• How clear is the ice and how do you get it that way?

Typically, ice carvers will use large blocks that are frozen with water circulating during the process. Each block may take anywhere from 2 – 5 days to freeze. Ask your potential sculpture artist what form of freezing they use and ask how the clarity of their ice compares to the competition.

• How long does an ice sculpture usually last?

Depending on the design of your ice sculpture, you can typically expect it to look good for approximately 5 to 7 hours, when in a controlled 70 degree environment. If your wedding will be an outdoor event, exposure to the elements will reduce the lasting time of your ice sculpture to less than 5 hours. Work with your designer to come up with a design that will stand up to the environment of your wedding.

• How long does it take to carve an ice sculpture?

Depending on the design, some ice sculptures can be carved in 2-3 hours while more intricate and large scale designs can take up to 2-3 days. Different sculptures utilize different carving techniques. Ask your potential ice designer what techniques they use and ask to see examples.

If you’re going to make an investment of an ice sculpture at your wedding, consider where and how long your reception will be and what style of design will support your wedding best. Also consider incorporating the ice sculpture into a major centerpiece for your guests to appreciate – and maybe even include your ice sculpture into your drink service. Something interactive and fun will allow your guests to appreciate your investment and have fun at the same time!

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception - make it more than just a dance.

One of the most poignant moments at a wedding reception can be the father daughter dance. In my final consultation with brides prior to their wedding, I often find some getting emotional when they describe sharing a dance with their dad. As the father of two girls, I know firsthand the strong bond that can be formed between a father and daughter.

Here are four ideas to consider as you plan for this special dance with your dad.

1. Let your Dad choose the Song – I remember one wedding where the father chose the song they danced to and I shared over the microphone the story behind its meaning and significance. The father was driving down the road one day long before his daughter was born and he heard a song on the radio. He told himself that if he had a daughter, this would be the song he would dance with her on her wedding day. Tears flowed down the brides cheeks as they danced to this old classic song.

1. Share your Favorite Memory of your Dad – A great way to personalize this special moment is to have your MC share your favorite memory of your dad. Here is an example I shared at wedding last year “One of Jennifer’s favorite memories of her dad was when she turned 18. Her dad told her that he had something he wanted to show her and asked her to jump in the car with him. Jennifer was really confused when they pulled into the U-haul parking lot. John told Jennifer, your 18 now, so we’re going to rent a U-haul and load up all your stuff ….your moving out! “DAD!!!!” She reluctantly went inside and stated to the person at the desk, I don’t know why I’m here but my dad made me come in. In on the trick, the salesperson reached over and handed her keys to brand new car. A car she still drives to this day.”

1. Have a Photo Montage Playing in the background during the Father Daughter Dance – Another great way to personalize this dance is to have photos of you and your dad taken over the years projected on a large screen or LCD TV. Talk to your DJ/MC about creating a personalized music video to be shown and enjoyed by everyone at the reception. This feature is best accomplished at an indoor reception facility where the lighting can be controlled and dimmed to get the best possible image.

1. Invite other Fathers and Daughters to join half way Through – To involve others, invite all fathers and daughters that are present to join halfway through. This can also serve as a foreshadowing for younger ladies of their future wedding day.

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception that leaves everyone in tears. Consider these ideas to make to make it more than just a dance.

Submitted by:

Dave Meine
DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey Entertainment, LLC.

208-571-9807
www.djdaves.net

What's old is new again

One popular trend brides are leaning towards is revitalizing styles from the 20s and 50s. Gowns are trending towards shorter and more color than the traditional white or ivory. Check out old TV shows or movies from those eras for inspiration for your wedding. Look at renting more traditional or older style venues for your wedding location to fit with a retro theme. You can probably find a great bargain on a “non-traditional” wedding venue rental.

Not only are the look and feel of weddings taking inspiration from the old – but brides are using heirloom items in their decor. Take a look at vintage items to spice up your decor – incorporate photographs of parents and grandparents into your decor. Utilize vintage napkin holders and chandeliers into your decor. Visit antique stores and second hand stores for a variety of old looking picture frames.

Look for other ways to include generational items into your theme as well. Perhaps (with a little altering) you can wear your grandmother’s wedding dress or your mother’s necklace. Your wedding is, after all, a celebration of the creation of your new family. Incorporating traditions and pieces from your family and your new husband’s family into your wedding day can increase the memories and traditions you are building.

Alternate Wedding Dessert Ideas - Utilize Eye Candy!

