​The ones we love most aren’t always able to be there with us to celebrate life’s milestones. Fortunately there are many meaningful ways you can acknowledge these special people on your wedding day – here’s a list of touching ideas for how to honour and remember them. 

Personal Touches

1. Include their favourite flower in your bouquet or boutonniere.

2. Attach a photo locket, piece of jewellery, handkerchief or other personal item to your bouquet.

3. Cut a piece of your loved one’s clothing in the shape of a heart and sew it to the inside of your dress. This can also be your something old or blue.

4. Wear your father’s tie or cufflinks to remember him on the day.

5. Pin a photo to your boutonniere so they can be close to your heart.
​
Ceremony Ideas

6. Add photos of loved ones who can’t be there to your ceremony aisle.

7. Reserve a seat for them at the front of the ceremony with a photo, flower or candle.

8. Carry a small photo frame tied with ribbon on your arm or attach a photo locket to your shoes so your father can still walk you down the aisle.

9. Light a candle during the service in memory of all those who are there in spirit.

10. Include a picture of them on your register table so they can be part of your certificate signing photos.

Reception Ideas

11. Create a photo display celebrating those who have passed. Old wedding photos are a lovely touch.

12. Acknowledge them during the reception speeches.

13. Toast with their favorite wine or include their favorite after five drink on your bar menu.

14. Incorporate a favorite food or activity of theirs into your day.

15. Dance to their favorite song.

Photography: (1) Richard Bell Photography via Every Last Detail | (2) Caroline Ross Photography | (3) White Rabbit Studios via Southern Weddings | (4) Popcorn Photography via The Wedding Playbook | (5) Bless Photography via Chic Vintage Brides

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Another year, another changing season of wedding trends for 2018! While a lot of traditions you’ll want to stick to timeless themes, there are some new 2018 wedding trends emerging that will set your day apart from the rest and make it even more personalized to you and your groom’s taste. From floral updates (in fashion and flora), to new food and décor trends, here’s what 2018 will bring in wedding newness.  

2018 Color Of The Year - Ultra Violet - The Pantone color of the year has been revealed! And this is always a big indicator of what's to come in wedding trends... Last year's color of the year was Greenery and we saw an influx of brides opting for green decor within tablescapes, installations and bouquets. 2018 is all about Ultra Violet purple. So expect to see plenty of purple floral inspiration, as well as invites and table decor; like napkins and plates, plus new-age addition like crystals. Ultra Violet will pair well with Gold or many other metallic as well.

Quirky Dessert Tables - While we’re still obsessed with our wedding cake or alternative - doughnuts and macaroons, 2018 will see more brides going for a dessert table over the traditional last course. This way you can get really experimental. Choose cheesecake, meringues, multiple flavors of cookies and you can even add a wedding trifle into the mix! This way, everyone gets more dessert - what’s not to love?

The Color Copper - Moving on from rose gold accents, 2018 will see similar metallic touches in the form of a more industrial look copper. The great thing about this material, is that it’s super cheap! But looks so effective - especially when reflecting candle light - so lanterns and tea light holders will be key. You can also incorporate copper details in cups, cutlery, chairs and even ribbons. The effect will particularly look great for an autum wedding color palette.

Black Accents in Wedding Gowns - You might think the idea of incorporating black into your classic white bridal look is madness, but when you see how the designers have done it, you’ll see it gives a modern and effective monochromatic twist, that will add drama to your day without fail. Take inspiration from Vera Wang, Marchesa and Reem Acra Spring 2018 bridal collections.

3D Florals in Wedding Gowns - 2018 brings in a whole new season of wedding dresses and we’re seeing a lot of romantic flowers adorning otherwise fairly minimal gowns and veils. For inspiration, look to Viktor & Rolf or Oscar de la Renta, who have nailed the whimsical feel perfectly.

Transparent Elements  -  Wedding Planner & Blogger, Charley at London Bride (london-bride.com), tells us 2018 will see a surge in see-through settings and décor. ‘Everything from the venues themselves think Glasshouses, or light bright spaces with full windows to Perspex hanging seating plans, tablescapes featuring an abundance of glass details with printed goods on semi-transparent paper. Great for modern and minimalist couples who like clean lines.

New Food - Modern couples are more often opting out of the traditional 3-course set menu for their wedding breakfast. Instead, choosing food they love – from big sharing plates to food vans and portable pizza ovens, wedding food is definitely seeing a change. For 2018 we predict more alternative options like Mexican, Japanese and Peruvian inspired cuisine – with tacos, sushi and ceviche on the menu.

Wedding Wreaths - Not just for Christmas, wreaths are becoming a popular alternative decoration for weddings across all seasons. Wispy grasses, sweet smelling eucalyptus and wild flowers, these bohemian rings will have your guests impressed by your modern flower installations!

Cutting The Guest List Weddings are getting smaller. With couples opting to leave off relatives they haven’t seen for years, choosing more intimate gatherings with the people that matter most. This also cuts the wedding budget considerably, meaning extra cash saved to afford everything you really want.

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Hey guys!  Getting back in the swing of things after a nice winter hiatus. I got the opportunity while in Los Angeles and Las Vegas to see some incredible wedding ideas and inspiration.   Here are some chic, fabulous and time-tested themes that are still rocking strong in 2017.

Every year I hear people say that the Rustic theme is over and dead.  I continue to disagree with them.  There is still something very romantic and beautiful with barn settings, natural wood, milk pail and lantern lighting.

Another time-tested theme is Vintage.  It is so chic with pearls, lace, hand painted signs, old books and vintage furniture, like rustic, I don't think this theme is going anywhere anytime soon.

The Fairytale is still a popular theme, it's whimsical and romantic.  3D dresses are very in this year and can add to the drama of a the classic beautiful ball-gown inspired wedding dress.

For the bride who wants her wedding to have a more casual, laid back theme she can opt for the Boho Theme. This theme is on the rise as many couples are trying to be more frugal but still want a chic wedding...so why not Boho-Chic.   This theme is usually an eclectic mix of colors, textures, fused with an artistic flair.

Garden Theme works well for any bride who's favorite novel was "The Secret Garden" or looking for a bit of romance like Jane Austin.   You can look for an area that is reminiscent of a small English garden or a large lush country garden.  Obviously this theme will be embellished with many flowers and floral arrangements and perhaps antique tea pots, mismatched tea cups and old hardback books.  

Greenery Theme follows along the footsteps of the Garden Theme just minus the flowers.  This theme is very budget friendly as fresh greenery can fill in centerpieces, large florals, and bouquets, stretching your wedding budget since greens are generally cheaper than flowers.  Greenery and the smell of fresh herbs paired with crisp white linen and candles can make for a serene and sophisticated theme.

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

When it comes to wedding favors deciding on the right ones can seem downright impossible. And what’s so maddening about them is that a large percentage of your wedding guests won’t even take one. Yes, I hate to break it to you…but most wedding favors go unused.

Knowing that cold, hard fact means you basically have two options when it comes to wedding favors: make them memorable or skip them altogether. But since this piece is about wedding favors, I’ll assume you’re not going to forego them, but instead try to come up with a unique and clever idea that will leave guests running towards the favor table. The good news? We can help.

When trying to decide what type of wedding favor to get, I always caution brides again getting something that won’t travel well (IE: a live plant). While I love the idea of giving guests a succulent, if you’re having a wedding where most guests are traveling in and out of town, it becomes really hard for guests to pack said plant. Instead, it’s better to get something that’s well-sealed and won’t leave a dirt trail in your luggage.
 
Below are a few of my favorite recent wedding favor finds that (hopefully) guests will be excited for…
 
 
Popcorn Kernels
So I don’t always love food wedding favors (I’ve probably driven this point into the ground), but popcorn kernels are fun because you can bring them back home with you, and they’re always a fun excuse to have a movie night. You can buy glass containers with lids for around $0.30/each at stores like this one, and then use personalized tags (like the ones from Evermine, below).

 
Mini Champagne Bottles
So these mini champagne bottles with straws seem to be popping up everywhere (pun intended), but that’s for good reason. They are fun, festive, and feel oh-so-glamourous. While you can buy top-of-the-line Moet champagne bottles for around $15/bottle, you can save money without sacrificing taste by going with a cava or prosecco instead for around $$4-6/bottle. Get more prices here.

