Good enough.

As a direct by-product of my amazing mother, I have the same “tendencies” when it comes to accomplishing things off my to-do list. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right. Especially when it comes to my clients and their wedding day. Therefore, “good enough is never good enough” might be the quote of the day, but it’s also something that’s always in the back (or front) of my mind.

What does it mean to you?

From Julia: Seating Charts vs. Escort Cards

Every so often, you’re going to be seeing a new face on the blog talking about her own upcoming wedding, adventures, tips and fun finds. We introduced you to Julia before and now she’s here to talk about the pros and cons of seating charts vs. escort cards.

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ok, how gorgeous is this table from mindy+mark’s wedding? photo by swoon over it.

If you brides are anything like me then in the days leading up to your big day you’re investing much of your energy thinking about all the special little details.  And, like me, I’m sure you feel like you’ve thought of everything from your somethings old, new, borrowed and blue down to your day-by-day honeymoon itinerary.  So when I was perusing the blogosphere and stumbled upon some adorable seating chart options and then I saw these really cute themed escort cards, I suddenly realized I had yet to hammer out one very important detail.

Deciding who sits where and with whom at your reception may not matter much to you, but trust me, this is one part of your wedding you should put some serious thought into it.  If the wrong people sit together you could have one big reception fiasco that would totally distract from you and your groom. I suggest you take care of this potential problem before it occurs and give your guests some structure as to where they belong.  And if you can’t decide between seating charts and escort cards, here are a few thoughts that may sway you in the right direction.

Seating Charts

I love the idea of seating charts because I tend to be a little obsessive about having things simple and organized.  Seating charts can be done up however you want and you can even connect it with your theme. Some photographers even offer the option of having your favorite engagement shot as the focal point of your seating chart.   If you’re one for order, alphabetizing, and minimal expected chaos, then this is the way for you.

PROS: Organized, simple, themed, easy for guests to find seat

CONS: Less fun/interactive for guests, guests don’t get to take your chart home as a keepsake

Escort Cards

Escort cards are great because they give couples the chance to show their style and incorporate the wedding theme.  If you’re having a winter wedding (like me!) then here’s one cute option that allows you to spread some of your holiday cheer. Guests can really enjoy escort cards (and you can have fun making them!) but keep in mind the potential headache for guests as the awkwardly stand by the entrance searching through 100+ little cards desperately trying to find where they should sit.

PROS: Really show off your personality/creativity, easy to tie into your theme, guests can enjoy their place cards even after the reception is over

CONS: Guests may have a hard time finding their cards

Now that you’ve seen what some of your options are, how do you plan on directing your guests to their appropriate tables?

{first two photos by swoon over it, last photo from pinterest/green wedding shoes}

AnnaWednesday | 22Feb2012 - 10:27 am

Another pro for escort cards (why we’re using them), is to show a meal choice for a served dinner reception! We’re using little stamps to denote which individual is getting which meal. Should be pretty cute!

Malia {Something Navy}Wednesday | 22Feb2012 - 1:01 pm

Such a great article you have hear, I love hearing the pros & cons. I’ve been in debate, if I wanted to do a seating chart/escort cards for various reasons. But this brings a lot of things to light, decisions, decisions, decisions.

Etsy Find: a stunning engagement ring from singleBbeautiful

I only recently started crushing on engagement rings via my Pinterest board: beautiful rocks. I’ve never been much of a large diamond/bling lover myself, so I’m very excited to start seeing some unique finds and creations.

Below is a stunning combination from Etsy seller singleBbeautiful with the following details: 14kt palladium white gold, .30ct HVS1 diamond, ideal cut. Really anything that involves conflict-free stones is pretty awesome in my book.

Enjoy your weekend everyone. xo.

Stephanie ElizabethMonday | 20Feb2012 - 1:01 pm

These are really cool! I love finding unique sets as well.

