Blog Much?

So, long time no blog.  We’ve been busy.  Very, very busy.  Which is a great thing.  We are constantly revamping, restructuring and improving.  One of those items we have been working on, is updating our blog to a new layout.   And when that’s all ready to launch we’ll be blogging much more regularly as well as showcasing our weddings complete with pictures.

In the meantime, though, something today in particular caught my attention that I wanted to blog about really quickly.  I stumbled across a website today that seems pretty popular (the blogger has even written a book).  I feel it’s best to leave the site unnamed, although if you are into weddings and wedding blogs you may be familiar with it.  In general one thing that the site promotes is marriage equality (which we support 100%).  This may be part of their popularity.  But the other stance they take on weddings is that what is put out there by “wedding media” is basically nonsense and while planning a wedding, brides should pay it no mind and do their own thing.

Now, there is a difference between being unique and doing your own thing as opposed to not being educated on how things in the wedding industry work.  Yes, you can have absolutely gorgeous out of the box weddings that the standards may not apply to.  But some people WANT a traditional or more “by the rules” wedding.  So to tell them to simply ignore all standard practices and do what they want is a big misguided.  One thing they specifically had zeroed in on was that it was by no means necessary to adhere to any kind of wedding planning “timeline”.  Meaning, you don’t have to have certain things done by a certain time.  Because weddings can be planned in 3 months or they can be planned over the course of a year or two. So basically, if it says on a timeline to book a caterer at 9 months out, yet you are planning  a wedding in six months….. well, you missed the cut off point.  You must be screwed.  So that renders ALL timelines for planning as useless and nonsensical.  

This kind of made me a little mad.  I don’t necessarily believe that the timelines need to be strictly adhered to.  They can be tweaked as necessary for the length of the bridal couple's engagement.  But I do find them extremely helpful.  Not so much for the idea that you HAVE to do things by a certain time, but more as a TIME MANAGEMENT tool so that everything doesn’t close in on a bride at once.  This is especially true if there are particular vendors that you really want to work with.  I have had brides that even a year away from their wedding have not been able to get the vendor they had their heart set on and are shocked that they book that far in advance.  I myself have had to turn away brides looking for Day Of services because they wait too long to start booking and I am all booked up.  And if there’s one thing I hate it’s turning away brides.   By waiting longer to book vendors, especially venues and photographers, a bride may be pigeon-holing herself into using whatever vendors are still available, rather than really being able to find that perfect vendor she loves that is within her price range.

The timelines can also serve as just a general checklist to ensure they don’t forget anything.  For a newly engaged bride who has no clue as to how to move forward with her planning, these timelines can provide good guidance even if the dates are not exact.  I do find that some timelines state that you need to do things more in advance than necessary, but it also means that if brides DO complete the items that far in advance that the last few months leading up to their wedding they can relax a bit, rather than running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done in time. 

Just as I tell my brides that the timelines can be interpreted loosely to fit their situation, I would expect any kind of wedding blog to do the same.  To render an overall timeline as “useless”, to me, shows that this blog writer is not a wedding planner.  Which in fact, she is not.  She merely had, at one time, planned her own wedding and found that she could do things differently than The Knot or Wedding Wire may have led her to believe.  But planning ONE wedding a wedding planner does not make.   We do this week after week, bride after bride.  We become accustomed to which vendors book up fast, and which may be able to help us out in a pinch.   I think as such a successful blogger, she should have at the very least acknowledged that for some brides a general planning timeline can be extremely helpful.  To say that no bride needs to worry about an overall timeline is a bit absolute and misinformed.  We can only hope that no bride read that, ignored all possible timelines that were at her disposal, and in the end missed out on great vendors or felt stressed in the last months leading up to her wedding due to trying to finish everything so quickly.     

When in doubt, hire a planner.  Even if its just a "Day Of" package :-)  Do NOT take the advice of a blogger who has only planned her own wedding and deemed herself an expert on weddings.  Philadelphia has many GREAT wedding planners who have taken courses, are certified in event planning, have experience, and really have made it their business to KNOW the wedding industry inside and out, some of which I have had the pleasure of working closely with.  Even if we at Sitting In A Tree cannot accommodate you on your date, we can refer you to someone great who can. 

But, I Have An On-Site Coordinator!

Anyone in the planning business is very familiar with this statement.  If your venue provides you with a site coordinator then why bother with a Day Of wedding planner right?  Its basically the same thing. Wrong!  However, many venues promote their On-Site Coordinator as a wedding planner or wedding specialist which gives couples the idea that they do not need an additional outside wedding consultant.  In reality though, the two have very different roles and actually end up complementing each other quite well if utilized correctly.  For those brides who are on the fence about whether to take that Day Of Coordination leap I want to talk about the differences between the two.

