TBS Inspiration: DIY Ombre Cake Ball Cake

Ombre is SO hot right now. Everything from hairstyles, fashion, parties and now finally weddings! We thought this was SUCH a cute idea, a DIY Ombre Cake Ball Wedding Cake! It really doesn't look that hard!




[source] [http://theweddingshoebox.com/?p=3650] [source]

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook

A Fresh Look for Spring

It was time and we were due for a makeover. With facebook moving toward timeline, it was the right moment to make a few changes ... and here we are. It's taken us a few nights in the office to work out some kinks, but finally, we are able to debut our new look.

Nope, nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary, but it's US! It's what The Bridal Solution encompasses. I remember when we were going through changing our logo we wrote down how much we loved linen and the texture ... well, now it's apart of our look.

I think it's important for any business to have a "consistent" look. Meaning to keep all social media outlets and store fronts synchronized. It helps with brand recognition, something we had not done in the past. As soon as we heard Timeline was here to stay and would be implemented at the end of the week, I knew it was time. Time to make a plan, a change and a leap of faith. Letting go of what's comfortable and taking a chance. We couldn't be happier!

Facebook:



Blog:



Twitter:



All comments are welcome, we would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Custom Wedding Scents

A new trend making its way into the reception buzz is custom scents. According to The Knot, specific fragrances will create an atmosphere and mood for your reception and guests. There are specific vendors out there that use fragrance technology to create and distribute your scent. What better way to set the mood and to get the party started? Your custom scent can also be used as the perfect wedding favor for guests.



Now, close your eyes and imagine your wedding filled with these aromas:

1. Lavender – As a natural mood booster, this scent will get guests moving around to mingle.

2. Gardenia – A welcoming scent that will provide an even more romantic setting to your reception.

3. Jasmine – An intoxicating scent that will create a mood of relaxation and peace among guests.

4. Wedding Cake – We all know this is our favorite part of every reception, why not fill the room with the scent of frosting!

[source] [source]


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

Let the Games Begin ...

Every one's talking about The Hunger Games, which comes to the theater TODAY! If you're looking to have a fun get-together with all of your friends, why not have a Hunger Games themed party? I am loving all the ideas floating around ...

Invitations ...





Food ...







Decor ...




[Source] [Source][Source] [Source][Source] [Source]


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Crowned Dessert Table

Just sitting in the office today swooning over this dessert table. I can't get over how cute the crown on top of the cake it... absolutly stunning!



Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Get Branded

A logo "stamp" is the new go-to monogram for any wedding. It's fresh, it's different and your guests will remember it!



So GET BRANDED!!

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Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

Real Wedding: Jessica & Michael

Weddings are for the birds ...

Birds have made a huge comeback this year. We are seeing them in weddings, household decor, fashion and jewelry. I personally am loving it. I just acquired my first piece of bird jewelry [kissing sparrows] earlier this month, and I always get compliments on it.

Weddings usually follow fashion and home decor by a few months, and it's nice to see it played out in wedding style. I am loving the colorful bird cages and overall style... wowza!










[source]

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Love Lettter & Wine Box

This past weekend we had the pleasure of working a wedding in Columbia for a beautiful couple. It was so apparent that their love was real, and they used every opportunity to share that enthusiasm and uniqucness of their relationship with their guests.

One thing in particular they did to customize their ceremony, was to write their own love letters to one another, and include a love letter, wine box ceremony. What this entailed, was both the Bride and Groom wrote a love letter to the other, and placed these love letters into a box, along with a bottle of wine. At the end they closed and sealed the box, only to open on their first anniversary.



It was such a beautiful touch and testimony to this couple, and we were thrilled to be apart of it!

Cheers!


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

Bridal University 2012 Official Photos

A HUGE thank you to SilverBox Photographers who captured Bridal U to a T! Amazing photos of booths, brides, food and decor! We couldn't be happier! Keep Bridal U on your radar, this event is here to STAY!!









We have already started to plan Bridal University 2013. To keep up to date on our progress or to find more information on Bridal U, please check out our website here.


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: DIY Birch Lighting

When I first came across this DIY lighting that used birch, I was immediately intrigued. For one, I love birch, especially at weddings. It's light, airy and goes with most pallets. So when I saw just how easy it was to assemble, I loved it even more!



In this particular photo, it looks like they used a string of lights found at a home store, or lighting outlet. The actual light itself is not attached directly to the main cord, but rather to a smaller wire, which is then attached.

If I had a bride using this idea with us, here is what I would use. I would gather tin cans with labels peeled, birch bark, and bulb lights. I would cut out a small hole the bottom of the tin can, and attach the base of the bulb lights, and then screw the bulbs in, so they can not come loose. I would wrap and glue the birch to the tin can. Hang and string. The reason I would use the tin can is because lights can get hot, and this way the birch, which is sometimes as thin as paper, will not overheat.

Love this easy DIY light that you can make on your own!

[Source]

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

TBS Inspiration: Love Story Invitations

Falling in love with these love story invitations suites. How cute are these? I think so many times people never hear or they forget how the couple met or how they fell in love.

By telling your story ahead of your wedding, guests celebrate your LOVE at the wedding instead of just the union. These love story invitations are exquisite!






[source] [source] [source] [source]

For invitation design, contact The Bridal Solution, llc, but if not us ... check out Hoot Design Co. They are amazing!!

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

Top 5 Mistakes Brides Make When Planning Their Wedding

You've just got engaged and you're over the moon with happiness and excitement! Now you're wondering what to do next. Do you run to the store and pick up the newest wedding magazine or do you start selecting the date? Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and stressful times of your life no doubt. There are so many decisions to be made, research to be done and tasks to be completed, it's hard to know where to start.

Working with literally HUNDREDS of brides, I know just how stressful the process can be. But if you do your research and have a professional to guide you, you most likely wont make The Bridal Solution's top 5 mistakes that brides make when planning their wedding.

These mistakes are looked over so often that they lose their importance. Really take a minute to read each one and apply it your wedding.

#5. Budget

Let's get right down to the nitty gritty. This should be the top priority after you get engaged. You need to sit down with all parties participating and get a clear idea of 1: how much a wedding in your area typically costs and 2: how much you have available to use on your wedding. When you have a clear and concise budget, you need to stick with it. It's easy to go over budget, so by understanding and not compromising your budget, you'll be less stressed out.

Budgets also help your vendors. For one, you need to create an itemized budget and select vendors within it. When you get engaged, choose 3 to 4 elements of your wedding that you are not willing to compromise on. Maybe you have to have this certain dress, or you REALLY want your pictures to be amazing, so you're willing to spend a little extra. Either way, make sure those 3 to 4 items are on the budget and budgeted for. This will probably be a give an take. If you're spending more money on your dress, then maybe cut down on the cake, or alcohol? Make sense?

A huge mistake brides make is not being clear with your vendors what your budget is. It's a waste of every one's time if you sit down with your florist and they show you bouquets and centerpieces that are not in reach. But if you tell them you have $5,000 to use on flowers and here is the overall look, they can work around it. This goes for all your vendors. We know you have a budget so share it ... let's not take up precious wedding time by looking at weddings we can't afford, and start planning a wedding that is within your budget with elements that you love! When budgeting, allow for a 5% fluff ... that last month there will be things here and there you think of, and it's an added cost. That way you will be prepared!



#4. Not Giving yourself Enough Time

I know sometimes the excitement is overwhelming, but take your time during the planning process. If you know you are going to spend the rest of your life with someone, what is the big deal taking your time and adding a few more months to the engagement? Am I right? Find time to do your research. This will relieve stress, and will be fun to do. Try different cake samples, do menu tastings, see vendor's work. A wedding takes over 400 hours to plan from start to finish ... most of you have jobs or are in school ... don't make your wedding another job ... HAVE FUN! It may take you 2 to 3 months to even figure out what your style is, and when you do figure it out, don't rush it, enjoy it!



#3. Hire the right vendors

I can not tell you how important this is. It takes time to find the right vendors. Like in mistake #5, once you figure out your wedding style, find vendors who compliment that. If your style is rustic chic, don't reserve the art gallery because you get a percentage off this month. Find a photographer who has done a wedding like yours in the past, one who will use the outdoor elements to better represent you and your style. The right vendors are key, and my right vendors will most likely be different than your right vendors ... and that is OK! Call them up, ask for their references, ask about past awards, and most importantly, see their work. In fact, ask them to show you a wedding similar to yours around the same budget. Taste, Sip & See ... taste their food, drink their wine, and see what they can create for you. It's your wedding, and if your wedding isn't top priority for them, then they are your not vendor. Just because a vendor takes 30 weddings a year, doesn't make them the best. They will need costumer service and time in their schedule to accommodate YOU!

