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Friday, July 6, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Friday Fun: 4th of July Recipes!

All week our posts have been related to the 4th of July holiday! Today, we are going to finish the week off with some fun 4th of July family oriented recipes, that you can try this weekend!! Let's start with a festive drink!!

When creating fun food items, presentation plays a big part. Your food display, although in this case will already be colorful, should be displayed nicely! Use pretty platters and use levels to make your food display appealing to the eye!

Patriotic Drink


 This kid friendly drink will be sure to capture the essence of your 4th of July Party! Click here to learn how to make this drink for yourself, family & friends!!

Guests love having a fun drink to try! If planning a dinner party this weekend or in the near future, consider serving this. Have your drinks already made and ready to be served. Find a swanky glass, add a festive straw, place a strawberry or watermelon on the side of the glass and cheers to a good time!!


American Flag Marshmallow Pops

(Found via LivingLocurto.com)

Click here for "how-to" picture instructions and all the tools needed to create this fun treat. 

Although 4th of July is over...if you are getting married on this holiday next year, consider a "fun food station" for your guests to enjoy. Having the items set up nicely during cocktail hour would be a great way to give your guests something to do...that would be a teaser of the fun to be expected at the Wedding Reception! You can create 1 or 2 fun food stations to compliment the other h' orderves being served!

This is also great for a kids party. Edible markers come in all colors. Make this treat color coordinate and use it as a "Thank You Favor" for kids to take home when they leave the party. Place 3 or 4 marshmallow pops in each package with a thank you note!


Patriotic Hot Dog Station

(Found via PartyCity.com)

Click here to see how you can create this look too!

My favorite thing about this spread are the details. From the stationery to the flags, the bows and colored plates. This hands-on food station captures your eye and more importantly does not overwhelm you. When doing a buffet presentation such as the one above you want to be sure your details flow together! The details are what elevates an event. Have fun assembling together your masterpiece and get creative, but don't go overboard!

 Enjoy these fun 4th of July recipes. Try these, add your own twist and most importantly..have fun!!

Check out this weeks 4th of July post:


Talk To Me:
Did you incorporate any fun food items into this 4th of July holiday? What fun family traditions did you share? Any fun recipes that you tried and loved? Will you try any of the ones above?! Leave your comments below in the comment zone!!


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Sincerely,

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July! 

Today, we celebrate our independence in the United States of America. On July 4, 1776 we became independent from Great Britain and our democracy began. Today we use the flag and the colors of the flag, red, white, and blue to represent the meaning of this holiday. Many Americans celebrate this holiday with family picnics, barbecues and watching fireworks. It's the USA's "birthday"! 






The Pledge Of Allegiance
 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The Star Spangled Banner 
 Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?


We've been celebrating Independence Day all week; check out UrDreamPlanner's Monday Inspiration: Independence!

As you celebrate with your families on today, remember the meaning behind the red, white, and blue flag that is showcased everywhere! Click here --> Independence Day and The Declaration of Independence, to learn more about the history behind Independence Day. 


Have a safe and happy Holiday!


Talk To Me:
How are you celebrating Independence Day? What family traditions do you share on this day? What does 4th of July mean to you? Share below in the comment zone! :-)


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Sincerely,

Monday, July 2, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Monday Inspiration: Independence!

This week is all about "independence"! 

When I woke up this morning and decided this week will be about Independence Day and that I wanted to create an Inspiration Board about it..this is what came to mind! I was inspired by the history and the meaning behind July 4th.


Independence to me means, "I have a choice"! I love the country I live in and I am proud to be an African American living in the U.S.A!!

Be Inspired! 


Talk To Me:
What inspires you about Independence Day? What comes to mind? Do you think of the flag, bbq's, fireworks, the war...what do you think about? How are you inspired to share with others what it means to you? Share your thoughts below in the comment zone! :-)


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Sincerely,

Friday, June 29, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Friday Fun: 3 Ways to Have A Fun Wedding Reception Experience!

On UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: {Dear Wedding Guests...}, I wrote a letter to the guests that you as the Bride & Groom have invited to attend your wedding. Today's post is for you, the Bride & Groom! Read these 3 ways to give your guest a fun wedding reception experience! 

 {A wedding Photo Booth is another great way to add fun to the wedding reception!}

3 Ways to Have A Fun Wedding Reception Experience

#1- Do a creative wedding dance!  
Do something unexpected, that will WOW your guests! Taking a dance class, changing your outfit into something fancy, etc.

#2- Create a Kids Station! 
Make this station colorful and have activities that are age appropriate, but that also do not need adult assistance to enjoy. For those parents that are bringing children, include instructions that will inform them that there will be a kids section and what will be in that area.

#3 - A Rocking DJ!!!  
This should really be #1, because the DJ can make or break the wedding reception experience. Hire a pro that knows YOUR music style and interest, so that you will hear songs that will have your guest dancing all night long!!

Bringing fun into your wedding is one way to have your guests talking for years.

Be fun not boring!

