Think outside the Box! House of Blues San Diego is the perfect venue for your Ceremony and Reception.

April 5, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

I love it when I get asked “Where can I get married that does not have the traditional ballroom look?”

Look no further than the House of Blues, located on 1055 5th Avenue Downtown San Diego.

This venue is perfect if you love Music, want to WOW your guests, or really want a non-tradition space for your special day.

Take a stroll through all the rooms with Jennifer Leedom, Special Events Sales Manager,

and find out for yourself why this location is so unique.

Click Here for more information that includes food and beverage menus, photos, floor plans and general information about House of Blues.

Filed Under: Venues Tagged With: House of Blues, Non Traditional Wedding, Unique Venues

Spring Bridal Show at Sycuan Golf and Tennis Resort!

April 5, 2012 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Come by and visit A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole and San Diego Soiree in the Garden Room at the

Sycuan Golf and Tennis Resort Wedding Open House.

I will be giving free consultations and show you how you can personalize your wedding budget

to get the most for your money!

Filed Under: Bridal Shows Tagged With: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole, Free Bridal Show, Sycuan Casino

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

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.

Satin Ribbons

Silk and Lace

Adorable Flower Girl Bouquet Wand

Filed Under: Helpful Hints and Tips Tagged With: bouquets, Bridal Bouquets, ribbon bouquets, unique ideas

Bride to Bride 2012

December 28, 2011 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

Hello to all Future Brides!

I’d love to hear what your plans are for 2012. Your the experts…

tell ADW what you love most!

Where do you find inspiration for your wedding colors?

What wedding websites make you smile?

Who is your favorite Wedding Dress designer?

Filed Under: Brides and Grooms, Helpful Hints and Tips Tagged With: style me pretty, wedding advice, wedding colors, Wedding Dresses

5 Different Ways to Propose

December 9, 2011 By Sharon Cole Leave a Comment

5 Different Ways to Pop the Question

1. A simple yet timeless romantic way to propose is to do it the old fashioned way. In a quiet setting, tell her you love her and expand on different ways that she has enriched your life. Then get down on one knee with the ring in your hand, and ask her to be your wife. Many women will appreciate the classic approach to a marriage proposal.

2. Incorporate her likes and passions into the proposal. For instance, if she is an animal lover, tie the ring to the collar of a puppy using a bright ribbon. As she’s cuddling the puppy, she’s sure to find the ring. Then you can ask her to marry you. She’ll melt at the sight of the new pet (and you down on bended knee), and the pet will have special meaning to both of you.

3. If your future fiancé has always dreamed of going to Europe, ask her to marry you in a foreign language, like French or Italian. Complete the proposal with the promise of a honeymoon in Europe.

4. Tell her your love and happily-ever-after was written in the stars. Adopt a star in both your names.
When you receive the certificate for your star, present it to her with the ring.

5. Make her dreams come true. Many women love to talk about the perfect proposal she has dreamed about since she was a little girl. If she has never told you about her dream proposal, ask her friends and family for help.
Make the proposal tailor-made just for her.
Article courtesy of Susan Sosbe

Filed Under: Helpful Hints and Tips Tagged With: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole, getting married, marriage proposals, Proposals, san diego weddings