something to look forward to

Something to look forward to

Get to know one of our incredible vendor friends and see an amazing real wedding!

Happy weekend,

XO, Mia

bachelor parties

BACHELOR PARTIES 
So we all know the boys can throw an all out booze fest, or a trip to the strip club to gawk at fancy ladies, but here’s hoping your guy is cooler than that.  Maybe you want to float some of the following fun ideas to your man’s best man, in the hopes that he too has had his fill of  the “fun” we’ve mentioned above.

Skydiving
Brewery Tour
Camping
Sailing

XO, Katie

*image source here

Best Men’s Boutiques

Best Men’s Boutiques

Some of my best shopping days are actually done with my hubby. We have traveled many of places and like myself he definitely has his go-to favorite places to “hit up” when he is looking for either a gift for one of his buddies or even a little something for himself. When shopping for your groom or groomsmen, here are some of our hand-picked favorites:

DOWNTOWN

QUINNTESSENTIAL GENTLEMEN  (a great place for you and your buddies to get a haircut, shave, facial, shoe shine and even a stylish bow tie) if you haven’t already, you must check this place out

RUXTON

LOAFERS AND LACES ( the name says it all…. your go-to place for all things shoes, they also just started carrying collared greens neckties, a great gift for your gents. how lucky are we that they happen to be our next door neighbors)

J. McLAUGHLIN ( looking for the perfect honeymoon emsemble…. this is your place, their our downstairs neighbor too)

MT. WASHINGTON

SAMUEL PARKER ( a classic, traditional men’s clothier… they have just about everything your gent would ever need)

COCKEYSVILLE

COHEN’S  (great casual wear for men, boys and even your littlest gents)

GEORGETOWN

SHERMAN PICKEY (classic styles with a modern edge… this says it all)

VINEYARD VINES (comfortable fabric, fun colors, amazing patterns.. their neckties are a huge hit with groomsmen and our designer coren moore has recently teamed with them to offer coordinating bridesmaids styles)

NEW YORK

PETER ELLIOT- LEXINGTON AVE ( my hubbies all time favorite place to shop… he got all of his groomsmen gifts here)

Happy Shopping,

XO, Mia

groomsmen’s gifts

A collection of stylish gifts for your man or his men…

Leather Key Fob
Deadstock Plaid Bowtie
Wrist Watch
Converse All-Star Boat Shoes
Hudson Whiskey 

XO, Katie

*images from their respective sources

inspired wedding- beau bar

Inspired Wedding- Beau Bar

Shot by Katie Stoops and styled by Merriment Events, here is an adorable southern wedding inspired photo shoot that adds a little something fun for the men… a Beau Bar! What a clever idea? For a full list of vendors involved and to see the entire post, click here.

Enjoy,

XO, Mia

something to look forward to

something to look forward to

next week we talk groomsmen…. can’t wait!

happy weekend,

XO, Mia

throwing a bridal shower

THROWING THE PERFECT (simple) SHOWER

We meet alot of bridesmaids and maids of honor who are excited to throw a great shower but don’t know where to start.  I’d like to break it down today and say that throwing a great shower is about thoughtfully considering who your bride is, what her style is and how you can best honor her.

Start with the location & guest list : I generally prefer a shower hosted at a private residence or a nice open venue like Garnish (Mia’s baby shower was hosted here and was BEAUTIFUL).  Restaurants are also a good option, but then you are a little more wed to their decor, timeframe for decorating and your menu.  Once you pick your space, decide how many guests can fit and make that list.  Make sure you are considering who the bride wants to attend…. this is not your guest list, it’s hers.

Invitations come next:  These should go out about a month or month and a half before the shower.  Minted is great for affordable invitations or you know, over at Petal and Print, I do them custom.  My favorite tip when ordering and addressing invitations is to order a set of matching thank you cards for the Bride and as you address the invites, address the thank you’s as well! All your bride needs to do then is write the card and put it in the pre addressed envelopes.  It makes her life a lot easier and it keeps the design of your shower consistent all the way down the line.

Menu planning:  I personally like to keep the menu pretty limited.  A shower should only last a few hours, so you don’t need to feed people a meal.  Have a few great options on hand and some sparkly drinks.  Always have a non-alcoholic option on hand.   If you’re throwing a brunch consider grapefruit mimosas, fresh beigneits and platters of fresh fruit. For an afternoon affair, think tea sandwiches and little cupcakes.  Or you can go over the top sweets with a candy or dessert bar.  The options are pretty limitless, but for your own sake keep it simple and elegant. Hire a caterer or buy prepared food, or enlist each of the bridesmaids to bring one item, whatever works best for you.

Designing the Decor: Ok, I could go crazy here.  I have been know to be fluffing pom poms late into the night, spray painting balloons with glittered gold, or painstakingly sewing little cupcake toppers while my champagne swizzle sticks are drying and my cake is baking.  For me, the experience people have at a shower has a lot to do with the decor, that’s what instantly conveys that you put some thought into this thing. And for me, it’s the most fun part.  It’s also a great opportunity for all the bridesmaids to work together crafting and decorating.  Some of my favorite sources for party decor are Shop Sweet Lulu, Party City and Target. It’s all about pulling together a color palette and keeping the details fun.

Fancy Flowers?: I’m a florist, so I do like to add fresh flowers to any fete but I do not think you need to spend a ton on these.  I love a good mason jar filled with monochromatic blooms.  If your shower is in the spring, I recommend assorted jars filled with clusters of fresh peonies cut from the yard.  Simple, elegant, gorgeous. If flowers are not in your budget, skip them.  If they are in your budget and you want to go all out, by all means, I say do, and send the arrangements home with the bride or her mom, or one for each bridesmaid as a thank you for helping.

Party Games: To each their own with these.  I personally say no, or opt for a cute quiz about the bride that guests can fill out and can win prizes for correct answers.  I think they take up a lot of time and seem forced or akward.  Some people love them, so if your bride likes that kind of thing, maybe take a look here for some inspiration

Opening Gifts: This is where you need to be organized.  Have a trash bag, scissors and most importantly a paper and pen to keep the list of who brought what so that thank you’s are easy.  Try and keep the gift opening part of the shower short and sweet as well so that people aren’t checking their watches for when they can get out of here!

Have fun planning your party and let us know if you have any questions or tips and tricks of your own!

XO, Katie

The image above is from She-n-He on Snippet & Ink and features one of my all time favorite ideas for a bridal shower – a floral design class! talk to Shawn at The Floral Studio if you are interested in planning one of these!