#SignatureSaturdays :: Gin, Juice & Summer Vibes

1.5 oz. Tanqueray TEN
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
2 oz. Watermelon Juice
Garnish with watermelon slice


Cocktail from @tanquerayusa
Visit their IG page for tons of tasty beverages!

Planning Tips :: Stay Cool at your Summer Wedding

If your wedding date is during the warm (hot) summer months, there are a few things couples should take into consideration and remember. Keep yourselves hydrated and cool, keep your wedding party hydrated and cool, and keep your guests hydrated and cool!

Paper parasols for the guests to stay cool in the shade

- Useful favors can be applied for the summer months! In the past we've done paper fans that act as ceremony programs, trendy sunglasses, or lovely parasols...give your guests something that's both beautiful and useful!

- Avoid early afternoon when scheduling outdoor activities because that is the hottest part of the day. If the heat is a deciding factor for you, try for morning/brunch or evening/sunset.

- Provide cold bottled water for everyone! Your guests will relish the opportunity to cool off!

Buckets of ice holding bottled water for guests down the aisle

- If your having any portion of the event outdoors, make sure to have a plan for keeping the bugs at bay. Citronella candles are great to use, and you can also provide mini bottles of repellant for guests to use if they see fit. Keep in mind that if you're near water, the bugs will definitely be active!

- Beauty touch ups will be needed in the heat! Keep a bag of touch up makeup nearby, along with hairspray, deodorant, perfume, and fans or cooling methods for yourselves and the wedding party. (Cold bottled water, paper fans, etc...)

Paper fans used as turquoise ceremony programs

- Humidity may have an effect on your hair! Take that into consideration and keep your touch up bag nearby for any heat related mishaps like frizz or sweat. An up-do is also a wonderful way to stay cooler!

- Experts say that clear tents are not great in summer months due to the sun and heat. White tents that block and reflect the light stay much cooler and will be much more comfortable for everyone.

White tent for outdoor summer events - - side walls optional for weather

#SignatureDrink : Hard Cider Sorbet Float

I'm starting a weekly " #SignatureSaturday " signature drink recipe post to share interesting beverages that can be the signature drink at your wedding, party or event. Welcome to the first installment! I came across this amazing refreshing summer cocktail while browsing online and I had to share!

Here’s what you need:
-Downeast’s Summer Blend Cider, chilled  (or use your local summer favorite!)
-sorbet (we used Mango and Mixed Berry)
-vanilla ice cream
-fresh fruit (we used blueberries, strawberries and bananas)
-fresh mint

Here’s what to do:
1) Prep your berries and fresh mint by washing.  Cut up strawberries and banana into slices.

2) Take 1 can of Downeast’s Summer Blend Cider, and before opening, shake well.  Since Downeast is unfiltered, this is an important step since it will distribute the sediment from the bottom of the can into the cider.  Once shaken, open and pour 1/2 of the can into each of your glasses.

3) On top of cider, add a few scoops of your choice of sorbet.  I did the mixed berry in one glass and mango in the other.
4) Top sorbet with 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
5) On top of vanilla ice cream, add fresh fruit.  To the mango, I added banana, and to the mixed berry, I added blueberries and strawberries.
6) Garnish with fresh mint, add a straw, and sip – quick, before it melts!

Source: Little Miss Party

16 Seasonal Unique Wedding Cake Flavors

I'm all for spicing thing up and putting a little personal twist on tradition. That being said, a wonderful way to do that is by choosing a unique wedding cake flavor, and you can make it seasonal or themed with your wedding! Here are some ideas for unique wedding cake flavors to wow your guests at your wedding...

Spring Flavors

Lemon

Mint Julep

Pink Champagne

Hummingbird (banana pineapple spice)

Summer Flavors

Key Lime

Pineapple Mango

Coconut Cream
Tropical Guava

Fall Flavors

Pumpkin

Caramel Apple
Peanut Butter

Orange Grand Marnier

Winter Flavors

Ginger Spice

Caramel Vanilla

Coffee & Cream
Peppermint

Love this Strawberry Bar!

*Swooning* over this amazing Strawberry Bar! Not only is everything strawberry flavored, but everything is strawberry themed - - even the pots for the flowers are strawberries! This is taking a candy/dessert station to the next level! Perfect for summertime - - Cocktail hour? Bridal brunch? Birthday party? Ladies luncheon? Yes please!

Source: Bridal Bar

Party Ideas :: Backyard Pizza Party

Here's a fun idea for a dinner/party/shower/reception.....a backyard pizza party where your guests can assemble their own pizzas! They each get a personalized paper bag with their pizza crust inside, and a mini jar of tomato sauce. Then they can load up on the different toppings from the pizza bar display. Supply mini pizza boxes for guests to take-home extras. I love this idea! I can't wait to try this one out!