Tuesday Tips | Clementine Chicago

Tuesday Tip: Be Prepared for Rain

April 6th, 2010

It has been raining so much in Chicago the last few days it got me thinking about all the weddings I’ve planned over the years that have gotten “rained out.” Last year was especially bad, I felt like it rained every other weekend. I have put together some tips for all the couples out there that are getting married this summer and hoping to have a portion of the day outside.

1) Choose a venue that has a nice rain plan so you won’t be forced to be outside. Clearly, this isn’t ideal. It might be cute for you and the bridal party but your guests won’t think it is. If you have no choice but to have it outside regardless of the weather, I strongly suggest buying baskets full of fun colored umbrellas for all your guests.

2) If you plan for the ceremony to be outside, rehearse the ceremony both inside and outside. Sometimes the weather is perfect on Friday but it rains on Saturday. It can be difficult to get the bridal party on the same page when they practiced something totally different the day before. Believe it or not…this is actually a rain back up plan. Notice the fans on the backs of the chairs and the tubs of bottled water. The couple had planned to have it outside in the middle of July and were planning to keep their guests cool and comfortable in the summer sun. This rain plan ended up being just as beautiful.

3) Give your vendors a break. Trust that they will do everything in their power to set up the wedding outside but remember that setting up a ceremony or cocktail hour with bar takes a long time. If it is raining while the crew is setting up your ceremony or cocktail hour they will have to pull everything inside for the sake of the event. If come 6:00 it is beautiful outside try to remember that they can’t relocate the entire party in 10 min. Just remember that all these great details will be just a fabulous inside.

4) If you end up with a rainy day – just move on and have the best day of your life! Some people say that rain on your wedding day is actually good luck! If you get upset about the rain you’ll only make the day worse….just make it fun by using a pretty bright colored umbrella or cute rain boots. If you make the best of it – you’ll end up with some really fun pictures and lots of laughs.

Regardless of the weather you’ll still have the most romantic day of your life!

Posted in Clementine, outdoor ceremony, Rain, Tuesday Tips, Umbrella, wedding | No Comments »

Tuesday Tip: Create Shade for your Guests

February 16th, 2010

Many couples dream of having an outdoor summer wedding. Many times outdoor ceremonies are in bright and sunny areas which can be uncomfortable for your guests. If you are getting married on a hot summer day you might want to consider providing your guests with cute parasols so each guest can be protected from the sun if needed. This is particularly important for your elderly guests.

You might also consider purchasing individual fans for each guest. You can put them in a basket or you can put one on each ceremony chair. Your guests will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness for their comfort. Many gentleman are dressed in full suits and they can become very uncomfortable; these fans can at least cool them off before they have an icy beverage in hand during cocktail hour.

These thoughtful little additions can also double as your party favors. I think it is very important to consider your guests comfort on your special day. You spend so much time, money and creativity on your menu, floral decor etc…. your guests will really remember the special touches you included just for them.

Posted in Clementine, details, outdoor ceremony, party favors, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »

Tuesday Tip: Stay Flexible

February 9th, 2010

Every couple I’ve ever worked with is on a budget. Whether your budget is $20,000 or $100,000 this tip will help you stay on track. It is so important to stay flexible and be willing and open to ideas. It’s very difficult to keep the price down when you get your heart set on one specific item.

Here are some ideas:

Certainly start thinking about your style and a general color palette for floral and decor but stay flexible and try not to fall in love with one specific flower. Staying flexible can help you save money because your florist can suggest flowers that are not as expensive but still have the same “look” or they can suggest flowers that are local and/or in season.

I always suggest thinking about the types of food you wish to serve so you can get an accurate proposal. However, stay flexible and ask your caterer questions. Often times you can switch up ingredients and cuts of meat to help your cost stay within reason. Your caterer will be able to guide you as to which foods are in season and which are not. You can still have three courses or three stations on a tight budget, getting creative with the menu can help save money.

Choosing the perfect wedding cake can be difficult because there are so many styles. Choosing a cake that is made of butter cream instead of fondant is typically more cost effective (not to mention they taste better too). Choose a simple style and dress it up with fresh flowers or real ribbon and the price will be more affordable. Cakes get really expensive when there is a lot of detailed craftsmanship involved like sugared flowers, chocolate garnishes and decorative designs.

