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Bachelorette Weekend: A Spa Pampering Party

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:43 -0700

It's Wedding Party Week on the Sugar network, so I'll be bringing you a few beauty posts related to bridal showers and bachelorette bashes. Traditionally, showers involve gift-giving and cutesy games, while bachelorette weekends are all about getting wild and crazy. For those of you tamer, or less thrill-seeking brides, why not consider another option such as a spa party? This relaxing alternative allows you and your friends to spend some quality time together getting pampered and primped.

I understand that a weekend away or even a day at a spa can be indulgent and costly, so thankfully, there are a number of companies that can bring spa parties to your home. For example, Sparty is billed as a blend of spa treatments and cocktails. Their bachlelorette bash option allows you to choose from an assortment of bridal-themed drinks, food, massages and goodie bags. Prices vary depending on the options, but my best guess is that you'll likely be paying somewhere between $150 – $300 per person. Sparties are available in eleven cities nationwide. For four more options, read more.

MobileSpa Bachelorette Party has a customizable bachelorette spa package that allows you (or the bride) to decide what treatments will be offered. Expect to pay between $150 - $250 per person.
Puur Spa Parties has a lot of fun options for large or small groups, including hair and makeup services and body treatments. I've read up on the Rejuvenate Mini-Spa package which includes a facial, massage, and a hand or foot spa for $140 a pop - not bad.
Spa Lot of Fun Party brings manicurists, masseuses, facialists (or whatever you desire) to your home to perform spa treatments on you and your friends. Prices and locations vary.
For those of you who are especially budget-conscious, you can design a DIY Spa Party. Make a couple of fun cocktails, a few finger noshes and some DIY spa treatments. As an added touch, in the background, play the bride's favorite wedding-themed movie!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.
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The How-To Lounge: Choosing Your Wedding Party

DearSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

There’s something really special about having your closest friends and family members stand by your side as you take your wedding vows, but oftentimes the task of picking who can be downright draining. To get some quick tips on making this particular wedding task less stressful, read more.

Sit down with your fiancé and decide how many each of you would like to have in your party - consider the practicals like standing room and whether or not you intend to compensate their wedding outfits. Keep in mind that it’s very common to have a mismatched number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, but if you want things to be symmetrical, decide now.
It may sound cheesy, but you truly are supposed to be choosing the people you want nearest to you while you take this next step, so choose people you really care about. Don’t feel obligated to ask someone just because they asked you or because your parents are pressuring you.
When it comes to choosing the lucky few, think about your expectations for your bridal party, and if the people you have in mind are up to the challenge. For example, if one of your closest friends lives across the country, she won’t be able to do as much as one of your friends who lives in the same city. Also, if your best friend is completely unorganized and unfocused, it might be best to ask your sister to help with the maid of honor duties instead.
Since you're asking the people in your life who are nearest to your heart, it’s likely that they’ll be thrilled at the occasion, but don’t make that your assumption. You’re asking them to do this as a favor to you, not them, so don’t be upset if they say no. Keep in mind that people have busy lives - some might not have the time or money to participate. Give your friends the out, so when they say yes you’ll know that they are 100 percent committed.

Remember, if you’re worried about leaving someone out or hurting feelings, there are plenty of other ways they can be involved in your wedding - you can even note them in the program or on your engagement website.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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The How-To Lounge: Choosing your Wedding Party

DearSugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Choosing your wedding party sure can be a daunting task. While it would be nice to have all your friends and family stand up for you on your special day, a large wedding party is bound to take away from the bride and groom. Check out my tips on how to choose your wedding party.

Click here to read more

It is a special honor to be a part of a wedding party and the bride and groom usually ask their best friends and closest family members to stand up for them on their wedding day
Bridal parties can range anywhere from one attendant on each side to over a dozen, but it is important to consider how many guests will be attending your wedding before choosing your wedding party
Most brides and grooms have a maid of honor and a best man, the most honored role a friend or family member can play in a wedding. Typically there is one maid/matron of honor and one best man, but it is not out of the question to have more than one
Most often, every bridesmaid has a corresponding groomsmen, but that is more for symmetry than anything else. It is not the end of the world if you have uneven numbers standing beside you
Your bridesmaids do not necessarily have to be all women, and vice versa
Many women feel obligated to ask friends to be in their wedding because they were in theirs, or a distant cousin just because they are family, but weddings are no time for restitution. Ask the people closest to you
Before asking your potential wedding party to participate, think about what you will be expecting from them. Wedding planning should be as stress free as possible, so don't choose a friend or family member who will be more trouble than help
If you wish to keep your wedding party small or are stuck deciding between four friends for only two spots in your bridal party, remember there are many other roles your friends and family could play on your special day
Once you have made your decisions, let your attendants know ASAP. You won't want any friends or family members to be assuming they are in your wedding when they are in fact not