If you’ve been to a Wedding lately you may have noticed that instead of a cake, there was a whole table dedicated to several desserts and a variety of candy. These displays are a growing trend and have several different names; candy buffets, dessert displays, dessert tables and candy bars. A dessert display is a table filled with trays of desserts and ornate glass jars full of candy that coordinates with the colors of your event or Wedding.

The options for making these displays unique to your Wedding are endless. Not everyone loves cake, so why not try a dessert display full of cookies or pies? You can make your display unique by adding custom candy tags, a table linen that matches your Wedding colors, or your favorite childhood candy. A dessert display also doubles as a favor for your guests to take home. Providing candy scoops and treat bags that can be customized to match your Wedding are a perfect way to get your guests involved and they are a fun, do-it-yourself favor.

Dessert displays are gaining momentum in the Wedding scene and it looks like they are a trend that is here to stay. Presenting your treats in this whimsical way will make your guests feel like a kid in a candy store and it is sure to be the hit of your party. Try a dessert display for your next Wedding or event, it will make a lasting impression and leave everyone talking…when their mouths aren’t full!

Submitted by:

Ashley Carlson
Eye Candy Event Design

208.869.8333
www.EyeCandyEventDesign.com

Consider a Theatrical Theme for your Idaho Wedding

Are you in the beginning stages of planning your wedding and don’t want to have just a typical traditional wedding? Though you may be an Idaho bride, do you tend to have a flair for theatrics? Maybe you love Vegas and would love to have a destination wedding there, but aren’t sure about the logistics and costs of getting your guests there. Well, consider an extreme-theme wedding going Theatre Style!

This could be a fun theme that you could carry as far as your imagination (or budget) will allow. You could ask everyone on the guest list to arrive as dressed for a costume ball. Encourage your guests to be lavish and wear masks. You can even have some great masks for the bride and groom and wedding party! Thinking “Phantom of the Opera, anyone?”

Check with your local wedding rental location, or even with a theater department at your friend’s or family’s school. There might be some great props you could utilize as wedding decorations and photo backdrops.

Consider this theme when choosing your wedding venue and reception location – don’t rule out schools and studios, or maybe you could even rent out a theater and hire a local acting guild for some interactive entertainment.

Don’t forget music and lights! Whether you choose to play recorded movie soundtracks or broadway show tunes, or you hire a symphony your music will help to set the mood of your “theatrical ball”. Also, if you’re outdoors consider going overboard on mini LED lights, rented uplights and maybe even touch lights for the reception tables. If you’re indoors, consider a spotlight or renting a beautiful chandelier to serve as your photo focal point.

Whatever your fancy, a theatrical style wedding theme will certainly make your wedding day memorable for not only you and your groom, but also for your guests.

Planning a Vintage or Retro-inspired Idaho Wedding

Congratulations you’re engaged! You have your wedding date picked and now you are ready to begin planning the most important day of your life. But have you asked the question: What are the hottest wedding trends for 2011?  Here are a few I thought might be helpful.

Vintage Modern:

Vintage and retro-inspired with a modern twist.  What’s old is new.

• Vintage wedding dresses with cap sleeves
• Beautiful textures
• Ornate details
• Natural settings, including outdoor and backyard weddings
• Vintage photography
• Nontraditional veils, vintage or heirloom combs.

Eco-friendly weddings:

Environmentally friendly weddings. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses, LED lighting, recycled paper invitations and programs, and food from local Idaho farms and Idaho providers. Charity donations are a popular option instead of traditional wedding favors, and couples can ask for donations to their favorite charity instead of wedding gifts.

Contributed by:
Dawn Rising   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Going bold with your wedding colors

Selecting your wedding style and colors will be some of your first items to do, helping to set the décor decisions you will make from here forward. Not all brides want traditional wedding colors like white with pale pink or navy blue with silver accents. When you are looking for ways to incorporate the “wow” factor into your wedding, think about using colors with more intensity and boldness. One of the most intense color combinations is purple and red for a wedding with pizzazz.

Purple and red make a strong statement together; they work well for bridesmaids dresses, selecting one of the colors as the focal point and accenting the other. For example: Deep Eggplant Purple could be accented with a red sash and red flower in hair, or a Red dress with a Deep Purple Shawl and strappy sandals to coordinate.  Your bridesmaids will look fabulous and flirty and your groomsmen dashing. There will be no demure looking attendants with this color palette!

