Happy New Year! A Glimpse of 2009!

I find that I get sentimental at New Years. It is and always will be, a time that I reflect on the year prior and count my many blessings. 2009 was a crazy year in the wedding industry, with the recession hitting the once recession proof industry hard. But through it all I had some of the most amazing experiences of my career! Every year I have wonderful clients and 2009 was no different. I love each and every couple I worked with, and was so honored to be a part of their special day! It truly was a year of innovation and creativity! Here are some of the amazing weddings and events I was blessed to work on!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I look forward to 2010 with an enthusiasm and inspiration!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Tips from Mindy Weiss

I'm doing Dear Wendi Wednesday a little differently today. I found a video on You Tube from Good Morning America featuring Melissa Rycroft and fiance Ty Strickland. They and home viewers are getting their wedding etiquette questions answered by the infamous wedding planner to the stars Mindy Weiss. Check it out!


If you have a wedding questions you would like answered please leave me a comment and I will make it next weeks post! Thanks!

- Wendi

Holiday Wedding Giveaways!!

Junebug Weddings, the fabulous wedding fashion blog is giving away amazing prizes this week! Each day December 14th to 19th they will unveil a new prize for one or two lucky winners to take home! These aren't cheesy prizes either, they are jammed packed with goodies to make your wedding day that much better!! Today they are giving away

"- A Tying The Knot gift set from Philosophy and TheKnot.com

- A $100 gift certificate toward Bella Umbrella's vintage parasol rental for your wedding day

- And an adorable garter from the "Something Blue" collection of Julianne Smith Wedding Garters! " -Junebug weddings

If you haven't already you must check it out, and FAST!! You don't want to miss out on all they have to offer. Click here to go directly to the giveaway!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...That takes the cake!

Dear Wendi,

What is the deal with the Groom's cake? Should I incorporate this into my wedding?

Thanks,

J.F. Seattle

Hi J.F.

Thank you so much for your question! I love Groom's cakes! They have been thought of in the past as an unnecessary additional cost, but currently they are becoming incredibly popular. They are a wonderful addition of the Groom's personality into the wedding reception. According to Wikipedia:

"A groom's cake is a wedding tradition typically associated with the American
South... The decoration of the cake may reflect the favorite hobby or
interest of a groom, or be used for humorous effect... The groom's cake
is often served at a separate table from the wedding cake at a wedding
reception, though it may be served as a dessert for a rehearsal dinner."

The important part of a Groom's cake is that you have fun with it and make it about him. Have it made of his favorite flavors, and shaped to represent something he loves. Below are some great examples of my past clients' wedding cakes and groom's cakes!

Jenny & Amit's Indian inspired wedding cake

Jenny & Amit's University of Washington Husky Groom's cake
Hannah & Ryan's Naranja inspired wedding cake

Hannah & Ryan's Nike shoe inspired Groom's cake

Each Groom's cake was a surprise to the Groom, as a gift from the Bride! They were thrilled and touched! The cake really showed that the bride has thought about them, and what they would have picked if given the opportunity to pick the wedding cake! It was so wonderful to witness! I highly recommend a groom's cake.

Are you having a Groom's cake? Tell me about it!

I just couldn't wait until Friday...Real Wedding

So Ellen DeGeneres is probably one of my favorite people on television. She is hilarious, while being classy and respectful. She always exudes positive energy! For me, it is nearly impossible to not have my mood lifted when watching her show. (Which sadly I don't get to do very often:()

As a wedding planner I also love weddings on all levels. I have been coordinating weddings going on 5 seasons, and I still tear up at the ceremonies and toasts. I appreciate all of the details from ceremony and reception location to the hand tied handkerchief on the bride's bouquet. It is such an incredible day full of wonderful emotions and joy. I can't express how much I love weddings! And when ELLEN and WEDDINGS unite, it makes for an incredible day for me! Here is one of the most beautiful wedding videos I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot! You can feel the tranquility and joy in them both. This video captures how a wedding should be: joyful, full of love, serene, and all about the people getting married and the love they share!

Thank you Ellen and Portia for sharing this intimate look into your lives with all of us! It is truly a honor to watch!

12.01.2009!

