DIY Table Numbers

February 22, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Today I am getting ready for a photo shoot to help showcase a new venue I am working with (more on that tomorrow!)

One of the items we need is 6 table numbers framed for the guest tables.

Since it was such a small order, I went online to make them myself.

I am not proficient with Photoshop so searching for a template was the way to go.

I found a really beautiful set of table numbers and candy buffet signs at iDiy

The template was easily changeable and fun to work with, Thanks iDiy for the great free template!

Filed Under: Helpful Hints and Tips Tagged With: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole, DIY, Table Numbers

Choosing the right Invitation Design

February 21, 2012 By Sharon Cole 1 Comment

Today I am putting together the Invitation details for Leah and Sean’s wedding.

I love seeing the right invite chosen that matches both the style and venue for the event.

I can’t show you the exact invitation that Leah and Sean have chosen as they have not been mailed yet to their guests, but it made me think of a great way to blog today about what to look for in an invite design.

Here are a few helpful tips in how to chose the right invitation design for your wedding or special event:

Black Tie Event

Choose Letterpress or Blind Embossed on 100% Cotton Paper. Black Ink is standard. the words”Black Tie” is added to the left hand corner of the invite.

Evening Ballroom Reception

Traditional Style

Choose and invitation that gives your guests a hint of what to expect from your event.

The invite, if possible, should show what attire is appropriate, which is often the most asked questions from your guests.

Contemporary Style

There are so many contemporary styles to choose from. Pocket Fold, Tri-fold, Embossed and Monogram invitations

Outdoor Ceremony

Garden Wedding

Here is where you can have fun with your invitation. Find an invitation that matches your venue. Is it a home wedding? English Rose Garden? Local Park? There are literally hundreds of designs to choose from.

Beach or Destination Wedding

San Diego is a huge destination location! As with any destination invitation, add the extra pieces to give your guests the information that they need to have a great time as they celebrate your special event with you!

To view these invitations and more, all at a 30% savings

A Dream Wedding Invitations and Accessories

Filed Under: Helpful Hints and Tips, Invitation of the week, Uncategorized Tagged With: Beach Wedding, Black Tie Wedding, Garden Wedding, Invitation Design, Invitations, Wedding Invitations

A Dream Wedding by Sharon’s newest clients Brittany and Joe

February 20, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Photo curtesy of Mike Brown

Today I met with Brittany Watland and Joseph Johnson at the beautiful Paradise Point Resort for an initial consultation. Brittany and Joe are from Phoenix Arizona, and found that Paradise Point Resort had everything they wanted for their destination wedding on September 14, 2012.

After we talked for about an hour and did a walkthrough of the ceremony and reception space, we all felt very comfortable with each other and are ready to work together to make this an amazing time for both Brittany and Joe and their family and friends!

Thanks Brittany and Joe for choosing me to be your wedding planner. I can’t wait to see your Dream Wedding come to life!

Filed Under: Brides and Grooms Tagged With: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole, destination wedding, new clients, Paradise Point Resort

You’re Taking the Plunge Again? San Diego Woman Magazine

February 20, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Recently I was asked by Anne Daniells, a writer for San Diego Woman Magazine, to contribute to an article about Second Marriages for their upcoming mega bridal issue. (find it in stores now!)

Thank you to Anne and the Editors of San Diego Woman for this opportunity!

Filed Under: In the Media Tagged With: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole, Award Winning, Buzz, In the Media, magazine article, San Diego Woman, Second marriages

Ask Sharon

February 17, 2012 By Sharon Cole 1 Comment

Dear Sharon,

I’m not sure who to tip and how much? Can you help?

Soon to be Bride, Allison.

Dear Allison,

A tip is a thoughful way to express your gratitude for going above and beyond. If your wedding vendors truly delivered excellent service from start to finish, a tip is a great way to thank them.

Tipping Guidelines

Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill

Bathroom attendants: $1 – $2 per guest

Catering Manager: $200+

Coat check attendants: $1 – $2 per guest

Limo or bus drivers: 15 percent

Maitre d’ or headwaiter: 1 – 3 percent of food and beverage fees

Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist: 15 – 20 percent

Musicians: 15-20 percent or $15-25 per musician

Photographer or Videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100

Valet or parking attendants: $1 – $2 per car; 15 percent for valet parking

Waiters: $20 and up each (distributed by the catering manager or maitre d’)

Wedding Planner: 10-15 percent

Filed Under: Ask Sharon Tagged With: Ask Sharon, Gratuities, Tipping guidelines

Ribbon Bouquets

February 13, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Sometimes thinking outside the box adds that extra WOW factor to your wedding.

A stylish ribbon bouquet gives just the right touch to your day as well as an amazing keepsake that will last forever. Make a smaller version for your Bouquet Toss.