Walnut Street Weddings

Venues

2011-07-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

Are you planning a wedding at your town's local venue? Don't hesitate to give us a call for professional assistance with your decorations. Earlier this week, I visited 2 rural venues to see what the possibilities could be... Even if we have not previously worked at your chosen venue, don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can assist you. To date, we have worked in over 25 venues and the list continues to grow...

Sweet Table

2011-06-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Do we offer Candy/Snack Tables? Absolutely! We have a large inventory of glassware, fabrics, and sizes of tables in creating a setting for your edible treats.

The Walkway

2011-06-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we worked at a venue that was new to us - The Walkway in Mattoon. It was fantastic. The venue was clean and ready for prep. And, the management was great to work with. I would recommend this venue to couples in the Mattoon local area - check it out at 1501 Lakeland Boulevard.

A note from Michelle

2010-10-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Walnut Street Weddings was on site at Michelle and Rob's evening wedding reception to coordinate and carry out all of Michelle's wishes...

Hello Billi,

Thank you again so very much for helping me the night of our wedding. We received several compliments about you and I really don't know how I could have ever done it without you. I know that we kept you very busy. Your services were wonderful and I so appreciated your attention to the details. I am so particular and it helped tremendously to know I was working with a wedding coordinator that was particular about details, as well.

Thank you again for everything...

Michelle

Classic Country

2010-09-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sarah & Mike's wedding had a classic country feel which was created by the unique pieces the bride pieced together. Sarah put a lot of energy and creativity into her reception decor and it showed in the details. Their initials branded into the wooden centerpiece base was my personal favorite...

No more "Just Have to Share..."

2010-09-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Since I started this blog in May of 2009, I have been posting on a weekly basis a "Just Have to Share..." idea or moment. It's time for a change and I have decided to discontinue this weekly feature.

I will still be posting regularly... so keep checking back! I will still share all the unique ideas I see at the weekend's weddings and also other information that can be helpful to anyone planning a wedding, especially in the Effingham area.

Have a great Monday!

Just Have to Share...

2010-08-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Effingham Bridal Association's next event!

Champagne Pop!
Mini Bridal Expo

Thursday, September 30th
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Effingham Travel Agency (www.effinghamtravel.com)
107 North Keller Drive
Effingham, IL 62401

Complimentary champagne will be served!
Hope to see you there!

Just Have to Share...

2010-08-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sherrie, the mother of the bride, is creative and has a talent with floral design. She created the centerpieces for her daughter's wedding this weekend and she incorporated bright blue feathers into the design. They were beautiful!
Also, the bride and groom provided blue beaded necklaces for their guests. Something fun and festive!

Just Have to Share...

2010-08-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

Raeann took into consideration one of her passions, sports, when creating the table numbers for her wedding. The numbers on the tables were photographs of sports players and the number on the jersey signified which table it was. Fun!

Just Have to Share...

2010-08-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Organization can be the key to you remaining stress-free through your wedding planning process. Check out the free spreadsheets available here: http://exceltemplates.net/category/wedding/

firefly grill

2010-07-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Below are a few beautiful pictures from a wedding last weekend at the firefly grill in Effingham. Personally, I love the bright colors. The bride did an excellent job coordinating her decor in her chosen colors of cherise and tangerine.

Just Have to Share...

2010-07-26T21:11:00.001-07:00

Carnations.

For years I have not considered a carnation to be an appropriate wedding flower. They seemed out-dated and, well, looked cheap.

I have changed my mind. This weekend, the centerpieces were stunning arrangements of orchids, roses, cally lilies, and... carnations!

Lesson learned... keep your eyes out for carnations, we will be seeing much more of them.

Just Have to Share...

2010-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend was exceptional. Dannie & Kurt were united in marriage in a Friday evening ceremony and then Danielle & Jason tied the knot on Saturday afternoon.

We provided "Day-of-Coordination" for Dannie & Kurt and it was truly an honor to be able to spend the evening at this event. Their "I Do's" were said at the local country club overlooking the last green and then the reception was held at the Effingham Knights of Columbus.

Danielle and Jason held their reception at the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus and we provided them with decor for the event. Hot pink, electric green and black were the bride's chosen colors and are some of my favorite.

2 things I saw this weekend that were new (to me)...

1. Small sponges soaked with water to attach to a flower that will be placed a woman's hair. This keeps the fresh flower looking healthy and great all day and night!
2. Day-glo sticks placed into the centerpiece vases. Once the lights went off for the dance, the sticks looked great and created a party atmosphere!

Just Have to Share...

2010-07-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we worked with a couple whose wedding reception was at "The Holiday" hotel. This venue is located in Olney, IL and this was our first wedding there.

The reception was held in the atrium of the hotel. The pool was just steps away from the head table and the hotel rooms overlooking the atrium were perfect place for the wedding guests to spend the night.

Just Have to Share...

2010-07-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

This week I "just have to share" my family's wonderful news... announcing the arrival of our precious baby boy Frederick! He is 2 weeks old today and is doing great! His older brothers love him and Freddie has quickly become the sweetheart of our household.

Just Have to Share...

2010-06-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

When Jeremy proposed to Jill, he put a lot of thought and love into the proposal. He made a scavenger hunt and at the end of the hunt, he asked her to marry him. Jill saved the notes from the scavenger hunt and framed them for their wedding reception to share them with their guests. I thought this was a great idea and truly unique for their wedding. I am sure their guests loved getting to read the notes that lead up to the big question....that then lead up to the big event that they were sharing with Jeremy and Jill.