If you are at all like me, this year flew by at torpedo speed! In honor of this, I just wanted to be the first to wish you a very:

Happy December!!!

From all of us at Ethereal Events!

Red Wine Be GONE!

Dear Wendi,

My wedding is coming up in a few weeks! I can hardly wait! I do have a concern as the day draws closer. My fiance and I are red wine and scotch drinkers. We are serving a variety of both at the bar. I am starting to worry someone will spill red wine on my dress. Is there something you can recommend if this does happen?

Thank you,

E.R. Woodinville, WA


Hi E.R.,

I'm so glad you asked this question! Spills and stains are a huge concern with most brides. But I promise, you have little to worry about! I have a couple of secret weapons to combat a red wine stain.

1. Avoid serving or drinking red wine prior to the reception. The less possible contact the less likely you'll be spilled on.


2. If you are spilled on, immediately poor white wine on the spot. It will neutralize the acid of the red and pull the red color out. You will still be wet in that spot, but the red will vanish.


3. Lastly, I am a huge fan of a product called Wine Away. (You can find it in most grocery stores. I've had luck finding it at Albertson's and QFC. ) It works in a heart beat on all fabrics and leaves no trace behind. I have used it on silk, satin, french lace, duchess satin, you name it. I use it at weddings and at home. I absolutely love it. They don't pay me to say this. I just love how well it works! (Though, they should!)

*Every dress (wedding or not) is different, and will be effected by these products differently. To be safe, I would first try any of my suggestions on a small area (maybe near the bottom or underside) before using all over your wedding dress. I have had extremely positive results, but can't guarantee them for all.

Do you have a suggestion for getting stains out of a wedding dress? I'd love to hear them!

Happy Planning!

Oh NO! Dear Wendi Wednesday

Dear Wendi,

I've heard from my friends and brides maids that I should have an emergency kit on wedding day. What should I include in it?

- L.S. Portland, OR

Hi L.S.,

Thank you so much for your question! Your friends are right. Having an emergency kit on wedding day can be a real life saver. My kit is FULL of different goodies to get through any situation. However a bride's emergency kit can have far less. Here are some basics that I find my clients using the most:

• Stain stick - Shout wipes. Wine away. Bleach pen. Any one of them will do the trick
• Sewing kit - make sure it includes thread the color of your and your brides maid's dresses
• Tissues - small hand held packs are the best
• Hair spray - a small travel bottle will do the trick
• Comb or Brush - or both
• Scissors - even a small pair. Check and see if there is a pair in the sewing kit
• Ribbon in your wedding colors - can use it anywhere
• Fashion tape - Can help secure a dress or ribbon to flower girls dress
• Band aids - someone always needs one
• Straws - you don't want to ruin your lipstick
• Breathe Mints - insurance for an amazing first kiss!
• Blotting papers - (if you don't have these - toilet seat cover will work the same)
• Plastic cups - just in case the hotel doesn't have enough for everyone to toast
• Wine opener- a cheap one will do
• Granola Bars - hunger can strike at any moment!

There are a million other things in my kit, but this should prepare you for almost anything on your wedding day!

Have any suggestions for what should be in an emergency kit? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Happy Planning!

I'm Hungry!

You wedding day has finally arrived! The months if not a year spent researching and hiring the right vendors, weeks of perfecting the details, days of running errands, and hour agonizing over your seating chart are behind you. It is now time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

The people you love are all around snapping photos, pouring champagne, steaming dresses, listening to music, and celebrating what lies ahead in just a few hours! With all of the things going on and excitement in the air it is all to common for this mishap to take place.

Monday Mishap: No one planned anything to eat outside of the wedding meal

The wedding day is a long day especially for the bride, groom, and their bridal party. With hair and makeup starting 5 to 6 hours prior to the ceremony. It is common that a wedding day last 10 to 12 hours if not more. So count back, if your ceremony starts at 5:00pm then that means 11:00 am or so you start hair. Then getting dressed, photos, ceremony, etc. And what time is dinner scheduled? 7:00 or 8:00 pm? That is a really long time to go without food. You are packed full of emotions and adrenaline, but that will only last so long. Eating during that time is a very important part of a successful and fun day.

