DIY Wedding Video? I DO!

 

In the “olden days,” like five years ago, not everyone and their 80 year-old grandmother had a smartphone. Oh, how times have changed! You can now unlock your car, pay for dinner, find directions, figure out your heart rate, listen to Katy Perry and break up with a boyfriend all with one little accessory. America! What a country! If the smartphone came equipped with breath spray and built-in sunglasses, we wouldn’t even need the latest Michael Kors bag anymore. Which would make life easier, but much less attractive.

Wedit is the latest accessory for the soon-to-be-married crowd. This genius idea, (started in the olden days of 2008), allows wedding guests to record even the smallest moments of the big day, ship the footage to the folks at Wedit, and either have a video edited by the Wedit pros or receive the tools necessary to edit the footage themselves. At approximately $500, the Wedit video is  significantly less expensive than hiring a crew; with the average cost of a wedding videographer hitting the $2200 mark, the savings is a gift in itself.

So – how, exactly, does Wedit work? The Tuesday before the wedding, the bride and groom receive five high-definition iPod touch cameras and designate their most kind, trustworthy, sober friends to record any and all parts of their wedding celebration (except maybe that nasty exchange with a little sister and the inter-workings of a spray tan). The iPod Touch allows for both video with sound and photography, a great option for those couples who are on a tight budget and want to use Wedit for both their video and photo needs.

Once everything has been recorded, the couple sends the cameras back to Wedit (by the Tuesday following their event) and the pros upload all of the footage. Then the couple can either edit the videos themselves or pay an additional fee for Wedit to do it for them.

Wedit then hosts the videos on their site for a year, allowing couples the chance to force friends and family to watch their wedding video an obscene amount of times which is all fair in love and weddings. After a year, Wedit takes the video off of their site, but the couple will have a copy for keeps. One-stop shopping for that once-in-a-lifetime day is fantastic. And the five hundred bucks is just icing on the wedding cake.

Should You Say “I Do” To Wedding Insurance?

 

There is no insurance policy when it comes to love. But The Associated Press recently ran an article about how too many brides and grooms are insuring their weddings as a way to protect against disaster including acts of God – and deals with the devil.

With the cost of the average US wedding on the rise “insurers have been selling a growing number of policies to protect against losses from extreme weather, illness and in one firm’s case, even a sudden change of heart.” Ouch. But the pain of the missing groom would have been worse without the promise of recouping some of the expense, yes?

When Cheryl Winter’s daughter was getting married in New Orleans the risk of bad weather motivated her to take out a $500 policy to protect her $50K investment. Thankfully the New Orleans skies cooperated, but the limo driver did not. The bride jumped in a taxi while Winter managed to get her deposit back from the driver with cold feet.

While there is no hard and fast data on how many couples are adding insurance to their pre-nuptial task lists, Hartford-based Travelers insurance company says issues with vendors, specifically photographers and videographers, account for most claims.

Whether you choose to purchase insurance or not, working with tried and true vendors is a must. Epicurean has been planning and catering weddings for so long, we remember when mauve was the hot color. Having a vendor with a long-standing reputation, a load of experience and a dedication and determination to make your wedding both memorable and personal is key. Martha Stewart’s site offers some general tips on finding the perfect partner – outside of the one you are choosing to spend your life with – to make your wedding worry-free.

At Epicurean, we have a well-honed list of the most trusted vendors in the area – everything from bands to limos to bakers to candle-stick makers. For real – we KNOW a candle-stick maker.

The best way to find your ideal wedding vendors is to ask someone who has planned thousands of weddings (us) to help you plan the only one that matters (yours). Plus, we keep champagne in the office at all times; our version of insurance.

Hey Cookie – What’s Your Number?

You should know by now that cookies are my favorite food. No, not my favorite dessert. My favorite FOOD. So when I saw this brilliant idea about using cookies as place cards, I had to share. Share the idea, that is, because I would never share a cookie. It’s a sin. Yes it is. It’s in the Bible sandwiched between the loaves and fishes and the Last Supper. Swear.

