Masquerade favors?

I am trying to think of ways to incorporate a subtle masquerade theme into our reception. The colors are red and black and my concept is, at best an "outdoor opera ball" feel. Formal and dramatic, but not stuffy.

Wedding favors are kind of a silly development. It kind of reminds me of Hallmark inventing holidays, like Administrative Assistant Day. I feel like it's something the vendors and event planners came up with to supersize our already thin stretched budgets. How many people really care about personalized M & Ms or little pots of honey? Then again, it's a nice token for guests who took the time to travel to your locale, dress up, buy you an expensive piece of china and not make a total ass of themselves.

In any case, it's been a doozy coming up with creative ideas that aren't trite or predictable and more importantly fit the theme. I'm thinking about masquerade masks for wedding favors. Partly as an homage to these Mexican masks that Braden and his friends have and wear at all important events. You can see pictures on our website http://bradenandginny.com/ (I know I don't get it either, but if we ever make another hip-hop album and I'm on it, I guess I'll have to wear my pretty Venician one).

Soooo... masks? Would that be fun? Original? I've heard of people having "costume trees" at weddings with accessories and such to lighten up the dance floor. While I think that is a fun idea, it's a little too cutesy for me. Maybe, I'll even design some special ones for the bride and groom.

Catering and Decor...oh my!

We met with the caterer and event planner yesterday. After an exhausting 1.5 hour session with Mom and Dad in tow, we solidified a menu that I very much think everyone will love (I get rather excited about hor d'oerves) The menu is going to be a "Southern Nouveau" theme...basically your favorite Southern classics with an upscale twist. There will be two meats and a vegetarian option (which you carnivores will have to try...because it sounds delish!!) I don't want to give it all away. I mean, I'm a total foodie, so you know the wedding menu is gonna be divine.

Heather (our event planner) had some wonderful ideas for the tent since the entirity of our wedding will be outside on the grounds. We will have a big white tent with hopefully some dramatic chandeliers and string lights. The theme, in case, you haven't heard is red and black. There will be elements of opera, masquerade and even vintage cars. I really love dramatic colors...you won't catch a single pastel at my wedding!!

Also, being a fiancee means that I someone have found a love for bridal television, which in itself is a market all on it's own. My current obsession: My Fair Wedding. Brides tell designer David Tutera their wedding plans, which are usually crazy (read: Pirate Wedding, Swamp Wedding) and he finds a way to make it work and seem glamorous.

That's all for now. I am really happy that all our vendors are committed. I don't have to worry about settling for someone considering we are getting married on a very popular weekend. For the next couple of weeks, I'm just focusing on reaching my goal wedding weight and saving some money!

Catering vendor: http://www.thecateringcompanych.com/

Things I still have to do...

-Invitations
-Guest List
-Pick the cake vendor
-Talk to the caterer