The “stay flexible” rule works extremely well with wedding dresses. Instead of calling the wedding dress boutiques asking if they have the exact dress you found in your favorite magazine, tear out the picture and ask the professionals if they have anything that looks like it for less. Choose one or two features you love about the dress and be flexible with the rest. Chances are you’ll be able to find something equally as stunning for a fraction of the price. This works really well at samples sales and trunk shows.

The idea is that you can still have it all – just give and take. You have to be willing to be flexible in order to make it work. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by having an open mind.

Posted in budget, Clementine, color, details, food, Tuesday Tips, wedding, Wedding planning | No Comments »

Tuesday Tip: Check out Indie Wed

January 26th, 2010

I am so excited for Indie Wed. It’s the first of its kind in the midwest and it is totally my cup of tea! So many awesome, unique vendors to check out. I’ll be there walking around and enjoying everything. Here is all the info you need.

Saturday, January 30th, 2010
from 11am-5pm
at the Showroom at the Ravenswood Event Center
4025 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago Illinois
Indie Wed will feature:

*54 amazing vendors from the Midwest and beyond
*musical performances and fashion shows
*swag bags for the first 50 pre-sale ticket-purchasers (sold out)
*swag bags for the first 25 people in line
*and much more

click here to buy your tickets - only $10 each or $15 for two.

I hope this great event fits in your busy schedule this weekend! If you do go…place a comment to this post and let everyone know how it was!

Posted in Bridal show, Tuesday Tips, Uncategorized, unique vendors | 1 Comment »

This Week's Tuesday Tip: Get Fit

January 19th, 2010

January is the perfect month to get started with a healthy new you! So many people set New Years resolutions to get fit and to live a healthy lifestyle. Hiring a personal trainer focused on your goals can help you stay motivated.

Mindy Frakes is a certified personal trainer and she is fantastic! She will whip you into shape in the privacy of your own home.

“Let me help you be the BEST you can be! In home personal training with a focus on weight loss, muscle tone, and flexibility. No more excuses, I will bring fitness to you!”

This couple has a small gym in their condo building but Mindy can work wonders in your living room. She will bring work out equipment with her….all you really need is some free weights. It is fun to work out together!

Here are some tips from Mindy:

1) BE REALISTIC – Losing weight and getting in shape is part of a healthy life style, so don’t make it unhealthy by trying to lose too much weight too quickly! A healthy steady loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is what you should strive for.

2) SET A DEADLINE – All it takes is some simple math to figure out how much you can lose by your wedding date. 30 pounds? Leave at least 6 months….. 15 pounds? Leave at least 3 months. Make shorter goals within the big picture to track your progress

3) WRITE IT DOWN – Seeing everything in front of you makes it all real. Write down EVERYTHING, what you eat, how you feel, how much exercise you’re getting, ect…..

4) UP THE ANTE - Increase your intensity of your cardio and strength training weekly. Brides shouldn’t be afraid of increasing their weight load. This is required in order to challenge your body and take it past the plateau. Increasing strength training does not equal a masculine physique

5) CHANGE YOUR MIND – Think of exercise as calming. With all the chaos that comes with being a bride, take comfort in the fact that you can control how your body will look in your fabulous dress on your big day! Work hard and you can do this!!!!!

***** SMILE - Get enough sleep, exercise intensely, eat well balanced meals, and enjoy this time. Keeping a well balanced life will make you a happy glowing bride!

Call Mindy at 773-914-4508 to set up your assessment today

“The first session is a consultation between trainer and client. It will consist of a question and answer portion to ensure the client’s fitness goals, concerns, and needs are assessed. Once assessed we will start to make a personalized plan of action to get you where you want to be as quick as possible!”