Talk To Me:
What fun activities did you have at your wedding reception? What fun activities do you plan on having at your wedding reception? Share a fun wedding you attended and/or share a boring wedding you attended! What makes a fun wedding reception experience to you? Leave a comment in the comment zone.


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Sincerely,

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: {Dear Wedding Guests...}

 Today's UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge is dedicated to the wedding guests. I hope you receive this letter well as it is written with your best interest in mind! :-)

 UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: {Dear Wedding Guests...}

Dear Wedding Guests,

          You have been invited to celebrate a Wedding of a dear loved one. The couple that you are so happy for, is also happy that you attended. The Bride & Groom are so excited you attended the ceremony on time. For those that are slightly a few minutes late or more, the Bride & Groom do send their apologies in advance, due to the fact that you will have to view the beginning of the wedding through whatever type of doors/windows the ceremony site has, since their "on-point" Wedding Planner has made sure the wedding started on time, and no-one will be able to walk in prior to the Bridal Party entering, and especially not prior to the Brides entrance. Understand that professional pictures are being taking during this time (which is why the door closes behind the Bride...it is not an insult to you, I promise!) and therefore you will have to wait approximately another 4-6 minutes until the guests have been asked to be seated. At this very moment, we will allow you the tip-toe in quietly.

          It is now time to head to the Reception! Only head that way if you actually RSVP'd. Do understand that approaching in a hostile situation (if you did not RSVP) is bound to leave you sitting outside the ballroom, outdoor tent area, etc., until the entire Bridal Party have been introduced and the Bride & Groom have been seated. We will do our best to accommodate you and find extra seating if any is available, without asking the Bride & Groom, as we have already constructed a well formatted seating chart for all the rsvp'd guest to follow! Not only did we construct a seating chart and have an escort card for each guest, (individually or by couple) on the table displayed nicely, we also have a master guest list in our hands. If you cannot find your name on the table, please see us and we will assist you. If your name is not on the master guest list, this means you did not RSVP and you should then reread this paragraph to know the following steps that will be occurring.

         Once you have been seated and the reception has begun, feel free to come to us with any bothering questions or concerns. We are there for you also, not just the Bride & Groom. Assuring you have a great time is what we do best as Wedding Planners! As the special moments take place, feel free to take all the pictures your heart desire, BUT..and this "but" is a HUGE one! As a guest, please understand that the Bride & Groom hired a set of wedding professionals. One of them being the Photographer. During the "cake cutting" specifically...back up 10 FEET!!! Seriously, allow the Photographer to take all the pictures needed (that the couple paid $$$$) and then you can get your snapshots. When we ask you politely to back up and you decide to roll your eyes and tell us you can be there, rather than saying okay, be prepared when we stand in front of you, like it's a raging concert and politely back you up anyway. As stated this is for the Bride & Groom's best interest, as we want their wedding pictures to be beautiful!

         As the night ends, please ask if you are allowed to take any item off the table besides your favor. Sneaking off with a centerpiece, napkin, table number/name etc., will cost the Bride & Groom that you love so dearly and came to support. 90% of the time the centerpiece "vases" are not the Bride & Grooms, they are rented. The linens will most definitely always be rented or provided by the venue and they do get counted at the end of the night, which is how we know items are missing. The "frames or cute stand" that the table numbers/names are placed in belong to the venue or Wedding Planner; either way they do not belong in your bag. Do not get upset when we remove these items from your hand, for those of you that are bold enough to just walk out the door with a 3 ft Eiffel Tower Vase, as if we can't see you. We are so happy that you love the decor items, and know the perfect spot in your home to place this specific item, however, this is a sure way for the Bride & Groom to receive a hefty bill for all missing items. Ask before you take!

          We are so happy you had such a grand time at the wedding you attended. Weddings are meant to be fun, exciting and an all around happy occasion. Let's work together, Wedding Planner to Guest, to assure you leave happy. Again, we are here for you also and only want to make sure you leave with the best memory of this special union. The Bride & Groom appreciates your gifts and love tokens, and know that they have made it safely to the appropriate car and the couple will read and open them shortly!

I wish you safe travels on your way home. 

Sincerely,
The Wedding Planner

If you have any questions please call, 267-702-3037, as I'd be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

P.S.  It was great providing service to you and do not feel any kind of way if we see each other a few months later and I do not remember who you are. Most weddings have approximately 150 guests and since I've seen you at that particular wedding, I've probably done at least two others and so now the amount of guests I've seen have tripled. Simply remind me of the couple (this will bring an aha moment to my face with a smile) or a special moment we shared (this may bring a puzzling moment to my face..depending on the moment). I will tell you it's great to see you again and we will depart and I will eventually figure out which guests you were (later that night or the next day or possibly never). Just don't be offended, charge it to my head..not my heart! ;-)


Knowledge is Power!


Talk To Me:
Have you been a wedding guest before? How was your experience? Was there a Wedding Planner? Did this change your experience? Share your stories below of your wedding experience as a guest below in the comment zone!! :-)


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Sincerely,