I hope these tips will help you when determining your wedding party. This process can be somewhat stressful, so listen to your gut instincts and limit your attendants to the closest people to you and your soon to be hubby.

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Do Tell: How Many Pre-Wedding Parties Are Too Many?

DearSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Being a part of someone's wedding is a huge honor, but it's also very time-consuming and expensive. It seems that everyone's free time is getting more and more limited, so when you add wedding requirements to the mix, they can feel like more of a burden than an event to look forward to. Typically brides have one engagement party, one bridal shower, and one bachelorette party, but some have many more. Now I love a good party, don't get me wrong, but I know how monotonous these kind of parties can be. So ladies, do tell, how many pre-wedding parties are too many?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Party Favors for Your Geek Chic Reception

GeekSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:45:36 -0700

A geeky girl's dream wedding would include an awesome reception where everyone mingles, fills up on delish food and drink, and has a total blast while celebrating your big day. To help make this dream a reality, you'll want to check a few things off your "To Do" list beforehand. Of course you'll need music and entertainment, plus something fun to fill your guests' time. Party favors are a hit with crowds because it gives people something to do while the food line goes down and occupies the kiddies while the 'rents are busy networking your other guests for photoshop tips.

What kind of party favors would a geeky couple provide? Well, besides going green and sending your guests home with plantable trees from the Arbor Day Foundation, you can let them entertain themselves with a number of inexpensive and totally geeky gifts. For example, Rubik's cubes on the tables, or even take home Rubik's Cube Keychains will keep the nerdiest of guests focused, and will satisfy the younger geeks-in-training by keeping their hands (and minds) busy.

I have more geeky party favor ideas when you read more

Make it a team effort with crossword puzzles or Sudoku printed tablecloths or napkins. Seriously, what geek hasn't been obsessed at one point with beating the Brain Age Sudoku puzzles on their Nintendo DS? Having them show off their puzzle prowess will surely make a long lasting impression. Just by going to any custom printing shop with a tablecloth of choice and a puzzle or two, you can get a unique geeky wedding activity. Just don't forget to provide pens and/or crayons so that people can actually do the puzzle!
Handing out USB Flash drives is an uber geeky gift that you can personalize with your wedding day message. Have it engraved with your names and the date, or customize with a personal message. "Live long and prosper" would be my personal choice. Since this could get a little higher on the price scale, you can reserve the flash drives for the wedding party alone if you are running low on cash.
Since I got this as a Christmas exchange gift once, I can personally tell you about the joys of the keychain digital camera. These little guys are super fun and will hold up to a beating by your keys (if you actually keep it on your keychain). Plus, guests can take photos while at the wedding and have them to remember later. Think about designating a Flickr/Shutterfly tag (ex: Geek and Geekette's Wedding) so everyone who took photos at the event, whether it be from the keychain camera or their own, can upload and tag them properly, making a huge virtual photo album online.
Hand out pre-burned CDs of your wedding soundtrack. This is an easy and fun project to complete together before the wedding, since you can pick out tracks that you both love, select a photo for the cover, and if you have a printer that prints on CDs, like the Epson RX680, you can customize the look even further!

Be sure to check out more of our wedding coverage on I Do Sugar.
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Come Party With Me: Wedding - Invite

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:28:33 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I planned an engagement party for my friend Elena, and this week, the saga continues with her wedding. During the process, I'll feature my tips and ideas on how to host a fabulous wedding, so interpret them to your own liking. Elena and her fiancé are hosting a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe. Both the ceremony and reception will take place at a friend's house that overlooks the lake. The wedding isn't until October '09, so we have plenty of time to make and send the invitations. Elena's colors are orange and fuchsia with wood and khaki accents. To see how I made these earthy, elegant invites, read more.

