Fall Weddings

Traditionally people would plan their weddings for the summer months when the weather was hot and the sun was shining. However in recent years we have seen a shift toward fall and winter weddings. November makes a great choice for a wedding date because you can combine it with Thanksgiving and still not interfere with your Christmas plans. There are numerous November wedding ideas available and possibilities are endless for this type of wedding. The key to having the perfect fall wedding is to keep it simple and use vibrant colours.



The easiest way to create a fall themed wedding is to choose the perfect colours and of course these colours are oranges and reds. However you are not forced to use the exact colours of autumn. Instead you could go with a theme such as summer in autumn or winter in autumn and you could incorporate some of the colours from those seasons. You could even mix up some colours and use the bright colours from autumn and mix them with some lighter colours from spring or summer. Adding some olive green can make your wedding seem even more elegant.



The wedding gown that you select for a wedding during these months can also make a huge impact. Traditionally the colour of the gown has been white, but for autumn wedding brides often choose a diamond white gown or they may go with an ivory white. Many people find that these colours work harmoniously with the autumn colours and the fall theme for a wedding. If you are less conventional then you might want to consider purchasing a coloured gown that would match your wedding theme and colours. It is important that the colour of your wedding dress complement the colours of the wedding, but if they do not complement the bride, they will not work. It is the bride that wants to look perfect.



A wedding in November allows for some great ideas for centerpieces for the table. This is where your choice of colours can really make an impact on the look and feel of your wedding and your wedding reception. For example if your wedding is in early November you could have small pumpkins decorated and placed around the room and tiny pumpkins could be used as the place markers. However, it is important that you not go overboard as well. Sometimes it is better to keep things simple and elegant. A nice choice for a centerpiece for a wedding in November is to use the fruits of the season in a nice decorative bowl in the center of the table, or smaller bowls at each end of the table.



Wedding favours can really be creative at this time of the year. For example ,you might want to try giving your guests candies or chocolate wrapped in the shape of a maple leaf or a pumpkin. If you were looking for something simpler then you might want to give your guests small scented candles which give off a scent or look like the colours of the season. The possibilities are endless.



Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/perfect-november-wedding-ideas-for-a-fall-wedding-585379.html#ixzz148heasMY
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How to Work with Your Wedding Florist
Tips and advice for creating the perfect floral scheme
By Lisa Milbrand

A good floral designer can hear the details of your wedding—your setting, your dress, your menu—and craft the perfect floral scheme to fit your personality and style. Here’s some smart advice to help you and your florist work together so you can make the most of her talent and your budget.

Give Your Florist the Scoop
Share as many details about your wedding as possible: swatches of the bridesmaids’ dresses, photos of the sites, your vision of the big day. That will help your florist get a sense of your taste.

Ask How to Maximize Your Budget
Many floral designers can come up with creative ways to stretch even the tightest budgets. Give your florist your figure in the initial meeting, and see how she can work within it to achieve your vision.

Consider What’s in Season
Locally grown flowers are fresher (and less expensive) than ones that are imported. Ask your florist what will be readily available on your date.M.

Look Beyond the Blooms
Mix unexpected ingredients with your flowers—anything from fresh fruit to vintage jewelry to tufts of feathers—to give your flowers extra personality.

Consider a Market Buy
If you don’t really care whether it’s dahlias or daisies that fill your bouquet, authorize your florist to find the best blooms in the market that suit your color scheme. You’ll get lusher flowers at a lower price.

Ask About Hardiness
Some blossoms can take a beating (and go for hours without water) and still look fresh, while others are more fragile. Ask your floral designer to use sturdier flowers in boutonnieres and other arrangements that risk being crushed during hugs.

Mix It Up
Your bouquets and centerpieces don’t have to be carbon copies of each other. Ask your florist to change it up from table to table or bridesmaid to bridesmaid—different styles, colors or flowers can make each arrangement stand out.

Study the Scents
Some flowers, like gardenias, lilacs and peonies, have beautiful fragrances—great for your bouquet, but not as heavenly on your tables, where the scent may interfere with the flavors of the meal.