If you score an invite to a wedding where the bride and groom are stylish enough to employ this delicious idea, I suggest finding your cookie and eating it right away. Then, as the night goes on and the wine keeps flowing, use your Academy-Award-worthy acting skills to score yourself a few more cookies.

Try something like: Oh, what do you have there, Frank? Oh, your cookie? Well, how absolutely darling. Mmm – looks divine. I dropped mine in the conga line.  I know- such bad luck! Hey, Frank – I heard you were pre-diabetic. Want me to be a doll and take that little sliver of Satan off your hands?

Continue moving about the room during the course of the evening, hovering inconspicuously around the wedding cake. If you are a smart cookie, you could score yourself a pretty decent sugar high and some very sweet dreams.

Oh Boy! Cute Idea For The Littlest Wedding Attendant

So, by now you know I am not a fan of children attending weddings. I am not even a fan of children attending a grocery store outing, but I have my reasons and one of them includes a two-year-old. BUT – if you do, in fact, include tots in your big day, this idea is so sweet, even I could be persuaded to try it if I were getting married (I already did – hence the two year-old).

A little guy announcing the bride’s imminent stroll down the aisle not only ups the “awww” factor, but practically guarantees he doesn’t drop anything, since his only job is to walk in a straight line with something tied around his neck.

That came out wrong – but you get the general idea.

How To Fake the Cake – 10 Sweet Wedding Desserts

I recently had a bride casually ask me for an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. As if the question was mere chit chat.  I was horrified! I love wedding cake. And by love, I mean…well, LOVE. Half the time it is the only reason I attend a wedding. Yeah – I said it. The first wedding I attended with my now husband was almost our swan song. When the servers were coming by with a gorgeous tray of decadent wedding cake, he said (brace yourself) “No, thank you.” I almost choked on my champagne. He could have told me he snacks on Golden Retriever puppies and plays the harp with his eyelashes and I would have been less alarmed.

But, I’ve been in this business a long, long time and I know that many of you brides do not love cake in the way I think one should love cake. In fact, before the “bride cake” became popular in the late 19th century, traditional wedding celebrations included a pie. So, yes, as much as I hate to admit this, there are other options. This is hard for me, but I have a job to do so here goes:

Donuts

It is actually a documented fact that every single person in the world loves donuts. Our food truck has been the guest of honor at many local weddings, and the hot Sicilian donuts are almost better than watching your ex-boyfriend slip on a wayward shrimp and be carried off the dance floor.

The Candy Bar

Showcase some favorite sweets (we like M&Ms, jelly beans, nuts, and white chocolate chips) in clear containers. Let guests help themselves by providing scoops and small white paper bags.

Mini-Milkshakes and Floats

Passing a tray of these mini masterpieces never fails to impress. Consider the traditional concoctions such as Root Beer floats and strawberry shakes, and add a fun garnish or a specialty liqueur.

Frozen Yogurt

I still can’t understand why frozen yogurt ever had to go away. It’s like the 90s disappeared and took away all the frozen yogurt in the world!? Good news – it’s back – and it’s cool again. We’ve partnered with a few select yogurt companies for various events. They bring the yogurt, guests add the toppings, and everyone is happy. For real – everyone.

Iced Cookies

Personalize this dessert by adding your new monogram to these delicious delights; any bakery worth their weight in buttercream icing should be able to pull this off.

Petite Pies

We served Petite Pies at Crooked Willow Farms last year. At least I think we did. They were gone so fast I didn’t even get to try one. Our guests were all pie in the sky over these cute little concoctions.

S’Mores

Chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers? That’s love, people. That is pure, sweet love. This station is always a fave.

Sundae Station

We recommend using the old-school glass ice cream dishes and then adding some innovative items to keep it fresh. Start with vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream. And obviously include candied sprinkles, bananas, and cherries. But consider chocolate covered coffee beans, macadamia nuts, maple syrup, and dried fruit. Want to really make a statement? Add bacon to the ice cream buffet. The salty, hot bacon combined with the sweet of the ice cream will make guests – um – squeal.

Cannolis

The DiPasquale family has cannolis at almost every celebration. And for good reason. These little hand-held honeys never fail to please. We recommend three different flavors, but keep the size small so guests can sample the trio. Twice.

