Who Says You Can Only Have One Cake?!

Boxed Flowers

You can purchase chic boxes just about any place to use for this centerpiece idea. You can even get plain boxes and do your own decorating with elegant paper and ribbon. You wouldn't have to add a ton of flowers to finish the look.

Melissa Sweet

One of my favorite designers is Melissa Sweet. I absolutly adore everything they create! Above is just a taste. View more at the website!

Floral Tips

Getting ready to start thinking about flowers? There are a couple tips and tricks to make your wedding florals go the extra mile. Floral arrangements can reak havoc on your wedding budget. Get the most for your money by using the tips listed below.

~Put your money into the flowers that guests will see for the longest period of time. This includes your bouquet and centerpeices.

~Add a colored runner or candles to add appeal to a smaller arrangement

~Always check with your florist to see what is in season

~If you are creative, DIY! Obviously, try putting together a couple arrangements to see if you have what it takes. Don't forget to delegate on the wedding day.

When you begin your search check out Sierra Flower Finder or Telefloral.

Pinwheel Escort Cards

I love this idea! This screams a fun, energetic couple. Perfect for a summer outdoor wedding.

MIA!

I have been extremely lazy the last couple of weeks. I have not been keeping up with my blog reading or posting! I am one of those people that are completely effected by the weather. Now that it is getting cold and dreary all I want to do is curl up in a blanket and read a good book.

From this day forward I vow to post at least two blogs a week and stay current with my reading! Although as soon as there is a solid base on the slopes I can't make any promises. I can't wait to get back on my board!

Alexia Designs

These dresses are stunning by Alexia Designs!

Drum Roll Please!

Amber Dawn Event Design held a drawing for a complimentary Day Coordination Package valued at $1200.00. Couples could register via email or at the Lowell Bridal Show we attended this weekend.

We are proud to announce our lucky winner Emily who will be getting married on 7/11/09!

Bridal Show!

Tomorrow I will be participating in a Bridal Show in Lowell at the Grand Volute. Come and check it out. There will be a group of great vendors as well as some amazing door prizes. Hope to see you there!

One Week Left!

Amber Dawn Event Design is celebrating our new name, look, and packages! We will be having a drawing for all couples to win a Day Coordination Package! We will be drawing the lucky couple after the conclusion of the Lowell Bridal Show at the Grand Volute on November 1st. We will contact the winner on November 3rd.

You can enter yourself in the drawing at the Bridal Show or simply send us an email with the following information at amber@detailsbyamberdawn.com.

First & Last Name
Event Date
Phone Number
Email Address

Good Luck!
Amber

Dress Combinations

I saw the above picture in an advertisement for David's Bridal and loved the look. We have been seeing brides give their wedding party the option to get a different dress in the same color for quite some time. Go a step further and mess around with your color palettes as well!

A Pillow of Flowers

Want a unique ring bearer pillow? Check out the pillow of flowers above. So unique and memorable. DIY with Modern Bride! Simply purchase a square floral foam and insert your fav flower.

Giving To Your Guests

Welcome baskets for your out of town guests are certainly becoming the norm of late but you can show your personality with trendy ideas in your packaging and contents. Modern Bride included this example in their Warm Welcome spread.

Shape & Color

A Splash of Color

If you already have a beautiful outdoor setting tons of decoration is not needed. Here is a cute way to add a splash of color shown in the Bridal Guide magazine. They simply took fabric and tied it to hanging basket holders. You can get hanging basket holders in just about any size. Find the perfect fit for your location.

Spiral Seating

I have been obsessed with this idea since I saw it done on TV. Set up your seating in a spiral fashion. Instead of the wedding party walking down a straight aisle they will follow the spiral to the center where the ceremony will take place. All your guests will see how glamorous you and your wedding party are. This also incorporates guests into your ceremony.

I am still waiting for the perfect couple to come along with the space to tackle this new approach to an aisle!

Punch of Color!

I recently put together the above bouquet for my sister. She was moving to a different department at work so I put this together for a little special gift...love the vibrant colors. You don't see this combo everyday but it would be cute for a unique wedding.

Joe Longo & Erica Byerly 9.20.08

Congratulations Joe & Erica! Joe and Erica were the first clients to book with Amber Dawn Wedding Consultants when I started about a year ago. They will always remain close to my heart. They are the perfect example of true love. The way they compliment each other is amazing. Truly a match made in heaven.

Ok, Ok, Ok...I am done gushing about my wonderful first clients. I know you want to hear the dirt! Wait...there isn't any...I worked with wonderful vendors and everything went off with out a hitch. I had to fix some nail polish and lost my valet ticket but other than that it was perfection.



Ceremony Venue: Fountain Street Church

Reception Venue: Amway Grand Plaza

Florist: Eastern Floral

Photographer: Larson Photography

Transportation: Regal Limousine

Entertainment: Music Host Productions

Stationary: Papers Plus

My "A" Team

My wedding this past weekend had a very tight time line. I basically would have had to be in two places at once if not for my wonderful assistants. Being the perfectionist that I am I tend to think that I am the only one that will do it the way it should be. Amanda and Angie proved me wrong this weekend.

I had to leave all reception set up in their hands so that I could make it back in time for the ceremony. When I returned back to the reception site I was amazed at how well it looked. When I went through my check list they had handled everything and I didn't have to change a thing. I realized then how blessed I am to have such great assistants and sisters!

Not only do they get the job done but we have such a blast working together. I am truly blessed. Check out the picture of my "A" team above!

The Original Runner Co

Looking for a runner that doesn't bunch, tear, or trip you? Want all that and have it be trendy and unique?! Look no further...The Original Runner Company has exactly what you are looking for! I can't even describe how amazing these runners will look at your event. You must check out the pics on their website. For your reading pleasure I have listed some company details...

Non-slip fabric

Over two dozen colors and prints

Custom designs

Machine washable

Tear and puncture proof

Phew...

I just cleaned my office! After a couple weeks of being crazy busy and more to come this week I decided it was time to buckle down and get more organized. It make for a more efficient me :)

P.S...Don't peek in my craft room...you won't find the same results

Ryan & Rachel 9.13.08

Remember when I blogged about Rachel's idea for her candy table and how it matched her personality perfectly. Her beautiful wedding was this Saturday and I got the privilege to make her vision become a reality. It was a blast! My husband and I were also Master and Mistress of Ceremonies!

Rachel happens to be my husband's cousin and my old roommate. I can't believe that seven years ago I set them up on a blind date and the actually got married! It was so much fun helping out with a wedding in which all your family was there to join in the celebration.

Bananas for this idea!

I have been looking for an idea to organize my vendor business cards so that they are displayed and cute. I think this has given me some inspiration! More to come...

Sorry!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give my apologizes for the lack of comment posting the last couple of weeks. I have been so busy with a variety of things and am behind on my reading. I will back with a vengeance in two weeks...I promise!

Paper It

Another great idea by Martha Stewart...if you plan on using these around candles make sure you have a glass cylinder between the flame and the paper!

Hilarious!

Go Paper!

Another fantastic idea in lieu of flowers! For special events related to a wedding such as bridal showers and luncheons why not do something different. You don't have to break the bank to throw a stylish affair. Check out these paper ideas from Martha Stewart.

Idea for Globe Lanterns

Round vs Square

Round tables tend to be the norm at weddings but I think the rectangle table is coming back with a vengeance. Rectangle tables can create a flow throughout the room and if you have a big space and a small guest list these tables are perfect to fill the room.

Phew...

I have had such a backlog of bridal magazines that I have not had a chance to get through until now. I spent all day looking at them and ripping out pages that I liked. Everyone has a favorite part of event planning whether it is photography, fashion, etc. Mine is DECOR! I love going through magazines and searching online for the hottest new trends.

The only problem is I get the itch to be crafty...not really a problem except when you don't have time to be spending 3 hours in your craft room coming up with new ideas for table numbers!!! Anyways, as a result my page flipping get prepared for the onslaught of blogs about decor. I have about 25 in my arsenal and if these mags keep coming...there will be more.

HAPPY READING!

I am BANANAS for this dress!

I don't know about wearing it for my wedding day but in a different color I would wear this anywhere! Beautifully done by Melissa Sweet as always.

Let the Leaves Fall...

Fall is just around the corner which means fall wedding themes come to life. How cute to have little leaf cutouts in your invitation envelopes! Even if it is too late to incorporate into your invitations try this idea for your Thank You cards.

So Cute!

I saw this picture and fell in love!

Eyebrow Arch 101

I was flipping through the new BRIDES magazine and I came across a great article to get the perfect eyebrow arch. We all know how pesky our eyebrows can be! Check out these tips to get the perfect length and arch.
1.) Take an eyeliner pencil and place it vertically against the side of your nose. Your brows should begin where the tip meets the brow.

2.) Move the pencil so that it hits the middle of the mouth and the outer edge of the pupil. The pencil and brow meet at your brow's arch.

3.) Place the pencil against your nostril and move it so that the tip hits the outer corner of your eye. Your eyebrow should end here.

In the NAME of love!

I had a wonderful time meeting with Erica and Joe this weekend to review details for their September 20th wedding. We met at the JW and it was the first time visiting Mixology and Six One Six. I was very impressed and loved the swanky decor. They also had a wonderful patio overlooking the Grand River where a lovely bride and groom where taking pictures.

While chatting we got on the subject of changing your name after your married. As a survivor of this process I gave her some helpful tips and also reccommended she check out a list provided by The Knot. I wanted to pass on this wonderful information to all! Check it out.

AJ & Caitlin ~ 8.8.08

I had an opportunity to work with AJ and Caitlin and their great family this past weekend with a group of excellent vendors...

Ceremony: First Congregation of Greenville
Reception: Frederick Meijer Gardens
Caterer: Gilmore Collection
Bakery: Cake Connection
Florist: Ludemas Floral and Gardens
Transportation: Elite Limousine
Photographer: Clever Creations
Linens: Special Occasions
Entertainment: Complete Music
Rental: Cascade Rental

AJ is originally from the Greenville area but now resides in Chicago where they both attended college. Their wedding was planned by the MOB, Karen, while Caitlin finished her education this past spring. I can't begin to explain all the family history and little details that were incorporated to make their wedding personal and unique to the couple. From the salt water taffy to the tetrahedron card box...everything had meaning to the family and couple.

I absolutely loved working on this wedding because there were so many elements to each aspect of the day. It is always fun to see it all brought together to the final product and stand in awe! Below are only some details!

I also wanted to send out a special thank you to the A TEAM...my wonderful assistants Angie and Amanda!

Jean M

I have been a long time fan of Jean M and the great products they have to offer couples looking forward to an upcoming wedding. Not only do they sell elegant and simplistic invitations...they also offer favor packaging, toppers, and bridal party gifts. I love when they come out with a new catalog because they have great ideas along with the classics. Check it out!

Swanky Favors

I checked out Kate Aspen this week and hit the jack pot of everything favors! Any possible theme, style, and idea for your favors can most likly be found with Kate Aspen. Talk about a one stop shop! I loved the idea of the "Two Peas in a Pod" and it didn't stop there....

Naya Bistro & Wine Bar

I was recently invited to view the facilities at Naya Bistro & Wine Bar and was impressed! They were recently voted Best New Restaurant by the Best of Grand Rapids Magazine. They have a great facility for small weddings and rehearsal dinners. They even have an upstairs lounge area where you could hold small events such as showers, luncheons, or wine tastings. If that is not enough to knock your socks off...check out the great pictures of the restaurant on the website!

Congrats Naya Bistro & Wine Bar!!!

Elizabeth Anne Designs

What a great idea! The new library that Elizabeth Anne Designs has created is a great way for couples to find local vendors but also great for vendor to vendor networking! Check it out and learn about all the great vendors that Grand Rapids has to offer.

Sick of Chargers?

Are you sick of seeing the same round chargers at every wedding? Me too! The picture above was in the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and I loved the concept. This version is a little informal but think what you could do with elegant cardstock!

You could choose your own shapes, colors, designs...the options are endless. If you are not the creative type don't worry! There are many professionals in the area that would love to help you out.

Client Perks Program

I am starting a Client Perks Program! I hope to have it up an running within a month and am really excited. It will be used as a vendor networking tool as well as provide my clients with discounted products and services.

When a couple signs a contract for one of my wedding packages they will be eligible for the Client Perks Program. I plan to have a variety of different vendors within the wedding and beauty industry from photographers to tanning salons. Each vendor will be able to decide what type of discount they would like to offer my clients if they decide to use their services. These can be changed and updated at anytime by giving me a call or sending an email. It is also a great tool to promote new products and services to our wonderful wedding clientele.

The vendors in the Client Perks Program will also be linked from my website and blog. If you are interested in being part of this wonderful program or you have any questions please give me a call at (616)534-3492 or shoot me an email at amber@detailsbyamberdawn.com.

Mountain Cow

Are you trying to find the perfect invitation and having no luck? Make them yourself with the help of Mountain Cow! Unique stationary for your invitations, programs, and place cards are all the rage. Mountain Cow offers all the tools to help you on your way from standard invitations, multiple styles of pocket invites, and even software to help you get your create on! Check them out!

If you want to have homemade stationary items but simply don't have the time give me a call! I will handle the design, ordering, and assembly. Check out my website for details and pricing.

Be You!

I have known Ryan and Rachel for years...I actually married her cousin and set them up on their first date!!! If I could describe Rachel in a couple of words it would be...Hilarious, Fun, and Energetic. She is planning their September 13th wedding and we were talking about her favor ideas.

She has decided to do a candy buffet for her guests. The treats that pop into my head when I hear about a candy buffet are chocolates, truffles, mints, etc. When she sent me the above picture that inspired her I instantly started laughing and thought how perfect! She has a candy buffet that matches her personality perfectly.

You can have something that you have seen at other weddings and make it your own. Tap into who you are as individuals and as a couple and your wedding will be remembered by all.

Go Bold With Color!

Looking for an element that will set your wedding apart from all others? Dying to be unique and true to your personality? Dare to be different with stunning color schemes!!! If you are sick of traditional white, black, and pastel the best way to make your mark is to choose colors that are unexpected.

Look around you to find your inspiration. Everyone surrounds themselves with things they like the most whether it is your favorite skirt, the color scheme of your bedroom, or even the packaging of your favorite foods. Match a vibrant color with a neutral or even put three colors together to add variety throughout your event!

Capture your guests the second they walk into the venue and make your wedding the talk of the town!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I have heard from an excellent source that this is a great way to reach out to my clients as well as network with other industry professionals so I thought I would give it a try.

I officially started Amber Dawn Wedding Consultants in August of last year but have been learning the industry and area vendors for a couple years. I offer many different services related to weddings including planning of weddings and related events, gift bags and welcome baskets, and craft services.

Check out my website for an in-depth listing of everything we offer or give me a call! I look forward to hearing from!