Sign on the Dotted Line
Get the nitty-gritty details (dates, times, colors, amounts, payments) in writing. You may even want to give your florist a list of specific flowers that may be substituted for your chosen blooms, in case they aren’t available. Order one or two extra boutonnieres and corsages, to have as backups if necessary.

Two Beautiful Weddings as We Say Farewell to Summer

Our hotel was fortunate to host many wonderful weddings this summer and the two that we would like to feature today helped us to close out the summer wedding season.

Congratulations to Steve and Lindsey! Steve and Lindsey are a fun loving couple who put a lot of work into planning their very special day. From the start Lindsey and Steve contemplated a variety of ideas and adjusted their color scheme once, and settled on coral and ivory, a beautiful combination. The wedding guests were invited to our hotel for a cocktail hour on the Outdoor Courtyard followed by the reception in Salon AB of the Grand Ballroom. The cocktail hour was lovely, and decorated with coral linens and small hydrangeas in cube vases to accent the tables. Lindsey and Steve's day of coordinator, Karla from Kelly Cannon Events was on hand to make sure guests enjoyed cold cocktails in the hot afternoon sun. As the guests moved to the reception they picked up their coral and black place cards and our staff invited them into the ballroom. The ballroom was warmly lit with soft pink uplighting and alternating coral and ivory linens on the guest tables, accented by silver chivari chairs. The room also popped with color from the high and low floral arrangements in the colors of pink, green and white. Lindsey and Steve elected to have a sweetheart table, which worked out beautifully as they faced all of their guests. The newlyweds were "toasted" by the bride's 2 sisters and a very lively and comical best man. All of the guests in the room could feel the love and the dancing after dinner made for a great party! The sweet ending to the reception was a cake from Edibles Incredible in Reston that was displayed for guests to select their flavor. Edible Incredibles is a crowd pleaser every time.

Best Wishes Steve and Lindsey!

Another great couple that we had the pleasure of working with were Elliot and Erin.

Elliot and Erin started their planning journey a number of months ago as they selected our property as the venue for their ceremony and reception events. Married on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, Elliot and Erin's family and friends had the opportunity to have their rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Saturday, wedding events on Sunday followed by a great brunch on Monday morning in our Washington/Jefferson room. It was a fabulous weekend of events, and was a perfect way to accomodate the many out of town guests. Sunday's ceremony was held in the Outdoor Courtyard for 144 guests. Erin and Elliot chose Foxglove Florist to decorate the white arbor, aisle and aisle runner. The couple's colors: blue and white were a great accent amongst the flourishing greens in the Outdoor Courtyard. We loved seeing Erin right before she walked down the aisle, as she and her dad seemed so happy to get down the aisle to see Elliot.

As the ceremony concluded we prepared for the cocktail hour in the Grand Ballroom Foyer. The string quartet that played at the ceremony traveled to the Grand Ballroom Foyer and provided some light cocktail music to set the mood. While the guests enjoyed a bountiful cocktail hour, Elliot and Erin were out and about with their photographer, Rick Loesche, just as the sun was setting. They made it back just in time to relax in the Private Dining Room with their bridal party before guests entered the Grand Ballroom. Elliot, Erin, their bridal party and parents entered the reception to the roar of a lively crowd, and the laughter and cheers continued on for hours. The reception decor was lovely, as the couple selected alternating blue and white tablecloths and napkins, along with blue and white flower arrangements in the hotel's martini centerpiece glassware. Very cute! The wedding reception proved to be memorable night for all of those in attendance and especially for myself and Amanda Cruz who were present at the event. Everyone in the room offered congratulations and hugs to the newlyweds and the night continued with toasts, dancing and more.
Congratulations Elliot and Erin, we hope that your special day was all that you dreamed and more! Best Wishes!

Come check out our booth at the Washington Bridal Showcase held at the Dulles Expo Center from 11 AM-5 PM on Sunday, September 12, 2010. You will find everything you need to make your wedding amazing, from a variety of vendors, to a fabulous fashion show. Visit our booth and enter to win a one of our prizes! We look forward to seeing you there!!

http://www.bridalshowcase.com/

Don't forget to become a fan of the Hilton Alexandria Old Town on Facebook, we like to give away prizes there too!


