Favors... It's the little things that count!

The Knot has some great ideas on what you could give as favors. They are all very original and it's all about how you present you ideas to your guests. There's one thing that is for sure, favors should have a personalized aspect to it, and reflect the personalities of the bride & groom.

Below are some of my favorites:

Straw Fan: For destination weddings I love the Fan, it was picked as a Knot pick as well!! It's a perfect way to say thank you to your guests with a personalized note. You could be sure that they will be using it through out the day.... looks great in pictures too. :)

Candy Buffet: Treat your guests to a candy buffet that reflects your color scheme. You could have various shaped vased filled with goodies such as chocolate-covered pretzels, sugar candy, truffles, M&Ms, jelly beans, lollipops, and anything else that your heart desires :) We did a candy buffet for a destination wedding in Montreal and the guests loved it...It was a huge hit.

Wine bottles: For those couple that appreciate a good wine, could add a personalized label on the bottle giving it to their guests a a symbol of their love ... the older it gets, the better it is :) This concept could be applied to a bottle of water and be handed out to guests for an outdoor ceremony... you're sure your guests will appreciate a nice cold bottle of water while sitting in the heat.

Cigars: This is something that every man at your party is sure to love!!! It could be a great gift for the rehearsal dinner, or could also be a great accompanying gift to the wine bottle... If you are having a destination wedding, you could search to find a local cigar brand that could bring a local flavor to your wedding.

For more great Favor ideas visit www.theknot.com

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
One of 100 Best Romantic Resorts in the World 2006

Windjammer Landing is unique and unlike any other Caribbean resort. It was conceived, designed and built as a village. Brick paths meander through more than 60 acres of lush landscaping, scented gardens, sparkling pools and waterfalls, covered walkways, pickled wood, and hand-painted tiles. Our residents come from all over the world, creating a village community of international vacationers and property owners. Patterned after the picturesque villages of the Mediterranean, Windjammer Landing villas are uniquely designed and secluded from neighbors by magnificent trees and flowering bushes. Stroll or take the continuous shuttle service to the heart of the village where you will find a full-service resort.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has been personally selected as one of the top romantic resorts in the world by noted travel writer, Katharine Dyson.

Author of The 100 Best Romantic Resorts of the World published by the Globe Pequot Press, Ms. Dyson is continually traveling from Africa to Asia; from the U.S. to Europe seeking the most romantic places to stay.

Now in its 5th edition, the book has become the authority of choice for those looking for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. The book, which contains detailed descriptions of accommodations and amenities of the resorts profiled, is available in bookstores and Web sites and sells for $17.95.

In 2006 Windjammer Landing was also the recipient of the Conde Nast Gold Award chosen by Conde Nast readers as one of the world's greatest hotels, published in the Gold List 2006 in the magazine's January 2006 issue. Windjammer Landing received high scores for the quality of its design, location, rooms, activities, service and food.

Windjammer Landing Resort is the perfect village for couples & honeymooners who want to celebrate their love in one of the most beautiful islands.

Elie Saab - A designer for princesses...

Elie Saab was born in Lebanon on July 4, 1964. In his youth, Elie Saab developed an infinite curiosity in art. This great interest led him to enter the fashion world aggressively. He started desgining evening gowns and wedding dresses. His first fashion house was launched in 1982, in Beirut, under his own label. In the same year, Elie Saab launched his first collection at the Casino Du Liban. It was a major success and enjoyed massive media coverage!

The Lebanese press referred to him as the precocious genius. Deeply attached to his native culture but constantly fascinated by the European fashion, his style was a perfect blend of Eastern and Western cultures. The 1980's saw Elie Saab's career expanding. His reputation spread throughout the Middle East attracting royalty to his fashion House in Beirut. In the early nineties, Elie Saab established a larger fashion house in Beirut. The finesses of his word spread overseas to include privat fashion shows in Paris, Switzerland etc...