Vendor Spotlight: SimplYouDesigns

Just by chance, Jessica Siegfried of SimplYouDesigns and I ran into each other on Etsy a few years ago. After some conversations and meetings, I discovered that Jessica is not only stunning on the outside, but just as beautiful on the inside.

How could I not share all of her awesome-ness with you all? Enjoy.

love session photo of jessica and her hubby, jason – by dolci momenti photography.

1. Hello! Who are you?

My name is Jessica Siegfried… Born and raised in Dunmore, and based out of Northeast PA, I specialize in affordable custom wedding stationary. Each one of my designs are made to order. Everything is personalized to you… paper, inks, envelopes, embellishments. If you envision it, I’ll make it happen!

2. Who or what got you started in the industry? 

My entire life I have been smitten with weddings. When I was little, I spent my afternoons in my father’s tuxedo shop. My mother would sew beautiful bridal purses and wedding bags, and I’d stand in awe as she’d hem the gowns of my older cousins in our kitchen. I fed my wedding obsession working my way through college as an assistant wedding photographer, designing invites for family and friends, and even did a few stints as a bridal model along the way.

Years later, in 2006, I got engaged and my inner Bride-zilla broke loose! I was determined to do it my way all while sticking to our budget. Everything was to be a reflection of us, so I did it all myself. I realized that I was lucky to be able to do that… and decided to offer my services others via Etsy. Every bride is unique, so their stationary should be also! Plus, My husband said I was suffering from “wedding withdrawl” and needed an outlet for all the extra time I had after our wedding! lol

3. What is your favorite part about being in the wedding world?

There’s soo much!! The beauty, the excitement, the glamour, the love… the hope of a new bride to be.

4. Besides weddings, are there any other special events that you service?

I do! (No pun intended!) I actually have extended my services to include all special events, along with a commercial division. So now I accommodate anything from a billboard to a birth announcement, business to holiday cards and everything in between.

5. Where do you go to be inspired? 

I’m a huge fan of Green Wedding Shoes, and I love DIY sites and Etsy…Real Simple Weddings is a favorite of mine, and Martha Stewart (of course!).

6. What sets you apart from other fellow professionals? 

Even though my designs are made custom for you, they come with an affordable price tag. I understand that in order to have your dream wedding/dress/band/etc. you might not be ready to drop beaucoup bucks on stationary. There’s no reason why a bride on a budget shouldn’t have their visions brought to life by an award-winning designer.

7. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, widowed… we all have words of advice when it comes to relationships. What is your advice to couples tying the knot?

Remember to stop and BREATHE. Some people get so caught up in the planning that they forget to enjoy this monumental moment. Don’t think of it as a to-do list, rushing through to what’s next. You have your whole life ahead of you, together… Don’t forget to stop and enjoy THIS time.

8. Aside from weddings, what are some other little known things about you?

I’m an award-winning Art Director at a full-service advertising agency in Scranton and am in my second term as the President of the American Advertising Federation, NEPA. Oh, and I’m obsessed with Pit Bulls. In June of 2009, a fat little pit pup named Lola entered our lives and stole our hearts. As an effort to help promote and support the breed I do pro-bono design work with some of the local Pit Bull Rescues throughout NEPA. This summer I plan to launch an apparel shop on etsy named “Pittie Chicks” featuring feminine apparel and donate a portion of each sale.

photo by the fabulous alison conklin.

Get in touch with Jessica:

email: Simplyou.design@yahoo.com
web: simplyoudesign.com
shop: simplyoudesign.etsy.com
facebook: facebook.com/SimplYou.Design

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SimplYouDesigns, Dolci Momenti Photography and Alison Conklin are all highly recommended creative professionals of Danielle Pasternak Events.

Nicole LanganThursday | 16Feb2012 - 9:38 am

Yay, Jess! :)

happy valentine’s day, my loves.

photo by swoon over it

Wishing you all a very lovely day filled with goodness, love and laughter.

Possibly even some chocolates and flowers – if you’re into that sort of thing.

xo,

danielle “d.pnak” pasternak

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