Lazy Bride's Blog

Cocktail Friday - Red Wagon Cocktail

This little sippy is a nicely balanced concoction of sweet and sour. Refreshing and beautifully coloured, it makes for a memorable signature cocktail. Creme de cassis comes from black currants (reminiscent of the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon) and the very best of this liquer comes from the Dijon region of France. Mais oui, c'est bon!

 Red Wagon Cocktail

1.5 oz white tequila (ie Patron Silver)

1/2 oz creme de cassis liquer

1/2 oz lime juice

1 oz San Pellegrino Limonata

lime twist for garnish

Fill cocktail shaker with ice cubes, add first three ingredients and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Let sit until the shaker begins to sweat (from condensation, not overexertion). Fill a pilsner glass with ice cubes and simultaneously pour the strained contents of the shaker and the San Pellegrino Limonata into the glass. Garnish with lime twist and enjoy!

Recipe and photo from Food & Love

Lazy 'n Green - Thinking Inside the Box

Here's a lazy 'n green as well as frugal tip - if you're purchasing wine for your wedding, consider wine in a box. Really. Speaking as a dyed-in-the-wool wine snob (I'm still trying to embrace the plastic cork), I never thought I'd say these words but there are some pretty decent boxed wines out there.

Black Box is making quite the splash these days, with recommendations from none other than Wine Spectator. The Monterey County Chardonnay 2008 garnered 87 points while the California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 came in at 85 points. Not bad at all. The wines are made using the same time-honoured process but are packaged in bags-in-a-box without the heavy (and expensive) bottles. Result - you get four bottles of great wine for the price of two. And the boxes are friendlier on the environment, as they require less energy to produce and transport. Plus each box holds 3 litres, the equivalent of four bottles, which means less glass in the world (according to aboutboxedwine they use 91% less packaging materials and produce 79% less greenhouse gas emissions than traditionally bottled wines).Throw in the fact they are recyclable and you've got a lazy 'n green bride's dream come true.

Everyone's favourite high fashion on a dime department store has a boxed wine that's been winning rave reviews. Target's Wine Cube Chardonay California 2007 has won blind taste tests and has scored thumbs up from Wine Spectator. So much more to love about Target!

Yummy wine at under $20 for 3 litres and that's good for the environment? Cheers!

Groom's Cake with Bite!

Those of you from the South will be more than familiar with the Groom's Cake, that lovely tradition where the man of the hour is honoured with a confection (usually chocolate) reflecting his favourite past time, hobby, sports team, what have you. Some folks will serve the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner whilst others will have it alongside the wedding cake.

A wedding I planned a couple of weeks ago had this fun cake as the bride's surprise to her new hubby. The couple are alumnists of the University of Georgia (as were most of the family and friends at the wedding) so the tribute to the Bulldogs' mascot was met with rousing applause and an ear-to-ear grin from the groom. That's one fine looking Uga, for sure!

What fun ideas do you have planned for your groom's cake?

Photo by Comfort Studio, Cake by Sweet Constructions, Coordination Weddings Costa Rica

Toast the Champagne?

A question I am asked a lot by couples is whether they really have to serve champagne for the toast at the wedding reception?

Short answer...no.

Nowhere is it decreed that 'thou shalt serve bubbly at thy wedding'. Seriously, you don't need to fork out extra money for champagne (the real stuff from Champagne, France which is pricey) or sparkling wine (same process but usually cheaper). I find the majority of people don't like it so they will have one sip when they toast and not touch the rest in the glass. Literally, that's money being poured down the drain.

From an etiquette perspective, you can toast with anything you're drinking, be it wine, soda, water...whatever is wet and in a glass.

So there you have it, dear Lazy Brides, save yourself some money and ditch the champagne or bubbly if you're not a fan.

And one final etiquette note - when you are the toastee (the person being toasted) do not stand, raise your glass or drink. Simply smile graciously and remain seated.

Photo from Wedding Speech Blog

Win a Free Wedding - Twice!

We receive a number of press releases here at Lazy Bride Central, asking us to spread the word about such things as seafoam maids' dresses, the latest in silk flower arranging and handling doves for ceremony releases. Our strict quality control procedures ensure that we don't waste your precious time with lame blog posts. That's the Lazy Bride promise to you, our dear readers! (OK, OK I confess, there is no department or Lazy Bride Central- it's just little ole me with my laptop, sipping coffee and wearing jammies).

