WEDDINGISTAS | A Wedding Blog from Two Connecticut Wedding Planners

The Brooklyn Kitchen

I’m always on the hunt for unique registry options for our readers.  Pottery Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy's, etc. are all common, yet excellent registry options. But, for those of you who are little different, these posts are for you.

 

I came across The Brooklyn Kitchen and I knew I had to share.  It’s a new little shop in Brooklyn, NY that stock cool items like large mini-muffin pans, Wrap-N-Mat sandwich bags, and stovetop smokers! 

It’s focus is on food accessories, tool and appliances, so it isn’t a “one-stop-shop” registry, but still pretty cool in its own right.

 

Guest Post: Ten Tips for Delivering the Perfect Wedding Toast

It isn't very often that my work and my husband's work tend to cross paths, so I am pretty excited to share this post with all of you! My husband, Jon, writes a blog called Presentation Advisors and he shares his expertise in effective presenting. We thought that it would be a really interesting post if we put our minds together and shared a few tips with you all about giving a wedding speech.  We've both seen a great number of wedding speeches (good and bad) so we thought we could provide a little insight on how to make your speech a hit.

Now, being chosen as a groom’s best man or a bride’s maid-of-honor is truly an honor (as the name implies). It’s a title that one receives when they’ve truly meant the most as a friend to the bride or groom. Of course, once the emotion subsides it gives way to the fact that being a best man or maid-of-honor comes with great responsibility – not the least of which is the Wedding Toast.

Image: Robert and Kathleen Photography

To ease your nerves and make your Best Man or Maid of Honor speech go as smoothly as possible, here are ten tips for a successful wedding toast:

1. Avoid Inside Jokes and Ultra-Personal References
   I know that you’ve known the bride or groom for nearly your lifetime and have countless stories under your belt that, had everyone been there, would have the guests rolling in laughter. However, they weren’t there. Thus, your inside jokes will fall on deaf ears and could result in just a few awkward laughs. Instead, make sure all your jokes/stories/references are relevant, brief, and can be understood from those ages 8 to 88.


2. Position Yourself Wisely
   Receptions are held at a wide variety of locations, and the layouts are different at every venue. When delivering your speech, make sure you’re standing in a place where all the guests can see you. Also make sure that you’re not standing too close to the actual speaker system, as it will result in feedback (that loud squeaking noise). Your DJ/wedding planner/event coordinator can help you find a perfect location if you are unsure. Finally, don’t just stare at the newlyweds as you speak. Make sure you turn your body to address all sides of the room, turning every few seconds or so (though not in the middle of a sentence).


3. Keep it Brief
   This is usually common knowledge, but it’s easier said than done when you’re trying to encompass years, if not a lifetime, of friendship into just a few minutes. However, there is a necessity to keep it brief. You’re rarely the only speech (see #10) and the first course is often served after the toasts are done, so you’re keeping the hungry guests from their food (and the bar)! My suggestion is 3-5 minutes. Any more and the audience’s interest will wane.


4. Come Prepared
   Some people are super-comfortable with public speaking and that’s impressive, but that doesn’t mean you can wing-it. If you’re not prepared, your speech is almost guaranteed to NOT resonate with the audience. No matter how comfortable you may be, come prepared with your speech. You don’t have to have it written on paper (especially since you shouldn’t be reading), but spend a generous amount of time developing the story sequence, which brings us to our next point…


5. Craft Your Speech Like a Storyteller
   Like a good book or movie, an engaging speech will have a framework that ties it together. As you gather ideas for your speech, start putting them together in a timeline of sorts and find ways to relate them all. Don’t just start by telling funny college stories, then explain the first time you were introduced to the significant other, then talk about an embarrassing fact, and finish with a blessing. Give it a distinct beginning, middle, and end, and NEVER wing-it.


6. Don’t Read Your Speech
   I may not get 100% agreement on this, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to read (verbatim) during a wedding toast, or any presentation for that matter. Your focus on the paper creates a disconnect between you, the audience, and certainly the newlyweds. I suggest writing it out fully first, but once you’ve practiced it enough, break it down to a few main points and practice delivering it without the full-draft until you get it just right. It is okay to hold an index card with your bullet points during the real speech to keep you on track. It won’t be 100% accurate vs. your written draft, but that’s okay – it is far more engaging than reading it.


