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Hot wedding trend: Food trucks!

llavelle — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:01:49 +0000

The gourmet food truck craze is sweeping the nation! Consider a food truck as your reception winds to a close – as a good night treat or to keep the after party going. It’s unexpected fun! They’re also a great way to incorporate the local food and vibe. Food trucks have evolved into more than just kitschy roadside fare…these gourmet kitchens-on-wheels are serving up restaurant quality cuisine, delicious desserts, and specialty drinks.

We’ve rounded up some of the most popular Massachusetts food trucks:

The Cupcakory
Cupcakes baked fresh daily, using the finest locally sourced and organic ingredients, and delivered to dessert lovers in the Boston area.

Grilled Cheese Nation
Featuring locally-sourced cheeses and breads to create grilled cheese sandwiches ranging from “the classic” paired with shots of tomato soup to chef-inspired creations, like brie and Asian pear. Mmmmm!

Lincoln Street Coffee
The area’s first mobile full service gourmet espresso bar including specialty drinks and baked goods.

Will Gilson’s Eat Wagon
Chef Will Gilson (of Garden at the Cellar in Cambridge) along with event organizer and well-known Twitter figure Aaron Cohen of Eat Boston, operate this food truck featuring All-American favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, and tacos, with beef coming from grass-fed cows.

Bon Me
Bon Me is the winner of the 2011 Boston Food Truck Challenge. Chef Allison operates a gourmet food truck serving Vietnamese inspired food with a local flare.

Jasper White’s Summer Shack
Chef White offers a “clambake on wheels” with traditional New England fare such as savory lobster rolls, clam chowder and corn on the cob.

6 Trends Inspired By The Royal Wedding

llavelle — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:01:59 +0000

Royal Wedding Trend #1: The Dress! One of the most anticipated fashion moments in recent history was the unveiling of Kate Middleton’s wedding gown. While we’ve seen the trend in recent years towards strapless, we may see a trend towards a little more coverage, especially for cooler weather weddings (which is a good part of the year here in Massachusetts!). Long lace sleeves are elegant and traditional but Kate’s v-neckline gave it a modern look….a modern day Grace Kelly. For brides that loved Kate’s look but don’t want the long sleeves, consider a romantic lace bodice or other lace details. While designers are rushing to create copycat royal wedding gowns (such as Alfred Angelo and Jasmine Bridals), check out these designs that incorporate Kate’s timeless look:

Watters Brides “Escalante”
Priscilla of Boston “4615″
Modern Trousseau “Kennedy”
David’s Bridal “LSLace” Long Sleeved Lace Jacket

Where to shop in Massachusetts:

Watters Brides – Platinum retailer – Occasions in Wayland
Priscilla of Boston – Signature salon – Boston
Modern Trousseau – Meredith’s Bridal Boutique in Scituate
David’s Bridal – Danvers, Dedham, Natick, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, West Springfield

Royal Wedding Trend #2: Horse Drawn Carriages! What says “fairy tale wedding” more than a horse drawn carriage? You don’t have to be royalty to enjoy this luxury! A horse drawn carriage ride is a memorable way to add a touch of charm and elegance to your wedding day. Here are some local Massachusetts businesses that offer horse and carriage services:

Elegant Touch Carriage – Boston
Coachman’s Legacy – Upton
Boston Bridal Carriage – Hanover
Paradise Stables - Cape Cod
Friendship Carriage Tours – Salem/Rockport

Royal Wedding Trend #3: Eco-Friendly Flowers! William and Catherine hired Shane Connolly, a London-based, eco-friendly florist, to create the floral displays for their wedding in Westminster Abbey. All of the flowers and plants were locally grown and in season, instead of shipping in exotic blooms from afar. Eight live trees, including English Field Maples and Hornbeams, were also brought in to line the aisle and they were re-planted after they were removed from the Abbey. So, what can you do to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint?

1. Work with a florist who is committed to eco-friendly practices.
2. Use flowers that are locally grown and in season. Consider using organically grown blooms without chemical preservatives and pesticides.
3. Avoid floral foam because it’s not biodegradable.
4. Use live, potted plants and flowers for your centerpieces or other design elements.