Private Lesson

1 session = $60

Buy 10 or more sessions price is reduced to $55

Duo training – Train with a friend or your Fiancé

1 session = $80

Buy 10 or more = $75

Small group – 3-5 participants

1 session = $25 per client

**All sessions are 60 minutes long

Posted in bridal bootcamp, fitness, healthy, personal trainer, Tuesday Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments »

This Week’s Tuesday Tip: Consider a Small Bridal Party

December 29th, 2009

The holiday season is also high engagement season….if you’ve just gotten engaged and you haven’t finalized your bridal party yet you might want to consider having a smaller group stand up.

It is a wonderful feeling to have a large bridal party (like the picture below) but it can also really add up financially too. A lot of brides don’t realize the additional cost for having so many bridesmaids. Each bridesmaid will need a bouquet which will range anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 each. Plus you’ll of course want to give each bridesmaid a nice gift to thank them for standing up on your special day. It is up to the bride how much you would like to spend on bridal party gifts but typically they are about $50 – $150 each. As you can see this is already starting to add up.

It can be difficult to choose your attendants; especially if you have a large family. However, it is a lot more cost-effective to have a smaller bridal party (as in the picture below). It can also be extremely special having an intimate group of just your family or your very best friends. There is no right or wrong way to go about your bridal party – you’ll know exactly who must be in the party! I would suggest really thinking about who to invite. There are many other ways to honor special people in your life. You can ask some to perform a reading during the ceremony or give a special toast.

Don’t forget about all the groomsmen and ushers. They will all need a boutonniere ($15.00 – $30.00) and bridal party gifts as well.

Also, the more members of the bridal party you have the larger the mode of transportation needed. It is a lot more cost-effective to have one limo instead of two limos or a trolley.

Having a smaller group can really help you stay on budget. If you really can’t get away with a small party – just be sure to include all the above costs within your budget so you aren’t thrown off with some additional expenses in the end.

Posted in bridal party, budget, Clementine, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »

This Week's Tuesday Tip: Accessorize your Hair

December 8th, 2009

Brides have been accessorizing their wedding day hair for years! The styles and trends have been changing recently and I’m loving the new looks!

Feathers have really gotten popular in the last year or two! Feathers help create a chic and modern look. Something a little different! A little sassy attitude can really be fun!

Add a splash of color to brighten up your look. You can choose a color that goes well with your bouquet or the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses! Colored flowers add a bold, vibrant look.

If you love the idea of something in your hair that sparkles consider a modern hair pin or brooch instead of a tiara. Sparkle hair accessorize can really glam up your look! I just love how soft and romantic this hair style is….the sparkle makes it really glamorous.

Headbands have taken over by storm in the fashion world! Look at this amazingly unique wedding day hair accessory! She really rocks the short hair cut with a ton of personality!

Finding a hairstyle and hair accessory that really fits the style of your wedding can really add to the overall look and feel of the event.

Posted in accessories, bright, color, details, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »

This Week's Tuesday Tip: Decorate your Thanksgiving Table on a Budget

November 17th, 2009

Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving? Where has this year gone? We all have so much to be thankful for and that is why this is one of my favorite holidays.

Tip: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner table. Get creative!!! Here are some cute ideas for dressing up your dinner table on a budget.

Mini pumpkin, squash and gourd candles from Crate and Barrel $2.00 – $6.00 each.

These colorful Leaf platters are from Pier 1 Imports and they are only $10.00 – $25.00 each.

Here is a great DIY idea that can be totally FREE. Use a vase that you already have at home, go outside and scoop up colorful leaves and other natural brush from your yard and put a candle in the middle. Instant table decor.

These place cards are so adorable and all you need to do is buy some fresh pears on your Thanksgiving grocery store trip. You don’t even need fancy paper for the tie-on names! They are so cute and inexpensive.

Here is another place card idea using real leaves from your yard. All you need to buy here is a thick card stock from your local office supply store.

You can also make napkins rings with ribbon or raffia to complete the look. I also think it is really nice to include a menu for each guest. It allows them to get excited about all the amazing dishes they are about to eat. You can print up a detailed menu and fold them into everyone’s napkin if you like. This is a fun idea especially if you are creating a really unique menu.

Entertaining can be really enjoyable and having a stylish dinner table doesn’t have to be expensive.

Posted in autumn, details, DIY, holiday, thanksgiving, Tuesday Tips | No Comments »

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