You will need the following supplies to make similar invites:

Three envelopes of the same size
cardstock in two different colors
decorative paper
colored printer paper
glue stick
scissors - regular and scalloped edged
ribbon
branch-shaped hole punch
computer and printer

To assemble the invite:

Create a new document in Microsoft Word. Write out the details of the wedding. The wording on an invite is very important. Since Elena and Sean are hosting the wedding themselves, their parents' names are not included in the text. I used Edwardian Script ITC in size 16 to write the following message:

Elena Rebecca Osterreicher
And
Sean Gary Trapp
Invite you to join them at a ceremony that celebrates love and joy.
The exchange of their wedding vows.

Saturday, the 11^th of October, 2009
At 4:00 in the afternoon.

The Carousel Estate
West Shore, Lake Tahoe, California

Dinner and dancing to follow.

Print out on plain paper and check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Make sure the bride approves of the text. Print out on the colored paper and set aside.

Since the wedding is a destination wedding, the invite includes information on where to stay and a schedule of possible activities to attend during the big weekend. A map explaining the exact location of the wedding is also important. Write the details out as clearly as possible. Here's what mine say:

Places to Sleep

The Sunnyside Resort
(530) 583-7200
http://www.sunnysideresort.com

Plumpjack Inn
530-583-1576
http://www.plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com

Granlibakken Resort
877-552-6301
http://www.granlibakken.com/

Please join us at one or all of these events!

Arrival Dinner
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Moody’s Bistro and Lounge
8:00 p.m.

Boating Barbeque
Friday, October 10, 2008
Disembarks at 11a.m.
From the West Shore dock

Rehearsal Dinner
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Carousel Estate
7:00 p.m.

Day-After Brunch
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Plumpjack Inn
10:30 a.m.

I will attend: __ Arrival Dinner __ Boating Barbeque
__ Rehearsal Dinner __ Day After Brunch
__ Wedding Ceremony
Carnivore or Vegetarian?

Print out on plain paper and check for errors. When satisfied with the wording, print out on the colored paper. Set aside.
Carefully, remove the upper half of two of the envelopes to make a sleeve.

Seal the third envelope and cover with the decorative paper. Line the inside of the side panels with the decorative paper and set aside. Turn over the sealed and covered envelope and glue the top flaps of the two other envelopes to the back. You are creating a three-piece folding panel.
Cut the cardstock down to 1/4 of an inch smaller than the folded-closed invite. You need three pieces. One for the center and two for the sides. To add depth I used pink cardstock for the outer panels and orange for the main center panel.

With the scalloped scissors, cut the text pages out. These should be roughly 1/4 of an inch smaller than the colored-cardstock pieces.
Mount the text on to the colored cardstock with the glue. Set aside to dry.

With the branch-shaped hole punch, punch out a bunch of branches on the remaining colored cardstock. Open the hole puncher and empty the cut-out branches onto your work space.

Glue to the text/cardstock in an attractive pattern. I put them on the edges of each part of the invite.
Glue the center text cardstock to the middle panel of the invite. Slide the map and schedule cardstock into the side sleeves. Fold to close.
Glue a few more branches to the front, if desired. Tie closed with the ribbon, forming a pretty bow. Set aside.

Line the inside of another envelope with decorative paper. Slide the folded invite inside and send addressed in your best handwriting.

For more fabulous wedding ideas check out IDoSugar!

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Wedding Parties Week in Review

DearSugar — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:21:30 -0700

Just in case you missed any of the wedding party week coverage here on Dear, you can check out my recap below!

Coed parties are the new trend, but are they a good idea or a bad idea?
Learn all the proper etiquette when it comes to throwing a bachelorette party or bridal shower.
What do you think? How many pre-wedding parties are too many?
Managing family issues during your wedding can be a real struggle, so check out my advice for dealing with a demanding sister-in-law, estranged relatives, and a familial rift.
Would you want to know what goes on at your man's bachelor party?
Make sure to check out the newest installment in Dear's wedding timeline series for your wedding planning needs.
Bachelorette parties can range from totally wild to spa-day relaxing. What kind do you want?
When it comes to party entertainment, are bridal shower games and penis paraphernalia dos or don'ts?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Come Party With Me: Wedding - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:08:33 -0700

Once you've decided which cake trend suits your wedding style, it's time to think about the flavor of the cake. Although many couples have differing tastes, you can compromise on a flavor that suits both of you. Each layer can be different, or you can offer a variety of smaller cakes.