Some tips from our friends at IntimateWeddings-

Here are some tips that will help you get the most from your bridal show experience.
Pre-register before the show. When you register before the show, some shows offer a discount toward the purchase of your ticket. It saves you time at check-in, and often a few bucks.
Research the show ahead of time to see what vendors will be there. Look specifically for the one's you need. Many vendors offer discounts on their services if you book them at the show. Making a checklist of required services, accessories, the most important elements needed to complete your wedding plans and design questions that will streamline your efforts and help speed things along.
Decide to concentrate on one vendor (Minister/Officiant, floral designer, photographer, deejay, etc.) and do your research ahead of time. At the show, gather info from other vendors too, but spend most of your time talking with the ones whose services you need.
If the bridal show has a wedding fashion show, check the times of the shows when you arrive, so you don't miss out. Arrive early. Seating is often first come, first serve.
Bring a list of questions to ask. Don't just rush by booths that have services you still require. Don't just listen to sales pitches. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. That's what the vendors are there for. They want to help you and you are under no obligation to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.
If their product or service is one you need and they are busy talking with someone else, stand close and just listen or wait until you can ask any questions you may have.
It may seem a little overwhelming at the show, but most vendors love to spend time with you and answer your questions. They will talk to you about their products and services in as much detail as you want. However, the shows are very hectic and noisy, so if you find a vendor that you like, it's best to set up an appointment and meet with them later.

Advice from the experts on picking a wedding venue-


Start by asking yourself: “What type of setting do we want for our wedding day?” Have you always envisioned walking down an aisle created by rose petals on a freshly manicured lawn or is the drama of a grand staircase from which you descend more in line with your bridal fantasy? Perhaps there a location or part of town that speaks to you as a couple (met at the beach, proposed at the beach – get married at the beach!) Maybe its logistics for your guests or the vision for the whole weekend that will dictate the venue style and location. Maybe you don’t have a vision yet and need to explore options. Fair enough! Then consider the time of year and what that might dictate – want a winter wedding? Better opt to avoid garden ceremonies. Unless that garden is in Hawaii.

We think you should come check out our fabulous hotel!!

Holiday Wedding Advice from the Experts

Use three various size glass cyclinders, fill one with Gold painted pine cones, one with a sumberged in water white christmas lilies or Ivory roses (you can get them from a floral dealer in packs of ten) and then the smaller last one with fake snow or black metallic shred. If you wnat to do something additional tie a coordinating ribbon at the top of each vase.

Planning the MenuYou can have all of your favorite food but add some winter touches like a squash dish, or warm pumpkin soup. Consider serving eggnog, spiced wine, or hot chocolate (alcoholic or non-) as special treats. Look for an all-white cake, decorated with snowflake patterns, silver embellishments, or sugar sculptures. Ask your caterer about using a decorative snow globe as a cake topper
Winter Wedding FlowersDecide whether you want to go for a silver and white elegant look, or celebrate the season with reds and greens. For those who like silver, look for dusty miller, silver-dollar eucalyptus, and baby blue eucalyptus, mixed with white flowers such as roses, football mums, crocus, lilies and stephanotis. If you're looking for a brighter bouquet, consider red roses with holly and pine-tree greenery. In season flowers such as tulips, roses, and ornamental berries generally will be less expensive choices. (Talk to your florist, as your region may have different availability)
The Décor for Your Winter WeddingDecorate your tables with simple and inexpensive white poinsettias, or fill the room with light by arranging pillar candles on a bed of pine branches At the after-Christmas sales, stock up on strands of small white lights, then string them decoratively around doorways, over tables and on archways. Bright red cranberries in a bowl surrounding floating candles make an easy and inexpensive centerpiece. Look at this article for other simple holiday centerpieces.. Or, decorate a pre-made gingerbread house for each table, and center it on a bed of greenery with candles around it.
FavorsIf you and most of your guests celebrate Christmas, an ornament makes a perfect favor. An inexpensive homemade favor is a pretty tin of spiced hot chocolate mix or hot cocoa mix with marshmallows. Also consider a snow globe, with a bride and groom inside, or a holiday cookie cutter with a cookie recipe attached that says your names, wedding date, and "truly cut out for each other".

