#DIY :: Cute Confetti Poppers

Today we have a guest post from Katie at Personal Creations! These confetti poppers are so cute, and they can be personalized for any type of party or event! Not to mention, they're so completely simple to make!


Bring a little sparkle to your event with these fun DIY confetti poppers! Whether you’re asking a bridesmaid to join you on your special day or exiting your wedding with your new groom in hand, these confetti poppers are sure to add excitement and smiles. This tutorial from Personal Creations includes printable covers to dress up your poppers and the step by step guide uses simple household items.

Choose patterns and colored confetti (or flower petals) to match your theme and assemble the poppers. Hand the poppers out in a welcome box or party favor and then pull the balloon for a swirl of confetti.

Supplies Needed

For the popper:
  *   Scissors
  *   9” balloons
  *   Empty paper tubes (toilet paper rolls)
  *   Packing tape
  *   Printable labels

For the confetti:
  *   Metallic tissue paper
  *   Glitter, stickers, pretty paper, etc.
  *   Fringe scissors

For the step-by-step tutorial and printable covers, see the full post from Personal Creations.

These poppers are also great for bachelorette or engagement parties - just add confetti and POP for a surprise! Make sure to have the camera ready for magical memories.

Happy New Year!

Katie


Thanks for the fabulous guest post Katie! I absolutely LOVE these DIY confetti poppers and can't wait to make them soon!

#SignatureSaturday :: Pineapple Orange Creamsicle Mimosas

These Pineapple Orange Creamsicle Mimosas are an ethereal blend of pineapple juice, orange sherbet and sparkling Moscato.  Only 3 ingredients transforms the basic mimosas into a creamy, dreamy combination that will wow your guests at your next brunch.  Blending the ingredients together ensures the perfect flavor combination in each sip and tastes just like a classic dreamy creamsicle.

Cocktail post from 3 Yummy Tummies.

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Vendor Spotlight :: Bonafide Betties Pie Co. in Rockwall

These goodies are delicious beyond words! Our photo shoot last month was filled with gorgeous and tasty treats, and these desserts from Bonafide Betties Pie Co. definitely fit the bill! After the photo shoot I got to taste that amazing chocolate pie....best ever! They even got the MOM stamp of approval.....shared a slice with my Mom, and she said it was the "best pie crust she'd ever had."

They have a small batch pie bakery and gift shop in Rockwall where they serve until sold out.....follow them to see when they're open and what treats you can find that day! On top of that, it's a great space you can reserve for small get-togethers and gatherings!

103 S. San Jacinto
Rockwall, TX 75087

Website :: www.bonafidebettiespieco.com

Facebook :: Bonafide Betties Pie Co.

Instagram :: @bonafidebettiespieco

Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography

Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography

  

Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography

Photo by Courtney Lynn Photography

Vendor Spotlight :: Michelle Markey with Scout & Cellar

I had a lovely time chatting with Michelle over coffee yesterday! Everything we talked about had my wheels turning with great ideas! This concept is fabulous and I can't wait to incorporate wine parties and tastings with some of our clients, pop ups and workshops!

- Wine tasting parties for bachelorette parties, bridal showers or any other get-togethers
- Wine & Champagne by the bottle or by the case for weddings, parties, or other events
- Local pop up shops to taste & buy
- Large quantity shipping is available

Scout & Cellar was founded right here in Celina, Texas so you're supporting so many local businesses and women in business at the same time! Check out Michelle's website, see the amazing story behind the company and concept, and learn about how wine should really be made!

Website :: www.scoutandcellar.com/michellemarkey
Facebook :: www.facebook.com/teamvinemama

Instagram :: @teamvinemama

DIY :: "123 Days Until Mrs." Printable Banner

Simply download, cut and hang! Get creative with how you use them, what you string them on, and what color paper you use. Cheers to chic + free wedding décor!

See the full post at Something Turquoise.

#SignatureSaturday :: Apple Cider Margarita

Here is a delectable Apple Cider Margarita for those that drink tequila year round and need a tasty treat fit for fall!