7. Practice, Practice, Practice
   No presentation/speech related post can exist without an emphasis on practice. It’s the only way to ensure a smooth delivery of your wedding toast, and the only true method to minimize your fear of public speaking. The more you practice, the more the delivery and content becomes second nature. Sure, you’ll still feel the nerves before you speak, but it’s your faith in your preparation that will help you provide a smooth delivery. I would also suggest practicing on a friend or family member who is close with the newlyweds who can give you honest feedback according to the other tips I’ve outlined.


8. Remember, It’s NOT a Roast
   No matter how much dirt you have on your friend or relative, this is not a roast. Jokes and the slightly embarrassing story are okay, as long as they’re appropriate for all audiences. However, completely embarrassing the newlyweds or addressing taboo subjects like religion, age, education, or otherwise should be avoided.


9. Thank the Families
   Often overlooked, this is an important tip  Make sure you thank both families for everything they’ve done to get the newlyweds to this point. You don’t have to stop at just the parents either – go ahead and than everyone for their role in raising such great people and for bringing the couple together in matrimony and sharing in this special day.


10. Limit the Number of Speeches
    This is #10 because it’s actually not the responsibility of the Best Man or Maid of Honor, but the newlyweds themselves. There are typically only two speeches – the Best Man and Maid of Honor toasts. But sometimes there is more than one BM/MOH, or the parents insist on speaking, or even the bride or groom want a chance on the mic. While I’m sure these speeches are meaningful and mean a lot to the newlyweds and those who speak, I can’t promise you that your guests feel the same way as they sit and wait for their food. 

Hopefully these tips will make your Best Man or Maid of Honor speech all the more memorable and fun. 

Have you given a wedding toast?  What were your experiences?

Jon Thomas is the founder of Presentation Advisors, a presentation design and training firm, where he helps clients of all sizes visually engage their audience and tell their stories more effectively. He is an avid blogger on presentation design, public speaking, and marketing topics at his blog.

Mr. + Mrs. Luggage Tags

Images: C'est Superbe

I stumbled upon these little treasures while on my weekly browse through Etsy.  These fun luggage tags would make a great gift for a bridal shower. I can almost guarantee the other guests will be talking about your adorable idea. If you really wanted to spoil you’re the couple, you could purchase luggage off their registry and attach one of these custom tags for a really impressive gift.

Sunday Sweepstakes: Little Retreats

 

Earlier in the week, I wrote about the fabulous Little Retreats shop on Etsy.  The mustache-craze has officially taken over, so why not join the party? 

Little Retreats is giving away one of their 'party props on a stick' packages to ONE lucky Weddingistas reader! The best part about this is that you get to choose; I mean, maybe you're not sold on the mustache thing and prefer getting the lip pack. 

Either way, here is how you enter: 

1. Visit the Little Retreats shop 
2. Pick the 'party prop on a stick' package you want  
3. Come back to this post and leave a comment with the corresponding link

Approximate retail value: $14 -$29 (depending)

Promotional period ends: September 12, 2010

Any questions? 

Vintage {Boudoir} Photo Shoot: Highlight Reel

If you thought yesterdays post was steamy, then I think you'll enjoy the video. What else could you ask for on a Friday?

Video courtesy of Bruno St. Jerome Productions

 

Vintage {Boudoir} Photo Shoot

You may have noticed that we are current reliving the vintage photo shoot (Part I and Part II) that we had done a while back. Please forgive us for the delay! One piece that we have kept super top-secret is the fact that we also did a sexy couple boudoir session with our models! It was a continuation of our shoot that leads into what happens on the wedding night. So sexy!

Check out how our gorgeous models (and soon-to-be-husband-and-wife in real life) helped to make a very romantic and very classy boudoir shoot!

Images: Michael Maler Photography

  

Images: Michael Maler Photography

We asked our model, "Anna", how she felt about getting in front of the camera and see what other tips she has for ladies who are considering doing a boudoir shoot like this. Here is what she had to say:

Were you nervous about doing a boudoir shoot? Very! I think any woman in their unmentionables in front of a group of people might be a tad nervous...but you quickly get over it. Word to those interested- buy something new that you love so you are excited about wearing it!

