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 :)

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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

♥

Eclectic Gift/Favor Ideas for Your Guests !

Are we really halfway through another month already ?! I honestly don`t know where time is going but I definitely won`t complain, because the 15th means I get to blog for you again :)

Lately, I`ve been hearing about lots of fun, non-traditional ideas for guest gifts/favors, and thought I`d share in hopes of getting your feedback ! So, let`s play !

*Unique Gift/Favor Ideas
for Wedding Guests*

* Do the right thing and GO GREEN !

-- I touched on this concept in June 2011 and am still as in love with the idea of seed paper as I was before . Plantable paper, often referred to as seed paper, is a paper made out of crushed seeds and organic plant matter . It is 100% sustainable and eco-friendly, and will sprout into an actual plant if you plant and water it ! Just like regular paper, seed paper is customizeable in many shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, and surely there is a design out there that is perfect for your wedding day ! A cute way to incorporate this into a favor is to print the guests` name cards on seed paper and give them a mini terra cotta pot . After your wedding, they can plant the name card in the pot, and VOILA -- beautiful flowers will grow, reminding them of your wedding day with each and every glance .

And on that note,
"Please be SEEDED !" ;)

* In honor of your wedding day, ask your guests to SHARE THE LOVE !

-- In lieu of encouraging your guests to purchase/bring wedding gifts, design a wedding with a cause and ask your guests to share in the effort . Still skeptical ?
Take a peek at my 2 suggestions below:

>> Select a charity that embodies a mission close to your heart, and ask guests to contribute a donation . Then, give the charity a large donation in the name of your wedding and guests ! There is SO much power in teamwork .

>> Ask your guests to contribute toward a goal of the two of you as newlyweds, such as solidifying a down payment on your first home !

>> Winter wedding around the Holidays ? Ask your guests to bring books/gifts suitable for children and donate them to a local children`s hospital or children`s charity !

* Use your WEDDiNG THEME/SETTiNG for inspiration !

>> Getting married outside on a warm, sunny day ? Give your guests customized parasols during the ceremony to protect them from the sun`s rays . When the ceremony ends, tell the guests they can keep em !

>> Beach wedding ? Give your guests customized flip flops to protect their high heels and fancy shoes from the sand !

>> Incorporate a signature drink into your reception and give your guests the romantic recipe that will have them falling in love with your wedding day with each sip they take !

* As a couple, make your guests a CD of your favorite musical tunes and selections !

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See you again on May 1st (:

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 ! ;)

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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

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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

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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

♥