The notes are framed on the entry table below:

Just Have to Share...

2010-06-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

What I have seen recently that I love:

1. White lanterns everywhere.
2. Groom's cake in the shape of General Lee (very sentimental for the Groom!)
3. Sand Unity Ceremony
4. Feathers for centerpieces

Have a great week!!

Just Have to Share...

2010-06-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the father-of-the-groom provided a unique and handmade feature to his daughter's wedding decor. The father (handy-man extraordinaire!) created the perfect entry for his daughter's tropical-themed wedding reception! The arch was constructed from large pieces of (artificial) bamboo. A cardboard cut-out of the couple completed the doorway perfectly. Check out the pictures below...

Just Have to Share...

2010-06-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of new faces at Walnut Street Weddings. As we planned for a busy wedding season (aka summer) and the arrival of Baby Jansen, we added some fabulous ladies to the team so that all our brides this summer are in more than capable hands.

Meet the Team!

Brooke W. setting up our Sheer Connection backdrop.

Anna H. attaching a skirting and lights set.

Katelin H. hanging "Tiffany blue" draping on the French Doors.

Brooke Z. finishing off the front of a head table.

Kendall H. hanging lanterns above a dance floor.
Kendall has been with Walnut Street Weddings since last fall and she always delivers a fabulous product.

Also, we have one more team member who is not pictured and her name is Leah W. She is our expert at hanging the "Enchanted Dance Floor" canopy.

Lastly, these are my "behind the scenes guys". They are great helpers and are the sweetest boys a mom could ask for.

Just Have to Share...

2010-05-31T21:08:00.001-07:00

Walnut Street Weddings is on Facebook! Every weekend, the page will be updated with pictures from the most recent weddings. Keep checking back to see where the pink trailer has been that weekend.

Also, we have added over 20 photos to the Photo Gallery at www.walnutstreetweddings.com. Check it out - there may be something shown that you'd like for your upcoming special day.

Just Have to Share...

2010-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Wow. As I sit down to write this week's post, I can hardly believe that it is nearing the end of May. 2010 is flying by and each weekend holds new experiences for Walnut Street Weddings that have been priceless. The first weekend in June will be the 100th wedding I have worked with since beginning in the wedding industry a few short years ago.

My advice this week is to remind everyone to "enjoy the ride". Planning a wedding often becomes stressful, but only if you allow it to. This is an amazing event celebrating love and commitment between 2 people. Sure, there will be stresses involved, but don't let them overtake you. Enjoy every moment of your engagement...before you know it, the wedding day will have come and gone.

Also, this weekend the bride used colored water in her centerpieces along with a floating candle. This is a beautiful and inexpensive method of creating a centerpiece. Don't forget to mix the water with food coloring in a large container first, and then divide it out into the glassware. This will ensure that all the centerpieces hold the same color of water. Check out the pic below:

Just Have to Share...

2010-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend we helped to created 3 beautiful reception sites and 1 ceremony site for the 3 brides and grooms that we worked with. Each was very different from the next and it made for a very fun and exciting weekend. Here are a few tidbits I learned (some of them re-learned) along the way:

1. Your chair sashes can double as table runners. This creates perfect coordination for your table decor.

2. Despite a rainy wedding day, it is still possible to take a few beautiful outdoor photos. Have faith that the skies will clear for at least one picture perfect moment.

3. It is always a good idea to check references on vendors that you are not completely familiar with.

4. Black tablecloths can truly transform a reception from ordinary to extraordinary.

Just Have to Share...

2010-05-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

At a friend's wedding in St. Louis, I still remember the wonderful gift basket she had carefully prepared for her out-of-town guests. The hotel placed them in her guest's rooms for her and it was such a treat! I recommend that you prepare something special for your guests who are traveling a distance to spend the wedding day with you. And, don't forget to personalize it... for example, fill it with your favorite wine, snack item, or something that symbolizes your relationship or home. For example, include a package of Wrigley gum if the groom is a Cubs fan. Also, information such as directions around town or recommended sites to see is another great idea to include in the basket.

Deb & Ryan

2010-05-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Deb and Ryan chose a wine theme for their reception decor. Coupled with their wedding color of deep purple, it was a great choice.

Wine corks were used in the centerpieces, grapes galore on the cake and snack table, and of course, plenty of wine to pass around the reception made for a beautiful and fun evening!!

Just Have to Share...

2010-05-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

One aspect of the reception venue that is often forgotten when planning for decorations is the dance floor. Accentuating the dance floor in some way really enhances the space. It can be elaborate (pictured below is our Enchanted Dance Floor available at the Effingham Knights of Columbus) or simple (see picture below with lanterns). Whether you choose elaborate, simple, or somewhere in between, I definitely recommend you take the time to consider enhancing the dance floor in some way.

Free Spa Pedicures

2010-04-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

All brides who were booked with Walnut Street Weddings by April 1st were entered into a drawing for FREE spa pedicures to 2 local salons. And the winners are...

Racheal Koester (wedding date May 22nd, 2010) to Mainly You Salon and Spa in Teutopolis.

Kim Probst (wedding date October 9th, 2010) to Foxy Styles Salon and Spa in Effingham.

Enjoy your pampering from Walnut Street Weddings!

Just Have to Share...

2010-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

As the busy summer wedding season approaches, I am sure many of you are working on a list of "last minute to do items" and one of which is likely gifts for your bridal party. Two cute ideas I've seen recently are:

Pink Flasks! (flasks make popular gifts for the men...but make it pink and it is a great gift for your ladies too!) Click here for an example.

And, personalized Travel Mugs This one is cute.

Check out your local businesses to see what they offer. Most likely there is someone nearby who offers the same types of products as the above websites and you'll get a personal touch by working with a local business.

Katie & Justin

2010-04-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Katie & Justin were married on the beach in Key West, Florida. A few weeks later, they enjoyed a reception, dinner, and dance at the Effingham VFW with their family and friends. Because of the bright colors Katie chose and the amount of color used (pink everywhere!), the VFW was transformed into a fun and vibrant location for Katie and Justin's celebration.

Just Have to Share...

2010-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Please join the Effingham Bridal Association for
Bride's Night Out!

Friday, April 30th, 2010
7:00pm
Effingham KC Hall

Brides and Groom enter FREE and receive one free drink ticket!
Everyone else is $1.00

10 Lucky Brides will be given the chance to win prizes in the CAKE DIVE!

Also~ Walnut Street Weddings will be giving away a
$100.00 Gift Certificate good towards any of our services.
Must be present to win!

Jeanna & Jim

2010-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Jeanna & Jim were married on April 10th and their reception, dinner, and dance was held at the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Hall. White tablecloths along with white chair covers with organza bows transformed this room into a very elegant affair. A very personal touch was added to the decor with photographs of the bride and groom on the head table backdrop and featured directly inside the entry on an easel. Also, a life-sized cut-out of the bride and groom greeted guests as they walked in the door. Fun! I am wondering if any of the guests took (cardboard) Jeanna and Jim out onto the dance floor that night...?!

Ashley & Kyle

2010-04-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Kyle were married on April 10th and their reception was held at the Vandalia American Legion. One of Ashley's priorities when it came to decor was to hide as much of the wall as she could. We used 4 panels of our Sheer Connection backdrop to do just that. Then, a white trellis to the side took care of the little wall that was remaining. Ashley and Kyle's head table was centered in front of the tallest panels. Congrats to the newlyweds!

Just Have to Share...

2010-04-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I want to give a huge "Shout Out!" to my Walnut Street Weddings team. THANK YOU for an awesome weekend! We worked long hours and my team did not let me down. They did an awesome job and I am very thankful for them!

Now, onto this week's "Just Have to Share...". In our local area, it is a trend to have a snack and/or candy table for your guests to enjoy prior to the sit-down meal or buffet. Two easy ways to make this table fun and different are:

1) Use a different sized table other than a normal banquet or round table. For example, most area venues have high rounds you can use or a variety of small square tables....just ask. Also, our serpentine (slightly curvy) tables are a great option! See picture below...
2) The next easy idea is to use a colored tablecloth. Use the color of your bridal party as the base of this table and it will bring attention to the table.

Check back later this week for pics from this past weekend's weddings...

Just Have to Share...

2010-04-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to everyone! This week's post is about Children. Some brides and grooms opt for an adult-only ceremony and reception; which in some situations completely makes sense. But, for others, children are an important part of the wedding day. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. If the bride and/or groom have children, consider writing an addition for the wedding vows to include them into the ceremony. As the 2 families come together, it will offer the children a sense of security and comfort to be included.
2. Consider having appetizers (aka snacks!) especially for the children at the reception. Something that isn't messy and can be eaten with their hands is perfect. And, don't forget to have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages for the kiddies.
3. Provide them with something fun to do! For younger kids, coloring books and crayons are a great way to keep the kids occupied, or for the older kids consider providing a few popular board games. If the younger guests are entertained and happy, their parents (the adult guests) are more likely to have a great time as well.

Just Have to Share...

2010-03-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

A bride I met with last week mentioned to me that they created a honeymoon registry instead of registering for the usual household items at various stores. She went on to explain that she and her fiancee already owned most of what they need and want for their home, so to register for the honeymoon made perfect sense for their situation. She said this website was ideal for an online honeymoon registry:

http://www.travelersjoy.com/

Endorsed by The Wedding Channel and theknot.com, it looks to be a great resource. And, an added perk is that you are able to personalize your registry with information about you as a couple.

Just Have to Share...

2010-03-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

This week I am going to update you on what is new and exciting here at Walnut Street Weddings. We have a couple of exciting things in the works that I want to give you some insight into:

1) Expanded Inventory! We've just acquired a new selection of table runners, chair sashes, and chair covers. With the new items, we now offer 20+ more colors of table runners and can provide chair sashes to coordinate!

2) Floor Plans! We are currently working on to-scale drawings of local venues to show you optimal ways to arrange the tables and other items involved with the reception. These will be available on our website - www.walnutstreetweddings.com - and will hopefully lessen some of the stress you feel regarding the set-up process.

2) Bride's Night Out! The Effingham Bridal Association is planning a brand-new event called "Bride's Night Out!" on Friday night, April 30th, 2010. Brides get in free and are given one complimentary drink ticket. The main event of the night will be the CAKE DIVE. Brides will be given the chance to "dive" (with their hands) into a cake to dig for great prizes. Mark you calendars! Check back for more details at a later date...

3) Baby is on the way! In case you haven't heard the news, my husband and I are expecting our third child at the end of June. For all you summer brides that we are working with, have no worries because we have very capable ladies working with us who will be taking care of your weddings while I take a few weeks off.

Just Have to Share...

2010-03-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

This idea was new to me and I love it. A bride and groom I am working with asked me to allocate a space on the response cards included with their wedding invitations for "Comments". They want to encourage their family and friends to include a note to them along with the usual response card information. They look forward to reading their guests' comments as they collect the response cards in the mail during the weeks leading up to the wedding day. And, they may even have some of the cards on display at the wedding for guests to read and enjoy.

Just Have to Share...

2010-03-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

Carrie & Kenny were married at a destination location in February. Then, last weekend they hosted a reception for their family and friends to celebrate. Carrie decided to use the tropical-theme throughout her reception and I couldn't help but share the pictures. The reception was beautiful! Check it out below:

Just Have to Share...

2010-03-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Once you find the perfect bridal gown, the next step is finding the perfect bridesmaid dress. Here are my tips to consider when beginning the selection process...

1. Buy the bridal gown FIRST. You will want the bridesmaid dress to complement the bridal gown in both color and style. Your gown is most important; focus on finding that first.
2. Consider your bridal party when choosing the bridesmaid dress. You will want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable (comfortable bridesmaid= happy bridesmaids= happy bride!) and so consider the various body builds, heights, and personalities of all involved.
3. Keep budget in mind. Talk with your bridesmaids first about what they can and cannot afford and keep their input in mind when choosing the dress.
4. Try the dress on yourself! This is a big test because if you are not comfortable or not confident in the dress, then likely your bridesmaids will not be either. Try the dress on to check for comfort and style.

Happy Shopping!

If you are in the Effingham area, give the ladies at From This Day Forward a call at 618-245-2277. They have a large in-store selection for you to choose from and from my experience there, they will offer you honest advice and guidance to choosing the perfect dress.

And the winner is...

2010-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

...Laura Drake!

Laura is the winner of the $100.00 gift certificate to Walnut Street Weddings given away last weekend at the Effingham Bridal Association's Bridal Expo.

Thanks Laura for taking the time to stop by our booth and register for the prize!

Just Have to Share...

2010-02-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

Mainly You Salon and Spa in Teutopolis, IL is offering a "Pre-Wedding Spa Party" that is the ideal way for the wedding party to pamper themselves before the Wedding day.

For only $135.00 per person, you can enjoy a
- One hour massage
- Pedicure
- Acrylic Nails
- Wedding Up-do

They also have other Bridal packages available.

Call 217.857.1887 for more information or to book your appointments.

Enchanted Dance Floor

2010-02-18T11:48:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we had the privilege of working with Melissa, Jonathon, and their families to prepare for their wedding reception at the Effingham Knights of Columbus. Melissa chose to accent her dance floor (and the center of the reception space) with our Enchanted Dance Floor. I was still on-site as the first guests began to arrive and there were many "oooohs!" and "ahhhhs!" as the guests took their first look at the room. The Enchanted Dance Floor is our newest product and so far, the response to it has been exceptional!

Just Have to Share...

2010-02-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

Looking back on the wedding this weekend, there were many friends and family of the bride and groom who helped make the wedding day a success. The mother of the groom baked and packaged cookies to use as favors, an aunt and uncle tended to the snack table, and a friend operated a photo booth to take photos of the guests.

This made me think about gift-giving and who it is appropriate for the bride and groom to give "thank you" gifts to in appreciation to those who support and help with their wedding day. Obviously, it is customary for the wedding party to receive a gift from the couple, but then where is the line drawn for all the "extras" who are integral in the wedding day?

In most cases, I do not think that the extra helpers expect a gift. But, I am a big believer in showing appreciation, and I recommend a note in the mail. A genuine, hand-written note will likely mean more to your friends and family than a gift ever would. And, this would be a great chance to use any new stationary you have....with your new last name or a personal monogram on the front.

Just Have to Share...

2010-02-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

For this week's Just Have to Share I am going to share information from a blog that I read regularly. "Life In Weddings" by wedding planner, Shayna Walker Weddle, is witty, informational, and fun to read. Here is the link: http://weddlady.typepad.com/life_in_weddings/

I think the information below is so powerful... it's easy to get caught up with the dress, the cake, the favors, the details, and more, and then you forget that the real reason for your wedding is the union of 2 people promising to love and honor each other for the rest of your lives.

I have a passion for weddings and I LOVE the dress, the cake, the favors, the details, and everything else, but I just want to remind that it is important to always keep in mind the true reason for your wedding, and most likely everything will turn out perfect! Here is an excerpt from Shayna's blog:

Some People Are Born Happy & Live Happy On Purpose

There are weddings that seem blessed to be incredible from the start. Logic would imply that these weddings would be the most expensive, or the ones planned most meticulously, but the fact is that it's the ones where the couple and their families around them understand the real reason for the day.

When you view a wedding as the union of two souls destined to spend their lives together as family, and not as an event that needs to outshine other events, prove something to the inlaws or make it to the cover of every magazine, something magical tends to happen.

Cakes look more perfect.
Brides look more beautiful.
The centerpieces are perfect.
DJs are funnier and spin better music.
Food is hot, delicious and abundant.
Rain is lucky and sunshine is gentle.
Guests have more fun.
The whole day is more magical.

Just Have to Share...