The Cupcake

Okay, okay, technically this is a form of cake but let’s not get picky here. Cupcakes have been enjoying the limelight for quite some time, and we don’t see the trend slowing down anytime soon. Flavors range from the standard, such as red velvet, Dutch chocolate, and lemon, to the more modern, including jasmine, pistachio, chai, and lavender. But at the end of the day, it’s still a piece of cake with frosting on top and that is a marriage that will last.

Take A Deep (Baby’s) Breath Before Walking Down the Aisle

 

Looking for a simple, sweet bouquet that actually means something simple and sweet? Consider Baby’s Breath. Often overlooked as a “filler” flower, this little bud is available year-round, extremely economical and long-lasting. Nestled together in a bouquet or centerpieces, baby’s breath adds an element of elegance without the pain of sticker shock.

The best news? The definition of Baby’s Breath is “innocence” and “pure of heart” – two good things to look for in a potential mate, yes? So keep these under-appreciated flowers close to your heart on your big day – and we can almost guarantee your happily-ever-after.

Hang Time

(Cake by Avalon Cakes)

Any way you slice it, it’s hip to hang.

The bride is – and always will be – the most important piece in any wedding. It’s a fact. For real. That’s why ugly bridesmaid dresses were created.

But an Epicurean guru who shall remain nameless (it was Wesley), was a guest at a recent wedding and snapped this picture of the wedding cake hanging from the ceiling. Now, I hate to say that those of us who work in the events industry are jaded so I will just say…ok, let’s face it, we’re jaded.

It takes a lot to wow us, but this idea was something new, even to us. Cake hanging from the ceiling is almost as good as money growing on trees. If we see THAT at an event, we’ll let you know.

-Cheers

Stephanie Blackford
Communications Director, Epicurean Culinary Group
sblackford@epicureanCG.com

Get Comfortable

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article on – get ready for groundbreaking news here – cozy clothes for winter. Some designers have even taken it upon themselves to create sweaters that look like sweatshirts.  Making an overpriced cashmere sweater look like a beat-up sweatshirt takes some serious work. Sadly, some people just have really, really difficult jobs.

And while comfy and cozy never really go out of style, both seem to be appearing in new places all the time.  Even brides are cuddling up to this trend; cooing over anything that marries simple luxury and effortless indulgence.

Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively recently spent beaucoup dollars on this very concept for their own wedding(s). I mean SEPARATE weddings – they didn’t marry each other. (Sad.) How much fun would Anne and Blake’s wedding have been? The photos in People Magazine alone would be amazing. Can’t you just SEE IT?  I can, but I digress.

The point is, anyone can take this trend and snuggle in.  Farmhouse tables laden with organic dishes and twinkling votives, vintage décor, rustic linens (dishtowels from those most rustic Swedes at IKEA are my personal fave) and an abundant dessert table and who even needs a groom after that? So how does one achieve this high-end, no fuss, homegrown-but-still-super-savvy wedding reception on a non-celebrity budget? It’s easier than you think. Here are five simple tricks:

Vintage Photos

Got copies of your grandparents on their wedding day? Baby pictures of you and your betrothed? Copy significant photos onto card stock in a black and white format and string them over a buffet. Or add photos to menu cards on guests’ tables. If you are serving a signature family dish at your reception, this is a wonderful way to put a ‘face with a name’ – for example: Aunt Bertie’s Lemon Chicken is even more meaningful if a vintage photo of Aunt Bertie is literally staring guests in the face (not the real Aunt Bertie of course. That would be scary considering she died in 1997).

White Twinkle Lights

Seriously the easiest and least-expensive way to add sparkle and shine to virtually anything (even dead Aunt Bertie). White lights are readily available throughout the year – and strung amongst trees and shrubs, they make any outdoor wedding feel romantic and intimate.

  
Family-style Fare

This is such a hot trend right now – maybe because it’s delicious, simple, and sweet.  Tables can be topped with something as plain as brown butcher paper.  Then add some beautifully designed dishes such as fruit and cheese trays, pastas, whole beef tenderloin, or even cold shrimp and salads. Meals accompanied by bottles of custom-labeled wine put guests at ease and takes the pressure out of entering and exiting a buffet line.