Massachusetts eco-friendly florists:
Faxon Green – Boston
Green Stem Designs – Boston
Geraniums Red, Delphiniums Blue – Waltham

Royal Wedding Trend #4: White Bridesmaid Dresses!
Who says bridesmaids can’t wear white? Although it’s common for bridesmaids to wear white or cream in the UK, it’s not as popular in the US…although that trend might just change in the wake of the royal wedding. Brides worry that if their maids wear white that there won’t be enough distinction between her and her bridal party. However, bridesmaids in white look fresh and elegant and make for stunning bridal party photos. You can make sure that your maids’ dresses are different enough from yours by choosing white bridesmaid dresses that are cocktail length or that incorporate a colorful sash or other embellishments that provide a “pop” of color.

We’ve rounded up some white bridesmaid dresses that we love to give you a little inspiration:

Alfred Angelo Style 2076 Cocktail length with a colored sash (lots of colors to choose from) and rhinestone pin.
Dessy Group Lela Rose One shoulder cocktail length duchess dress with gathered fold detail.
After Six Style 6585 Cocktail length strapless nu-georgette tiered dress.
Lilly Pulitzer’s Little White Dresses Your bridesmaids can wear these versatile white dresses after your wedding too!

Royal Wedding Trend #5: Hair Jewels!
Kate’s gorgeous Cartier halo tiara has undoubtedly inspired many future brides to incorporate some bling into their wedding hairstyles. Tiaras aren’t the only way to make you look and feel like a princess on your wedding day. Consider jeweled headbands or rhinestone embellished clips to add some sparkle to your wedding day glow.

Here are some websites with lots of bridal bling to browse:

Anna Bellagio Bridal Hair Accessories
Wedding Mountain Tiaras and Headbands
Orange Blossom Tiaras

Also, here’s a great article from Princess Bride Tiaras on how to select the perfect tiara.

Royal Wedding Trend #6: Charity Registries!
William and Kate requested donations to their favorite charitable organizations in lieu of wedding gifts. This is a trend that’s becoming more and more popular, especially since today’s brides and grooms marry later in life and often already have all the home goods they need. Even if you’d still like to register at your favorite department store, you can start a charity registration as an option for your guests. Choose a cause (or two!) that is significant to the both of you. Maybe you would like to honor a loved one or support an organization for which you volunteer. Alternatively, you could also opt to make a donation to your favorite cause instead of giving favors to your guests. Either way, these are thoughtful ways to give back to your community!

For more information, check out the I Do Foundation.

This website provides tools to help couples set up charitable wedding registries. Plus, if you set up a registry with one of their partner stores (Macy’s, Target, and more), a percentage of your guests’ purchases will be donated to your chosen charity!

Bridal Shower Etiquette

llavelle — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:26:46 +0000

Answering your questions about bridal shower etiquette

One of the most anticipated pre-wedding events is the bridal shower! Here are some important etiquette tips and the basics that every bride should know.

Who should host it? Traditionally, the maid of honor and bridesmaids host the bridal shower. Strict etiquette frowns upon the bride’s mother or sisters hosting the shower but this rule has become more relaxed in modern times. The hostesses are responsible for the cost of the shower. Guests should never be expected to pay for any part of the shower.

When should the bridal shower be held? Usually one to two months prior to the wedding. Invitations to the shower should be sent about a month before the shower date.

Who should be invited? A shower is usually for the bride’s closest friends and family members as well as her future in-laws. Anyone who is invited to the shower should also be on the wedding guest list. Invitations may be sent to any close friends or relatives who live out of town, even if they likely won’t be able to attend. It’s a thoughtful gesture and will make them feel included in the festivities.

Do I have to open gifts at the bridal shower? Since this is the main reason behind throwing a shower, yes, the bride should open her gifts and thank the gift givers in person. Ask one of your bridesmaids to record the gifts as you open them. If you are concerned about your guests getting bored during gift opening, this is a great time for bridal gift bingo or trivia games!