Ingredients:

1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz gold tequila
5-6 oz sweet apple cider
Orange Segments & Apple Slices
Cinnamon
Cane sugar
Coarse sugar (for glass rimming)
Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)


Directions:

Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar, and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila, and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Recipe serves 1 and is easily multiplied.

Note: Even if you prefer silver tequila regularly, gold tequila for this recipe really gives a “warmth” that matches the cider and cinnamon perfectly.

See the full post at howsweeteats.com

Pick~A~Party Boxes :: Miss to Mrs

We've recently launched our Pick~A~Party boxes and we couldn't be more excited! These boxes contain everything you need for a fabulous party...just add the food, beverages and fresh flowers! Pick~A~Party boxes are available for delivery in DFW and available for shipping nationwide.

We have TWO "Miss to Mrs" Pick~A~Party boxes available for $89 (for 8 guests) or $119 (for 16 guests)! Perfect for any bridal shower or bachelorette party! See the photos below to see what's included (plus a surprise gift for the bride!). Contact us info@michellevents.com or call/text (469) 475-7089 if you'd like to order!

Includes plates, charger plates, napkins, cutlery, confetti, balloons, Miss to Mrs banner, love favor boxes, vases, paper flowers and party décor instructions.

DIY :: Sequin Hangers

These are beyond cute as gifts for your bridesmaids...or you can host a party with your 'maids and you can all make them together! They're super simple and foolproof to make!

SUPPLIES:

• Wooden hanger
• 1 inch sequin trim
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks
• Scissors
• Ribbon

STEP 1

Begin by adding a drop of hot glue to the left tip of your hanger, taking care to add glue to all four sides of your hanger (top, bottom and the two sides). Take the end of your sequin trim and tightly wrap it around the hanger end. Continue gluing and wrapping your way along the length of the hanger pulling the trim tightly as you wrap. Pulling the trim keeps the sequins from bunching and creates a smoother look. The sequin trim is elastic and should easily stretch.

Tip: Add an inch of hot glue at a time. This helps to keep your work surface clean so that you don't accidentally get glue on the shiny sequin part of your hanger.

STEP 2

Continue the process of gluing and wrapping trim around your hanger. The hardest part will be the top of your hanger near the hook. Don't be afraid to add extra glue here as the sequin trim will hide any lumps.

STEP 3

Finish off your hanger by wrapping the sequin trim around the right corner. Cut the end of the sequin trip and attach the loose piece to the back of your hanger. Adding a bow will complete your hanger and hide any imperfections near the hook!

STEP 4

At this stage your hanger is finished, and thanks to the quick drying hot glue, you can start using it! Wrap a few hangers to gift to friends or keep them all for yourself to hang your favorite dresses on.

See the entire article at eHow.

Vendor Spotlight :: Brookielynn's Bungalow

I'm very excited to feature Brooklyn as one of our spotlight vendors! Not only is she an amazing and talented woman...but I've had the pleasure of knowing her and calling her friend since middle school! I'm so happy and proud of her for creating this amazing business!

Brookielynn's Bungalow is all about Workshops and Wall Words. While her creations are useful,  beautiful and decorative in so many different ways....one of those is that they are perfect for brides-to-be! The wooden Wall Words make wonderful backdrops for photos and can create a décor focal point for your wedding ceremony or reception. Its use can also go past the wedding and it can decorate your home! You can even take these a step farther and have smaller words made for the cake table, bar, candy table, bride & groom's chairs, etc....

The workshops she offers are the perfect way to host a group of women for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. She is the creator of Build A Bunting, which is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or any other special event! A personalized, lovely and fun way to bond with the ladies in your wedding party and create beautiful décor for your wedding and home!

Go check her out and be sure to tell her we sent you!

Website: www.brookielynnsbungalow.com

Facebook: @BrookielynnsBungalow and @BuildABunting

Instagram: @BrookielynnsBungalow and @BuildABunting

Twitter: @BBungalowBus

Planning Tips :: ENJOY Your Engagement!