But this release caught my attention and I thought it was worthy of your eyeballs. Hilton Worldwide is sponsoring the I Do Times Two essay contest with a prize of two weddings (one for the winner and one for her BFF) at the stunning The Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort . And it's not a hokey 'double wedding' (no offense to those of you having a double wedding, to whom I can only ask why?) but two weddings, on different days (no Bride Wars here, thankfully, which made a mockery of how wedding planners really work but I digress...). 

To enter the contest, any bride-to-be who has a best friend that’s also heading to the altar is invited to visit www.weddingtimestwo.com between January 19 and February 22, and tell Hilton why she and her fellow engaged girlfriend deserve to win a pair of destination wedding packages over the same week at Hilton Waikoloa Village resort. A panel of Hilton Worldwide judges will review all submissions and deem one story the winner, based on key criteria like uniqueness, sincerity, and impact of the relationship between the two brides.  The winning entries will be announced around March 2, and the lucky grand prize-winning bride will receive an all-expense paid Hilton Waikoloa Village wedding package for herself and her best bride forever between the dates of January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011, including complimentary round-trip airfare for both couples to Hawaii’s Big Island, two ocean-view wedding ceremonies, deluxe ocean-view accommodations, and complimentary room-blocks of up to 15 room nights for each wedding party.

A free wedding for you and another for your BFF in a tropical Hawaiian Paradise?! Did I mention FREE?! Pitter patter, best get at 'er girls. Good luck!

MIM(E) - Address Stamp

Although the envelope of your invitation may seem trivial, it is the very first glimpse into your wedding. The paper, the font, the printing, the design, even the stamp used, all speak volumes about the type of affair to expect. We live in a multimedia society, trained to sum up whether something is worth our time or not by the look of the package, the design of the website, even the font used. In a split second, our brains make a judgment call of yes or no.

Big responsibility for a little envelope. 

Little details instantly pique curiosity and a unique handstamped return address is sure to be noticed. These traditional wood handle address stamps from Note Trunk are adorable (and under $20). Two little love birds announce your love about to take flight (ahh). Stamping by hand is an extra step in putting your envelopes together and while not very lazy, there is something special about a hand stamped address. 

Cute, affordable and you can use it after the wedding (until you move, of course).

Cocktail Friday - Green Flash

We were discussing the phenomenon of the 'green flash' the other night (just after the sun sets, a brilliant flash of green bursts emanates for a second) and then I found this recipe. Coincidence? Maybe I'll get to see a green flash sometime soon whilst drinking one of these babies. Now that would be tres cool!

I think these would be divine as a siggie cocktail for a green wedding. So cute and so flavourful! Bubbly, slightly fruity and perfect for an outdoor wedding! A little taste of the tropics, even if your wedding is in Moosejaw. Cheers!

Green Flash Cocktail (from Club Med Bahamas)

1 oz vodka

1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

1/2 oz Blue Curacao

3 oz orange juice

3 oz sprite

Mix all the ingrediants together, serve over ice and garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry. 

Photo and recipe from White on Rice Couple

Dear Bridesmaidzilla...Go Away

Photo by Dan Power Photography

Bridesmaidzillas??!! Yes, dear reader, they do exist so brace yourself. Thankfully, they are few but it's a reality of weddings that no one really talks about. Suddenly, your best friend since kindergarten is not the loving, supportive attendant but a self-centred b* trying to upstage you and complaining that your choice of dress color is "cheap". Just what every bride needs to deal with.

So, here then is my open letter to bridesmaids, in my effort to banish Bridesmaidzilla to the deep depths of wedding lore, where she, Bridezilla and Groomzilla can scrap it out whether it should be the chicken or the fish...

Dear Bridesmaid,

Thank you for agreeing to stand up for your friend/sister on what  is likely the most special day of her life. It's a huge honour as it means she cherishes your friendship and believes that she can rely on you to support her in all her wedding preparations. It's an exciting, emotional time not only for her, but for you as well. She's relying on you to be there for her in more ways than one.

Being a bridesmaid is a lot more than just showing up in a pretty dress and holding some flowers for photos. A LOT more. If you're not up to the task, do everyone a favour and decline. Seriously. An unsupportive attendant is the last thing a stressed-out bride needs. Your job is to reduce her stress level, not add to it.