Since Sean likes vanilla and Elena loves chocolate, they've decided to serve a marble cake at their reception. A marble cake is made with both chocolate and vanilla batters. The final cake is topped with with a swiss meringue buttercream.

For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe - it's a little complicated! - read more.

Marble Wedding Cake
From Martha Stewart Weddings

Ingredients

2 each 7 3/4-by-5 5/8-inch, 10 3/4-by-7 5/8-inch, 13-by-9 7/8-inch, and 16 1/2-by-12 3/8-inch oval layers chocolate and mocha Marble Cake, see below
4 pieces corresponding-size 3/16-inch thick foam board
2 recipes Swiss Meringue Buttercream, see below
12 pints rolled fondant
Cornstarch, for dusting
Gel-paste food coloring in pink and brown
1 oval cake board, 20 by 15 1/2 inches
28 wooden dowels, 1/4-inch diameter, 4 1/8 inches long
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Modeling Chocolate, see below
1/2 recipe Royal Icing, see below
Caramel Sauce, (You will need nineteen batches of caramel sauce to serve 150 guests), see below
Fondant Amounts (Approximate): 7 3/4-inch tier, 2 pounds; 10 3/4-inch tier, 2 1/2 pounds; 13-inch tier, 3 1/2 pounds; 16 1/2- inch tier, 4 pounds

Directions

Prepare tiers: Trim layers. On corresponding-size foam boards, fill with buttercream to make 4-inch-high tiers. Coat thinly with buttercream to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
Cover tiers: Roll fondant (see note above for amounts) into a small disk on clean work surface lightly dusted with cornstarch. Dip the end of a toothpick into pink food coloring, and press into fondant. Repeat to create a random pattern of pink marks on fondant. Fold edges toward center; knead 3 or 4 turns. Roll out fondant until 1/8 inch thick and large enough to cover largest tier (marbling will be visible). Drape fondant over a rolling pin; center and place it on the tier. Starting at the top, smooth fondant onto cake with your hands. Cut away excess with a pastry wheel. Repeat to cover remaining tiers.
Assemble tiers: Place largest tier on cake board. Insert 12 dowels, 10 in an oval about 2 1/2 inches from edge, and 2 evenly spaced in the center. Center and place 13-inch tier on top. Insert 10 dowels, 8 about 2 1/2 inches from edge and 2 evenly spaced in the center. Center and place 10 3/4-inch tier on top. Insert remaining 6 dowels in an oval about 2 1/2 inches from edge.
Decorate tiers: On a work surface dusted with cocoa powder, knead modeling chocolate until pliable. For each tier, roll a band about 2 1/2 inches wide and long enough to go halfway around tier. Using a pizza cutter, trim bottom edge to be straight. Trim top edge with a scallop cutter to make band 1 1/2 inches high at scallops' peaks (scraps can be reused). Use a damp pastry brush to moisten bottom edge of fondant-covered tier. Working quickly and carefully, lift band, and attach it to side of tier, placing cut ends at sides of cake. Repeat with more chocolate to make a band for other side. To make band for cake board, roll out another long band, and trim to be about 3/4 inch wide. Cut away top edge using scallop cutter. Use damp pastry brush to moisten area where cake board meets edge of bottom tier. Working quickly, lift prepared band and press it onto cake board.
Tint 1/2 cup royal icing brown; transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a coupler and an Ateco number 3 round tip. Pipe dots about 3/8 inch apart around tiers' bottom edges. Use dots of icing to attach desired brown ribbon to chocolate bands, and bows to ribbon (we wrapped 1/2-inch center-stitched brown grosgrain ribbon around chocolate bands, and used 7-millimeter brown silk ribbon for bows).
To serve, spoon 2 tablespoons caramel sauce onto each plate; top with a slice of cake.

Serves 150.