In 1997, Elie Saab was the first foreign designer to present a Spring/Summer Haute Couture collection at the Roma Alta Moda week. Since then, his fashion shows are presented in Rome.

Elie Saab is on the international designers who had been dressing Hollywood movie stars at the aware winning cermeonies. Sine 2000, Elie Saab collection has been on the catwalk in the capital house of fashion, Paris, at the "Paris Fashion Week" of Haute Couture.

Classically regal, yet unmistakably sexy, Saab's designs combine Middle Eastern details with European fashion, and appear at home on Hollywood A-listers like Halle Berry who wore Saab at the 2002 and 2003 Academy Awards. Since that moment, Elie has grown even more popular amongst celebrities with his romantic, crystal-encrusted evening and wedding gowns.

The women of Elie Saab are the goddesses of the modern mythology. Making brides and women wearing his dressed feel divine and radiant.

Money Optional

The cost of having that dream day come true can add up very quickly. Asking for a little help… well that can never hurt. The only problem is that most people consider this a pretty touchy subject. How to ask for money without being rude? Ok well asking for any type of gift has always been considered rude and inappropriate. Gifts in general are considered to be optional. However, the world around us has changed, with the costs of weddings today and couples many times having already lived together, a pot doesn’t always come in handy. As long as it’s done in the right way, you can get a little help from your guests without insulting anyone. Here are some ideas to consider.

1. The first and best way “to ask for cash” is to spread the word amongst you closest friends and family and should your guests inquire on what it is you need or want they can let them know.

2. Many people don’t like to give money simply because they feel it does not contribute as a long lasting memento from that guest. Consider registering your honeymoon, this way they will feel they contributed to your first getaway as a couple and you save on a pretty expensive trip!

3. Although controversial to some, hinting in your invitation that you would appreciate monetary contributions is another way of going about it. Consider adding that you will have a wishing well set up for those guests who wish to make such contributions. Not only will this give guests the choice, but will also make for a romantic touch to the event.

4. Another way of spreading the word is through your wedding website. If you have one, post a little blog thanking your guests ahead for any sort of contribution they could extend. Perhaps include a plan you have as a couple that you would use the funds for. (i.e.: a boat, new kitchen, car…)

Sensitivity is key with this topic. Although against etiquette to some, couples are asking for money more and more. Simply put, guests are helping their friends begin their life with a little egg if they wish to go the monetary way. There is nothing wrong with that, and it cuts the pressure of finding that great gift or buying the towels from the registry.

Simply Centered

Make a bold statement with a simple touch by adding a beautiful yet understated centerpiece for every table. Not only does this make for a beautiful and dramatic look, you could cut your costs and save a few dollars too!

The saying less is more has never been put to better use. Don’t go over the top with something that will just get in the way. Surround your guests with a warm and welcoming table where they can really enjoy their night.

A great idea is to fill a great shaped vase with oranges or lemons. Add water and like that you have a chic modern and inexpensive centerpiece that will get noticed. Use your imagination and create your own design. Get carried away and let that artist out. Have fun in designing a simple way to make them wow.

Mix It Up...

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There is so much to be done here. A little “something new” is helping the same old drinks. Specialty bars are very trendy and could make for a great theme at your wedding. Couples are looking for new ways of wowing their guests and this idea is as fresh as they come. The sky is the limit here, so think retro drinks, sake bars, sidecars, the list goes on…

Have fun with this idea, even if you chose to serve one specialty drink, make it special. Create a name for your drink and make it yours. Print the recipe on little cards and have them placed next to the bar where it’s being served. This way, your guests can pick them up and keep them as a great favor.

Other great ideas may include setting up a coffee bar and offering cappuccino, espresso and other coffee drinks. Don’t forget those guests who don’t drink. For them, you can offer refreshing mocktails or create a smoothie station. Think big with this and have fun!

An Elegant Detail ...

Introducing the newest trend in wedding décor, graffiti is very hot!