Are handwritten thank you notes required, even if I thank everyone in person? Yes, the bride should send a handwritten note to each person who gave you a gift. Thank you notes should be sent as soon as possible, but definitely within a few weeks of your shower.

How to Choose a DJ for Your Wedding Reception

llavelle — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:01:53 +0000

Choosing the right DJ is critical to the success of your reception. Not only does the DJ play music that gets guests of all ages dancing and having fun, a good DJ will also ensure that your reception flows smoothly with timely wedding party introductions and announcements.

Beginning your search. You can start with by browsing the Massachusetts DJs listed on MAweds.com. Also, ask your friends or relatives or even your wedding reception site if they have any recommendations. Compile a list of DJs that you would like to contact.

Ask the right questions. Once you have a list of DJs whom you are interested in, visit their websites to get a feel for their style and what they have to offer. Then, call each DJ to ask about their availability on your wedding date. If they are available, ask more detailed questions about their services as well as what they charge for a rate. If possible, schedule a time to meet the DJ in person. Here are some questions that you should ask:

What is your style? Understated or interactive with light shows and props?

Will you be the DJ performing at my wedding? (An important question if the DJ is part of an entertainment agency)

How much wedding experience do you have?

What type of equipment do you use?

Do you have backup equipment?

Are references available from couples or venues that have used your services?

How do you handle song requests? (Remember that a DJ should not be expected to play every request. A good DJ “reads” the crowd and blends requests in with songs he/she feels the crowd will respond to.)

Have you worked at our reception site previously?

Do you charge extra for anything? (overtime, travel, etc.)

Are you willing to travel? (if applicable)

Can you provide music for the ceremony? (if applicable)

Making the decision. The biggest mistake: considering price alone. While it’s tempting to hire the cheapest DJ, remember the old adage: “You get what you pay for!” You should keep your budget in mind but also conduct a thoughtful comparison of each DJ and his/her services. The better DJs often charge more because they are “in demand” as well as more experienced.

You’re hired! Once you have made your decision, ask your DJ how to reserve your date. Carefully review the contract and ask any remaining questions before signing it. Most DJs will ask you to complete a form with song requests, a “do not play” list, names of your wedding party for introductions, and the timeline for your wedding events. Also, find out if your DJ has any special needs and what your reception site provides (such as a skirted table for the DJ’s equipment, electrical outlets, etc) and provide your DJ with the name and phone number of the wedding coordinator at your reception site. Touch base with your DJ a couple of weeks before your wedding to confirm all of the details.

Assembling Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

llavelle — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:23:40 +0000

Every bride hopes that her wedding day will be flawless but it’s important to be prepared for life’s little hiccups. Fill a tote bag with some essential items to ensure you are ready for any last minute mishaps. Ask your maid of honor or one of your bridesmaids to be in charge of the kit and store it in a handy place during your ceremony and reception. Suggested items include:

Beauty

Nail polish in the bride’s shade
Emery board
Makeup for touch-ups
Portable mirror
Deodorant
Blotting linens
Tweezers
Dental floss
Q-tips

Hair

Trial size hair spray
Brush/comb
Bobby pins and hair elastics (clear)
Hairdryer

Apparel

Sewing kit, including safety pins and small scissors
Double stick tape
Anti-static spray
Portable stain treater (but test in an inconspicuous spot before using!)
Lint brush
Extra earring backs
White chalk and baby powder (for masking stains on your dress)
Clear nail polish (for runs)
Tissues

Health

Eye drops
Contact lens solution
Antacid
Tampons and pads
Pain reliever
Bandages

Miscellaneous

Breath mints
Umbrella
Straws (for drinking after you’ve applied lipstick)
Bottled water
List of wedding vendor phone numbers
Don’t forget: your wedding rings and marriage license!

If you don’t have the time to collect all of these items, consider purchasing a pre-made wedding emergency kit. Hopefully, you won’t have reason to need anything in the kit…but better to be safe than sorry!