These intense colors of purple and red should be accented or layered with a subdued color such as burnt orange or chocolate brown to keep your wedding color palette deep and mysterious. You could also add a lighter color for contrast such as cream, taupe or pale gold. It depends on the time of day, the formality and how dramatic you want your wedding and reception to be.

The modern weddings of today are amazing and the wedding food and drinks served at them can be paired with your color scheme. Signature drinks in purple and reds would look fabulous lined up on the bar for guests to take for a most impressive look.

Every bride and groom wants to express the love and passion they feel for each other, so a dramatic purple and red wedding color scheme is just what you will need.  From the flowers to bridal party attire and the food to the favors; this dramatic color pairing will make for an unforgettable wedding.

Contributed by:
Diane Estey   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Consider utilizing wedding rentals for planning resources as well as budget savers

Even if you’re in the beginning stages of your Idaho wedding planning, don’t forget to utilize local wedding rental resources. You might not even know your venue or how many people you are inviting – or maybe you have the day and place picked out but aren’t sure how you want to decorate for your wedding. Don’t forget, the professionals at wedding rental facilities are experts who have helped plan hundreds of weddings – use them for their experience!

If you’re searching for ideas or inspiration, make an appointment and look through books of past weddings they have done. Go armed with questions! Consider asking the following:

• Are there any big trends you are seeing?
• What kind of things can be rented?
• What advice do you have to a bride that’s just getting started?
• How do you calculate the number of items you need?
• Do you have any cost saving ideas?
• Can you work within my budget?
• Do you recommend any particular venues?
• I’ve already chosen my venue – have you had any particular complications or things that worked really well at that venue in the past?
• What important things to people often forget to order?
• Can you handle all of my renting needs?

Want to get started right away? Call up some of our Idaho wedding rental specialists today!

Planning your Idaho Wedding

It’s no surprise when it comes to planning your wedding, there are a lot of decisions to make. The average wedding couple takes anywhere from eight months to a year to plan their wedding, and a majority of the time is spent visiting reception venues, locating a photographer, and deciding on which wedding style best suits you as a couple. Before throwing yourself into the occasionally hectic world of planning your wedding, take a moment to look at the big picture to avoid making major wedding planning mistakes.

The first wedding planning to-do is to set your wedding budget, from your dress to the reception and sticking to it. Every single decision made while planning your wedding will be affected by this single detail.

Next, finalize your guest list. Until you know how many people you’re inviting, it’ll be tough to know which venues can accommodate your wedding. Your guest list will also determine: catering costs, bar tab, wedding favor costs, and a host of other wedding details, so it’s important to finalize as early as possible (you may account for guest add-ons closer to the event).

Contributed by:
Diane Estey – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Tipping for Wedding Vendors

With so many expenses, gratuities can really add up for a wedding couple. There is a huge controversy on tipping vendors. Many vendors add into their contracts anywhere from 18%-21% gratuity per event.  As brides and grooms reach deep into their (or their parents) savings accounts for so many other wedding expenses, being expected to hand out even more for gratuities can be a hard to handle.  Well, rest assured; unless a service charge is spelled out in your contract, you’re NEVER obligated to tip a vendor.

However, some vendors expect a gratuity which is why tipping should be considered case by case. Just a few general rules to remember if you decide you would like to tip: Business Owners should not be tipped, but tip their employees (unless the complete business team went above and beyond the contracted agreement), tip vendors who offer exceptional services; a thank-you note is always appreciated.  Always remember to assign the responsibility of delivering the tips to a trusted person such as your wedding planner, a parent or best man.

Here are just a few vendors you may consider for gratuities, if not mentioned in their contracts as a service charge:

Wedding Planner: Will not expect a tip; if yours did a great job you can always offer a token of your appreciation with a non-monetary thank -you such as professional photos of your wedding for their portfolio, this can go a long way.

Hairstylist and Make up Artist:  This is one vendor where a gratuity seems to be expected.  Tip just as you would in a hair salon; consider giving a little extra if you are extremely pleased with their service.

Wedding Delivery and Set up staff:  Give a few dollars to anyone delivering important items to the wedding: Wedding Cake, flowers or sound system – if there are many items needing brought in and set up (Tent, chairs or port-a-potties).  Tipping is not expected, but much appreciated by these staff members.

Ceremony musicians:  If you worked with someone or a group to create your amazing day and they were able to do so without flaw, you may consider showing a monetary thank you for their talents, but it is not expected.

Submitted by:

Diane Estey
Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com