 
Bottle openers/Escort Cards
Double-duty wedding favors are always top on my list, and allow you to spend a little bit more than you normally would on a wedding favor because they’re serving another purpose (and therefore the cost tends to even out). These skeleton key bottle openers come with vintage tags so you can use them for escort cards or place cards.  Skeleton key bottle opener with tag, $6.75
 
DIY Birdseed Favor
This is a sweet and unexpected wedding favor that you can easily DIY at home.
DIY birdseed wedding favors, via Intimate Weddings
 
Vintage Hankies
Here’s another escort card idea that can double as a wedding favor. Check out my previous love for vintage hankies here, which includes helpful info on where to buy them.  Photo by Love Is a Big Deal
 
Mini Art
If you hate DIY than just skip down to the next wedding favor, because this mini piece of art is intended to be designed by you, your future husband, your bridesmaids, or anybody else in your wedding party with the slightest bit of artistic skill. You can buy the mini canvases and easels here for around $3/each.
Mini canvas and easel set via Project Wedding
 
Coffee/Tea Wedding Favors
A caffeine jolt is always a winning gift/favor, and they’re an inexpensive one at that. Buy your favorite coffee bean or tea in bulk and put them in metal canisters with a cute DIY label. For tea I like using the saying “Tea for Two” somewhere on the tag. For detailed instructions on this project, click here.

Hot Chocolate (with alcohol)
Seriously, nobody is ever upset with alcohol wedding favors. And tiny bottles are so cute (as evidenced by the mini champagne bottles, above). I would buy small glass containers, fill them with a yummy cocoa mix and marshmallows, and affix a tiny bottle of Baileys or other alcohol. If you’re using a speciality cocoa I would also include the recipe for the perfect “hot cocoa” on it. Try this beyond yummy-looking recipe here.

Lotto Tickets
I haven’t seen this wedding favor everywhere yet, but I think it’s really cute. It could work well with a Gatsby-style or kitschy retro wedding theme. Buy a lotto ticket and put them in a gift card sleeve (like this one from Etsy), and either handwrite or use a typed label along with a custom stamp you’ve ideally used somewhere else in your wedding decor.   Photo by Laurel McConnell Photography
 
Coffee Mugs
I was obsessed with getting those lettered Anthropologie coffee mugs as wedding favors/escort card holders, with every guest’s first initial on them. But after I realized how much time that would take me I gave that up. I like the idea incorporating a graphic you’ve used somewhere in your wedding decor (such as your wedding invitations, programs, etc.) and using it as your logo for a personalized coffee mug for guests. I tend to stay away from emblazoning wedding favors with your wedding date and names, because I feel like guests might be less inclined to use something that way. You can buy personalized coffee mugs here for around $426 for 126 mugs.  Personalized coffee mug wedding favor
 
This was originally posted on womangettingmarried.com and written by Lindsay Goldberg Jones.
 

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Personally I love the romantic look of a stack of older hardback books, some worn, torn and tattered with their muted colors, adorned with a small bouquet of flowers and flickering candlelight.  For other beautiful options and ribbon and lace.  I love the way the ribbon looks on an old book, the satin is such a nice contrast with the worn nature of the book.   For an eclectic style, add a tea cup, mossy greens, wooden letters or mason jars.  Similarly, many tables will have stacks of smaller books, with arrangements of candles.  The idea is to use writers instead of table numbers– each table would be a different writer; when guests find their name, it will come with a quote from that writer (on love!) instead of their table number.  Fun, meaningful, whimsical.

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Planning a bridal shower can often present a little bit of a headache for the organizer. But whether you’re the maid-of-honor or the bride’s mother, you can take some simple steps to ensure that the wide variety of guests attending all feel included and have a great time.  So whether you’re planning a casino party, going glamping or having a chic Parisian theme, make sure that the lovely bride to be is the center of attention to avoid having any type of bridal melt downs!

