Kids Table

So, our latest project has been the Kids Table – to help occupy the little ones during the reception. We’ll have some snacks (animal crackers, pretzel sticks and Goldfish) along with some coloring books, puzzles… and a surprise! I made sure not to have any small pieces at this table and put their safety first. This surprise is something we may all enjoy!

Another great way to entertain kids is to play a cartoon DVD in a back room.  I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull that off in time, but it’s a great idea! Hopefully the kids at our reception will kick off the dancing and get the adults out there on their feet! No empty dance floor at this reception!

Feel free to share any other ideas for a Kids Table, as I have a few brides-to-be following my blog looking for ideas for their own wedding. Thanks!

Seating chart software

Attention all brides-to-be!

If you are planning to assign tables numbers at your reception, I highly recommend using Perfert Table Plan.

I was planning to just use an Excel spread sheet or some other non-technical way to organize the reception seating, but this program does all the work for you. You simply enter in every guest (including spaces for dates of guests) and then you can “click and drag” the name to a table. You can also upload your invitation list as a .csv file to save time. Easy as that!

Let me know if you have any questions before purchasing this program!

Wedding inspiration

This is so elegant and beautiful! These images are not of our wedding decorations, but similar. Our wedding is black and white inspired, but with red accents. Our bridesmaids will be in black dresses and one of the cake designs was very similar to the one shown here. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see which one we go with! Check out more wedding mood boards at Style Me Pretty.com.

Mail makes my day

Thanks for all the RSVPs! It’s sweet to read all the little notes of congratulations. I didn’t realized when we designed the invitation, that we did not leave much space on the return card for a note…but most people have found a way to squeeze something on there. I love it!

Thanks for all your kind words and loving support!

Logistics

Yes, that is this week’s agenda. Figuring out who needs to be where and when.

When and where should the flowers be delivered?
What time should the cake arrive?
When can I drop off reception centerpieces, placecards, etc.
Where and when should the bridal party meet?
Can we get an early check in at the hotel?
Where can I find a trumpeter at last minute?
When and where do we want photos (esp if it is windy/snowy)?
Most importantly…when will we find time to pack and finalize last minute details and still find time to eat some  turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving!?

I’m also cutting in my holiday shopping schedule.
What was I thinking!?

Oh yeah…Getting married on our 10 year anniversary. That’s why! I guess that helps bring some perspective to all this. Yay us. Cheers!

101 days…and 197 things still to do

…that means an average two decisions a day!

The good thing is at least 103 decisions or tasks have already been completed and checked off the list of 300.

WOO-HOO!

Next on the list:
* Share invitation proof with family
* Work on reception slide show (team effort between the 2 of us)
* Confirm bridesmaids hair & make up appointments
* Book honeymoon (I received my passport already!)
* Purchase wedding bands (we have to get creative with my ring)
* Finalize time line for the day (photos, logistics & travel)
* Schedule final dress fittings…I think this is about when every bride vows to lose 15 pounds. Knowing my luck, I’ll gain four.

Things are certainly picking up!

Productive Day

Today I used my lunch break to meet with Lutz Flower Shop and then my dinner was well spent at Piece of Cake Pastry Shop on Glenway Avenue (referral from Brittany). I still have a few more places to shop and compare but would like to check these two off the list soon.

I know most people think cake is cake and a rose is a rose, but that’s not all I’m looking from a vendor. Personality and customer service is also key, as I am trusting my wedding day “theme” with complete strangers! :o)

For example, my dress, bridesmaids dress, tuxes, rings, hall, church….are all pretty standard and I am pretty confident on how they will look on 11/29/08 (heck, I should know by 10/1/08 if all goes well). However…I’m not really in control of the flowers, decorations and the cake design come the morning of the big day. I’m not really a bride-zilla, just a worry wort! I need to feel comfortable that “everything will be taken care of” and all I have to do is show up at the reception. (That’s why I have nine bridesmaids to shield me from any drama!)

So, referrals are key here so please leave a message below with any other vendors I should consider. Many thanks!

Red accent ideas

Our wedding colors are mostly black and white (bridesmaid dresses are black) but I’m trying to incorporate some fun accents of red. Here are some ideas that I really like. If you see something else that I might like, feel free to send it my way!

You’ll have a place to stay

Today I was able to confirm our first hotel contract with the Sheraton North, which is located directly across the street from our reception hall. The hotel has been wonderful to work with and even extended their lounge hours to 1:00 AM for post reception fun. Having accessible hotel accommodations was one of my highest priorities for the big day, as I truly want to be as accommodating as possible for my out of town guests. I know a number of my local friends and family members plan to spend the night as well, simply so they don’t have to worry about the drive home. If you plan to book a room, please remember to mention the Prenger/Weber Wedding to get the group rate discount. (513) 771-2080 $89/night. Checking one more item off my to-do list today was pretty exciting. Now…on to photographers, florists and cakes!

There will be a band

We are excited to announce that we have booked a six person band called “The Mix”. They have played at a number of other Weber weddings and I am honored to have them play at ours. I think the Band is just as excited about playing for another Weber wedding …as we are for having them play.

