Sneak Peek: Crab Boil Party

Sneak Peek of the Crab Boil Party held last weekend!

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


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Be a Party Leader - News Tribune

We were lucky enough to be quoted in this past Sunday's News Tribune on a featured in the Style Section called "Be a Party Leader."  Be sure to check out this link to read the entire article, which will give you some great tips on how to host a summer party this season!

The Feature was written by Porcshe Morgan

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Tip: Planning the Perfect Patriotic Party

Did you know the number of Americans who will spend the Fourth of July holiday at other people's homes is approximately 41 million? That is some major entertaining going on! Are you planning to invite guests over or will you be one of the 41 million attending the festivities elsewhere? Either way, I am sure there will be a lot of grilling going on!

If you're anything like me, you probably need some new and fresh ideas for this years Holiday.

Here are my 5 tips for Fabulous Fourth!

Tip #5:

Start your planning with a buffet menu, one that can easily be set up and taken down. You will want to include barbecue favorites that you can easily prepare ahead of time. Items like coleslaw, fruit salad and homemade ice cream. I like to do all of my prep work ahead of time, either the day or night before the 4th. This includes shucking corn, marinating chicken and ribs and slicing some homegrown strawberries. Curious what we are serving this year?

The Bridal Solution's EASY Make - Ahead 4th Menu:

Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Breasts

Smoked BBQ Ribs

Potato Salad

Grilled Corn with Parmesan Butter

Coleslaw

Bourbon Baked Beans

and Strawberry/Angel Food Cake Skewers

Homemade Ice Cream

All of these items can be prepared the day before, except for the grilling and warming of baked beans. Like I said, easy peasy!

Tip #4:

Pick your drinks! Don't feel like you have to offer everything, just choose a few and go with it. Use drink dispensers on the buffet line, something for the adults and something for the kids. Try pre-mixing margaritas or sangria and lemonade, or iced tea. No matter what, be sure to have plenty of water available, especially if you and your guests will be out in the heat most of the day. Here's Natalie's favorite margarita recipe everyone will LOVE!

Ingredients:

1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate

6 fluid ounces tequila

2 fluid ounces triple sec

Directions:

Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Tip #3:

Set the Table! Trust me on this one, you don’t' need anything fancy. Little items can go along way if you use them right. For instance, instead of buying or using a blue, red and white linen, stick to one color. You can add little pops of color elsewhere to get the effect you're looking for. Try even a rustic natural look on the table. Add pops of color like using vintage red lanterns, a few charger plates and bundles of flatware for easy pick up. Don't forget the lighting. The lanterns will add a little, but try to use some additional lights if you are staying outside for fireworks. I suggest uplighting trees and using galvanized buckets with bamboo to string globe lights on. This will create an intimate setting your guests will not want to leave!

Tip #2:

Don’t forget to accommodate your guests and provide entertainment. This can be as easy as creating a soundtrack and playing it through speakers from your iPod, to providing games for your guests to play. The Fourth of July is all about being outside with company, so why not get a game of crochet or volleyball going. Games like washers or beanbag toss is great too.

I always love to add a few items around the house to accommodate my guests. Either a tray with flavored water, chocolate mints in the bathroom, anything to make them feel more like home. It’s all about the little details!

Tip #1:

Plan for the Fireworks. If you are one of the lucky ones who are able to watch them from your house, then set up a special viewing area. Bring out blankets and large pillows to create a comfortable viewing area. Can’t see them from your house? No biggie? Set up just as you would outside – inside! Last year it was so warm we all moved indoors, turned out all the lights [except for the TV] and created stars on the ceiling, just like if we were outside. It was perfection! The perfect watching fireworks treat? Our family tradition of course! Treat your guests to homemade ice cream root beer floats …yummo!

To become one of our Brides and join the TBS Family, email Natalie at thebridalsolution@gmail.com for pricing options and specials!

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Printed Bridesmaid Dresses

Oh how we love these offbeat dresses, out of the norm, but oh so trendy.  These floral prints have been making their appearance over the past few years, and this year is certainly no different.  We love the idea of mixing and matching and going bold with different prints. 

Put an end to the phrase, "just shorten it and wear it again" and REALLY get your bridesmaids a dress that they will love and wear again.  While theses dresses due come off as "less formal" they don't lack on their appeal.  They are really a great way to incorporate into your vintage, retro or rustic style wedding.