Bridal tips basics

Bridal showers usually take place somewhere between three months and two weeks before the main event, and while there has been a trend for parties to head off to casinos, exclusive spas or the woods for a glamping adventure for cost-effective fun, it’s hard to beat the comforts of home.  So if you’re hosting a bridal shower at home, be sure to perform a quick house makeover before the guests arrive. And think about personalizing the décor with a theme that is well-suited to the bride’s individual tastes. This will the party even more special for the bride to be with a bit of extra effort!

Fun and games

Obviously gift-giving is a huge part of any bridal party, but even this can be livened up by playing gift bingo for a fun way to shower your unsuspecting bride with a multitude of weird and wonderful presents. It’s also important to plan some amusing activities that involve everyone so that nobody becomes a wallflower. Karaoke has become a massive hit at bridal parties, but there are tons of games either new and quirky to more traditional to choose from to have great fun and play as a team!

Food and drink

The great thing about hosting a bridal shower at home is that you can cut costs on providing some seriously extravagant culinary experiences. Canapés are a great way to ensure that a variety of tastes are well catered for, and be sure to include plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.  And similarly, while it’s a fact that cocktails are the quickest way to really get the party started, it’s also a good idea to try some lovely alcohol free drinks so that everyone’s got a glass in hand to toast the bride and celebrate the day!

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Fall weddings have grown in popularity for wedding couples, since the weather is so comfortable in our region, the fall foliage so beautiful (especially at outdoor wedding venues and on the grounds of scenic wedding venues,) and fall wedding trends including gorgeous décor and food inspirations.  October weddings equal in popularity to June weddings, and September comes in a close 3rd.
To help inspire your fall wedding plans, here are some of the top new trends for fall weddings in 2016:

• Outdoor ceremonies and cocktail parties. With such gorgeous autumn color in the trees and landscaping all throughout your wedding venue and outdoor wedding gardens, you get gorgeous scenery, color and textures courtesy of Mother Nature (without adding a penny to your wedding budget for décor!) There’s something so special about gathering your loved ones in a scenic outdoor space for your ceremony and cocktail party, especially during peak fall foliage times.
  
  
• PANTONE® wedding colors. Color trend-setting specialists PANTONE® announce the top wedding colors for each season, and their fall wedding colors include the loveliest shades of cranberry (such as the PANTONE® color of the year, Marsala,) brick, dark green, gray-blue, and other shades that add depth and richness to wedding plans. You’ll see a number of PANTONE® wedding inspiration boards on Pinterest, sharing gorgeous fall wedding design inspirations by color, including which top wedding colors to combine for fall. One of the top neutrals for fall wedding colors is charcoal gray, which adds an elegance to wedding design, and lest you think fall wedding colors are only in the darker shades, pops of bright colors are a top trend for fall wedding color combinations.
  
  
• Jewel- toned crystals. Clear crystals have long been wedding décor staples, and now a top trend for fall weddings that add sparkle and rich hues is jewel-toned crystals such as sapphire and burgundy shades, in addition to oranges and yellows.
  
  
• Intimate lighting. Fall weddings get all the more intimate and magical with lots of pretty lighting, including table-set candles in varying heights and styles (candelabras, pillar candles, votives, etc.) lantern lights, suspended lights, chandeliers, and specialty lighting companies’ color washes, uplighting and custom lighting effects projected onto the dance floor, walls and even onto the driveway outside your wedding venue for an exciting welcome to your wedding celebration.
  
  
• Fall flowers. And not the usual ones you’d expect for wedding flowers in the fall. Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera listed out his favorite fall wedding flowers as including Iris, Hyacinths, zinnia, snapdragon, freesia, and lily of the valley – all surprising choices, since these are commonly known as spring wedding flowers and summer wedding flowers. But in the world of flower creation, new hybrids are sprouting up spring and summer colors and delicate flowers in the fall season.
  
  
• Fabulous fabrics. Fall weddings call for heavier fabrics for your table linens, in rich, touchable textures that add elegance to your wedding décor.
  
  
• Fall wedding menus include lots of meats with paired sauces, and stations offering both heavier and lighter, fresh, garden-inspired fare. In a top fall wedding trend, pair foods with beers and ales, and bourbon-glazed meats. And side dishes include chef-elevated fall veggies with a gourmet twist, making side dishes as enticing as the main course. Soups, particularly creamy soups and bisques make the list for top wedding menu stations and courses.
  