Add a personal touch to your wedding day with a very special detail. Everything from sentimental notes at your dressing site, to personal thank you’s at your gift table. Wow your guests at the event and do something very creative that will surely be noticed.

The idea is very elegant and creates a very personal environment. To get ideas on what you can do with this new trend, check out: www.wonderfulgraffitiwedding.com. The site is great and really illustrates how romantic graffiti can be. Make a statement and have it heard…

Cruise through the day

Sail out into the open along side your friends and family with no worries on mind and a lifelong commitment in the making. Imagine sharing your night with nature in the most serene and beautiful location you will ever find and create magic in a fairytale setting.

The stars will be out and the world will stop for just one night; so enchant your guests by inviting them to embark on the ship of dreams that no one will ever forget.

Why not try something different and have a little fun. Cruise weddings are very personal and make for a great evening for everyone. For the bride that is looking for that "something different"; this is a "different" sure to have everyone looking forward to your wedding!!! As for those brides, that love the idea, but are not that adventurous, then an alternative would be to host the rehearsal dinner, or even your engagement party on a cruise!! Definitely worth considering and looking into!

When the last song fades, the food is gone and the guests make their way out, you’ll be left with memories which will never fade. With all the help and support along the way, leaving your guests a little gift will thank them quietly. Create a memory to go and add a personal touch to your wedding.

Whether it be Maddy truffles or chocolates wrapped in colorful boxes handed out at the end of the night or bathroom attendants offering “Mint to be” mints to your guest, little touches such as these will add to the unforgettable night when you said “I do”. Make it special. Make it last.

I came across this site that had really great ideas for favors. It’ll give you insight on some really creative favors you could incorporate into your big day. Check it out! www.weddingfavorites.com

*** Contact us for more information on Maddy K chocolate favors.

Something Purple

Straight from the pages of Vogue, to your unforgettable wedding day. Every shade of purple, from the lightest lavender to the deep shades of aubergine is brightening up brides all over the world.

Light up the event of the year with the color of royalty and one which conveys wealth and extravagance. Whether you accent your day with purple hues in your bouquet and floral arrangements or sprinkle different shades all around, purple is the trendiest color this year. Spice up your purple palette with stripes and playful dots on everything from your invites to the desert station and cocktail napkins.

Rather than more traditional colors, I feel that purple shades give a nice twist to more traditional whites or creams. Why not incorporate the color that stirs up feelings of romance on the most romantic night of your life!

The Wedding Cake Guru!

It's extremely hard to find someone that can create the wedding cake of your dreams and make it taste good too!!! :) Of course after years of dealing with different vendors and trying different cakes, I came across my favorite pastry Chef of all time Michel Denis!!! He's great in designing the cake you want as well as giving it the taste that you want!! I highly recommend him!!!

Usually brides give him an electronic picture of the cake they like, and he is able to duplicate it, and make the cake in the flavor that you want (Chocolate, Vanilla, fruit etc...)

The knot has a great cake gallery which you could go through and get inspired!!!

If Montreal brides would like to contact him, email me for his contact info.

Budget...Budget...Budget!!!

The first question that is on every couples mind is "how much will this wedding cost us?" What is a reasonable budget for a wedding??? Unfortunately for a wedding planner, it is not easy to give you a budget right off the top of our heads. To give you an estimate of how much your wedding would cost, we would need to have answers to many questions. Weddings don't have a cookie cutter formula, and since each couple is unique, so is each budget for a wedding!!!

I came across an Article on www.theknot.com which I thought could help couples get a idea of how much they should allocate as a budget for their wedding:

Wedding Budget 101 (The Knot)

Figuring out your wedding budget can be stressful, but don't worry -- whether you're dreaming of a lavish hotel affair or an intimate garden get-together, answering these questions will help you figure out what you have to spend to make it happen.

Who's Paying?