One Signature Cocktail

Try Prosseco.  Never heard of it?  Prosseco is champagne’s hipper, younger, edgier and – I mean this in the nicest way – cheaper cousin. Add an old-school sugar cube and voila!

Natural Décor

Wildflowers, gourds, apples, lemons, tree branches, pinecones, seashells, nuts, leaves – the list in endless. Fall and winter weddings lend themselves well to this trend and if you don’t want to do the heavy lifting (or cutting or trimming or picking); any florist worth their weight in pumpkins can make this vision your reality.

Whatever you decide, don’t forget to keep your celebration true to you. And don’t forget your sweater sweatshirt…it’s getting cold outside!

Kiddie Korner

The question of including children at a wedding still pops up now and again. Really, the whole idea seems preposterous to me; when my parents went to a wedding my sister and I were at home, with a babysitter, eating TV dinners and watching Dallas (FYI – you will be missed Larry Hagman) and we were – in a word – thrilled.

The idea of including children at your wedding celebration is a personal choice, but I rarely get asked about the best way to invite the short set to the big day. What am I asked instead? How to tactfully let friends and family know that their darling little tykes are not on the guest list – and avoid hearing, “my brother’s wife is going to flip if her kids don’t get to come to our wedding” ….ahhh – welcome to the family.

Top Five Ways to Keep Your Wedding an Adults-Only Affair

Step One: First Comes Love

Get married BEFORE you have your own children. So obvious. Imagine bringing your own offspring to your wedding – no thank you. Strapless dresses are not burp cloth friendly. And how are you supposed to guzzle champagne and dance to YMCA while holding an infant?

Step Two: Put It in Black and White

Address your invites to Mr. and Mrs. only. Technically this should be enough of a clue to your guests that this is an adult only celebration, but if not…

Step Three: Get Someone to Do Your Dirty Work

And by “someone”, I mean “your mother”. This is what mothers are for – besides taking care of you when you are sick and cranky – and getting you through to adulthood without a police record – and this is where they shine. A simple, “It will be so lovely to see you and Tom at Amanda’s wedding. And I bet the two of you are looking forward to a night out as a couple!” should do the trick.

Step Four: Say ‘I Don’t’ Firmly

Here’s the deal – someone is going to push you. Someone is going to say “we are just going to bring the baby” or “we don’t have a sitter” or “little Lucy (short for Lucifer) is dying to see you in your ‘princess dress'” and it is your job to be polite, be clear, and be firm. Respond with, “Oh – that WOULD be fun, wouldn’t it? But Saturday is adults only.” Do not say anything else. Do not say we have a budget (Madison won’t eat!) or we don’t have the space (Jack is tiny!) or it’s going to be late (Ellie is a night owl!). Repeat your phrase again and move on. What if your guest pouts and claims that they won’t be able to attend if they can’t bring the little darlings? Express your dismay and understanding at their choice to miss out on the festivities and promise to share the pictures.

Step Five: Elope

…your happily ever after starts now.

Tickled Pink

Photo by Van Buren Photography

Last year pink was named the “it” color by experts at Pantone. These announcements always strike me as funny; so pink is in…but when was it out? Pink has always been an iconic color, especially for girls of all ages. Who can forget Strawberry Shortcake-both the doll and the dessert? See, pink is good. “It’s like the lipstick our mothers worse…there’s a retro aspect that’s very popular,” says Tom Mirabile of Lifetime Brands, Inc. the company responsible for brands such as Cuisinart and Mikasa. The color reminds consumers of a simpler time that included sherbet, fresh flowers, and a 1950’s lifestyle complete with a manicured mother shaking a martini before father arrived home. Now, thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, we make our own cosmopolitan martinis and drink them ourselves. See, pink is good.

Incorporate this sweet color into your upcoming bridal brunch or wedding celebration by serving pink beverages such as that now infamous Cosmo, just by smashing in pink lemonade, or a simple champagne cocktail with a  raspberry garnish. Remember that lighting, florals, linens and dishware are the easiest way to make a big impact on a little budget; because turquoise is soooo last year and looking through rose-colored glasses-especially martini glasses-is peachy.