How did your fiance feel about doing it with you? I think he was more excited than I was!

Where was your lingerie from? I found it at Victoria's Secret- I wanted to get a nice vintage looking beautiful set which reflected the mood of the shoot and felt like something a bride might be wearing under her dress.

Any tips for ladies looking to do a boudoir shoot but are too body conscious/nervous? It is very nerve racking I think for any woman to anticipate a shoot like that. But you have to go in comfortable about it. Let you inhibitions go and just have fun with it. If you are nervous and stiff the pictures will reflect that. Just remember that you are sexy and beautiful no matter what!

Images: Michael Maler Photography

Again, a huge thank you to our couple "Anna" and "Gabe" for being troupes on the day of the shoot and being brave to let us photograph them in such an intimate way. Our awesome photographers Marcie and Mike Maler were amazing and really put everyone at ease.

We'd love to hear what you think about our shoot. Would you ever consider doing a boudoir session?

Little Retreats

   

Images: Raw Photo Design

If you haven’t noticed, the mustache has made a playful comeback and has found itself on pencils, pillows, mugs, cars, and even in weddings photos!

Photo booths are a popular trend at weddings these days. Primarily because they are a ton of fun and you’ll be left with priceless photographs. In case you’d like to incorporate some fun mustaches or other props into your wedding day, here is a great shop for it. 

Little Retreats has some of the cutest (and reasonably priced) sets of mustache, beard, and lip props… where else, but on Etsy. Go grab some and make your wedding instantly cool.

   

  Images: Little Retreats

Also, check back later this week for some exciting announcements from Little Retreats!

 

Vintage Photo Shoot: Highlight Reel

A little personal preface: During the summer, I moved. And as many of you know, moving is the opposite of fun. And to think I did it during wedding season! It’s taken me nearly 8 weeks to get everything transported, cleaned, and organized.  Just as I was putting those last few items away, I came across DVD’s of our vintage photo shoot from the super talented team over at Bruno St. Jerome Productions. I cannot believe I haven’t shared this yet! I’m so bad – please accept my apologizes!

This is taking it full circle now. We created an inspiration board and then showed you the final product – Vintage photo shoot part I & part II. So, now you get watch a quick video on the whole project!

Now, this is where it gets really, really good. Stay tuned this week, as we unveil the second half of our photo shoot – boudoir!

Sunday Sweepstakes: Operation Dream Wedding

 

BRIDES and David's Bridal are searching for one deserving bride to award a dream wedding package.

Enter to win:

• A limited-edition wedding gown
• • Walk down the aisle in the 2010 BRIDES Operation Dream Dress winning design available exclusively at David's Bridal this November 
• $500 gift certificate from David's Bridal for stylish bridal party fashions
• $500 Maybelline makeup kit, as well as a Maybelline makeup artist for the big day
• $750 in designer tuxedo rental packages from Men’s Wearhouse, for your groom and up to four groomsmen

Approximate retail value: $3,450.00

Promotional period ends: September 7, 2010

Please note: As always, I recommend reading the contest rules prior to entering. For starters, the David’s Bridal certificates must be redeemed by 3/31/11. But, read the rules for more information.

Sunflower E-Session

 

Back in July, we shared with our readers an opportunity to win a sunflower e-session in Connecticut by local photographer, Natasha Montero.  After receiving dozens of worthy entrants, Natasha chose Julie & Nate, partly based on their adorable proposal video. Being a UConn alumni myself, I fell in love with this surprise proposal during graduation!

Anyway, it was to take place at the sunflower-studded Buttonwood Farm; however, inclement weather forced them to cancel the session, which would have been the last day of the sunflowers at the farm. Instead, they rescheduled for a sunflower maze shoot at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. Also, a portion of the maze ticket proceeds was donated to the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Connecticut Children's Medical Center.  Obviously, it was a win-win situation overall and the final product could not have been more beautiful!

Here’s what Natasha said: “Julie and Nate were hilarious and so fun to work with. They were definitely a "go-get-em" kind of couple, and I loved it! It was such a blast and I think you'll be able to see that from the photos.”

Images: Natasha Montero

I love when people come together and create something beautiful. Congratulations Julie & Nate!