Talk with your families about who will pay for what: Some brides' families still pick up the entire tab, but more and more groom's families are participating too. How do you bring up the conversation? For many couples, talking to each family separately is the best way to have truly open discussions. When you do talk, here are strategies for determining your initial budget.

Ask both of your folks to commit to a specific dollar amount, and then add up all the contributions to create your budget.

Alternatively, it may be easier to ask each set of parents to finance a particular aspect of the wedding (such as the ceremony, honeymoon, or catering) instead of just committing to a dollar amount.

Decide how much you two can contribute between now and the wedding. (37 % of the couples we polled say they're planning to contribute financially to their wedding.)

How Much Do You Actually Need?

Just like buying shoes, an apartment, or a pair of jeans, when it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you need to spend to get what you want. Set your expectations accordingly. Knot Note: The average cost for a 150-person wedding is about $25,000 (higher in urban areas).


Here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

Reception: 48%-50%

Ceremony: 2%-3%

Attire: 8%-10%

Flowers: 8%-10%

Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%

Photography/Videography: 10%-12%

Stationery: 2%-3%

Wedding Rings: 2%-3%

Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%

Gifts: 2%-3%

Miscellaneous: 8%

To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a "just-in-case" fund.

If you're paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.

How Much Can You Save?

As soon as you're engaged, start putting aside as much of your income as you can for the wedding. Saving 20% of your monthly income is a good -- though painful -- goal. The longer your engagement, the more you'll be able to sock away.

Ways to save: Limit your spending on small stuff (renting movies instead of going out; going to Starbucks once instead of twice a day; downloading just the song you love instead of buying the whole CD). These changes will hardly affect your quality of life, but after a year, the extra cash will cover some wedding essentials.

Make the most of your money: Instead of stashing your money in a low-interest savings account, consider buying CDs or opening a money-market account. The interest rate can be double that of a savings account. Just check the fine print to avoid penalties.

Old-school Funding

Here's an ultratraditional list of who pays what. Think of it as a starting point, because how you get to your bottom line is up to you!

Ceremony

Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.

Clothes

Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau
Groom and family pay for groom's outfit.
All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon

Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography

Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Prewedding Parties

Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride's family hosts the first one.
Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon.
Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner.
Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
Best man and ushers host bachelor party.
Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception

Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring.
Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.

Stationery

Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.

Proper Addressing for Wedding Invitations

Through out the whole wedding planning session, I firmly believe that the most cumbersome and annoying part is to address the invitations!! It seems to be the most common question I get as a wedding planner... what is the proper way to address wedding invitations!!!

So here goes:

Married couples with the same last name:

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. William Smith
Inner envelope, formal: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Innerer envelope, contemporary: Michelle and Bill

Married couple, different last names:

Outer envelope: Ms. Michelle Franks and Mr. William Smith (Both names on same line)
Inner envelope, formal: Ms. Franks and Mr. Smith
Inner envelope, contemporary: Michelle and Bill

Married couple with children under 18

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. William Smith
Inner envelope, formal: Mr. and Mrsl Smith Joanne
Inner envelope, contemporary: Adam, Mary and Joanne

Unmarried couple at same address
Outer envelope: Miss (or Ms.) Michelle Franks
Inner envelope, formal: Miss Franks
Inner envelope, contemporary: Mr. Smith Michelle and Bill

Single woman

Outer envelope: Miss Cynthia Green
Inner envelope, formal: Miss Green and Charles (it's better to find out the name of a single's date rather than saying "and guest")
Inner envelope, contemporary: Cynthia

Single Man

Outer envelope: Mr. Michael Ross
Inner envelope, formal: Mr. Ross
Inner envelope, contemporary: Michael

Married couple with children under 18

Outer envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Adam Fossini
Inner envelope, formal: Mr. and Mrs Fossini
Inner envelope, contemporary: Joanne Adam, Mary and Joanne

Unmarried couple at same address

Outer envelope: Miss (or Ms.) Sarah Raymond
Inner envelope, formal: Miss Sarah Raymond
Inner envelope, contemporary: Mr. Jeremy Kuhn Sarah and Jeremy

Check out the site www.mygatsby.com ... Not only does it have great invitations, but it also included everything you need to know about invitations!!!

