DIY # 6 How to Pin on a Boutonniere

The man’s boutonniere in pinned on the left side (over the heart). Most experts tell you to angle the boutonniere, have the flower in the middle and at the broadest part of the lapel, pin (start in the back of the lapel) usually from bottom up into the stem. Use a second pin if not secure. What you don’t want is to have it flop or move during the event.

As with all of life, practice, practice, practice. in the weeks before the event, practice on some willing friend.

Keep the flowers fresh. Put them in the refrigerator—chilling them before use will make sure they are good looking and long lasting.

An unusually look is the non-flower found at brides.com, shown in this photo, but the pinning will be the same (from http://rosenowfloral.com/frittsrosenow/).

http://www.howtodothings.com/fashion-personal-care/how-to-pin-a-corsage-or-boutonniere

http://prom.about.com/od/formalaccessoriesshoes/ss/How-To-Pin-A-Boutonniere.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_10182_pin-corsage-boutonniere.html

http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-flowers/how-to-pin-on-a-wedding-boutonniere-and-corsage/

Helpful videos: http://vimeo.com/9290792 and http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/03/07/there-are-a-few-things-in-life-every-woman-should-know-how-to-do/

DIY #5 Activities for Children attending a Wedding

For the most part, weddings are adult events. During the day itself, there is a lot of down time for the kids. But there are many ways to add some fun into the day for the children.

Remember their tastes as you choose food and drinks for the various meals that day.

One cute idea to provide some entertainment for the children is a coloring book customized to your wedding. See www.simplysherlock.com for a made-to-order book.

Most experts suggest individualized activity bags. You can go to a discount store and buy little paper bags, put the child’s name on each and add stickers, crayons, and other items of interest to the children.

If you have a separate room for the kids, decorate tables, add a TV with a DVD player and get some movies, bring in a Wii game, hire sitters who can help with games such as

Seeking Sitters, 703-662-3172, www.seekingsitters.com

White House Nannies, Inc. 703-838-2100, http://www.whitehousenannies.com/

Andy’s Parties, 703.757.2386, www.andysparties.com

Many web sites will provide you with great suggestions:

http://www.theamericanwedding.com/blog/?view=plink&id=477

http://www.suite101.com/content/entertaining-children-at-a-wedding-a27666

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/351252/tips_on_entertaining_children_at_your.html?cat=41

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/kids-table-ideas-for-entertaining-children-at-your-wedding/

Here is one of the Birkby House’s Event Manager’s favorite stories about a ring bearer: As the little boy takes the rings up the aisle, every few steps he turns around, makes a ferocious face and growls at the crowd. The crowd laughs hysterically but no one understands. Later, when he's asked what he was doing, he seriously answers, "Being the ring bear!"

What's in a Number? 11 11 11

Special Offer for your Special Day

Friday, November 11, 2011

Weddings on Wirt Street, the small chapel located at 3 Wirt Street NW in Leesburg, is pleased to announce a special offer for ceremonies performed on November 11^th. “Our goal is to perform eleven weddings that day,” said Suzanne Fox who manages the venue.

November 11, 2011 (11/11/11) is the next to last date with matching months, days and years until 12/12/12 and then it will be nearly a century until that sequence reoccurs (01/01/2101). Don’t want to wait a month and a year or a century to have a memorable wedding date? The lovely chapel will be available as early as 6AM and as late as 11PM at one-hour intervals for a special price of $111.11 (tax included but not including the charge for the officiant).

You will, of course, need a valid Virginia marriage license and an official to perform the ceremony. You may bring your own clergy or the Loudoun County Clerk of Courts can provide a list of licensed Civil Celebrants. The special is limited to 10 or fewer guests including the wedding couple. Longer and larger events can also be accommodated at a nominal additional charge.

Several restaurants in the historic district will provide gift certificates for post-ceremony meals or refreshments.

If you are interested in having an anniversary date you will never forget,  please contact Suzanne Fox, 703.777.2927 or info@weddingsonwirt.com for more information.

The Little Chapel on Wirt Street, Leesburg

The Town of Events and Parades, part II

Leesburg hosts a wide variety of downtown events.

On August 19th, the 10^th Motorcycle Ride of the America’s 9/11 Foundation, dedicated to first responders nationwide. The foundation raises money for a scholarship program for children of active first responders, http://www.americas911foundation.org/

This ride began in Somerset PA, stopped at the Pentagon, and ended at for the World Trade Center site in New York City. On its way to the Pentagon, Leesburg was pleased that it drove through our Town.

An excellent video of the ride through Leesburg can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6ApgbBmw0

A rider’s perspective of the entire trip can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQTo_9635c&feature=related

The Town of Events and Parades, part I

Throughout the year, downtown Leesburg merchants host First Fridays -- when the shops stay open in the evenings and many musicians play at the various shops, http://leesburgfirstfriday.com/. Thoroughly delightful and fun.

On Saturday nights, Acoustic on the Green entertains the crowd with a myriad of different musical groups throughout the summer months, http://www.acousticonthegreen.com/

On Sunday evenings also during the summer, the Bluemont Concert series performs at Dodona Manor, originally the home of General George C. Marshall, http://www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Leesburg.html

On the third Thursdays the downtown cerebrates Girls Night Out, from 5-9PM.

Come downtown, visit the shops, hear the music, dine, and enjoy these fine events. 

http://www.downtownleesburgva.com/ 

What's in a Number?

Getting married by the Number (day and month and year) is one way to choose your wedding date.

From eHow: point number 5 on how to choose a wedding date:

If you can, choose a cool wedding date. For example, 11/11/11 or 8/9/10 makes excellent and memorable wedding date. Just be aware that there is a lot of competition for these dates, so you'll have to book early to grab a day like these.

We’ve missed 2008, but 2011 November 11^th is coming up and so is 9/10/11. Think how easy it will be to remember—there will be no excuse in forgetting this anniversary!

Call us for exceptional rates in hosting your ceremony on 11/11/11. A perfect day to marry. 703.777.2729.

DIY # 4 for the man, Proposals

Even today, it is the man who often proposes. So how is this done?

Wedding Channel has a well organized list. Look for The Top 12 Rules of Proposing, www.weddingchannel.com. Or go to www.Askmen.com and search for The Perfect Proposal. At How to Do Things, a useful worksheet is provide. http://www.howtodothings.com/family-and-relationships/a2408-how-to-propose-marriage.html

All articles say to keep her in mind. You know her, right? What does she like? Think about how, when, and where, and check out your approach. Make it personal via the right location (such as first date restaurant), significant day or date, favorite flower or special song. Think of your time together and select something meaningful for the two of you.

Another site with fun information is http://www.engagementexperts.com/.

Scan the web, jot down ideas you feel most comfortable with, move ahead with a proposal for a lifetime.