Your #1 job is to support the bride. The wedding is not about you so don't try make it so as you'll do nothing other than tick everyone off and look desperate for attention (not flattering).

Being a bridesmaid has costs associated - yes, you are expected to pay for the dress, for the shoes, the jewellery and accessories as well a shower gift and a wedding gift. If you cannot afford it, let the bride know upfront. Open communication is the key to friendship. Moaning about the dress pricing down the road just plants seeds of discontentment in the garden of friendship.

That said, do NOT complain about the bridesmaids' dresses/color/decorations/flowers. If the bride asks you to go along during initial scouting sessions to give opinions, then do so but if it's a done deal, smile and suck it up, buttercup. The bride is happy with her choice and you should be too.  Snide, catty comments from you, her gal pal, about something she has spent countless hours planning will only make the bride miserable. Keep your thoughts to yourself and be gracious. Make "WWJD" (What Would Jackie Do) your mantra (ahh, Jackie O, you are missed).

Offer to help out. Don't just say 'what can I do' or expect the bride to come out and ask. Be proactive and offer specific tasks (ie. "Can I help you stamp and stuff the wedding invites?"). Remember, you are expected to pitch in and lighten the bride's work load.

Plan a bridal shower and bachelorette party. Doesn't have to be a girls gone wild weekend in Vegas but something that everyone involved can afford and will enjoy.

Attend as many pre-wedding parties as possible.

Help keep track of who gave what shower gift so the bride can send out the thank you notes.

At the rehearsal dinner and wedding, be the hostess with the mostess. You are representing the bride to her guests so be charming, be nice and smile. 

Be ready on time. Again, this is not about you so don't hold up the day 'cause you couldn't get it together or are playing some passive/aggressive game.

Help with set up/tear down of decorations, etc. Expect to be the last person to leave the wedding, not the first. Your job is to make sure everything is squared away at the end of the night so the bride and her groom can enjoy themselves.

If there is a wedding planner, play nice. She is not there to usurp your position nor is she there to take on your bridesmaid's duties. You're all on the same team and are all trying to make the day the best possible. Leave your ego and any latent resentment at the bride for hiring a planner at the door. 

Get up and dance. Once the floor opens, be the first to kick up her heels. The rest of the guests will follow your lead. An empty dance floor is the kiss of death to any party so make sure there is always someone on it.

Don't drink like a fish. Remember the wedding where the 'maid ended up under the table and people are still laughing at her? 'Nuff said.

During the wedding, be aware of what's going on. See something that needs fixing, do it. Try to minimize asking the couple to make decisions. Be proactive (within reason) and take care of small issues. If a decoration is falling down or the buffet is needing more food, talk to to the appropriate vendor.

And most importantly? Have fun. Smile and make an effort. Be there for the bride and show her all her hard work and fretting over the blue or the green napkins was all worth it.

Thanks

Lazy Brides the world over

Got Bills? Shrink 'Em!

Here's a great site that will help you save some coin for your wedding - Bill Shrink. It's a free service that provides unbiased recommendations to save you money. Simply plunk in your cell phone provider, credit card or where you buy gas and you'll receive a comparison of your service vs the others and the potential savings you'll have by switching. Given that there are countless plans, companies and ads, it's mindboggling to try to figure out where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck but thanks to Bill Shrink, answers are just a few keystrokes away.

Easy and free and saves you money - can't get much better for a Lazy Bride!

Lazy 'n Green - Cut the Catalog Clutter!

Since you've been engaged, have you notice a sudden increase in the amount of catalogs hitting your mailbox? Oh, those sneaky mailing lists! Do the environment and your bank account a favor and cut the clutter. Head over to Catalog Choice, sign up for a free account and then click on the stores you no longer wish to receive catalogs from. They'll contact them on your behalf to remove you from their mailing lists. How easy is that? Oh, and did I mention it's FREE?!

If you need to get your shopping fix, click on the iCatalog tab and you've got retail por(n), baby! Crate and Barrel, Bebe, REI and Apothica are just a few of the links here. Drool...

Go paperless, save some trees and cut the clutter from your life. 

Thanks to emilie inc. for the great tip!