From Miss to Mrs: How to Change Your Last Name

llavelle — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:46:54 +0000

After you return from your honeymoon, you will be eager to settle into married life. You may be moving in with your new husband as well as making other changes such as taking your husband’s last name. If you opt to change your name, here are some helpful tips:

Prior to your wedding:
- Do not make any honeymoon travel reservations with your new married name – use your maiden name. You won’t have your new driver’s license or passport yet and these documents will need to match your name on your travel reservations.

- Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you will be changing your name in case they would like to give you monogrammed or personalized wedding gifts.

After your wedding:
- Obtain certified copies of your marriage license (with a raised seal) from the town hall where your marriage license was filed.

- Get a new social security card first. Visit the Social Security website for instructions.

- Get a new driver’s license from your local DMV. Visit the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles website for instructions. Note that you must already have your social security card with your new name because the RMV will contact the Social Security Administration in order to validate your SSN.

- Notify your employer about your change in marital status and name change to ensure that your paycheck, tax and benefit information are updated. Also, inquire about changing your email address and business cards to reflect your new last name.

- After you have obtained your new Social Security Card and driver’s license, making your name change everywhere else should be straightforward. Contact each office to determine what documentation is needed – some may require a copy of your marriage license or your new social security card.

Post office
Utility companies (phone, electricity, cable, gas, etc.)
Credit card companies
Bank and other financial institutions
Professional organizations
Voter registration
Passport office at the US Department of State
Mortgage company or landlord
Insurance companies (medical, dental, home, auto, life, etc.)
Physician and dentist offices
Magazine or other subscriptions
Alumni associations

If the name change process seems too overwhelming or you are a busy bride, consider utilizing a name change service such as Name Change Express or purchasing a New Bride Name Change Kit.

Wedding Day Makeup Tips

admin — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:52:45 +0000

Wedding Day Beauty: Look Your Best!

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. You will be the center of attention and photographed at every turn. Here are some tips to keep you glowing from when you walk down the aisle until your walk into your honeymoon suite!

Start Fresh! Use a gentle exfoliator in the morning so that your complexion will be smooth and clean for makeup application. Today is not the day to try new products – make sure it’s an exfoliator that you have previously used so that you know it agrees with your skin.

Try it: Elizabeth Arden Intervene 3-in-1 Daily Cleanser

First Things First. Apply a primer to your face to help your makeup last longer. Also, use a primer for your eyelids to prevent your eyeshadow from caking and creasing.

Try it: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Keep it simple. Your wedding day makeup should be natural and well-balanced for a timeless look. However, you should use a little heavier makeup than you would on a daily basis so that you don’t look washed out in photos.

Lighten up! Use a light colored, shimmery or pearly powder in the inner corners of your eyes to reduce shadows. It will brighten your eyes in photos and make you look refreshed.

Try it: Benefit Eye Bright

Control shine. Periodically check your skin for perspiration and oil. Remove surface oil with a blotting paper and dust your face with a loose mineral powder.

Try it: Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens

Be prepared. Keep your concealer and powder on hand to touch up under-eye circles and blemishes. Carry your lipstick or lip gloss to keep your lip color looking fresh.

Try it: Stila Long Wear Lip Color

Tears of Joy. Even if you’re a tough cookie and don’t think you’ll shed any tears, waterproof mascara helps keep your mascara from smudging due to heat, perspiration and your natural oils.

Try it: DiorShow Mascara

Finishing Touches. Use a finishing spray to set your makeup application and help prevent meltdowns.

Try it: Model in a Bottle

Wedding Ceremonies and Photography Sessions in Boston’s Parks

admin — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:32:38 +0000

Swan Boats, Public Garden, Boston.

Do you envision your wedding taking place at one of Boston’s many parks or gardens? Or are you hoping to take wedding photographs on a Swan Boat in the Public Garden or with another beautiful Boston park as your backdrop? If so, follow the steps below!

1) Decide on a park and schedule a visit to determine if it will meet your needs.

The Public Garden, Back Bay

The Boston Public Garden is America’s first botanical park located in the heart of Boston, featuring blooming flowerbeds and lush greenery during the warmer months. The garden is home to the famous Swan Boats and the duck statues from the beloved children’s book, “Make Way for the Ducklings.”