You're engaged! Congratulations! You're in love, and this is one of the most exciting times in your life! Your mind will be completely focused and engulfed with wedding ideas, and that's totally expected! Brainstorm away and come up with all the amazing ideas you can! But sometimes after the initial engagement brides are off to the races in order to start buying and doing. Let the ideas flow, but don't jump start the work and the spending that soon! Take the time to enjoy being engaged!

Photo by LMAC Photography

After you become engaged, before anything else you should establish your budget. It's critical to create that mark before you begin any spending for any reason. Then you should set a date. Your wedding date is going to be the next most critical piece of information when booking and planning. Next, look into hiring a wedding planner. They can guide you in the right direction for the entire process based your style and budget, help you stick to that budget, and make the planning process less work and more enjoyment! Then, look for your photographer.

Photo by EM Event Photography

Your photographer will start working with you on your engagement photos, then your bridal photos, and then onto the big finale...the wedding! It's best to select someone who you absolutely love their work and their style, and have them follow you the whole way through.

Have engagement photos taken, send engagement announcements, have an engagement party, announce your engagement in the newspaper....make your engagement time period long enough to enjoy the full engagement process! Don't skip past the engagement part and rush into the married part! You only get to be engaged once....so take your time and revel in it!

Planning Tips :: 6 Hidden Wedding Costs You Won't See Coming

Wedding budgets are big business! I always suggest this is the first thing you should establish after the engagement. However, there are always going to be a few things you miss when you set up your budget blindly. Check out the list below of a few hidden costs to remember when establishing your wedding budget:

1. Tax and Service Charge
Wedding costs can be higher than you'd expect, and so can the tax and service charges. Make sure to ask your vendors in advance if their fee includes tax. If not, be sure to anticipate adding the extra expense to your budget. The higher the cost for the vendor, the higher the tax expense will be. Service charges are generally 20-22% and based on your final food and beverage cost. Keep it in your budget from the beginning as you hire each vendor. 

2. Cake Cutting
Most venues and/or catering companies charge a cake cutting fee. After the new Mr. & Mrs. have done the traditional cutting of the cake, someone whisks it off where it is then REALLY cut and plated into 100, 200, or however many slices needed. This is an additional charge. Be sure to ask your venue or catering company if this fee is included in your price, or if it will be added on at the end.

3. Feeding Your Vendors
If you have vendors who will be with you throughout the wedding day (like a wedding planner, photographer, videographer, etc...) it is customary to feed them since they are not stopping to take a lunch or dinner break in the traditional fashion. Same goes for vendors who will be with you through the entire evening (DJ, band, musicians, etc...). It doesn't have to be the same dinner that you serve to your guests, but there needs to be some sort of meal provided for the vendors who really don't have the opportunity to leave for themselves.

4. Postage
Be sure to think about postage as an add on for the budget. Everything from save the date's to thank you's will need to be postmarked, and with the cost of postage these days it will add up quickly. Save the dates are sent to everyone you want to attend, along with the invitations. Engagement Announcements, Bridal Shower Invites and Bachelorette Invites are sent to a few. Save the Date's, Wedding Invitations, RSVP's and Thank You cards are some of the items that can be mailed and would need to be postmarked. Make sure not to overlook this added cost!  

5. Alterations & Accessories
Chances are, when you find that perfect dress it will need a little more prep work to make it perfect. You will need the straps altered, or it will be a bit too long and you'll need it hemmed, and you'll probably need it bustled for dancing...not to mention the accessories such as a veil, shoes, garter, belt, tiara, jewelry...lots of add-on's to think about that go along with the wedding gown purchase! Don't forget to include every accessory you want when you're planning you're budget!

6. Visas and Vaccinations
If you're doing a destination wedding or going international on your honeymoon, be sure to take into consideration beforehand the cost of any vaccinations or visas you'll need before you travel. This can be a costly added expense, and something important that you definitely won't want to leave for the last minute!