Here is a little bit about them:

From standards such as “In the Mood” and “All of Me” to today’s latest hits, Mixolydian plays the songs you love to hear. Along with our fantastic mix of male and female vocals, our instrumentation includes keyboards, guitar, bass, percussion as well as doubling on sax, flute, clarinet, trumpet, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.

Learn more at The Mix Website

Reception hall is booked!

Yes! After months and months of research and driving our friends and family batty, we finally selected a reception hall. If you haven’t already heard, the reception will be held at the Sharonville Convention Center on the northern side of Cincinnati, near I-75 and I-275. My parents were able to come down yesterday for my birthday lunch and check out the facility. We had our food tasting last week and the catering is provided by VPC Food Service.

Everyone seems to be pleased with our decision and we look forward to a wonderful event.  More information is listed under the RECEPTION navigational button listed above.

Troubles finding a hall

Looks like we are moving forward with a Fall 2008 wedding. The church has us penciled in for 11/29/08. The band is reserved. The dress is bought. Now I’m missing a minor detail…the RECEPTION HALL! Who knew that finding a hall to accommodate 350 people, conveniently located for my out of town family and fits within our budget would be so difficult. I have honestly searched over 40 reception locations and should become a wedding consultant for future brides-to-be. I’ve done all the work for you! For a nominal fee, I will share my spreadsheet with all 40 quotes with you, including itemized lines for rental fees, tax and gratuity. Trust me, I will save you months of research!

New Color Palettes

Here’s a really cool site to check out for fresh new color palettes!

Color ideas…

Here are some ideas for an orange inspired wedding that I really like!

My first bridal show…

is this weekend. The annual Wendy’s Bridal Show at the Convention Center showcases over 150 Cincinnati wedding professionals. I have attended a number of other shows for a few close friends but I think it is finally hitting me that I am no longer the bridesmaid, but in fact, the bride.

How exciting!

At last, the parents meet.

Yes, you read that correct. After nine years of dating…buying a house and getting engaged, we felt it was about time to introduce the parents. Yes, long overdue but not for any particular reason except for distance…and us not really thinking much about it a head of time. We hosted our parents and Alex’s grandparents over for lunch the Sunday before Christmas. Honestly, the meeting could not have gone any better Our fathers and grandparents had many things in common and shared stories of us when we were younger. Dad shared a few photos of a younger and cuter Michelle and Mrs. Weber shared stories of Alex as a young lad. The rest of my family (siblings and nephews) then trickled in later that afternoon for our family Christmas. Luckily, Alex’s parents were able to meet all of my immediate family , except for my brother Kevin who was still traveling in from Knoxville. We watched the Bengals game and spent a casual afternoon together. I heard nothing but compliments about both sides of the family and strongly feel the two will get along just fine. I look forward to planning the wedding and both sides of the family getting to know each other better along the way.

Minster Reception Halls

Well, these are not “REALLY” Minster reception halls, but possible locations up north that are close to my home town and conveniently located close to hotels. Two girls from my graduating class just had their receptions at Shelby Oaks and I have heard many good things about that location.

The only problem with Piqua Country Club is that it only holds 250 guests indoors, but can hold an additional 100 outside on the patio. I am not sure I really want to separate my reception like that, nor do I think our list will be under 250. We both come from larger families and blessed with many friends. We’ll find the perfect location soon!

Shelby Oaks (The Oaks Club)

Piqua Country Club

Big City Wedding

If you are going to have a Cincinnati wedding, why not do it right with a downtown reception! I have been scoping out a few places and thus far, The Phoenix appears to have the best prices and amenities for a downtown affair. They offer both an inclusive wedding package along customized menu options to fit a reception of any size. Thus far they have been wonderful to work with and have responded promptly. What I really liked about The Phoenix is that we can have up to 456 guests in the Grand Ballroom, which is atypical for a downtown reception hall. They are also close to the Garfield Suites hotel which offers overnight accommodations for my out of town guests. I like the thought of a downtown reception because it is convenient and provide entertainment opportunities for Friday and Sunday.

If you have another downtown facility to recommend that can accommodate at least 300 people, please leave a comment below.

Outdoor flair with the French House

One of my best friends held her reception at the French House in Amberly Village and I absolutely fell in love with location because I have always wanted an outdoor reception. The scenery is absolutely stunning! However, there is a downside. The rental fees are a little interesting to say the least. French House is located in French Park, which is one the Cincinnati Historic Property’s location. It is standard to include a fee for each and every chair/table, along with a set up and take down fee per chair/table. However, my friend wanted to invite over 450 guests and this was going to be absolutely cost prohibitive. Instead, she hosted a “Southern Style” wedding and made it more of cocktail party with elegant food stations and high top tables for drinks. It was amazing and so unique, yet so perfect for the location. So, if you are considering the French House, I would recommend forgoing the traditional sit down dinner and opt for party that encourages conversation and dancing!

New “Westside” banquet hall

Over the weekend, I learned about a new banquet hall at Aston Oaks golf course. It has beautiful scenery and seats up to 300 people. I also heard it would also make a fabulous rehearsal dinner location. Visit the The Oak Leaf website.