tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31303123024020581562012-02-14T10:13:12.576-06:00Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-9742358276861537472012-02-14T10:13:00.000-06:002012-02-14T10:13:12.580-06:00

     Weddings inspire lots of toasts!  The first one may be difficult but as the reception or dinner progresses, toasts are offered all around.      Toast can make one anxious or nervous if not practiced in advance, so like any speech to be given in public, we always encourage those making the toast to be prepared and avoid "winging" their remarks.  The toast maker needs to recognize that his/her

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-79981082962575883232012-02-06T12:02:00.000-06:002012-02-06T12:02:18.245-06:00

Brides often ask us to explain the proper way to introduce the wedding party at the reception.  Our first suggestion is to insure that the post ceremony pictures be taken as quickly as possible so that guest can be greeted without a long delay.  Guests should be served appetizers and something to drink while they are waiting for the bridal party to arrive.  If both sets of parents are going to be

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-18179422549404259142012-01-30T15:26:00.000-06:002012-01-30T15:26:31.063-06:00

     We think the history behind the wedding traditions we've come to know is fascinating.  For example, the engagement process was nearly as important as the wedding itself.  Weddings were arranged primarily for political and/or business reason and not necessarily for the notion of "romantic love".      In the days when brides were stolen, the bride's family would insist on being reimbursed for

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-42152500370272200352012-01-23T12:36:00.000-06:002012-01-23T12:36:23.009-06:00

     As society changes, so do the social amenities that prevailed.  But class is class and some things we see done in the name of the "princess bride's wishes" remain in poor taste.      A bridal store reported having a bride ask how to let her guests know that she wanted all of them to dress in black or white or a combination of both.  Her wedding theme was that of a black and white ball and

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-43418051010427340722012-01-16T13:49:00.001-06:002012-01-16T13:53:18.817-06:00

     He asked and you said"yes".  Congratulations to you both.  Your engagement period signals the beginning of a wonderful and exciting time in your lives.   Where to start?  Setting the date!      As you consider various dates, times and places for your wedding, here are some points to think about.      Think about your budget.  It is true that some months are more expensive than others. (Think

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-41072093845172592042011-12-19T15:41:00.000-06:002011-12-19T15:41:58.582-06:00

The National Retail Federation commissioned a survey on consumer spending conducted by a major research firm.  There were many economic indicators that tended to vary by product area.  But when asked to summarize the findings, the conclusion was "spend where you need to, save where you can."  This is good advice for our brides.  Couples coming to us for ideas on how to save money without hurting

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-91228012459663660382011-12-12T21:58:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:58:02.450-06:00

As brides plan the wedding of their dreams, it is important to be cautious to include policies and guidelines that that are likely to be in place at the chosen ceremony venue.  Our consultants know the preferred "rules" of what can and cannot be done at many of the area's churches and beaches and can help guide the bride's planning process.  The most important rule is to consult the appropriate

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-31388781986009489442011-12-05T14:35:00.001-06:002011-12-05T14:36:20.428-06:00

The history of bridesmaids is time and culture dependent.  However, their main charge seems to have been to “protect” the bride, “intervene” on her behalf, and or help outsmart the evil spirits who gathered as a group at weddings and other happy events. Today’s bridesmaids still fulfill some of those roles, even if the evil spirit happens to be a former boyfriend with too much champagne and too

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-55381614932207925942011-11-28T20:49:00.002-06:002011-11-28T20:49:44.121-06:00

There are a number of web site and blogs that have-in effect- approved the request for a cash gift as a “discreet mention” on the wedding invitation.  We can hardly believe that someone who claims to be a wedding professional is offering that kind of advice to brides.  Some do acknowledge that it is difficult to ask for money and that some guests may take offense. Every professional wedding

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-78315126128617412242011-11-21T16:34:00.000-06:002011-11-21T16:34:02.631-06:00

Monday Wedding Notes: Reception Trends Reflecting both economic issues and generational trends, we are seeing some shifts in the wedding sites being chosen, the foods served and the size of the wedding itself.  We meet with brides who are asking for ideas for their "smaller but tasteful" weddings.   These are some of the key ideas brides are embracing as they plan receptions.  They are

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-48079215187542770412011-10-31T09:49:00.000-05:002011-10-31T09:49:17.782-05:00

Wedding Notes: Thoughts on Wedding Etiquette We know that nothing stays the same, not even wedding etiquette.  With friends and families scattered across continents, a number of beautiful and time-honored marriage "rules" have had to adapt to a new society. Today, a busy guest is more likely to fill in a pre-printed response card than to send a hand written response to a wedding invitation.  

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-51941235321501274492011-10-24T14:00:00.000-05:002011-10-24T14:00:42.564-05:00

Wedding Notes: The Paper Trousseau  We remind our brides that getting the guest list ready and the invitation order placed is a big job, but it is not the only part of your wedding paper trousseau.  In addition to you personalized thank you cards, reply cards and envelopes, napkins and programs- there are other paper items to choose.  For a sit-down dinner, select table and place cards if you

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-37899078804965189272011-10-17T13:57:00.002-05:002011-10-17T16:01:08.849-05:00

Wedding Notes: Your  Wedding Website Increasing in popularity and use are individual wedding websites.  Today’s bridal couple is likely to be “wired” in that they are techno savvy and used to on line information gathering and sharing.  Couples have seen the websites on their soon-to-be married friends and have some ideas about the site they will create for themselves.  In our years of working

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-8826356274190211442011-10-10T16:44:00.001-05:002011-10-10T16:46:30.816-05:00

Wedding Notes: Beautiful Bride or Bridezilla? A beautiful bride is one that is just that: beautiful inside and out! The ideal bride-to-be is a charming, glowing, happy individual who sees the world through the traditional rose-colored glasses.  Unfortunately, the actions of some of her "sisters", who may have earned the 21st century media title of "Bridezilla", tarnish that view of a bride.  

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-68909340436853414322011-10-05T16:33:00.000-05:002011-10-05T16:33:37.816-05:00

We just love the sleek and sophisticated look of JLM! Check out their website and blog for bridal gown inspiration: http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm http://www.jlmcouture.com/blog/

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-50779985790782566872011-10-03T11:28:00.000-05:002011-10-03T11:28:43.823-05:00

Wedding Notes Check out this article from the Knot! Bachelor Parties: How to Deal With His Bachelor Party Don't worry -- you're hardly the first bride to feel uncomfortable about the bachelor party. Though out-of-control antics on movies and TV make it look like total debauchery is headed your future husband's way, the real-life version will likely be a bit more mundane. If it's making you 

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-71173859974373996142011-09-28T14:21:00.000-05:002011-09-28T14:21:28.937-05:00

Wedding Notes Tips for Brides: Reception Ideas Because the reception is usually the single largest expense in any wedding, there are tons of ideas and inspiration available. Because times have changed, the economy is different, and the bride and groom are different, the focus on the reception as the celebratory segment of a wedding event has changed somewhat as well. Here are some things to keep

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-29265164699451063442011-09-28T12:34:00.001-05:002011-09-28T13:54:37.789-05:00

Bridal Expo coming to Destin!  San Destin Golf and Beach Resort Sunday, February 19, 2012  from 12:30-4:00pm! 9300 US Highway 98 W, Destin, FL

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-31152591361582986472011-09-12T19:59:00.004-05:002011-09-12T20:08:56.394-05:00

WEDDING NOTES – What Should I Do?At Elegant Beginnings, we gladly help our brides with awkward situations that don’t necessarily make their way into etiquette books. In spite of all the advice available from so many resources, brides like to have an experienced specialist – a knowledgeable consultant, a certified wedding planner- available for face-to-face problem solving. Our staff is available

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-71639331340752315072011-09-12T10:26:00.003-05:002011-09-12T19:55:57.020-05:00

Check out our Pinterest page for reception, decor, and flower ideas! 

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-39525543337758998852011-09-09T15:52:00.005-05:002011-09-12T19:56:20.857-05:00

WEDDING NOTES – Time Management Here at Elegant Beginnings we assist our brides with all aspects of their wedding plans.  One of our continuing requests is for help in managing the time between the ceremony and the reception. v  One of our first suggestions is that the travel time for guests moving from the location of the ceremony to the start of the reception be minimized.  Take it into

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-3261140334997776602011-09-09T13:05:00.000-05:002011-09-09T13:05:24.498-05:00

For personalized favors, gifts, and decor: http://www.myownlabels.com/weddings/ For beautiful aisle runners: http://originalrunners.com/

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-84904905727536158642011-08-29T17:01:00.001-05:002011-08-29T17:01:53.540-05:00

Attention all Brides! Check out this adorable wedding blog for additional inspiration! Founded in 2008, The Sweetest Occasion is a wedding and lifestyle blog devoted to event design and details for celebrating stylish events, weddings and special occasions. A devoted following of readers come for content covering a diverse yet highly edited range of wedding ideas, party inspiration, paper and

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-15776547303091665192011-08-29T15:37:00.002-05:002011-09-14T15:47:55.469-05:00

Girls Day Out!Today we had the best time!  Tami and I decided to get out of the office and visit local Resorts and businesses in the area. We found two new businesses that we had to share with all of you!  Meet Sheri with Sweet Bay Prints, we stopped in to introduce ourselves and we fell in LOVE with her shop.  These are just some of the things she offers: -fine personalized papers and gifts for

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-37223912424448627322011-08-29T15:35:00.003-05:002011-08-29T15:35:44.132-05:00

Weddings & ReceptionsWe coordinate weddings & receptions weekly.  Sometimes, there is time to get some snap shots after set up, so we wanted to share them with you.  We will be posting more! Tyler and Christina's Wedding Rosemary Beach  Tom & Meagan's WeddingRosemary Beach 

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-86119741848643059632011-08-29T15:35:00.001-05:002011-08-29T15:35:09.480-05:00

Things To Think AboutTasting for the Big Day-  This week was SOOOO MUCH FUN! We had two tastings with our Brides. When planning for your reception, there are so many details to consider, right?? Entertainment, Centerpieces, FOOD!! We always suggest when planning a reception be sure to ask about having a tasting prior to the wedding day. During this tasting, share your vision of the day.

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-15568368409990039012011-08-29T15:33:00.002-05:002011-08-29T15:33:37.119-05:00

Pre-Planning of Natalie & Gregory's WeddingNatalie and Gregory are getting married August 13th, 2011 @http://www.sandestin.com/This Bride and Groom has chosen one our most popular packages - The Lavish Soiree packageWe help them plan EVERYTHING!! Watch as we plan their wedding one step at a time! We absolutely LOVE this couple! We are in the beginning stagies of planning their wedding. We

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-26768716144023454862011-08-29T15:02:00.004-05:002011-08-29T15:08:57.739-05:00

Check out this website for your wedding accessorizing needs. You can find just about anything to set your big day apart from the rest. From personalized hangars for your bridesmaids dresses to reception decor, this is a great place to gather ideas and get your creative dream-day juices flowing!http://www.etsy.com/

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-32305518940534006812011-03-22T11:03:00.010-05:002011-03-25T13:16:04.556-05:00

Kimberly Bartoli, CWSOwner & PlannerI know what you are thinking.... a Planner that drinks on the job!!! NO... NOT AT ALL! This is one of the many things we do for our couples when they arrive at their receptions (a little something from the bar), so they can relax and enjoy! The key to being a wedding consultant is loving what you do, meeting new people and creating a Brides dream come true.

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3130312302402058156.post-63162555755863692462011-03-08T08:33:00.009-06:002011-03-08T08:57:21.229-06:00

If you are Bride that is looking for "unique items" for your wedding. Take a look at this website!! It has so many different idea's; gifts, cake toppers, table numbers, invitations and so so much more! I just had to share it with everyone! http://www.etsy.com/category/weddings?ref=fp_ln_weddings

Kimberly Bartolihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210845011310831001noreply@blogger.com0