Wedding Ideas and Inspiration Blog

Posts tagged William

William Fogler Talks Eco-Conscious Thank You Cards

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What is the talk about going “green” when it comes to thank you cards? I just did thank you cards for my engagement party and it feels like a big waste of paper to do what a lovely email would also accomplish. Thoughts?
- Erika Schwalb, Facebook fan.

Dear Miss Schwalb,While I appreciate your eco-conscious thinking, nothing compares to a handwritten thank you note. It may seem like this formality doesn’t matter in our era of digital convenience, but it most certainly does.
There are plenty of sustainable alternatives to show your guests you truly care about them as well as the environment. Some suggestions are:

- using recycled paper for printing
- adding a “Please Recycle” symbol to the card
- selecting a postcard-style note to use less paper
- sending a photo, which also acts as a keepsake

My favorite alternative currently is using seed paper, which can be planted and used to grow something beautiful, reminding guests of your special day.Have a burning question about your big day? Send it to us at: info@mywedding.com or tweet it or Facebook us!

William Fogler with Seating Card Ideas for Your Reception

Assigned seating is a special touch that takes a little effort but shows your guests you care; by taking the guesswork out of where to sit you give everyone comfort in knowing you took the time to properly place them. And, by selecting your guests’ seats you can play matchmaker with your single guests, give sports fanatics the chance to rally with one another, and help bring the timid out of their shell.

If you decide to assign your guests to tables consider these guidelines for a well-organized escort table:
- Select an easy to read font or script.
- Make sure the cards are alphabetized.
- Position the table in an easily accessible location.
- Consider a theme.
- Have fun with the design!

Final tip: Remember to make the table user friendly and place it in a well-lit spot so guests can read their names easily.

To get you inspired, here are a few examples of unique approaches to the traditional escort table.

Embroidered Napkins
We personalized and hem stitched napkins as place cards (and blew the minds of everyone at this destination wedding). Each guests’ napkin was embroidered with their name to take home as a wonderful keepsake from this amazing weekend long event. placesetting-amber-wood-flower-139488
Silver Bud Vases
For this wedding, bud vases were tagged with each guest’ seating arrangement, which complimented the centerpiece design at their table. At the end of the event elegant gift boxes were distributed so guests could easily take home their sparkling new vessel. tall-vase-green-flower-placecards-139488
Leaf Design
For this romantic, garden-inspired wedding, names were written on real leaves, which guests then literally “picked” from the vine in order to find their seats. reception-flower-chandelier-lights-139488
Modern Flare
For this sleek and modern wedding design, the seating cards floated above the bride and groom’s names on the dance floor. floating-placecards-white-dark-139488
Mountain Chic
To reflect this fashionista bride who was having a destination wedding in the Rockies, seating cards were hung from an Aspen tree in precious little purses. seeds-ornament-gift-pink-139488
Selecting your guest seats is a detail that really shows your guests that you care about them. Your guests’ comfort is the ultimate goal and, believe me, their enjoyment at your event makes all your planning worthwhile.

William’s Advice on How to Build Your Guest List

Your guest list is one of the most important aspects of starting to plan your wedding. I recommend building your list before you make any big decisions as the number of guests you invite will affect your budget, venue selection and overall style of your wedding.

Here are a few tips to think about as your start building your list:
-Decide who you cannot imagine being without on your big day. And equally as important, decide who will definitely not be invited. These two opposing sets of names will help you pare down your guests right away.

-Determine a target number from the start. This projected total should be based upon a mutual agreement between you and your groom. If you both always dreamed of a small intimate wedding, this is the time to set that plan in motion. With a goal set for the final number, you will easily be able to determine how many people each party (do not forget to include your parents’ lists, if applicable).

-Set parameters for yourself and your family. For example, perhaps you might decide not to invite coworkers or children. Additionally, let your parents know their invite limit and then give them the space to decide who to put on it.

-Lastly, build your list from your heart and not from simple consideration. The guests at your wedding should be those you truly enjoy and those with whom you want to share your special day.

Whether it’s wedding etiquette questions, info on the latest styles and trends, or timeless advice, our in-house wedding designer William has the answers. Have a burning question about your big day? Send it to us at: info@mywedding.com or tweet it or Facebook us!

Photo by Paige Elizabeth.

William Fogler Talks About Color Matching and Balance

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I am doing Eggplant and Cornflower, Eggplant being the main color- how can I use cornflower as my accent color without everything being too matchy, matchy? – Karen Marie, Facebook fan

Dear Miss Marie,You have selected a very rich and versatile color combination for your wedding design. Depending on the season and style you are going to have many options with this scheme.A few ideas to consider:
- Get crazy. Add a bit of turquoise, hot pink or orange for a punch. They’ll bring the combination to life (depending, of course, on the look you are going for).
- Balance the combination out with a neutral, such as white, cream or silver.
- Switch it around by alternating your dominant and accent colors, so cornflower would occasionally be your dominant color with a touch of eggplant.
- Try going monochromatic, using pretty much all eggplant with just a hint of cornflower or vice versa.

Above all, don’t worry about being matchy-matchy and just have fun with your colors. Mix in a little color surprise here and there and you will be sure to impress.Have a burning question about your big day? Send it to us at: info@mywedding.com or tweet it or Facebook us!

William with Advice on Gift Baskets for Out-of-Town Guests

gift-basket-black-bow-basket Welcoming your out-of-town guests is a detail which shows your guests you really appreciate their attendance at your event. The manner in which you decide to present this thoughtful gesture can be simple or lavish depending on your style and budget. The important thing to remember is that it truly is the thought that counts.

When deciding how you will salute those who have traveled for you special day you should consider these ideas and tips:

-Offer local specialties for which your city or town is known. For example, if you live in Atlanta you might consider offering mini Coca Colas or Georgia pecans.

-Look for freebies. Your local Chamber of Commerce, convention bureau or tourist information center will often provide free maps, pamphlets or magazines, which promote the wedding area and can be included as part of the welcome gift.

-Include a personal letter from you the special couple along with pertinent scheduling information for your event.

-Add your personal brand, logo or design to personalize the gift. This may also include a questionnaire about fond memories or personal experiences your guests share with the bride and groom.

-Keep in mind, hotels normally charge $3 – $5.00 per delivery, so consider this when budgeting your present.

-Consider a theme based on the location – if you are having a beach wedding toss in some sunblock and flip flops

-Share personal favorites whether it be candies or a treat or even a restaurant suggestion. The whole welcome should reflect your personal style and taste.

-Go Green and use an innovative, reusable container like a tote , straw hat or basket from the thrift store. pile-baskets-empty-black-bow

-Get creative and consider homemade treats such as cookies and breads or even simply fresh fruit such as a couple of apples with a note.
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William: What Vintage Really Means and How to Use it in Your Wedding

vintage-bride-wedding-dress-paper-hearts-jessica-claire With return of classically-inspired looks (often perfectly aged like a fine Cabernet), I ask, “What vintage are you?” A peculiar question I know, but as the tony fashions of yesteryear become the chic looks of our wedding designs today, I want you to know you do have options.

Vintage today means well-tailored, elegant and smart, and has evolved into multiple stylistic genres – classic, modern and artisan. No longer does the idea of something old, antique or used equal a lacy, floral endearment. Instead the sleek, even edgy, lines a Modernist craves can be found amidst the same settings of curls and swirls a traditional classicist finds appealing.

If you are like so many other fashionable brides who desire a vintage look, first consider defining which style you are going for. Gilded, silvery motifs eluding to honored traditions are typically for the more classic at heart. Aged, patined and slightly worn themes often work well for those going for a more natural or rustic look, such as farm to table. Contemporary schemes work well with retro and modern lines, like those of the 60’s and 70’s era.

Once you have a clear focus of which period you like the most, start to think about how you will inspire your overall design with a dash of dated details. For example, consider selecting a single statement piece that will be placed in a high visibility location, such as the guest book area, to firmly establish your theme. Often, you can find the right piece in granny’s basement, local thrift store or garage sale; wherever you find it, it should not be new. No matter what, don’t be afraid to mix eras if they work well together – there should be no rules.

Photo by: Jessica Claire Photography via The Sweetest Occasion