destination wedding

My Little Wedding Tips: Bridesmaid Bulletin – A Happy Bride Isn’t Hungry

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We’ve been tweeting a little today about snacks for the big day – essential to achieving bright eyes and that big smile down the aisle and beyond.  While we encourage Brides to plan ahead, we also advise maids to consider keeping the bride supplied with appropriate light munchies one of your wedding day duties, right up there with your classic  bridal emergency kit with aspirin/extra hose/clear nail polish..you know the drill. (one addition we recommend that we don’t see on all the normal lists: white duct tape. Does wonders in dress situations).

Some snack thoughts.

DON’T GIVE THE BRIDE (for the sake of the dress and all that is holy)

  • Anything that makes you feel like you need to wipe your hands off afterwards
  • Anything that drips, melts, or oozes (definitely no chocolate)!
  • Anything too strong tasting (spicy, garlicky, etc)
  • Anything she hates/might be allergic to.  Check with her in advance!
  • Dry, unsalted nuts such as almonds or walnuts.

DO KEEP ON HAND

    • A planned time for a small sandwich or salad with chopped egg BEFORE the dress/makeup go on.
    • Lots of water – and straws for sipping without disturbing make-up/hair
    • healthy, portable, small serving snacks: baby carrots, almonds, string cheese.  Nature Valley granola bars are great too. No fancy flavors – just the plain ones.

Healthy snack

Last, we know that some in some families and some cultures there is a toast or drink before the ceremony.  We encourage brides and their maids to sip, and wait until after the formalities to celebrate.  Be present for this moment – it’s a big one.

Snack on, everyone!

Flower Power: the not-so-secret succulent.

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A very unique succulent boutonniere - perfect for a groom who's flower-averse

Yep – every so often our fascinating and compelling content will indeed be about floral design.  Today we’re talking about succulents, something we’ve alluded to probably in a few photo descriptions, and perhaps tweets or Facebook updates.  Succulents have been popping up in floral design lately.  What is a succulent?  By Wikipedia’s definition, they are “water retaining plants adapted to arid climates or soil conditions.”  That refers to a lot of plants – we’re talking about the pretty kind.  You probably know them more by sight than by name.
Aeonium arboreum baby Pink-flowered aeonium Succulent spiral Succulent Succulent

The succulent "bloom" in the center of the bouquet on the left blends seamlessly with the flowers, yet adds visual interest and texture

Traditionally, one might not think of them as a decorative element, but that’s where we come in.  Combined with other blooms, succulents in a bouquet subtly evoke the desert at a Palm Springs destination wedding.  A centerpiece composed of a grouping of small succulent varietals adds a unique texture and depth to a tablescape that soothes the eye at a corporate event with a modern and spare decor scheme.  Succulents lining a pathway, or included with other outdoor accent pieces are not only elegant, but as their counterparts in nature do, they tolerate the desert sun without danger of wilting or discoloration.  Elegant, low maintenance home decorating is also a snap. Pick three small succulents you like, and place them in matching containers down the center of your dining table. Widen the space between them, and place a votive candle in the gaps.  Boom!  Instant casual elegance.  You’ll be seeing them in more than desert settings now that you know what to look for.  Succulents aren’t a secret anymore.

A succulent centerpiece at the Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, CA

Succulent photos by Joey Martoni, Mariane Perdomo,  Duff Axsom, Benjamin Chun and Robyn Jay. Bridal photos by Mellany Miller and Cheryl McPherson

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Now THAT’S what I call a package!

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This post is about how awesome it is to check out packages in Palm Springs.  Get your mind out of the gutter – we’re talking WEDDING packages in Palm Springs. Goodness gracious people, did you think we were pandering to grab attention for the blog or something?
Wedding Packages: does the very idea strike fear in your heart? The old image of picking wedding elements off a Chinese restaurant style menu is behind the times. Face it – who wants the phrase “columns A, B and C” anywhere near the most special day of your life? But the concept is a good one, as it simplifies the planning process, and eases your mind. Imagine: having a built-in group of top notch wedding professionals who enjoy working together collaborate to make your day beautiful and seamless at a discount – sign me up, right?
For destination weddings, and we do have a lot of destination weddings in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas, the package can be a lifesaver for a bride who is across the country or across the world.  Even with the internet, doing the legwork required to find Coachella Valley wedding vendors is daunting and an all-inclusive wedding package will save a lot of time, not to mention money.
Show me the Money!
People ask, do packages really save money?  The answer is YES! In our case, we team up with our favorite salon, photographers, venues, etc. and agree that everyone offers a deal in order to be a part of the team. You’re guaranteed overall savings – not just on one element of your celebration, and you’re spared the haggling. Also consider what the peace of mind is worth to you – and the free time you’ll have to focus on the more fun parts of being engaged.
Book a Class Act
When looking for a wedding package, look for groups of top local vendors that you can screen on review sites like Yelp. Your contact should give you information on the professional they’ll be working with, and set up at least one conference call (for destination brides)or a one-on-one meeting. If they won’t, walk away. If there’s one vendor you’re not comfortable with but you like everyone else, ask your contact if they have other options for that category.  Likely, they’ll be able to accommodate you.
Packages: Our Favorite Things (brown paper/string optional)

There’s a huge package deal called “Summer Lovin'” right now being offered out of Desert Bride in Indio.  Basically the Package to end all Packages, and we’re not just saying that because we’re a part of it. It’s an A-Team of wedding professionals from across the valley who’ve come together to offer high end style, service and quality, with incredible values for the wise brides who get in on the deal.  So we’re going all Woodsy the Owl on you.  Get wise!  Let us give you a deal! Don’t be shy, check out our package!

for an appointment:

http://www.desertbride.com/    (760) 342-0777

Keturah Trevor, premier limousine, Nicole Reynolds, Weez Gaul Hyma, California DJ, Mickie Reed, Mark Anthony, joy Fields, Julie Renee, Gregory Goodman, Steven Wayne