Special note: Swan Boat rentals in The Public Garden are available for rides and photographs during regular operating hours. Wedding ceremonies are not permitted on the Swan Boats. For reservations, call the Boston Swan Boats directly at (617) 591-1150.

Kelleher Rose Garden, Back Bay Fens

This historic, Shurcliff-era rose garden was recently restored in 2008 with over 200 varieties of roses and 1500 plants. It is located across from the Museum of Fine Arts and is open daily from May to September.

Christopher Columbus Park Trellis, North End

Boston’s first waterfront park features green lawns, a wisteria covered trellis, and views of Boston Harbor.

Jamaica Pond Bandstand, Jamaica Plain

The Bandstand is a rustic, Tudor style structure built in 1912, which overlooks the Jamaica Pond. The bandstand is home to many recreational, educational, and cultural activities.

School Master Hill, Franklin Park, Dorchester

School Master Hill is considered the most beautiful area of Franklin Park, with a long stone terrace, benches, and an arbor with trailing greenery. It offers spectacular views of the Blue Hills and holds historical significance as the former home of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

2) Choose a date and time.

Wedding ceremonies and/or photography sessions are scheduled between April 1st and December 1^st (except for legal holidays) for a maximum of 60 minutes
Time slots are scheduled as follows:

Monday through Friday 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Weekends 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

3) Ensure that your ceremony or photography session will be able to comply with the permit guidelines, including:

Maximum of 50 people
Just people! No tents, tables, chairs, altars, arbors, decorations, signs, rice, birdseed, confetti, glass, balloons, props, or animals. Also, no food or beverages.
No music or amplified sound.
No vehicles or parking on park property.
No blocking pathways or restricting other visitors from the park.
No event or directional signage is permitted. It is recommended that you assign an attendant to stand at the nearest gate or entryway to direct your guests.

4) Apply for a Special Event Permit.

Fill out the special event permit application at least 10 business days prior to your wedding….but earlier is better! You may submit your application as early as the first day of the year of your wedding.
Mail in your application with a a cashier’s or bank check payable to the City of Boston. The fee is $50 for Boston residents and $100 for non-Boston residents.

5) Secure a back-up plan!

If you live in Massachusetts, you know that Massachusetts has unpredictable weather any time of the year. Be sure to have an alternate location selected for your ceremony and/or photos in case of inclement weather.

6) Keep our parks looking beautiful!

Be sure that any trash generated by your activities is cleaned up prior to your departure on your wedding day.

Note: While we strive to make sure all of the information on our website is up to date, information can change at any time. Please be sure to verify that the details in this article are current by visiting the City of Boston website or contacting the Director of Permitting at (617) 635-4874.

Massachusetts Marriage License Requirements

admin — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:16:08 +0000

Couples who would like to get married in Massachusetts must obtain a license from any town or city clerk in Massachusetts prior to their wedding. Both individuals must apply in person, provide proper identification (sometimes a certified birth certificate) and their Social Security Numbers, as well as pay a nominal fee (which varies from town to town). Contact your town hall to find out what type of identification is required and the cost of the license. It’s also a good idea to find out the Clerk’s office hours before you go. To find your town hall’s contact information, click here.

The legal age to marry in Massachusetts is 18. There is a 3 day waiting period to receive your license and the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If either you or your future spouse has been previously married, the divorce must be final before applying for the marriage license.

A priest, minister, rabbi, or Justice of the Peace may perform the marriage ceremony. Don’t forget to bring the license with you to your wedding ceremony! Your officiant must sign the license and then return it to the city or town where it was originally issued. Your marriage certificate is usually available within a few weeks after your wedding date from the Town Hall.

Did you know that your family member or friend can become a Justice of the Peace for the day and officiate at your wedding? Click here for more information!

Question of the Week: When to Send Save the Dates

llavelle — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:42:52 +0000

Question: How far in advance should we send a Save the Date card?

Answer: Save the Date cards are typically sent 4-6 months before your wedding date or even earlier if your wedding date is during a peak travel period or on a holiday weekend.