Marble Cake

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans
1 3/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk, room temperature
1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder, for mocha layers
Batter for each 3-inch-deep pan: 7 3/4-inch-by-5 5/8-inch, 7 cups; 10 3/4-inch-by-7 5/8-inch, 10 1/2 cups; 13-inch-by- 9 7/8-inch, 14 cups; 16 1/2-inch-by-12 3/8-inch, 17 1/2 cups.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter pans; line with parchment paper. Butter lining; dust with flour, tapping out excess. Set aside. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Combine milk and cream in a small bowl; set aside. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time; mix well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk mixture and beginning and ending with flour.
Combine cocoa and the boiling water in a medium bowl; for mocha cake, add espresso powder. Stir in 1 cup cake batter.
Fill prepared pans with spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter to form a checkerboard pattern. Run the tip of a paring knife or a wooden skewer through batter in a figure-eight motion to make swirls. Bake until tops are golden, and a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cakes cool completely in pans on wire racks.

Makes 3 1/2 cups batter.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

12 large egg whites
3 cups sugar
2 pounds (8 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture registers 140 degrees on an instantâread thermometer, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer bowl to mixer; fit mixer with the whisk. Beat on high until mixture is fluffy and cooled, about 10 minutes.
Reduce speed to medium-low; add butter several tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla, and mix until buttercream comes together, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and mix until buttercream is smooth and no air bubbles remain, about 2 minutes.

Makes 10 cups.

Modeling Chocolate

10 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate couverture, finely chopped
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 ounces cocoa butter, melted
Valrhona cocoa powder, for dusting

Place chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt to 110 degrees.to 115 degrees.
Place light corn syrup in small heavy-bottomed saucepan; heat to 95 degrees. and pour into melted chocolate. Add cocoa butter; stir well to combine. Set mixture aside in a cool, dry place, stirring occasionally until firm and pliable, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Wrap mixture tightly in plastic wrap. Shape into a flat disk, and chill until firm, about 1 hour. Transfer mixture to a clean work surface; knead to a smooth consistency. If modeling chocolate is sticky, sift a light layer of cocoa powder over work surface prior to rolling out. Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.

Makes about 1 pound.

Royal Icing

1 pound confectioners' sugar
5 tablespoons meringue powder

Put sugar and meringue powder in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add a scant 1/2 cup water; beat on low speed until think and fluffy, 7 to 8 minutes. If icing is too thick to pipe easily, add a few drops of water. Use icing immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Stir icing before using.

Makes 2 cups.

Caramel Sauce

1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, salt, and the water. Cook over medium heat until sugar is a medium amber color, about 7 minutes; wash sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystals from forming. Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream; add butter, and stir until combined. Let cool to room temperature; stir in vanilla. Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently; serve at room temperature.

Makes about 1 cup.

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Namaste For the Big Day: Yoga For Weddings

FitSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

If you're planning a wedding-related party, anything from an engagement party to a bachelorette bash, why not do something a little different? Since weddings are pretty stressful, everyone will appreciate a party that'll help release some of the tension and anxiety. I'm talking about a Yoga Party, and it's sure to encourage some calmness, self-reflection, and emotional renewal, which every bride and bridesmaid need.

If you don't know of any Yoga instructors in your area, or if you happen to be traveling elsewhere for the party, why not hire someone from Yoga For Weddings? They offer special event packages so you can customize a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Currently, they have teachers in California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Oregon. It may be just the thing if you're not into a night of strippers and barhopping.

If you're looking for more Yoga in your life, you don't have to stop at just one session. Yoga For Weddings also offers packages of six or 12 classes, or six months of classes - for yourself, you and the groom, or for you and your entire bridal party. It's a great way to stay fit, healthy, and centered in the time leading up to your special day.

Head to IDoSugar for more wedding coverage.

Come Party With Me: Wedding - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:28:31 -0700

The decor of your wedding is what sets the mood for the entire evening, so pay special attention to pretty details and eye catching accents. The color and theme - already seen in the invitation - should be reflected in everything from the tabletop to the ceiling. Elena's wedding will be decorated with an orange, pink, and wood color palette.

Start by covering the table with textured orange tablecloths. Slide pink napkins into wooden rings and place on top of wood chargers. Use the tines of a fork to neatly hold the placecards. Serve everything from beer to water in sleek wine glasses. Hang pink and orange lanterns in various sizes at different lengths from the ceiling. Multiple bloom pink and orange floral arrangements are chic and festive. Romantic lighting is essential to enhance the atmosphere, so light hundreds of white candles.

For more wedding ideas check out check out IDoSugar.

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