Escort Cards vs Place Cards

Escort Cards?? Place Cards?? Whats the difference? This question comes up frequently and people use the word interchangeably. In fact, there is a difference.
Escort Cards: These cards are used to let each guest know what table they are assigned to. The classic escort card is a small envelope with the guest name on the envelope and the table assignment on the card inside. You can use the words "You are seated at table ___ " or you can just give the table number assignment, as the word table is implied. For a very personal touch, you could write a note to each guest. A tent card, folded at the top, is also as an escort card. The design of these cards is only limited by your imagination. They can have bows, dried flowers, ribbons or anything that compliments the theme. You can use any color of ink. They can even be a "thing" just remember that the guest has to hold on to this "card" until they go into the formal part of the evening.



What you write on the escort card: The most formal designation is: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith. This is the same as how the guests were addressed on the formal invitation envelope.
Informal alternative: Mary and Robert Smith
If someone brings a guest, you can either put their name on the same card or you can have two separate cards. If you choose to use one card for both, the woman should be listed first, though many people put their invited guest first even if it is a man.
If a husband and wife have different names, we usually put the women's name first.
When putting these cards on a table, we always put them in alphabetical order.
Place Card: The place card is on the table at the place assigned to the guest. There is a choice in where you seat your guest at the table. Some of the choices are: 1. Husbands and wives (or couples that come together) are seated at the same table, but not next to one another. In this case guests should alternate, male and female. The person seated to the right of another is considered in the position of honor. 2. Couples that come together are seated next to one another. 3. Couples that come together are seated at different tables.
At a round table, the best seat is facing the honored guest.
The place card itself can vary from the most formal, an ecru or white card with a, gold or silver bevel edge laid on a formal folded napkin to a theme related item, such as a Mardi Gras mask. The only requirement is that the name be on it somewhere.

What you write on the place card: In the formal approach, the name is written: Mr. Jones, if there are two Mr. Jones at the table than the first name is used, i.e. Mr. Mark Jones. In an informal approach you can use either Mark Jones or Mark. The last name would be required if there are more than one of that name at the table. The important issue is to be consistent.

source: wedding usa
photos: simply perfect peace events

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
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Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Traditional Foundation vs Airbrushing..

Twitter has afforded me the opportunity to meet some fabulous industry professionals. Lauren Iavarone of Expert Makeup Artistry Studio based in Bergen County NJ, offers a full spectrum of makeup services ranging from bridal to runway to hands on makeup classes. Lauren Iavarone brings over a decade of expertise to her studio. Formerly and educator for top cosmetic and skin care brands Lauren has traveled the globe educating on all levels of makeup. Makeup is a passion and making women feel the utmost confidence is Laurens mission. Glamor is different for every woman and Lauren will do her best to create an atmosphere that caters to each clients individuality. Lauren shared this interesting information with me and OnWed so I thought I'd pass it on to you. Enjoy!

While working with brides, a common makeup question has been is whats the difference between airbrush makeup and traditional makeup, besides price? For traditional makeup, we use a regular foundation and for airbrush, it's applied with a misting action and a specially formulated foundation.

There are many types of traditional foundation. Liquid foundations are the most popular. Most liquid foundations are a WATER base. They are not specifically formulated for long wear. If you are oily, water-based products tend to separate from the skin, because water and oil do not mix. If you your skin is dry, certain types of foundation may by more visible than you would like. A good rule of thumb for dryer skin is to mix your foundation with a dime size of your everyday moisturizer to make the foundation slightly thinner in consistency. I suggest bringing in the foundation that you normally wear in order to give your makeup artist an idea of what consistency you prefer on your complexion. When using a traditional foundation on brides, I apply it with a foundation brush and set it with a pressed powder that is a shade darker than their skin. This will ensure that your face will not photograph lighter that your neck.