If you have overlooked this ever so important detail, don't stress you are not alone. It is often overlooked by almost everyone. My advice is to sit down with your groom and talk about what each of you is going to do for breakfast and lunch on wedding day. You are obviously going to do different things, but having a plan for each of you is very important.

Since I don't know what you getting ready plans are, and won't be there to bring lunch, here is a wide variety of simple suggestions:

For the Groom:

• Meet up with grooms men for breakfast/lunch - (*make reservations if you have a large party)
• Eat at the golf course after your 9 holes (*You don't have time for 18! You just don't!)
• Arrive to the hotel early and eat in the lounge prior to getting dressed
• Order room service
• Eat breakfast and lunch at home prior to arriving at picture location (*this does mean you need to have food for both meals in your home ahead of time. Yes, a trip to the grocery store!)

For the bride:

• Order room service in your bridal suite
• Have your family or brides maids bring in muffins, fruit, yogurt, lunch meat,crackers, etc. for you all to snack on.
• Have your bridal brunch/luncheon in the morning before hair and make up
• Stock up your house with your favorite foods (nothing that can not be prepared before wedding day. No cooking or hassle on wedding day!)
• Pack a snack bag ahead of time and bring it with you to the ceremony location
• Pre-order appetizers from reception location to have ready for you as soon as you arrive
• If ceremony and reception at same location - have the appetizer prepared for all bridal party to enjoy in down time prior to ceremony

*Special Note* Once your dress is on it is important to have stain free snacks to munch on. OUT:: chocolate, mustard, red wine, cranberry sauce, anything with a colored sauce IN: pretzels, fruit, veggies (watch dips), cheese platters, nuts, etc.

If you have a suggestion for Brides I'd love to hear it! Leave me a comment. Happy planning!

Photographs: Clare Marie Photography

Real Wedding Friday! - Jenn & Thuy

The day was gloomy with a chance of rain, but that didn't darken the spirit of Jenn & Thuy on their wedding day. I don't even think they noticed! Luckily for me, the rain held of just long enough for the touching roof top ceremony at Bell Harbor to be complete. Once everyone was safely inside the sky gave way to showers, and things got heated up inside! Check out Edit 1 Media's amazing video capturing the day!

Waterfront Wedding at Bell Harbor in Seattle from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.
Here are the kind words Jen had to say about me afterward:
"Every bride dreams of their fairytale wedding. Thankfully with Wendi's help, my day was truly a dream come true. With a caring and vibrant personality, Wendi patiently listened to all the details I wanted to incorporate and ensured everything was absolutely fabulous the day of. Wedding are often filled with stress and anxiety, Wendi's attention to detail and positive attitude was just what my wedding party and I needed the day of. Every bride should work with Wendi!"

What are you doing Thursday?

Get Hitched, Give Hope from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.

The amazingly talented and oh so generous Edit 1 Media created this one of a kind video highlighting last year's Get Hitched Give Hope. With only 4 days left until the big event I thought I would share it with you. If this video doesn't make you want to come then I don't know what will!

BUT... just in case I will also mention that we will be auctioning off an Edit 1 Media Love Story/Engagement Music video, designer Anne Barge couture dresses (not just 1 but 5), T. Anthony Sholdt diamond wedding bands, spa packages, and much much more! There is something for everyone. I'll be buying up the raffle tickets by the dozen! I'm married and in the industry, but there is soooo much good stuff I want a chance to win (and donate) of course!

Tickets are on sale now. Buy one here!

Details:

What: Get Hitched Give Hope - Swanky cocktail wedding show and charity auction

When: Thursday 10.29.09 - That's THIS Thursday!

5:30 - 9:30 PM

Where: The swanky Arctic Club Hotel

Why: All proceeds raised go to grant wishes for stage 4 breast cancer patients and their families through the Making Memories Foundation. And, it feels SO good to give back! Come be a GIVER! Buy your ticket and save time at the door. I look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Wedding Dress?

Dear Wendi,

Where is the best place to get a wedding dress?

-Bride in need of help, Seattle

Dear Bride in need of help,

This is a great question! A wedding dress is a HUGE part of your wedding. It is your signature piece! It tells everyone everything about you and your style. With my clients I can tell/plan everything about a wedding based on her engagement ring and dress choice(s). A fabulous dress is a MUST have! I know that budgets have gotten a little tighter this year than in years past, so to answer this question I have a fabulous suggestion:

Get Hitched Give Hope has given us another sneak peak at one of the awesome items that will be auctioned/raffled off at the bridal event on Oct. 29th!!

"The Gown Diva Package!" It includes not just ONE dress... but your choice of FIVE couture Anne Barge gowns!!! In addition, Liz Navarro, personal stylist to the most fashionable brides, will help you pair one of these gowns to best fit your body type and style. She will pair it with Grace shoes and a Madina Vadache veil (courtesy Voletta Couture!) to bout! And if that weren't enough, she will also act as your style consultant for accessories!

This package would normally be well over 4 Grand... but of course... anything goes when a live auction begins! The bids will start WELL below retail value (like WELL BELOW!). This is an opportunity any bride would dream about, but at auction prices it is a Dream Come True! So, buy your tickets, get there early, check out the gorgeous models who will be roaming around the Dome Room, and ask plenty of questions- Liz will be there all night!
Tickets and more here!!! http://www.gethitchedgivehope.com/

p.s. Did I tell you that proceeds from the event will go to grant final wishes for Stage 4 breast cancer patients? Well, they do. So go get your ticket. Like now! Go on. Do it. BE A GIVER ;)

I hope this helps you (Bride in need of help) and every other Seattle, Portland, Spokane, etc. bride out there. This event is worth the drive!

- Wendi Hroncich

ethereal events

Fantastic image: Laurell McConnell Get Hitched Give Hope

Diamonds are a Girls best friend!

Diamonds really are a girls best friend, along with her spouse, dog, and maybe a girl friend or two! At Get Hitched Give Hope, October 29th, 2009 His and Her diamond rings could be a Groom's best friend too!

The Get Hitched Give Hope team is proud to announce that at this year's event we are auctioning off His and Hers wedding bands. This generous donation is from the fabulous local Queen Anne Jeweler T. Anothy Sholdt! He and his jewelery are amazing. We're so honored to have him participating. And what a treat for every bride & groom!
His: Tungsten wedding band with a palladium inlay.
Hers: Diamond eternity band set in palladium with 43 (count ‘em! 43!) round brilliant cut diamonds (.22 carat total weight)

If haven't already, mark your calendars and BUY your tickets! You don't want to miss this party!

Photos: The incredibly talented Laurell McConnell!

Real Wedding Friday - Angela & Nathan Alanis!

I met Angela & Nathan last October after Angela saw me nominated on King 5's Best of Western Washington. She came to me with a few ideas of what she wanted for her and Nathan's wedding, but was mostly a clean slate willing and wanting my help and advice! I love working with clients like this! It gives me a chance to really work with them to figure out what makes their relationship special and how to best showcase their personalities in their wedding. I had such a great time working with Angela & Nathan for the 7 months prior to their wedding! They are such a fun, loving, and sincere couple.


I have the greatest job in the world! Here are a few images from their amazing day:

All Photos by the amazing Chris Gendron!

The Countdown has begun!! 29 days...

Today marks the 29 day countdown to Get Hitched Give Hope! For those of you who ask "What is Get Hitched Give Hope?" I will tell you, it is the amazing charity event coming up on October 29th, 2009 at the Arctic Club Hotel. The beneficiary being the Making Memories Foundation through Bride's Against Breast Cancer. This organization grants wishes for Breast Cancer patients and their families whom the cure won't come soon enough. Inspiring, I know! But, if that is NOT reason enough to come, then for the next 29 days the Get Hitched Give Hope blog will be giving a different reason every day to attend!

Tickets are very affordable, starting at $25. They are on sale now! So, Click here and get yours! Can't make it, you can still donate to the wonderful cause here. Be a GIVER! You know you wanna!

I can't wait to see you October 29th! You won't want to miss it!

Corinna & Jason, by Wendi Hroncich

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Voting has begun!!

Hi All,

The voting for Best of Western Washington has begun. We are honored to be nominated again this year in the wedding planner category! With our top 5 finish last year, we are hoping to pull out a victory in 2009!

It is because of all of you that we will be able to do so. Please vote for all your favorites! Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to us!

Click here to vote for Ethereal Events!

Voting ends October 10th.