Advice from the Knot.com

So you thought it'd be great to write your own wedding vows, but now a healthy dose of writer's block (not to mention fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don't know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string of coherent words? You're not alone -- but don't worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here's the homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding vows perfect.
Prep Step A: Get clearanceMake sure your officiant will accept personalized vows. Catholic and Episcopal congregations, for instance, may require you to recite all or part of the traditional vows, though in most cases that's left to the officiant's discretion. Remember: Even the most accommodating officiant will want to review your words in advance.
Prep Step B: Make a planYou need to tackle the logistics to make sure you and your fiance are both on the same page: Are you each going to write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the ceremony?
Knot Note: If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. If there's more you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or on your honeymoon.
Prep Step C: Create your outlineAn outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to. For example, plan to first talk about how great your fiance is, then about how great you are as a couple, then about what you're vowing to each other.
Prep Step D: Find your voiceWhat overall tone do you want: Humorous and touching? Poetic and mushy? It's your call -- the most important thing is that your vows ring true and sound like they're from your heart.
Prep Step E: Cut it downFinally, pick a length and stick to it by keeping the mantra pithy and to the point in mind -- anything longer than a minute or so, and no matter how gorgeous your prose, the audience will start to squirm.
Ready to Write!What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!!

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful forOur blessings all year through,For family we dearly love,For good friends, old and new.
For sun to light and warm our days,For stars that glow at night,For trees of green and skies of blue,And puffy clouds of white.
We’re grateful for our eyes that seeThe beauty all around,For arms to hug, and legs to walk,And ears to hear each sound.
The list of all we’re grateful forWould fill a great big book;Our thankful hearts find new delightsEverywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

COULD YOUR COMPANY BENEFIT FROM A $10,000 MEETING BAILOUT? Tell us how the economy has had an impact your travel and meeting budgets this year. If you have had to cut back or eliminate a meeting entirely this year, the Hilton Alexandria Old Town wants your company to meet again! If this meeting is critical to stimulating future business for your company, good for our local Alexandria economy or if your organization has deep charitable roots then you could qualify to win a $10,000 two day meeting or event at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town. Register your company to win and Submit your story, in 200 words or less, to http://www.alexandriahilton.com/hiltonalexfreemeeting/
Please complete the form below prior to October 31st, 2009. Submissions will be collected and judged and one winner will be selected prior to November 30th, 2009. Everyone will receive bailout money! All participants will be eligible for the following incentive For any meeting booked for 2009 you may choose the following; One incentive, for meetings valued at $500 - $5,000 Two incentives for meetings valued at $5,001 to $10,000 Three incentive for meetings valued at $10,001+ Incentives may be chosen from the following list: Attrition Clauses will be based on 70%, not the typical 80% of your contracted numbers Two free Internet connections for your meeting Five complimentary parking passes One upgrade to a suite (Presidential Suite for bookings greater than $10,000) 2% rebate on your meeting Double HHonors Event Planner Points 3 Complimentary Breakfast Buffet Passes Complimentary Weekend Stay to be used for a future stay
With our belts tightening, are Face-to-Face Meetings a thing of the past? We want to change that with our Bailout Promotion!
Face-to-face meetings are still considered to have the highest ROI of all marketing tools. A greater significance is being placed on planners worldwide to provide the value of the proposed meeting or event. 74% of organizations holding meetings and events measure ROI with the primary measure being the satisfaction of the attendees. It is proven that face-to-face meetings are still the most effective and preferred method to deliver your message. We are committed to helping our clients have successful face-to-face meetings by offering incentives to help reduce every budget.
SEAGARS now featuring Ala Carte Brunch on Sundays!
Seatings available between 11:30am & 2:00pm $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for children under 10. Children under 5 eat free,
For reservations; please call Seagar's Restaurant at (703) 647 2000 1767 King Street, Alexandria, VA-2231
MONDAY & WEDNESDAYS Build ANY kind of Burger for Only $10 (includes 1 non alcoholic beverage)
Sliders, 1/2 lb Angus, Beef Turkey, Veggie or Crab Burger ($3 ) www.alexandriahilton.com or www.alexandriaoldtown.hilton.com

Get to know your band or DJ. Listen to a demo tape or go catch their act. Before making a final decision, meet them to make sure they're on board with your ideas.
Be clear on which band members will be playing at your wedding, and put this in your contract. Note: The size of band needed depends on your guest list (a six-piece band works best for 100 guests; a ten-piece band for 300 guests).
Give the band or DJ a list of your favorite and least-favorite songs. This way, you'll have more control over the party music—and no unpleasant surprises.
Ask the band or DJ what they plan to wear. With the band, you want a uniform look; black-tie for a formal event, or khaki suits for a casual wedding.
Pin down a time for your band or DJ to set up the equipment. You don't want the musicians trudging through your cocktail hour with heavy speakers and instruments.
Give your band or DJ a schedule of events. Your caterer should have a copy, too, so the event flows smoothly. Determine, also, when the band or DJ will take breaks. Make sure that when they're on break, there will be backup music.
Give your bandleader or DJ the correct pronunciation of your names and those giving toasts to avoid embarrassment.
Tell the band or DJ where they should have dinner. You don't want to find them eating at the bar or at your buffet.
Inform the entertainers whether it's okay to take requests. These can be fine within reason, but don't allow your guests to treat your band or DJ as a jukebox.
Tell the bandmembers or DJs not to bring their wives, kids, or others. You don't want an uninvited entourage hanging around during the reception.

Setting A Distinctive Standard For Alexandria Virginia Lodging…Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you can count on the Hilton Alexandria Old Town to provide bright, comfortable guest rooms and impeccable service. Discover our "new look" - following a $4 million renovation, and unwind in vibrant surroundings. Located only minutes from Washington DC, our Alexandria Virginia lodging offers the ultimate in luxury, sophistication, and value. Savor the quaint charm of one of the DC Metro area's most historic districts - perfectly preserved in every aspect of our hotel's design - without sacrificing modern-day functionality. Look to our upscale Old Town Alexandria accommodations for the conveniences and services you've come to expect from Hilton, with a special touch of colonial flair. Choose from our spacious accommodations, including:
247 Newly-Renovated Luxury Guest Rooms, updated with modern furnishings, with one king bed or two double beds
17 Newly-Renovated Executive Suites, with one king or two double beds

Fun Finds

This morning I logged onto the Knot (www.theknot.com) to look for a centerpiece idea for a bride, and I found a cool new feature that allows newly engaged couples to send an "email" announcement to their family and friends that is personalized with the couple's pictures, etc.. Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be recently engaged or soon to be engaged. Click on the link below to check it out!

http://global.theknot.com/sitelets/ritani/ecard/?cm_sp=TK_Green-_-2-_-20090911


Second fun find for today is a website called Favors You Keep. It is a fairly original site, as the designs, imprints and products may be a bit different that the ones you see on the Knot, then at Exclusively Weddings, and so on. Favors You Keep offers you the opportunity to customize favors, napkins, treat bags, thank you notes, favors, and cake toppers. One of the fun finds on this website is the Caitlin Cartoon Collection and the Skyline Collection. The Caitlin Cartoon Collection features a variety of "bride and groom sketches", from a "Football Couple", "Surfer Couple" and my absolute favorite under City Couples... the Washington, DC couple! There is also a Washington, DC skyline graphic under the Skyline Collection. Spend a few minutes on this site, and you will find yourself adding items to your cart!

That's all for now! If you have a Fun Find, feel free to let us know!
Happy Friday!

Sincerely,
Lindsay
Wedding & Social Coordinator

Favors

Distributing favors
If you're opting for a favor like almonds or candy, provide one per guest. Pricier items like votive candleholders can be distributed one per couple.
Add to the decor
If you're having a theme wedding, offer a favor that echoes the motif. Think strawberry-flavored lobster suckers for beachside bashes, or personalized corkscrews for winery weddings. Check out blissweddingmarket.com (vineyard fetes) and shellsaplenty.com (beach bashes) for favor-making materials.
Making scents
Avoid setting scented favors on the table as they may interfere with the aromas of the dinner. Have them distributed by the waitstaff after dinner has been served.
Good cause
If you don't fancy the idea of favors, you can make a donation to your favorite charity in your guests' names. For a list of global charities, check out careusa.org.
Traditional touches
Celebrate your culture through your gifts. Think maracas or pewter chopsticks.

Myth #5: The heat will ruin everythingSure, summer can be hot. But don't let the naysayers get you down. If you know there's a decent chance it will be especially hot on your wedding day, make plans to avert any weather-related disasters. Avoid wilting blooms in the bouquets and boutonnieres by asking your florist to steer you toward hardier blooms, like orchids and lilies. Consider water-submerged centerpieces featuring Mokara orchids. Because the flowers are completely under water, they'll keep cool all night long. And as for your wedding cake, get fondant instead of buttercream to avoid a melting mess. If you're set on the rich taste of buttercream, display the cake during your cocktail hour and then have the cake cutting at the beginning of your reception.Special thanks to Lori Stephenson, owner and senior event consultant, LOLA Event Productions, Chicago; Miriam Phalen, owner and event planner, Sterling Events LLC, New York City
-- Kate Wood

Ben and Amber

This past weekend we had the joy of hosting Amber and Ben’s wedding ceremony and reception. Both Amber and Ben are very special to us as they had competed in our 2008 Winter Wedding Giveaway. While they didn’t take home the grand prize, they still got lucky and were offered the opportunity to have their wedding events take place at our property. Amber was super excited and eager throughout the whole planning process, which made every appointment with them cheerful and fun. On the wedding day Amber and her bridesmaids were calm and relaxed, and Ben and his groomsmen were having fun just hanging out. Amber was beaming as she prepared to walk down the aisle and Ben looked so happy to see her. The real magic between Ben and Amber was most evident at the (outdoor) ceremony as they wrote their own vows which were very sweet and heartfelt. The guests enjoyed every moment, as there were many smiles and a few good laughs.

After the ceremony the guests proceeded into the Plaza Foyer for the cocktail hour. Amber’s bridesmaid and wedding planner created small square hydrangea arrangements to go on the cocktail tables, which added a nice pop of color. More fun that the cocktail hour for guests, was the Bridal Party cocktail hour. The new Mr. and Mrs. received many cheers as they entered the Private Dining Room, and from then on the fun was non-stop.

Ben and Amber’s reception in the Grand Ballroom was beautifully decorated with Chateau French Blue and Brown Swirl linens from Select Event Rentals, and hydrangea centerpieces. A conference style head table was set just for the bridal party, and was very unique, as 17 people were able to sit together and interact. The head table was beautifully decorated with Mink Satin Linens and Alice Blue napkins from Select Event Rentals and over 20 votive candles. The bride’s and bridesmaids bouquets were put into vases on the head table to serve as the centerpieces. A cake table was set near the head table and was decorated with a brown and blue linen, multiple votive candles, and the beautiful wedding cake. A friend made Ben and Amber’s wedding cake, and did not use an ounce of fondant, which is something we see on a majority of wedding cakes. The top of the wedding cake was adorned with multiple chocolate truffles and a chocolate initial representing Ben and Amber’s “new” last name. It was certainly a sight to see!

As the bridal party and then Ben and Amber entered the room there were loud, vivacious cheers from all of the guests, which made for a lively reception! Soon after entering the room Ben and Amber had their first dance. The evening continued with dinner service that included our Mango and Baby Spinach Salad, Petite Crab Tian, Roasted Sirloin and Salmon and wine service. After dinner Amber’s sister toasted the bride and groom and shared with the crowd that Amber had asked her to be the Maid of Honor 9 months before Ben proposed. Ben’s brother then toasted to couple and let everyone know that Ben does not enjoy others whistling around him. Both toasts were well executed and reflected on the bride and groom in a great way! Soon after the toasts the party celebrating Ben and Amber’s nuptials was in full swing. Dancing and mingling continued late into the night making it a fabulous night (and day) to remember!
The Hilton Old Town sends many congratulations to Ben and Amber! Best Wishes!

Lindsay Kahler