Etiquette Questions???

Many of my brides and grooms tend to get stuck when it's time for etiquette decisions. I highly recommend Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, Fifth Edition book to all my bride. Specially couples that don't have wedding planners to help guide them.

Today’s weddings have more possibilities than ever, with new traditions replacing old, and new relationships to consider as family life grows more complex. In this book, Peggy Post provides solutions to all wedding questions, showing how to manage the big decisions and the little details with consideration and confidence—leaving you free to enjoy all the happy times along the way!

There is even a couple of chapters dedicated to grooms. Incorporating today's technology into your wedding plans, plus updates on destination weddings, working out wedding finances, same-sex unions, and more, Peggy answers every couple's contemporary concerns.

Peggy Post is a nationally trusted wedding expert, she also provides tried-and-true guidelines you can count on for a memorable wedding, from announcing the engagement to budgeting for the ceremony and reception to dealing with sticky situations -- uninvited guests, last-minute slipups, avoiding tacky gift gaffes, smoothing conflicts, and more -- and bringing it all off with minimum stress and maximum style.

With this book, you can feel confident that your wedding will be a wondrous time you'll remember with pride as a day that was joyful for everyone.

For more info visit: www.emilypost.com

Destination Weddings - So many choices???

I get a lot of couples knowing that they want to have a destination wedding, but have no clue where to start looking!!! It does get overwhelming once you start surfing the net and realize there are tons and tons of destinations to chose from!! This is what I suggest you do:

1. Limit your choices to three or even two destinations!! So before you even start looking at hotels, your objective is to find the destination that fits your needs!! Ask yourself questions like - Do I want to make my guests take long flights or not!

2. Once you do decide on a location, then you have to make sure that getting a marriage license in that destination is hassle free... Some destination require you to be there a week prior to the wedding day...so make sure you read all requirements prior to deciding on your location!

3. Now that you have a location in mind, you could start shopping for resorts... you decide do you want an all inclusive one, or would you want a more exlusive one. Some hotels might not be all inclusive, but could cater to groups and give you a group rate and meal plans...so make sure you keep all your options open!

Once you decide on the hotel, then you could get into the details of the actual wedding day. Most hotels have in house wedding planners that could help you, however if you are limited with time, then it is highly recommended you hire a wedding planner from your home town... there will be many hours of planning going back and forth to put the details of the day together! Not to mention everything else that needs to be done, prior to flying to your dream destination :)

One of my favourite places is Ocean Club (One & Only) in Paradise Island, Bahamas!! It's absolutely beautiful and a perfect location for your dream wedding!!! :)

For more info on the hotel visit: www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Open House...

On wednesday April 5 Armina, which is a new reception hall in Laval will be hosting an open house for future brides and grooms starting 7 p.m. It is extremely hard for budget concious couples to find a good location that is new, clean, is well maintained and looks both elegant and simple. First time I was invited to visit the hall, I was a bit iffy, since I am not too crazy about the way halls look in Laval. So when I finally went to meet with the owner, I was pleasantly impressed with the place and what it had to offer!! It's definitely worth a visit, and the open house is an occasion to do it... While youre there, make sure you check out all the table settings and decor... they will be done by yours truly.... Maddy K Decor!

See ya there!

Welcome to Maddy K's Blog...

Welcome to the world of Maddy K. I am so excited to start this blog and to share it with all of you. I will be updating it regularly and the objective of it is to keep you informed with new and exciting ideas for your upcoming weddings. During the process of planning weddings for my clients, I come across many interesting vendors, ideas and exciting discounts that in turn will share with you ... I hope you will enjoy my blog as much as I will enjoy sharing my experiences with you.

Happy Reading :)
Maddy K.