(photos courtesty of Expert Makeup Artistry)

When choosing airbrush application, you want to confirm with your makeup artist that they use a silicone-based airbrush foundation. This is the reason that airbrush foundation has a 10+ hour wear time. Using silicone, instantly fills in lines and smooths the surface of your skin. Silicone-based foundation is also sweat resistant and water resistant, so those tears of joy wont streak your face! It is truly radiant and gives you such a natural finish you won't even know you're wearing makeup! This is a good choice for any skin type. You should not be able to "see" your airbrush foundation, it does not need to be layered and should feel like a second skin.

Keep in mind: You do not want to be taken out of your makeup comfort zone on your wedding day. If you prefer one type of foundation over another, speak up. Your makeup artist will work with you and give you the options that will best suit YOU!

SN: TO LASH OR NOT TO LASH???????????? LASH!!! it makes for more stunning pictures.

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Creative Custom Cardboxes - Enter and Win

Peace and Blessin! I simply love meeting new and exciting people in the business of romance. Simply Perfect Peace Events AND Designs by Shay in conjunction with Creative Custom Cardboxes is giving away a $25 e Gift Certifcate that can be used towards the purchase of a custom cardbox!!

Designs by Shay: MAC OR PC
Creative Custom Cardboxes: PC all the way!

Designs by Shay: What do you love most about your job
Creative Custom Cardboxes: Favorite thing about making card boxes is creating something that reflects each person's style and helps to personalize their wedding.

Designs by Shay: One piece of advice for brides you'd like to share?
Creative Custom Cardboxes: Brides need to relax and take everything in on the day of the wedding. Personalize the little details.. Those are the things you will remember for years to come.

Creative Custom Carboxes is owned by my Twitter friend Marni Gold (@cardboxdiva on twitter). Marni started her company while during planning her own wedding looking for a unique and secure way to store her gifts and cards. Some use wedding bags, others use wishing wells. Welcome to the new age of wedding accessories! A cardbox will hold your gift cards on your wedding day so you don't have to carry around that bag all eventing. Your guest are free to walk up to the custom designed cardbox and drop off cards at their leisure.

Marni can create your cardbox that is simple, elegant, and understated while still corresponding with your theme.

You can use it for your business as a display with your company name or even during Valentines. A custom card from designs by shay will compliment it well :)

Now that you know a little about Creative Cardboxes, there are several Ways to Enter

(A). Visit the Creative Custom Cardboxes Blogto view the many designs that Marni has already come up with. Then come back to my blog and post a comment stating the colors that you want for your custom cardbox creation AND how you'd use it.

** for me it's perfect at shows and events to collect leads and entries! It can also include my company logo***

The possibilities are endless!!

(B). Follow step (A) and then Fan Simply Perfect Peace Events AND Designs by Shay on Facebook. One you've fanned us, be sure to update your FB user name in your comment so that you get credit! TWO credits!!


REMEMBER: YOU MUST POST A COMMENT ON MY BLOG! So now you have two ways to win!

Don't miss out on this great opportunity! This giveaway will end on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST.

Here are a few of the cardboxes for your viewing pleasure!!

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Chicago Field Museum

While getting accustomed to twitter, OneWed posted a very interesting link about the Chicago Field Museum. In the past I have recommended the museum to clients for other events but what they are offering now is beyond cool.

Allowing your romantic minds to wander, imagine you're just enjoying a walk on Michigan Avenue and decide to visit the Field Museum. Those that are from Chicago know about the display of Tyrannosaurus Rex, and it’s beautiful Hall of Gems. but did you know the Museum recently did an overhaul and with renovations to the gallery, a dedicated case has been installed with lighting designed specifically to showcase the diamond rings. You and your significant other are of course holding hands, just walking along and see one ring in particular that captures your attention. It's placed in a case, sitting on a small cream colored stand and as you look closer a small place card has a personal message for YOU. Also imagine this moment captured in pictures. See my post regarding Engagement Sessions.

The case is located near the entrance of the gallery and will match the other cases in the gallery with a deep chocolate color. The fee for such an awesome experience generally starts at $350, includes a champagne toast and can be upgraded at your request.

photos: field museum


Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Do you Boudoir???