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Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Whisky Barrel Tables

Having a rustic wedding, is your reception located in a barn?  Are you looking for an intimate seating arrangement for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour? 

We are SOOO in love with these wine barrel tables, created by Bliss Events.  They are absolutely stunning and it's oh-so creative!

Here's What You'll Need:
Half Wine or Whisky Barrels [sold at stores like Lowes/Home Depot, etc.]
Leave empty or use filler like picture above
Circular tempered glass [found at hobby/craft stores]

Extras ...
Floral Arrangements
Votives

Let The Bridal Solution re-create this look for you on your special day ... you'll be glad you did!

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Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Tips: Top 5 Tips for your Wedding Day

Hey Brides!

Natalie from The Bridal Solution, YOUR Event Stylist here! We have been planning numerous Weddings and Events over the past few weeks ... Welcome to Wedding Season!

With all the bridal buzz going around I thought it was important to give YOU the insider secrets to having the perfect Wedding Day!  Why?  Because every bride deserves to have a stress-free day, full of amazing memories!  Don't you agree?

Here are The Bridal Solution's TOP 5 Tips for your Wedding Day!

#5. Remember Your Love Story

If you think about it, a lot of your guests may not know exactly your love story, how you both fell in love with each other. So incorporating that into your wedding day, will make guests feel closer to you, and feel "in-the-know." You can do this in a number of ways. Anything from incorporating your story in your ceremony, naming your guests reception tables after vacations you've been on together, toasts or by the favors you choose. No matter how you do it, your guests will love you for it!

#4. Show your Personality thru your Wedding Style

Have you thought about what your Wedding Style is? Are you laid back? Perhaps having a country chic wedding in a barn with mason jars is the look you go for. Are you as a couple more formal and enjoy the finer things in life? Try having your own wine tasting and five course meal in the ballroom of your dreams. Do you love music? Have a battle of the bands during your reception and get your guests on their feet. It's important to stick to your roots and to who you both have become as a couple. When you know your personal style, your wedding style should reflect that!

#3. Share the Details

When your wedding planning ... it's all in the details, so why not get your guests involved! Invite them to invent their own cocktails at the cocktail fusion bar. Why not have a specialty drink that represents who you think you are as a couple. Let your guests have fun with you whether they are in a photobooth, taking their own pictures of the party, filling our song request forms for the DJ's at their table or sharing their feelings through a video guest book. The possibilities are endless!

#2.  Say "Thank You" Without saying it!

Remember that as a couple you have grown not only by your love for one another, but because of the support of your family and friends.  Don't forget to make them feel special on your wedding day. You can do this by adding a thank you to the end of your programs, letting your wedding party sit with their spouses, including photos of your parents weddings and memorable speeches.  One of our favorite weddings last year surprised their grandparents who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary that very same night with their special song.  A little bit goes a long way!

#1.  Take Time to Take a Moment ...

During all the hustle and bustle, take a few moments to take it all in.  Before your ceremony, enjoy a special moment with your dad before he walks you down the aisle.  After your "I Do's" run off with your groom and share a moment, away from your bridal party together.  At the reception, take time to eat, take time to check out the surroundings and watch your guests laugh.  Take a moment to take it all in, and you wont have any regrets! 

To become one of our Brides and join the TBS Family, email Natalie at thebridalsolution@gmail.com for pricing options and specials!

If you haven't already, join our family on Facebook and like our page!  www.facebook.com/thebridalsolution

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Incorporating Succulents

Succulents are all rage these days.  Your not only finding them in peoples homes, patios and wineries, but we're seeing a lot of them show up at weddings.  They create their own personalities in bouquets, and create a warmth on reception tables.   Some brides are even giving them away as favors.  We can't get over how good they look in these weddings!



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Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Chevron Showers

With Chevron being so popular these days, it was hard to turn our heads to these ubber cute bridal showers!  Which ones your favorite?

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Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Trends: Grapewood & Vines

Some of the newest trends in weddings over the past year have been Grape Wood and Grape Vines.  They are so universal ... you could use them for a beach wedding or a barn wedding, and they would still look great.

Here are some examples on how to use them properly ...



How are you incorporating grape wood or vines into your wedding this year?



Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Ice Cream Truck

It's getting warmer outside, so why not surprise your guests and have an ice cream truck show up?  We're so excited to be doing this with a few couples later on this Summer .. but we're not saying which ones ... it's a surprise!

Come on ... you know they'll love it!

[Source] [Source]


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff

thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter