Strut Bridal

Vendor Review: Felch House Inn

The Felch House Inn is actually located just a block from Strut in central Phoenix in the Roosevelt Historic District. Built in 1927, it has been a bed and breakfast for awhile and just this year started booking weddings and receptions. They recently had an open house and we just had to stop by and visit our neighbor!

Two things we love about the Felch House Inn are:

1. It is immaculately groomed--not a blade of grass out of place!
2. There are so many little nooks for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Or use them for food stations to get your guests mingling!

They recently ordered a clear, acrylic cover for their pool. Wouldn't that make the coolest dance floor?!

One of their preferred vendors is Fresh From the Kitchen. These caterers believe in using the freshest, best ingredients. They also do wedding cakes. They've catered a number of events we've attended, and we think their food is top-notch. They cater weddings of all sizes. Here are some photos of their picture-perfect food:

The inside of the venue is beautiful, too, with lots of sitting areas for registered guests. We love the Felch House Inn as a wedding and reception venue because it offers a number of packages to fit the smallest gathering to over 100 people. We think it's well maintained and beautiful. It gives an intimate, garden feeling in the middle of the city!

One possible challenge could be parking, since there is just a little bit of street parking. But we think we remember owner Becky saying they have an agreement with a nearby business to use their parking for events; nonetheless, be sure to ask about parking!

For brides and grooms looking for a centrally located venue that can do their wedding, reception, or both, we highly recommend you check out the Felch House Inn!

 

Vendor Review: Japanese Friendship Garden

If you're looking for a low-key, lush oasis in central Phoenix, look no further. The Japanese Friendship Garden is located just off the I-10, making it super convenient to find. It has a large, free parking lot for guests up to 150. They close early (3pm during the week), which means you can rent the gardens and have the place to yourself!

The garden features a large pond in the center. It has huge coi fish and ducks. There's a wide, paved walking path that circles the pond. There's easy wheelchair access for those who need it (but it's a long walk to the ceremony site for anyone in a walker).

One of the things we loved was the roaring waterfall, which drowned out the noise of the city and made you feel worlds away from Phoenix. Note, however, that you'll probably need a sound system for your vows to be heard over the waterfall and running creeks.

The ceremony site is set up with simple white chairs using the pond as the backdrop.

While we love the garden for the setting (beautiful!) and the price (surprisingly low!), we did have a few things you might want to consider:

• There were two hosts/greeters. They were dressed in jeans. You might be able to request dressier attire.
• They didn't turn off their irrigation, which went on a couple of times, covering the sidewalks. Thank goodness for knee-high boots!
• The staff forgot to set up the tables that the bride and groom requested.
• There appared to be no on-site coordinator. So if you're a DIY kind of girl, we highly recommend getting help. A day-of coordinator should be able to help avoid some of the issues we saw at a recent event.

Overall, we thought the garden provided a beautiful setting for an outdoor event and hope to attend more weddings there in the future!

Girl Talk: Do You Need Help Finding a Bra?

We're always talking to our Strut Brides about finding the perfect bra. After all, a good-fitting bra can help with posture, alleviate back and shoulder pain, and make you appear 10 pounds thinner. But most women think they are cup size C, D, or DD, because those are the sizes they see in stores. The fact is, though, that many of us curvy girls need a non-traditional size that's bigger than a DD. 

Many times we'll send our ladies to CC's Lingerie because they have the largest selection of non-traditional bras in the state. But then we met the lovely ladies from Belle Lacet Lingerie in Chandler and wanted to introduce you to them, too!

We love the girls at Belle Lacet because they know what it's like to have a hard time finding a bra. Sometimes you're broader in the back but need a smaller cup size, and these ladies can get you that 48B. Or maybe you have a small ribcage but large chest and need a bra up to a size K, and Belle Lacet can get it for you. In fact, the average size they sell is a 38G. G as in gorgeous, ladies!

Here are some signs you're not wearing the right size bra:

• The straps fall down or dig in
• The band rides up
• The cups are sagging
• There's breast tissue overflowing from the cup or over the band
• The under wire doesn't chest your breastbone between your breasts.

We tell our brides that buying a bra is like buying a wedding dress--you buy on fit and flatter, not the size. That means it's OK to go larger in the cup (seriously--ask your significant other if they mind you having an F-cup!). So go say hi to Karla and Liz at Belle Lacet. They are certified bra fitters and can order you the perfect bra. The prices were reasonable, and they have some of the most beautiful bra and panty sets (perfect for that special holiday coming up!) as well as plus size lingerie.

Top 5 Reasons Why Bridal Bouquets Are Expensive

We've talked a lot about wedding flowers over the last few weeks and want to end our series with some information on just why wedding bouquets are so pricey. We know, wedding flowers, including the bouquet, are one of the top areas for which brides and grooms get sticker shock. We asked local wedding and event florist Karen Bever of bokay to fill us in. Here's what she said:

Your wedding flowers are created just for you with a custom feel and look that helps make this day unique to you. When you consult with your floral designer and the estimate comes back you are thinking why are bridal bouquets so expensive? Here is some information that might help explain.

1. Most fresh flowers are not native to your area therefore they have to be flown in from multiple continents. South America, Holland, Hawaii and many other far away locations. Because the varieties are vast they have to come from many places. Freight is added to the cost of every single flower.
2. Flowers are a raw material that passes through many hands before it reaches the florist. Because you deserve beautiful flowers it takes lots of care and attention to keep them that way. Once they arrive at the wholesaler they have to be prepped and maintained until they get in the hands of the florists. Different flowers have to be stored in different temperatures and require different treatment in cutting and cleaning.
3. The conscious and confident florist recommends flowers that will be seasonal and abundant. Of course the number of flowers and the variety will determine the cost and the overall look of the bridal bouquet. Most of the time, the more exotic the flower the more costly. A professional and knowledgeable florist will take good care of you.
4. A flower is a delicate product that requires skilled hands to manage the materials. The bouquet is handmade to your specifications with care and precision.  The style and the intricacy are taken into account. A wedding bouquet is a custom piece like hand made lace.
5. Embellishments and the finishing touches are what give your bridal bouquet your personality and message. The selection of ribbons, tassels, rhinestones and pearls to name just a few make this bouquet yours and only yours.

 If you are looking for ways to save money on your bridal bouquet be mindful of the flowers you select and their season. Simple is appropriate meaning one variety of a moderately priced flower in a moderate size flower arrangement.  Certain holiday’s can dictate the price of flowers.   Therefore roses during Valentines Day will be an all time high because the demand is so high and there are fewer products to go around. Lastly, turn to your floral designer for personal, professional advice will be best in the long run.

 

Important Points to Include in Your Wedding Florist Contract

Our final article in our series on wedding flowers concludes with some key points on things to include in your contract with your wedding florist.

1. Contact information (name, addess, phone number) of the delivery location. Be sure to include any backup venues, too.
2. Detailed description of every type (head table, bar, pews, etc.) of floral arrangement, including possible flowers that might be substituted (there are sometimes supply issues). Also include the total cost, amount of deposit paid and balance due.
3. Time the florist is to arrive at your site (be sure to include whether or not they need to go to more than one place, such as where you're getting ready to bring your bouquet, the wedding site, and the reception venue).
4. Name of the key contact or floral designer working on your project.
5. A detailed list of services provided, such as set up, delivery (including any additional costs for delivery), and breakdown.
6. Information regarding their cancellation policy, including whether or not your deposit is refundable.
7. The cutoff date for making changes to your order.
8. A list of items rented (such as vases or containers) and who is responsible for returning them.
9. A list of flowers needed to decorate the wedding cake, if needed.

8 Things to Bring When Meeting Your Wedding Florist

When you meet with a florist to discuss your wedding flowers, there are eight important things to bring with you. These items will help your florist get an idea of your wedding vision and help them prepare the most accurate quote. You should bring with you:

1. An idea of your budget. Sometimes brides have no idea what number to put down for their flower budget, but you have to start somewhere. If $1000 is your absolute max, then say so. If you have more of a range, then be upfront about that. You can always trim costs after seeing the first quote.
2. Photos of your wedding venue and reception area. Your florist can get a good idea of existing color schemes as well as the scale of the room.
3. List of places you'll want arrangements. Although you'll have photos of your wedding venue and reception room, you'll also want a list of places you'll need flowers. Think about all of the places you might have (bar, restrooms, cake table, place card table, head table, pew or aisle poms, etc.) and decide which ones need dressing up.
4. A photo of your wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses. A florist can tell a lot about your personal style from the wedding gown you chose. They'll also want to create looks that complement the silhouette you chose.
5. Fabric swatches of your dresses and table linens. Your florist will be able to pick the right flowers if you're looking for specific shades of pink, for example.
6. Inspiration photos. Flip through magazines and tear out photos of table arrangements and bouquets that you like.
7. A list of people who need corsages and boutonnieres. Bring a list of your family, friends, and bridal party members who need personal flowers.
8. A list of things you don't like. If you want a fun and funky bouquet but hate feathers, for example, then you should bring a list of flowers, colors, trends and accents you don't want to have in your flowers or table arrangements.

2012 Wedding Flower Trends

We asked local wedding florist Boka for some insights on wedding flower trends for 2012. All images are of their most recent work.

We know that most weddings are thought out and planned far in advance; its practical and helpful. This will also enable you to learn what the upcoming seasonal trends are, as well as which have been introduced and possibly carried over from the previous year. Like fashion and interior design, wedding flower designs have their trends, and these are transcended and highlighted in the bridal planning.

 

Romantic and vintage is the flower wedding fashion influence for 2012. The abundant use of flowers and those that have a high petal count remain to be in demand. Meaning large bloomed flowers that give the appearance of being in full bloom that have that hand picked appearance like those found in an English garden. Flowers like roses, peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, lisanthus and anenomies to name a few. Whether combined with others or used independently the look is ample!

 

The shape also contributes to the old world romantic look to the bouquet. The tight round hand tied bouquets with clusters of flower groupings in the arrangement are what make this suggestion.  This will continue to be highlighted in 2012; a greater use of texture and the variety of texture will be featured. Including the popularity and interest in the use of miniature succulents and cactus like foliage in the bridal bouquet design. So out with the waxy foliages and in with those like Dusty Miller a velvet feel and dusty gray/green color foliage. Feathers too are also being added as a fun accessory to the bouquets, adding whimsy and character; plumes soften and give movement and they come in a big color range to add more pop to the bouquet.

 

Adding to the romantic 2012 feel, we are going to see more creative detailing found on the bouquet handle. Covered with velveteen ribbons and damask fabric ribbons layered and topped with vintage looking pins and brooches and the continued use of rhinestones, and pearls.

 

Not only is the round tight concentric sphere shape ideal for the 2012 wedding flower bouquet trends but also these topiary like designs are going to be seen on the table centerpieces as well as the ceremony arrangements. Spheres everywhere, adding to that English garden romantic design. This shape can be displayed as hanging pomander balls with colorful scented carnations, roses, hydrangeas and chrysanthemum buttons to name a few. You may hang multiple sizes with a variety of flowers from pew stands and aisle arrangements, to hanging tree ornamentation, to being placed on top of large urns or glass cylindrical glass vases for either the ceremony as well as the reception table centerpiece. Also the continuation of multiple and variations of smaller vases lining the center of the oblong tables with mix matched single stemmed flowers loosely arranged in the collection of fine vases. Along with lots of branches seen colored and adorned with mini orchids attached to their limbs while secured in elegant pottery.

 

Creativity is going to be visible in 2012 flower fashion and making the arrangements and ornamentation personal. From themed events with cultural influences with endless selections to personal touches with deep routed meaning let this help create newer and more inventive trends for the future bridal party and event.

For more information about wedding flower trends or to get a quote for your wedding, please contact them at:

 

Bokā (bō káy)

Karen bever|wedding & Event Floral designer

P|480.444.6419 f|480.786.5270

www.bokaeventflorals.com

3 Big Wedding Reception Food Mistakes to Avoid

We're always thinking of food (and hoping to bring back cupcakes samples for our fall weekends!!) and brides. So naturally we wondered what big mistakes brides might make when it comes to their reception food. We asked a recent Strut Bride, a local wedding planner, and a caterer to give us different wedding reception food mistakes to avoid:

1. Don't overlook restaurant caterers.

Strut Bride Melissa was married at Aldea earlier this spring and used Babbo Italian Eatery to cater her reception. Melissa said, "It was a buffet style set-up. The food was absolutely wonderful. We had so many compliments on it. People were saying that it was the best food they ever had at a wedding. Some people said it was the best food they had ever had period."

Restaurant caterers often have reasonable packages and are accustomed to feeding large groups. One caveat is, though, they they may offer less customization in the menu. Also, be sure to see what your venue or the restaurant provides and what you may need to bring in (see Noelle's story below).

2. Don't plan to cook it yourself.

Some DIY brides also plan to make their own reception food. This may work with a really small group, but there's so much more to think about than just the food: tables, servers, plates, silverware, etc.

 Jo Ann Grant, a wedding planner and coordinator who owns Apropos Creations, said, "Doing it ALL yourself will become one of the biggest mistakes that you will do as a bride. You will be overwhelmed and stressed by the time your wedding day arrives. Wedding planning should be a fun and memorable experience. Another option is to hire a wedding planner if you don't want to bother your loved ones. Do one or the other will guarantee you a very pleasurable time of your life!"

Most brides will tell you that you don't want to spend the last few days before the wedding cooking or coordinating food--there are so many other last minute tasks.

3. Listen to your caterer (and your planner!).

 A lot of wedding planning stress comes from never having done it before, so you don't know what to do. And that's ok. When it comes to planning your wedding reception food, you may wonder if buffet or plated dinners are best, how many entree options to provide, etc. So work with a true wedding professional who will answer these questions and help guide you. Noelle Salinas, one of the owners of Fresh From the Kitchen, told us this story:

"This weekend we are providing a wedding cake for a bride, but not catering her wedding. Was it because of taste and quality? No, she loved our food. But, in comparing our pricing with a restaurant that said they could offer her the same thing, she went with the restaurant due to the fact that it was almost half the price. Her wedding planner had told her to book with us, but this bride thought she was saving herself money doing it her way.In the long run, it cost her more with the restaurant because, she had to hire servers, she had to rent dishes and glassware, she had to hire a dishwasher, and she had to rent chafers and serving utensils as none of these things were included with her "deal". In educating our brides, we go over these logistics, and explain to them in detail what sort of costs they are looking at if they try to "save" by doing it themselves. A professional vendor is hired for their professionalism, so they should be allowed to do their job. They have your best interestat heart, and can explain to you any concerns or issues you may have. They will help alleviate stress, and even save you money when possible. So when planning on hiring a caterer, don't just think about dollars and cents, but think of everything that comes with it. Because really, on your wedding day do you want to have to pour your own champagne, bus your guest's tables, cut and serve your cake, and be responsible for getting rentals back to the rental company to name a few? Good food and service is worth that extra dollar as it alleviates stress and leaves you and your guest happy and satisfied."

Be sure to listen to your wedding coordinator and other vendors because with their experience, they can point out true costs. If you're on a budget, it's alright to say so--most wedding professionals are able to retool packages to fit your budget.  

Glendale's Newest Hotel Is Perfect for Wedding Guests

For bridal parties looking for a beautiful hotel in the West Valley to accommodate their out of town guests, the Hampton Inn and Suites at Westgate should be at the top of their list. The Hampton Inn and Suites is a brand new property located just steps away from shopping, restaurants, bars and top sporting events such as Arizona Cardinals football games at the University of Phoenix Stadium, all located at the Westgate City Center.

 

Patrick Rogers, member of the West Valley Wedding Association and Regional Sales Manager at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Glendale, remarked that this new hotel has above industry standard amenities, and the location can’t be beat. Indeed, guests love little surprises such as complementary cookies and refreshments in the lobby, ample space for the free, hot breakfast, a large outdoor pool, free parking, and complementary wireless internet.

 

Brides and grooms who book blocks of rooms with Patrick have recently remarked, “I can’t believe I get all this for this price!”, and “Wow, these rooms are big!” With 149 guest rooms and a meeting room that will hold 30 people, the Hampton Inn and Suites is the perfect place to host a casual post-wedding brunch, too.

 

In the months ahead, Patrick foresees both room rates and occupancy rates increasing. He adds, “Preferred discounts will be the way to go for the thrifty traveler.” For Phoenix area brides and grooms, Patrick provides a link to preferred rates at the Hampton Inn and Suites. In his role, Patrick loves working with large groups and advises brides and grooms to “never go to bed angry.”

 

Make an appointment to stop by and see this brand new property in the West Valley!

 

 

Contact information:

Email: progers@ncghotels.com

Address: 6630 N. 95^th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

Phone: 623-271-7771

4 Steps to Finding a Great Wedding Photographer

Finding a wedding photographer in the Phoenix area is hard--there are just so many options! While it helps to set your budget before you start your search, we've found that brides are often surprised at the package cost for wedding photography. Therefore, keep in mind that you may need to increase that budget once you've started shopping around.

Now, where do you start?

1. Get referrals. Ask your married friends who they used, if they liked their photos, and if they'd actually recommend the photographer. Ask your wedding planning or coordinator, as they've worked with a lot of different people in the area. Talk to your venue, too, as they often have a list of preferred vendors. Photographers often know each other's work, so if one is out of your budget, ask who they might recommend within your price range. This also works if your photographer is already booked on your wedding day.
2. Check out their website. Comb through their website, galleries, and especially their blog, where they are most likely to post their more recent weddings. You'll get a good idea for their style of photography (and it's essential to know what style you're looking for).
3. View complete weddings. Often you'll see the best photos on their website or in their albums. But what you want to do is ask to see all (not the rejects, just all that they present to the bride and groom) the photos from two or three weddings. Why? Because you want to love a hundred photos, not just ten. You'll get a better feel for their quality and style when you see everything they shoot.
4. Meet in person. This may be the most important part--your wedding photographer will be around you for much of your day. You want to be sure your personalities mesh. If you're an outgoing, jokey couple, a quiet or shy type of person might not be the best fit, for example.

Any other tips? Feel free to leave us a comment!

Stay tuned--in support of all of our Phoenix area wedding photographer friends, our next post will give you some tips on how to be a good client.