When it comes to vendors I hear a couple of things ... 1. make sure, and I mean MAKE SURE, your entertainment is rock solid. You don't want crickets chirping and your don't want music to make your guests go to sleep. Whether it's a band, dj or pianist ... make it fun! 2. Make sure the vendors that you do choose, play well with others. Meaning, we all work together, and when all of us play nicely, the wedding will go off without a hitch! And lastly, #3. hire a videographer too. SO many brides tell me they wish they would have got their wedding on tape. It's one day and memories have a tendency to fade. You'll be glad you did!


#2. Hire a Wedding Coordinator

To me, this is a no brainer. Our motto at The Bridal Solution is "let your guests be your guests." I know Aunt Mary wants to help set up and I know your family plans to stay later after everyone leaves to clean up. BUT, a relaxed bride is a happy bride. Allow yourself for one day to let go and have someone, outside of your family, help with the wedding. You will be SO GLAD you did. In many cases, after the wedding is all said and done, I will hear having a wedding planner there was they best well spent money of the entire wedding. It's because the details were taken care of, there are no worries, and your style and overall look was carried out.

Imagine at midnight the guests begin to leave and you look back at your mom and dad, they just spent all this money on your wedding, the day is done, and they are sitting down enjoying each other's company, champagne in hand. Music stops, mom picks up her shoes after kicking them off in the middle of a dance, and after all of this, they get to go home and sleep. Or you can imagine lights coming on in the ballroom, guests begin to leave, and mom and dad are running from table to table to collect the centerpieces, rentals and linens. They aren't sure where the staff placed the top layer of your wedding cake, and they have a car full of gifts as is.

Trust me, the best gift your parents can give you on your wedding day is no stress. And the best gift you can give back to them, is the same thing! Whether it's The Bridal Solution or someone else, don't make this top mistake.



And the number one mistake brides make when planning their upcoming wedding ...


#1. Make your Wedding Unique to YOU

Your wedding should reflect you and your style. The most unforgettable weddings that I've planned have one common aspect ... the personalities of the bride and groom are shown throughout the wedding day. Sit down and really think about what things in life make you happy. What are you quirks? What makes you .. YOU? This is what will make your wedding unforgettable. There are no rules and restrictions. Free your personality and add your personal touches and details. Your wedding guests will no doubt love every aspect of it, taking it home with them and always remembering the day.


Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook
The Bridal Solution on Twitter

Women's Leadership Conference 2012

I am so very pleased to announce that I, Natalie Imhoff, Owner and Event Stylist for The Bridal Solution will be presenting at the 2012 Women's Leadership Conference in Columbia, Missouri.



This is going to be an extraordinary event, where women learn from professionals in the area on topics to better help them in their career fields. For more information or to register, please head over to http://columbiawlc.weebly.com/.

See you there!

Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook

Meet our Bridal Marketing Assistant... Leslie Zeliff

Hi, I’m Leslie Zeliff and I am from Maryville, Missouri. I am currently a junior, Hospitality Management Major with an emphasis in Event Planning at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Throughout the past three years, I have completed various courses in Hospitality Management to learn the process and details required of weddings and events. In 2011, I served as a Detail Crew Member for TBS, where I gained an understanding of the services TBS provides for brides and other customers. Through these experiences, I have developed such a love and passion for weddings and special events. As the new Bridal Marketing Assistant, I look forward to working with those of TBS and to gain experience and further my knowledge of such a fun and exciting industry. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Missouri Tigers!

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Leslie is going to be a great asset to The Bridal Solution, we can't wait to get started working with her!




Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook

Meet Our Assistant Wedding Coordinator ...

Meet Kaylan Ramella ...

My name is Kaylan Ramella, and I will be graduating from the University of Missouri this May with a degree in Communication. I love everything about weddings, and am so excited to have the opportunity to be working with The Bridal Solution. When I say I love weddings, I mean I love them. They’re about the only thing that makes me cry, I watch every wedding show on T.V., and have a whole shelf devoted to wedding magazines and books (which probably freaks out my boyfriend and parents…). Besides weddings, I also love baking, reading, horseback riding, and enjoying my last few months as a college student! Once I graduate, I hope to pursue a job as a wedding planner and one day own my own company.

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We are SUPER excited about working with Kaylan ... she is going to ROCK at weddings!







Happy Planning!
Natalie Imhoff


thebridalsolution@gmail.com
The Bridal Solution on Facebook