I was reading the blog of another wedding specialist, Juliette @ Unison Events to be exact, and found this information worth sharing with my brides.

How many women know what a Boudoir photo shoot is? By definition a boudoir is a woman's dressing room, bedroom or private sitting room. Yes – it is as sexy as it sounds, but it's CLASSY! Boudoir shoots are photo shoots, usually of women, wearing different styles of lingerie. Brides usually do these shoots as a gift for their fiancé. The sessions are supposed to be cute and fun – not raunchy. But it's not just for brides! You can also use a Boudoir shoot as a birthday gift, an anniversary gift to your significant other, a Valentine's Day gift or even as a gift to your Mr. or Mrs. overseas.
Here are a few things to note once you book your Bourdoir shoot:

• You decided the location for the shoot. A great idea is to reserve a hotel room. Keep in mind that you can also do the shoot in your home or in a photography studio.
• Choose your outfits wisely. Wear pieces that you are comfortable in. You don’t want to look scared in the photos. Bring pieces that you know you will be comfortable in. I would bring at least 5 different pieces.
• Wear loose clothing to the photo shoot so that you don’t have lines on your body. For example – you don’t want the lines from your belt buckle imprinted on your stomach....no bueno..lol
• Use props- hats are always cute and over-exaggerated jewelry is even better.
• You don’t have to shoot in the nude! Your photographer should be able to do “implied nude” where you are not wearing much but the viewer will not be able to see your personals. You make the decision.
• Bring a friend with you if this is your first shoot with the photographer. It will help you feel a little bit more comfortable.
• Wear clear deodorant – sounds simple enough but you wont believe how many people forget

I am going to leave you with a few photos of Boudoir shoots a.h.p Photography.











Hopefullyyou will be inspired to book your own Boudoir session. It makes a great gift!

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

New for 2010....

Everyone that knows ME knows I believe that hiring a professional wedding/event specialist to handle your dream event is not a want but a NEED. Well, new in 2010 Simply Perfect Peace will begin offering personal shopping & concierge services. Many of these services were offered in our Ala Carte package but we've arranged a completely separate department that will do all the little things that time just doesn't permit you to do.

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(excerpt taken from http://ldkid.com/npb/?p=1105 and CHOCOLATES ON MY PILLOW)
For some reason, Americans think they have something to prove by doing it all themselves. People say to me all of the time, that someone else just can’t do for them, the things that are on the “to do ” list. Well, that is not only a ridiculous statement, but one that can be proven wrong over and over again. We all strive to appear in control. However, you cannot be in control if you are constantly struggling to juggle events and lists. So give up some of the control. I know that is a scary thought, but do it. By having professionals handle the items on your list, you will amaze your friends and family by having more time to enjoy life and you will seem more in control than ever. Don’t worry. We don’t expect you to do this cold turkey. We are going to give you tips on accomplishing this daunting task after we shock you into reality.

Concierge Service - Think about what you use the hotel concierge for when you do an overnight stay. Well, personal concierges do the same thing but usually on a larger scale. They plan entertainment, organize activities, make inquiries, plan travel, etc. Many provide business and secretarial services. Just ask and your wish is their command. They are master organizers. Because they are well connected with local events and businesses, they can pound out a task in minutes where it might take you hours or days.

Personal Shoppers - Most people know the term Personal Shopper as it relates to high-end department stores that offer the service in-store. However, personal shoppers are now everywhere and offer the flexibility of not being tied to one particular name store.

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Attending an event but no time to get a gift. Simply Perfect Peace has an app for that. Special night planned but forgot to make reservations? No time to decorate? What about a personal chef? Simply Perfect Peace has an app for that... Need travel plans? Confirmation of appointments? Wow, need that little black dress picked up? Simply Perfect Peace has an app for all that too...Forgot to pick up a card? Designs by Shay has an app for that :) Having a concierge service available is an an absolute must when life gets busy or stressful, they can accomplish a whole to-do list in just hours. And with rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, sometimes the trade off is well worth it.

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner (member of ABC, ISES, PMP)
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay