Unique Ways to ask your Maids!

Your fiance popped the BIG question, now it's time to ask your bridesmaids to join the party! Consider asking them in a most memorable way. Whether it is sentimental or humorous, these great ideas will surely have your bridesmaids ready to bustle your dress on command! 

Grab their favorite wine and add custom labels (example shown from My Own Labels)

These fun cards above can be found on Zazzle 

A custom frame with a sentimental note is something they'll cherish for a long time after the wedding.

Creative Poster Idea above by Kendra Joy

 

 A Gift of Custom Jewelry {these beautiful examples can be found on BuySomeLove's Shop on Etsy}

Venue Spotlight ~ Alden Castle, Boston, MA

If you have dreamed about your fairytale wedding since you were a little girl, Alden Castle may be the perfect fit.  The venue is located in Brookline, MA, just minutes from downtown Boston. It was named after John Alden who traveled to America on the Mayflower and was built in 1925.  At the time, this breathtaking castle was one of the most prestigious luxury residence hotels in the world.

As far as hosting weddings, Alden Castle has a lot of offer; the vintage ballroom can fit up to 200 guests comfortably and for smaller guests counts, the modern club is one of a kind, with an intimate setting.  Alden's vintage decor features royal Tudor architecture, ecru Becara chandeliers, silk champagne drapery and large windows which fill the ballroom with natural light. Alden's modern club plays up it's dramatic mahogany walls, stunning gold leafed fleur-de-lis ceiling, and breathtaking original glass chandeliers.  Did we forget to mention they both have amazing balconies and the castle has a terrace that overlooks a gorgeous rose garden?  Absolutely a site to see! 
Not only does the Alden Castle have two amazing event spaces but they are also known for great food! Everything is prepared on-site by their in-house chef who supports local farmers by using their produce.  Their cuisine is to die for. 

One of our own event planners, Christine Mansella, was lucky enough to have the opportunity to recently take a tour of the castle.  "{Alden Castle}  greatly exceeded my expectations!  Michelle there is truly a pleasure.  She has a very upbeat personality and really knows what it takes to run a successful event!"
If you're venue shopping in the Boston area, definitely put this on your list and check out some of these amazing photos and Alden Castle's website for more information.

               

Get Creative with your Valentine's Day Gifts!

If you're tired of the same old box of chocolates and flowers for Valentine's Day, check out these unique gift ideas.  It's time to think outside the little red box!

Map Art - a super thoughtful gift from hubby to wife!  Celebrate not only Valentines Day with this cool gift but also memories, vacations, family, etc.  Perfect to hang in your home as a constant reminder of what's important in life. {find it at Wandering Fables on etsy.com}

For the man who is business by day but rocker at night, what's better than guitar cufflinks?

{find these on Beluga Home Studio on etsy.com}

Customize your other half's phone case with your wedding photo or a family pic!
{find it at TinyPrints}

Message on a Bottle; Personalized Moët & Chandon with your very own love note this year!

 For the man who loves beer and leaves rings on your coffee table
{find these at Gorgeous Glassware on etsy.com}

And last but not least, something for the couple with a good sense of humor

{find it at Signature Tshirts on etsy.com}

 From all of us at IE, Happy Valentines Day!

Why we toss wedding garters...

Ever wonder where the wedding garter tradition came from??  
 

 

The garter tradition originated in France during the 14^th Century.  In Europe, many people believed that receiving a piece of the bride’s clothing meant that they would have good luck.   Because of this, people would often tear off pieces of a bride's wedding dress.  To avoid this, brides began throwing their garters to the guests but it still wasn't enough; guests then started rushing brides at the altar!  Eventually, that tradition also changed; grooms began stepping in and performing the same tradition we have today.  He would remove the garter (protecting his bride) and then toss it to the guests.  Whomever catches the garter is still thought to receive good luck.  And lucky for today's brides, your dresses will stay in tact!!

 {Beautiful garter above can be found at 'Little White Dress' shop on etsy.com}

UPCOMING Bridal Shows that you don't want to miss!

Here is a list of amazing Bridal Shows that our located in the MA/RI area and are coming up quickly!

• THIS Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 - Southern New England Wedding Expo at Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI from 10-5pm.
  http://southernnewenglandbridalexpo.com/
• THIS Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013- Hawthorne Show in Dartmouth, MA from 12-3pm.
  http://hawthornecountryclub.com/events/
• Jan. 13, 2013- Grand Wedding Expo at Venus De Milo in Swansea, MA from 11:30-4pm.
  http://www.grand-wedding.com/home.html
• Jan. 27, 2013- Grand Wedding Expo at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston from 11-4:30pm.  Come and meet Randi Fanoli from Say Yes to the Dress!!
  http://www.grand-wedding.com/home.html
• Feb. 3, 2013- Cherish the Moments Wedding Expo at Jacky's Galaxie Restaurant in Bristol, RI from 11-4pm.
  http://www.cherishthemoments.net/
• Feb. 10, 2013- Lafrance Hospitality Bridal Show at Rachel's Lakeside in Dartmouth, MA from 12-3pm.
  http://eventsbylhc.com/weddings/2013-lhc-bridal-show/
• Feb. 16, 2013- Newport Bridal Show at the Rosecliff and Oceancliff in Newport, RI at 11am.
  http://www.newportweddingexpo.com/
• March 24, 2013- Rhode Island Wedding Group Get Pink Show!! This is held at the Newport Marriott in Newport, RI. This is one show you will NOT want to miss and is very different than all other Bridal Shows! There is a Silent Bridal Auction and Walk the Runway Contest! You can book your wedding vendors there for an amazing price! ALL proceeds go to Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation!!
  http://www.facebook.com/events/291883554199191/
• April 7, 2013- The Original Wedding Expo at the Twin River Casino Event Center in Lincoln, RI from 11-3pm.
  http://www.originalweddingexpo.com/weddingexpo.html?show.id=916

Rain or Shine... Wedding Umbrellas and Parasols are 'IN'!

One of our favorite 2013 trends is using umbrellas and parasols as props at your event.  Whether hanging from a tent, propped up over a food or sweet station as decor, or within your formal photos, they can add color and give your wedding just the right amount of whimsy.  Here are some examples or umbrellas at their best - find and rent some amazing styles at www.bellaumbrella.com.

{three photos above courtesy of www.bellaumbrella.com}

 {photo courtesy of Pinterest}

{photo courtesy of www.bellaumbrella.com}

 {two above photos courtesy of Jennifer Leatherwood Photography}

Nursery Rhyme Themed Baby Shower, Mike & Lisa Sullivan ~ Newton, MA

A year after Mike & Lisa Sullivan's Bridal Shower, we once again had the pleasure of planning another stepping stone in the couple's life. What better way to celebrate bringing a new baby girl to an adoring family other than a Nursery Rhyme themed Baby Shower? The beautiful Boston Newton Marriot in Newton, Massachusetts was the perfect location. Anna Marcangelo, soon-to-be Grandmother choked back tears as she arrived to the venue. We had a ton of fun designing our "Cow Jumped over the Moon" candy station and our "Twinkle Twinkle" desert buffet for the mother-to-be.  The soft pink and gold really reflected how precious this baby girl will be and both buffets were showered with all different elements from our childhood Nursery Rhymes:

• Ba Ba Black Sheep Cake Pops
• Little Lamb White Chocolate Lolli's
• Cow Jumped Over the Moon Mobile
• Mother Goose Eggs (Jelly Beans)
• Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Sugar Cookies

Incorporated with all of those delicious treats were "Little Bo Peep" and "Humpty Dumpty" ID tags, some nursery rhyme books, and a matching banner. The beautiful centerpieces were  provided by Hummingbird's Floral; we added pins to each centerpiece's ribbon to play up the theme and adorned each table with a quote from a favorite Nursery Rhyme in a gold frame.  The baby pink napkins at each place setting gave a little splash of color and additional "Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice" sugar bowl favors were provided by the grandmother-to-be.  What a sweet way to start a new beginning!

Infinite was so honored to be part of this celebration, thank you Anna for the opportunity to work with you again!

 

Vendors

• Only the Finest Italian Cookies by Ana Louise, Rhode Island
• Hummingbird's Floral from Fall River, MA
• Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, MA
• Linens from Rentals Unlimited in MA