly August post.

Closely following the gown, the cake (and corresponding cake cutting) is quite arguably THE MOST iconic wedding element! Recently, however, there has been an increasingly-popular trend in remixing this coveted dessert tradition! I invite you to take a peek below of some adorable ideas that other Brides and Grooms have taken a liking to in their wedding ceremonies:

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*CUPCAKES*

• The top tier, which is a cake layer, presents the Bride and Groom with 2 options:

Option #1: The Bride and Groom can cut into the top cake layer tier for the traditional cake cutting, and distribute the individual cupcakes amongst their guests; or

Option #2: The Bride and Groom can leave the top cake layer tier uncut by cutting into one of the cupcakes for the traditional cake cutting, distributing the individual cupcakes amongst their guests, and saving the top tier until the newlyweds celebrate their 1st Wedding Anniversary.

Having cupcakes for each individual guest instead of serving slices of cake actually saves you $$, because you will not need to pay the caterer for "cake service."
[Cake service = the cutting and serving of the wedding cake to all of your guests.]

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*DONUT CAKE*

• This idea is slightly more unconventional, but super cute, right?! And individual donuts are SO much cheaper than individually-decorated mini cakes. Don`t be scared to mix up the flavors!

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*PUFFED RICE WEDDING CAKE*

• I`ll admit, this is my first time seeing this concept, but each wedding is unique and reflective of the bride and the groom, so if puffed rice cereal is what you`re into -- go for it! After all, it is YOUR day :)

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*CHEESECAKE*

• This idea is a little more delicate, because cheesecake needs to be refrigerated and therefore cannot be on display throughout the entire reception like a traditional wedding cake could/would be. BUT it`s still a super cute concept! Pick a flavor (or two), find a cute tiered cake stand, and you`ll have your own cheeseCAKE in no time! How do you like that play on words? ;) hehe

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*PIES*

• One of my favorite weddings, in which I had the honor of serving as the Day-of Coordinator, utilized this option at the reception! Like the cheesecake, be mindful of the pie options you choose, because some flavors will have to be refrigerated. Also, some flavors are extremely messy, and you don`t want a gooey mess slipping off the fork during the pie cutting and falling down your pretty dress! Pictured above are individual mini-pies = cute, and FAR less messy!

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*CANDY BAR*

• Personally, I LOVE this idea! While most people use this idea as a fun wedding FAVOR idea for their guests, it could definitely be a substitute option for the cake if that`s what you want!

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*SWEET DIPPING STATION*

• This idea is something that will have your guests up and talking about for months after your reception and wedding day are over! How fun?! And depending on what your theme/vibe is, you can have indulgent dipping options, guilt-free options, or a fun mix of the two!

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*CAKE SHOOTERS*

• Talk about a FUN FUN FUN idea! Cake shooters, what more needs to be said about these cute little shots of Heaven? I may definitely be stealing these for myself someday 0:) but shhhh!

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Hopefully, you`ve seen a few ideas that you like :) Thanks again for your support and I shall see you again on September 1st and 15th with my next posts! Until then, stay fabulous.

♥