  
• For fall wedding drinks, include hot toddies like hot rum drinks and hot spiked ciders for that elevated autumn drinks menu, and include an array of flavored coffees for after dinner.
  
  
• In desserts, add pies to your dessert hour list, since pies are a top trend for wedding desserts, in full-sized pies for slicing, and as mini pie tarts.

 
 
Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Fabulous Summer Wedding Colors

We simply adore these wedding photos featuring the fabulous summer wedding colors of yellow, orange, red and pink!  The colorful streamers are wonderful and the orange Crush sodas simply add to all the colorful and lovely wedding decor.  Perfect for an outdoor summer wedding!  If you are planning a colorful summer wedding, these vibrant photos should give you some inspiration for your wedding plans.  Be bold, be beautiful but most importantly be you!  It is your day so let the color palette speak for both of your shining personalities.

Photos courtesy of Melissa McCrotty Photography.

Are you a bride-to-be or newly engaged couple planning your wedding featuring fabulous summer wedding colors and in need of inspiration, tips or planning tools?  Contact us to help!

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Wedding
Zanesville Ohio Wedding
Newark Ohio Wedding
Marietta Ohio Wedding 
New Philadelphia Ohio Wedding 
St. Clairsville Ohio Wedding
Wheeling West Virginia Wedding
Parkersburg West Virginia Wedding 
Coshocton Ohio Wedding

Click here Choosing your bridesmaids is something that is usually done way before you are ever engaged. You may have spent a lot of time, before the "Will you marry me?" question was popped, deciding who you would want to stand by your side during your wedding planning adventure and of course, of the biggest day of your life. So when it finally comes time to ask these lovely ladies (or gentleman!) to be your bridesmaids, you feel a sense of joy and excitement, hoping that each of them will say yes.

After your bridal party members have been chosen and you start your wedding planning, you may be quite surprised, shocked even, if any of your bridesmaids drop out of your wedding.  So what should you do if one, two, or even three of your bridesmaids get cold feet and take back their initial "I do?"

First, have a conversation with them to discover the root of the problem. Did all three of them drop out for the same reason? Is that reason centered on you and your behavior? Or did each of them drop out for different and personal reasons?

Once you know the reasoning, you can then decide how to tackle the situation. If they dropped out because you've started to transform into a bridezilla and your expectations for them have spun out of control, you can attempt to make adjustments and ask that they give you a second chance.

If they dropped out because of personal reasons, see if you can make having them in your bridal party still work. Let them know that they don't need to go to the pre-wedding events that they don't have time for or can't afford to attend. Do what you can to keep them engaged in your wedding. If none of that works, let them know that having them at your wedding will still be the greatest gift of all.

Jen Glantz is a "Professional Bridesmaid" and the founder of Bridesmaids for Hire. She's the author of All of my Friends are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.  Reproduction from www.brides.com

Should you have any questions about planning the perfect wedding contact Perfect Fairytale Endings.  Remember your initial consultation is always complimentary!

Michael Klingensmith
Professional Wedding Consultant
Perfect Fairytale Endings
Cambridge, Ohio 43725 
www.perfectfairytaleendings.com

Serving the following locations -
Cambridge Ohio Weddings 
Zanesville Ohio Weddings
Newark Ohio Weddings
Marietta Ohio Weddings 
New Philadelphia Ohio Weddings 
St. Clairsville Ohio Weddings 
Wheeling West Virginia Weddings
Parkersburg West Virginia Weddings 
Coshocton Ohio Weddings

To be Naked or Not to be Naked…that is the question of the day.

For those who know me are saying, “Oh my where is this going?”  I assure you this is post if rate PG and appropriate for all viewers lol.  There has been a trend brewing and fluctuating for a while now….the Naked Wedding Cake.  I know some of you just gasped in horror at the thought of no fluffy buttercream icing, decadent frosting and intricate fondant designs but hear me out.

While the design is based on simplicity the focus is on taste and presentation.  Let’s take a look at this naughty confection…the Naked Cake.