2010-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

This week's topic is personalizing your head table. I think personalizing that space is a great technique to emphasize the bride, groom, their union, and their personalities. Here are some ideas:

1. Personalized Monogram
(if you would like to work one-on-one with a designer for a monogram, I recommend this site - http://www.designpro1.com)
2. Large Photos
These photos can be engagement photos, photos from vacations, pictures with your beloved pets, ....the list goes on and on.
3. Visuals of anything that you love!
For example, if you are a fanatic sports fan, incorporate your team's logo.

Below is a picture from a wedding this past weekend. The bride has a crafty side to her so she drew, cut out, and painted the letters out of foam. It made a great accent behind the bride and groom at the head table.

Bridal Expo!

2010-01-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Bridal Expo
Sponsored by the Effingham Bridal Association

Sunday, February 21st, 2010
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Keller Convention Center

Booths, Giveaways, and Presentations!

Also at the Convention Center that afternoon is the annual Prom Premier hosted by From this Day Forward. Prom and Bridal gowns will be featured during the fashion shows.

For more info on the Effingham Bridal Association,
please visit the website at www.effinghambridalassociation.com

Just Have to Share...

2010-01-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Trees! Serving your guests cupcakes is a fun alternative to serving individual pieces of cake. Also, usually the bride and groom have asked a friend or family member to cut and serve the cake. It's typically a messy process... but you can simply have them serve cupcakes and eliminate the mess of cutting cake.

My personal favorite is a cupcake tree that is topped with a small cake. This still allows the bride and groom to perform the traditional "cutting of the cake" but then the cupcakes are served to the guests.

There are some great visuals on this site:
http://cupcaketree.com/photos.html

Just Have to Share...

2010-01-18T07:23:00.001-08:00

This week's topic - Table Runners! When considering what to use to accent and decorate your guest tables, one tip I have is that a little bit of color goes a LONG way.

You can buy tulle, organza ribbon, or other materials in spools of approximately 1 foot wide. This is perfect to lay down the center of the table. A great perk to using tulle or organza is that the color options are almost endless. If you check your local craft stores and on-line, you should be able to find the perfect color for your wedding reception.

Here is a great site I've used for tulle: http://www.papermart.com

Happy Wedding Planning!

Running of the Brides

2010-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Filene's Basements annual Bridal Gown Events begin this weekend in Florida. Check the link below to see if there is a location near you. It is an awesome opportunity to find fabulous bridal gowns at discounted prices.

http://www.filenesbasement.com/bridal.php

My recently engaged younger sister is planning to join in the "running" at the February 5th event in NYC. Good luck!

And the Winner is...

2010-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

...Jenna Stuckey! Jenna is the winner of the $200.00 Gift Certificate offered at the Bridal Show last weekend. She will be able to use the prize towards any of our services: custom invitations, decorating services, or rental products.

Just Have to Share...

2010-01-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth yesterday at the Keller Convention Center's Bridal Show. We had the chance to chat with brides that we are already working with and also met a lot of new ones! Walnut Street Weddings looks forward to helping you create Your Wedding, Your Way.

My time to browse the other booths was limited, but one of my favorite things I saw was edible chocolate cupcake holders. Some couples are opting for a small wedding cake (to do the mandatory "Cutting of the Cake") but then serving cupcakes to their guests. The cupcake holders I am referring to are completely edible, which eliminates some of the mess on both your guests' tables and guests' fingers, and are made completely of chocolate. Yum! If you are in the Effingham area, I know of one vendor who offers these great cupcakes... email me if you'd like their contact info.

We have drawn the name of the winner of our $200.00 Gift Certificate. Check back tomorrow when we post the lucky bride's name!

Extended French Doors in Bright Blue

2010-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Below is a picture of our Extended French Doors last weekend. The wedding colors were bright blue and silver along with accents of snowflakes. The Extended French Door stands on the floor and can be accented with the bride's chosen color to personalize it for each wedding.

Just Have to Share...

2010-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about wedding favors. In that post I talked about my personal favorite when it comes to favors: something edible. But, this weekend I noticed something that I want to share. The bride and groom placed a framed note by their guest book and it said something of the following: "In lieu of favors, the bride and groom have made a donation to the THS Drama Club. It was during their time as members of the Drama Club that they had a spark between the two of them....." It was a truly personal and special act on behalf of the bride and groom to donate to something that was so close to their hearts and to the origin of their relationship.

Congrats Jason and Kayla!

Just have to share...

2009-12-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

I love holiday weddings, especially in December and January. And, as some of you already realize, for the next 2 years New Year's Eve will fall onto a weekend so it will be the perfect opportunity to tie the knot on a very memorable night. In 2010, New Year's Eve will be on a Friday and then in 2011, it will be on a Saturday.

I do have a couple of small tips for those of you who are planning a wedding that takes place in conjunction with a holiday or a holiday weekend:

1. Send save the dates at least 6 months prior to your wedding day. Because it is a holiday, many of your guests will have standing plans or reservations they'll need to cancel. The will appreciate the opportunity to plan ahead.

2. Typically wedding invitations are sent 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding date, but you will want to send yours 3 months prior. This is for the same reason as the first tip, it will give your guests more details about your wedding and give them more time to plan to attend.

Just Have to Share...

2009-12-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

Today's tip is a cost-saving idea. If you are using candles as part of your wedding decor and your venue allows you to provide your own....consider buying them in an after-holiday sale. If you want white, gold, or silver, scour the stores after Christmas to buy them at clearance prices. Or, if you are interested in pink or red, check out the stores right after Valentine's day. With fall colors, the stores typically clearance those right before they restock the shelves full of Christmas merchandise. In some cases, you will be able to find candles at up to 75% off their regular price.

Just Have to Share...

2009-12-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

Favors are a small token of appreciation from the bride and groom to their guests, and I think today that favors are commonly overlooked. Let's face it, we are all a bit tired of cheap bells, bubbles, and other favors that are commonly trashed without any second thought.

My recommendation is this: have an edible favor. Personalized cookies, caramel apples (in the fall), small bags of your favorite candy (M&M's, Skittles, ....etc), or mints. You can personalize the edible favor with unique packaging and whoo-lah! -- You have a favor that is enjoyed by all! Of course, the guests aren't going to keep the favor as a lasting momento of the wedding day (because they will be consuming it), but they will enjoy it!!

Check out Martha Stewart's Wedding website for some great ideas regarding edible favors: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/favors-food

Just Have to Share...

2009-11-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

This week's "Just Have to Share..." is comprised of 3 common questions that I receive from brides and grooms when designing invitations for their wedding day.

When should wedding invitations be mailed? There is flexibility to this rule, but the standard is to mail your invitations 6 to 8 weeks prior to the wedding day.

What date should you put on the response card? The date you request to have your response cards back to you depends on when your caterer or venue needs to know the number of people attending. You can expect that not every guest will return the card timely, so I recommend that you plan accordingly and make sure you have enough time to follow up with those who have not yet responded. The typical response card date is 3 weeks prior to the wedding day.

Should you write out the time and date on your invitation? This is completely your call. Some brides and grooms feel that everything written out is more formal (for example - the twenty-first of May at one o'clock in the afternoon). There is no right or wrong way, but if your wedding is formal, then I recommend that you write everything out. If your wedding is casual, than you can opt to use numbers on the invitation.

Just Have to Share...

2009-11-23T09:13:00.002-08:00

One thing Brides and Grooms commonly overlook when planning their wedding is to set aside a few moments for each other. Your wedding day is busy, busy, busy. Sometime throughout the day, make sure and plan on taking a few moments to be alone with your new spouse. You'll be glad to have that moment to re-connect and remember what the day is truly about - the two of you and your love for one another.

White Wedding

2009-11-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

Walnut Street Weddings is participating in the "Settings for St. Anthony's" event taking place at Wright's Furniture in Dieterich from 12:00-8:00pm on Thursday. This event raises money for the Mother/Baby program at the hospital.

Our table's theme is "White Wedding" and the table is set with simple white china trimmed in thin silver. White candles, clear marbles, mirrors, and glassware complete the look.

Just Have to Share...

2009-11-16T06:02:00.001-08:00

Effingham Bridal Show
20th Annual Bridal and Formal Expo at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

Date: Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Thelma Keller Convention Center
1202 North Keller Drive, Effingham, IL

This is a great opportunity to meet with vendors, see the latest bridal fashion trends, and, of course, win giveaways!

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T13:11:00.001-08:00

First of all, I'd like to say "Thank You" to all who have served our great country in the United States Military. And, a special "Thank You" to my favorite veteran - my hubby.

http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/

Brides Across America is an organization that is "making a difference and giving brides -to-be the opportunity to find the wedding gown of their dreams as well as alleviate some of the financial stress of purchasing a wedding gown. " This is awesome. Thanks Brides Across America for appreciating those who serve the USA!

Just Have to Share...

2009-11-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

There are many, many people helping out on your wedding day to ensure everything goes smoothly and each of the "helpers" typically wear a flower. When preparing your list for the florist, it can be very easy to forget one of those helpers...

Since you will not want one person to feel left out, I recommend that you order two extra flowers - one male boutenieere and one female corsage. That way, if you have forgotten someone (a grandfather, an aunt helping to host the reception, or a friend tending to the guest book...) everyone who participates will boast a flower of some kind.

Just Have To Share...

2009-11-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just in case... key the phone number of every wedding vendor you use into your cell phone. Then, make sure a trusted bridesmaid, your coordinator, or another friend has that phone on your wedding day. Then, if something does not go as planned, every phone number you may need to remedy any problem will be at the tip of your fingers.

Just Have To Share...

2009-10-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

There are many details and final pieces that must fall perfectly into place on the wedding day for everything to be a full success. One of the best tips I know of to ensure a smooth wedding day is this: make a schedule of events and give a copy to everyone involved in the wedding day. Include everything and give a copy of the schedule to everyone. Small details that should be included are: what time the bride's hair appointment is, what jewelry the wedding party is instructed to wear or not wear, what time the the parents of the couple should arrive a the reception venue, and any other expectations the bride and groom have. If everyone is on the same page, the wedding day will be a huge success.

Design for Melanie & Joseph

2009-10-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Pictured is a design for Melanie & Joseph. Their wedding date is May 1st, 2010. The colors they have chosen are a vintage merlot, black, and ivory.

Illusion Backdrop

2009-10-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

Pictured is our Illusion Backdrop accented with cranberry drapes. In this photo, the backdrop is set up in the southeast corner of the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Hall. Once the lights are dimmed down, the lights beneath the table skirting and the backdrop glow beautifully.

Just Have To Share...

2009-10-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom in this photo chose to frame over 50 of their engagement photos and incorporate the framed photos into their centerpieces. Combined with small straw bales, a tiny vase of wheat, random leaves, and candles, the result was beautiful. And, the framed photos were available to the guests to take home with them as a gift. Great idea!

Just Have To Share...

2009-10-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I stopped in at a wedding and noticed their fabulous guest book. It was a photo book of golf courses. I did not personally know the bride or groom, but obviously this book was descriptive of something that is important to at least one of them. Guests were encouraged to write their name and/or a nice note to the newly married couple on one of the pages of the golf course photo book.

This photo book will be a cherished momento of their wedding day. I encourage all couples to think outside the box and find a book that is descriptive of them; who they are as a couple; and use that for their otherwise boring sign in book.

I know where my standard (aka boring) sign in book currently is...tucked away in a cabinet. I bet last weekend's couple will have their golf guest book on their coffee table for all to see.

Just have to share...

2009-10-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Beginning today, I am going to have a weekly posting every Monday titled, "Just have to share...". What takes a wedding from normal to absolutely fabulous are the personal touches and different ideas that complement the Bride, Groom, and their relationship.

"Just have to share..." will be posts about unique and exciting ideas that I have come across.

This past weekend, Tasha and Matt had a pumpkin fountain in the entryway to their reception. Matt made this fountain! I was so impressed at his handiwork! And, I know their guests were impressed as well.

Tasha & Matt

2009-10-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

When Tasha and Matt began planning their October wedding, they decided to plant their own pumpkin patch for use as decor on their wedding day. The pumpkins were plentiful and when mixed with brown overlays, various candles, wire pumpkins, autumn florals, and loads of autumn ivy... the end result was exactly what they hoped for. Congrats to Tasha and Matt. Cheers to love, laughter, and everything thereafter!

Fall Fan Program

2009-09-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Des & Joe were married in a city park on September 12th, 2009 and she chose a simple fan program. As you can see here - http://walnutstreetweddings.blogspot.com/2009/06/desiree-joe.htm l - the programs coordinate perfectly with her invitations.

Willow Ridge Winery

2009-09-21T05:26:00.001-07:00

This weekend we decorated a wedding at Willow Ridge Vineyards Winery in Shelbyville, Illinois. The Bride and Groom enjoy visiting wineries and Willow Ridge happened to be in a central location between their hometowns. It was the perfect spot for them to say "I Do". The owners, Louie and Tina, operate the winery and when you visit you can feel the warmth and pride that they put into their product and their winery. For more information, view their website at: http://www.willowridgewinery.com/home.html

Tall Cylinders

2009-09-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

One of our weddings this past weekend used one of our most popular items - tall cylinders. They are typically used as centerpieces and are easy to design to suit any style of wedding. Sand and stone are placed in the cylinder for tropical themed weddings and any style of florals can be arranged in them as well.

Announcement!

2009-09-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that as of yesterday afternoon, I am the proud owner of "Treasured Times by Three Sisters", a wedding coordination and wedding rental business. I have been mentoring with the previous owners for a few months and I will continue to work with them as we make this transition seamless for our clients.

Congrats Alyson & Johnathon

2009-09-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Alyson and Johnathon who were married over Labor Day weekend. Their base color was "great lakes" blue and the accents were subtle in both green and pink.

Pictured is the program we designed for them.

New Card Rack

2009-09-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

For all our local customers, check out the new card rack at Martin's IGA in Effingham, IL. Located in the floral department, the selection is comprised of 84 different card designs. So far, the feedback on the new rack has been great...check it out for yourself!

Sugar Sweet Designs

2009-08-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

A huge "Thank You" to my friend Christina for the blog makeover. She did an amazing job! Check out some more of her work at http://www.sugarsweetdesigns.net/

I will be updating my blog regularly with examples of projects we are working on... currently this includes wedding invitations for 2 January weddings and Christmas card designs. Check back soon for pics!

115 Days until Christmas! Anyone started their shopping yet?!

Scrapbook for Layla

2009-08-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Walnut Street Cards also offers scrapbooking services. We can scrap your wedding day, honeymoon or any other great vacation, family events, or your children growing up. Here are some pics of the latest scrapbook I designed for precious little Layla. Isn't she adorable!

Love This!

2009-07-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is worth 5 minutes of your time to watch this. It is a wedding entrance dance and it is AWESOME!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Stretch SUV Stuck

2009-07-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Something to consider when choosing your mode of transportation.....the route you will be traveling. This stretch SUV didn't do too well on a hill in San Francisco, CA.

Lacey & Huley

2009-07-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

This fall wedding is sure to be gorgeous. The bride, Lacey, has chosen a color palette of shimmer brown, dark purple, deep orange, dark green, and museum white. The theme of the wedding is "romantic autumn". The invitations are going out in the mail soon and then we will move onto working with Lacey on coordinating menu cards and ceremony programs.

Design for Summer 2010

2009-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Justin are tying the knot in June 2010. The colors for their wedding includes various shades of purple. The invitation design they have chosen suits them perfectly: utilizing 2 shades of purple and a flower punch that they will use on other pieces of their wedding stationary later (possibly programs and thank you notes).

New Baby Cards

2009-07-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Aren't these adorable?!

Pictured are two custom cards we recently designed for a client. Each card will be used as a congratulatory card for a new baby.

We can design custom cards for any occasion (weddings, birthdays, ....etc.)

Email me at billilou@walnutstreetcards.com to order your customized greeting cards.

Fan Programs

2009-07-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

Fan programs are ideal for
outdoor weddings.

They offer your guests the opportunity to stay cool while you say "I Do".

This dual-sided program is available in a variety of colors.

My New Favorite Embellishment

2009-06-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Below is another one of our recent wedding invitation designs. This is the first time we have used tulle on a design and it has since become my favorite embellishment. It adds a soft and elegant touch to the invitation. I love it.

Design your Wedding Cake

2009-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Check this out! It is a useful (and fun!) tool to experiment with different colors, accents, and toppers to create ideas for your wedding cake.

http://www.brides.com/planning/cakes/createacake/

Shelby & Kurt

2009-06-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

We just completed wedding ceremony programs for Shelby and Kurt. They are tying the knot next weekend. Previously we also designed invitations for Shelby and Kurt. Their invitations and their programs coordinate perfectly as we used the same materials for both pieces: lily pond green paper, black sheer ribbon, and their name plate on the front.

Laura & Aaron

2009-06-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Walnut Street Cards offers a Do-It-Yourself option for wedding invitations. This is perfect for brides who are budget-conscious and looking to save a little cash on their invitations. And, it is perfect for Brides who are "crafty" and want their wedding to have a personal touch- their own.

Pictured is an example of invitations for Laura, a DIY Bride I worked with this week. One photo shows the final product and the other photo displays the 4 steps to the invitation.

Lauren & Kristapher

2009-06-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

Above is a sample for a bride and groom in Dallas, Texas. They have chosen an orange creme for their color and a basic flat invitation with matching response card. Lauren and Kristapher's final sample is in the mail and we hope to finalize their invitations by the end of the week.

Desiree & Joe

2009-06-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

I met with Desiree last week and together we designed an invitation for her September 15th, 2009 wedding to Joe. She chose pinecone as her base color, the print will be on a soft off-white, and the accents are a deep red, marigold, and gold.

Alyson & Johnathon

2009-06-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we completed invitations for a September wedding. Alyson created her own save-the-dates and had used a blue "W" stamp (the groom's last name begins with a W) on them. To tie the invitations in with the save-the-dates, she requested we design something that would utilize the same "W" stamp. Below is what we designed for Alyson and Johnathon.

Wedding Cake Martini

2009-06-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

As we kick-off the weekend, here is a drink recipe to try. This sounds light and fruity...perfect for a summer evening. Especially to all you brides out there....sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Wedding Cake Martini

2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
1 ounce Pineapple Juice
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
1 teaspoon Artificial Sweetener

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy!

Place Cards

2009-06-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture I snapped a few weeks ago. We designed these place cards for Emily & Danny who were married on May 16th in Indianapolis.

Emily is the crafty-type and so Emily & Danny chose to assemble their wedding invitations and programs themselves (ask about our Do-It-Yourself option!), but because the place cards were printed and assembled so close to the wedding date, Walnut Street Cards pieced those together for them.

Congrats Emily & Danny!

'I don't know what to write!"

2009-05-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

A comment that I hear regularly is "I don't know what to write!". People say this when referring to a greeting card they are planning to send to another person. I am going to share with you my basic guidelines to use when you are struggling with what to write inside a card.

1) How do you feel at the moment? How does the occasion for this card make you feel? For example: "I am so excited for your wedding day!"

2) Think about what you like/love about the recipient and then tell them. For example, do you love their humor, their kindness, or their fashion sense? It can be anything! Tell them why you think they are a great person.

3) What is your motivation for sending this card? Is it to wish a happy birthday, congrats to a newly married couple, or to thank someone for an act of kindness? Tell them the purpose for the card.

By following the simple guidelines above and asking yourself those questions, I guarantee you will be able to compose the perfect message for the card you are sending.

Good Luck Cheyenne!

2009-05-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week we designed invitations to the "Colgate Country Showdown" for a 12 year old singing sensation from Central Illinois. Cheyenne has advanced as a finalist in this year's competition and we wish her the best of luck!

Invitation for Wedding Reception

2009-05-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Amy & Greg were married on a beach last winter surrounded by close family and friends. They celebrated a few weeks ago with a reception in Greg's hometown. The blue on the reception (pictured above) coordinates with colors used at the wedding ceremony.

Bachelorette Party

2009-05-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

New Design for Bachelorette Party Invitations!

The combination of tulle and polka-dot ribbon knot add flair and fun to this invitation. Available in assorted colors.

Is your pet part of your Wedding Day?

2009-05-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

For all you pet lovers, this site has cute ideas for your special friend for your special day. From pet tuxes to doggy ring pillows... check it out: http://www.theweddingoutlet.com/Wedding-Ceremony/Pet-Accessories

Olivia is 1!

2009-05-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

We created this polka-dotted pink, green, blue, and black combo for one year old Olivia's June birthday party. Polka-dots are hot right now with everyone from little girls to brides. This design would also look great as an invitation for either a bachelorette party or a casual bridal shower.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

2009-05-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Check out these
ADORABLE cards!

They are available in a variety of colors and accented with a polka-dotted ribbon knot. Actual size is 5.5"by 4.25". Available in quantities of 5.

Email Billi Lou at billilou@walnutstreetcards.com
to place your order.

Most Popular Program

2009-05-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Pictured are two examples of our most popular wedding ceremony program design. The inside of the program allows for 4 pages of space to include all pertinent wedding information. We can customize this design in regards to paper texture and color, ribbon, and the monogram on the front.