Southern Tradition: Sip 'n' See

Since the recently aired Reality TV Show, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” I’ve been asked if I was familiar with what a “Sip –N-See” is. My reply, “Yep I’ve heard of it. During my preparation for event planning, I wanted to know every type of known party that could be celebrated for all occasions. While reading different ideas for baby showers is where I ran across the words “Sip ‘n’ See”. It is a new industry trend that is becoming quite popular, however a well known southern tradition. So Ms. Phaedra did not make it up as some are led to believe!

The Sip ‘n’ See is a celebration after the baby is born. It is usually done for one of two reasons. Either baby came early and there was not time for a traditional shower, or the baby is second or third in the family and a full fledge baby shower is not needed. Guests bring little gifts for the baby, sip a beverage of choice, and see the newborn! Favors can be given as tokens of appreciation.
Also a Sip ‘n’ See doesn't necessarily have to be about a baby, though. You can throw a Sip 'n' See for a visiting relative, to celebrate an engagement, or even as a kind of house warming party.

The actress, Tori Spelling’s sip ‘n see thrown in honor of her friends, Scout Masterson and Bill Horn (the “Guncles”) new baby Simone!

Photography credit: Albert Michael/startracksphoto.com

Photo courtesy of: Impressinprint.com

Pink Sip ‘n See Shower

A Sip ‘n’ See for Charlie

Here are a few of the details of this event.

Sweets for the sweetest baby

Image Credits:  Google, Oh Goodie Designs

Happy Planning

DeVonda

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2011 Wedding Trends

 The Knot just released their predictions for the top 11 wedding trends for 2011. Check out the list and see what trends you can incorporate into your wedding.

TheKnot.com Top 11 Wedding Trends for 2011:
1. Prohibition-Era Elegance: So long, Mad Men—the most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses for the ladies to wing-tip shoes for the men, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn’t feel like Prohibition without alcohol. To reinterpret the boozy nights of the Roaring ’20s, couples are serving up “moonshine” and Prohibition “bathtub gin” in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away—to jazz, naturally.
2. The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, you can bet Kate Middleton’s going to alter what princess style is all about. Put away the ball-gown skirt because the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear like tasteful tiaras (seriously!) and cathedral-length veils. And you can count on sophisticated sequins and beading showing up on everything from the wedding dress to the floral arrangements and the wedding cake.

Photo: Sarah Kehoe / The Knot

3. Sultry Ballerina Style: From feathered headpieces and shredded fabrics to airy plumes and pale pinks paired with black, the look of the season is all about Black Swan, right down to an ambience where everything happens after 8 p.m. One idea we love? Romantic ceremonies by candlelight.

TheKnot.com/Clark+Walker Studio

4. Ivy League Chic: From Fair Isle sweaters to Vineyard Vines ties and Tommy Hilfiger blazers, preppy chic is back in a big way, and weddings aren’t immune. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Ali MacGraw from Love Story and incorporating Ivy League-chic details like plaids and stripes for the perfect remix of retro, preppy sensibility.

Kate Mathis / The Knot

5. Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry’s Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love to Nicole Richie’s exotic elephant as a wedding greeter, India will definitely be the “it” country for wedding inspiration. Think vibrant color palettes like purples, reds and golds, lavish décor elements such as beading and rich drapery, and exotic, spicy dishes.


http://www.whitelilacinch.com/


6. Wedding Man Caves: Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so don’t be surprised if you see all the male wedding guests in the new “groom’s corner” at the reception.

The Knot.com/

Photo: Jennifer Davis Photography

7. Prewedding PJ Parties: This isn’t Bachelorette Party, Part Two. Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via JHS-style slumber parties, complete with matching pj’s of course.
8. Food Truck Fun: Waffles, tacos and dumplings, oh my! People’s hunger for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings, and brides will be embracing it wholeheartedly by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.

TheKnot.com/Clark+Walker Studio

9. Haute Desserts: Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes and Cake Boss, but desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with gourmet flavor and haute style. Chocolate tart with a dash of sea salt, anyone?

Photos from Amy Atlas.

10. Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of “wedding photo booths”, wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple. Bonus? Postwedding, couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo.

Jamie K Photography / The Knot

11. Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon

Happy Planning

DeVonda

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Wedding Budget vs Real Cost

I found this great article and just had to post. Over time, I’ve come to find that most non-married people really have no idea what type of wedding they can or can not afford upon becoming engaged. This article serves as a pretty good eye-opener to what married-couples-to-be are in store for … in their specific area.

What’s the story? Many times couples have a specific wedding budget in mind and while some stick to their budget, the reality is that things add up quickly and often exceed the original budget. Cost of Wedding was created to help couples understand those costs. We provide several tools to help you map real wedding cost to your wedding budget. Plus a few extra tidbits, here and there.

On average, US couples spend $19,581 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $14,686 and $24,476. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring. Understanding wedding cost now can help you with your wedding budget later.

I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, so according to Cost of Wedding, on average, couples that live in or travel to Raleigh, North Carolina spend between $18,153-$30,255 total for Average Cost.

Visit http://www.costofwedding.com can help you get an idea of what your wedding will add up to be. Just type in your zip code in the search box.

What’s your wedding budget vs real wedding cost?

WELCOME to Simply Lavish Weddings & Events!

That’s right, I’ve done it! I’ve started a blog, I can’t believe it. FINALLY…

Here you will find, according to my company’s mission, all things Chic, Sophisticate, and Exquisite for your wedding extravaganza and/or special event.

This blog will be dedicated to showing off my clients’ events,  ground-breaking ideas, trends in the industry, etiquette, fashion, and vendor spotlight. I may even throw in a few of my favorite things and pop culture news.

Simply put, I hope that through my own love affair with all things wedding, I can inspire you to transform your creative instincts into a Simply Lavish affair.
So, bookmark us, subscribe to us and hang on for the wildest ride in weddings today.  We’re glad you’re here.   Have a Simply Lavish Day!

DeVonda Manning

Owner & Principal Planner of Simply Lavish Weddings & Events, LLC