The Site Coordinator – Site Coordinators are great.  100%.  They know their venue inside and out.  They know what works and what doesn’t and exactly what restrictions you may run into.  These are items that the wedding planner would not know off the top of their head without having to do some research.  However, that is usually where the expertise of the On-Site coordinator stops.  While they can recommend vendors that they are accustomed to working with, they will not coordinate with the vendors for you, leaving that up to you.   The week leading up to the wedding it will still be your job to call all your vendors and confirm all the details with them individually and make sure that it all fits into an overall timeline.   For example, you want to know that the DJ knows the timeline of the caterer in order to announce the first dance, dinner, cake cutting, etc.  The photographer then needs to know this schedule as well to make sure they are readily available to shoot those moments.  An On-Site coordinator will not handle those little details.  While they may be in touch with the vendors to confirm what time they will be arriving at the venue for set-up, they assume the rest is taken care of by you.

The On-Site coordinator also will not be by your side all day.  Usually they will be there a little before the ceremony/reception starts.  They can cue things for the ceremony as well as the reception, but once dinner is over their job is done and they often go home.  Therefore if there is any breakdown or items that need to be taken from the venue it is up to the bride to appoint someone to gather those items.  These can be gifts, centerpieces, extra favors left behind, special champagne flutes or cake cutting knives, etc.   I have been to a few weddings where at the end of the night guests themselves have offered to help with these tasks because there was no one there specifically appointed to tend to these items.

Overall, the On-Site coordinator is great as far as the venue is concerned.  But the little extras are not covered.

Outside Wedding Planner – The outside consultant has a much broader scope of responsibilities.  Although it is called “Day Of” it actually extends way beyond that.  The outside planner really starts prepping for the wedding about two months beforehand.  They will research all the vendors to familiarize themselves with who the bridal couple has chosen.  In the weeks leading up to the wedding they will contact each vendor to confirm and go over all the final details.  They will take all the separate puzzle pieces (florist, photographer, caterer, etc) and form them into one large finished picture that maps out the entire day.

The outside consultant will be there with the bridal couple all day, as well.  They will be there in the morning during hair and make-up and stay through the end of the evening to help with the breakdown of the venue.  While the On-Site coordinator will be cueing the ceremony, or cueing the bridal party’s grand entrance, the outside coordinator can be off ensuring the caterer is set and ready to go with table service as soon as the entrance is completed.  If your ceremony and reception are not in the same place, the On-Site coordinator will only be at the venue they are affiliated with.  So, while they may be there to assist with the reception, they will not be there to cue the ceremony, or vise versa. 

The outside consultant will also be concerned with prep work that the On-Site coordinator is not.  Most wedding planners come armed with a plethora of supplies that often come in handy i.e earing backs, clear nail polish, extra hairspray, breath mints, scissors, etc.  If you need items taken from the hotel to the venue and back at the end of the night your consultant will provide you that service, as well. 

For some people the On-Site coordinator is all they need, but I prefer to make sure all brides are educated on the difference between the On-Site coordinator and a wedding planner so she can make that decision with confidence.  I have spoken to way too many brides who opted out of the Day Of coordination services due to the On-Site coordinator being available, and they say it was the one thing they would change if they had to do it all over again.  Myself included!

Something New

As the world continues to change around us we must adapt to those changes.  As the fall wedding season is upon us we are welcoming two new Associate Consultants to our team, Gretchen Hunsberger and Bonnie Peters.

Gretchen is a full-time Associate Consultant for Sitting In A Tree, with a focus on vendor research and recommendations.  She has a degree in Travel and Tourism Management and has taken numerous courses concentrated on special event planning.  After college she spent many years  in the hospitality industry working closely with brides and various group leaders assisting in putting together a variety of special events.  She enjoys being a liaison between the vendors and the organizer of the event.  Her creativity and problem solving skills have proven to be a huge asset in putting events together.
Gretchen is a hands-on person and is always looking for new challenges. She believes her glass is always half full and she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with others.  While she enjoys putting together all types of events she has chosen to narrow her scope specifically to weddings which lead to her employment with Sitting In A Tree.

Bonnie is a part time Associate Consultant at Sitting In A Tree where she will assist in a variety of aspects with events. She has Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Findlay and completed a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Villanova University. Bonnie has a strong background in youth and adult education programs, and administration. Bonnie wrote an event planning guide for a nonprofit, has conducted workshops on event planning and has directed events of many levels.
Bonnie loves to organize and map out details. A full understanding of work/life balance and the many priorities that people have are important considerations for her while planning events customized to individual needs. In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys domestic and international travel.

Smell Ya Later

So you want to smell good on your wedding day? (not that you smell bad on other days!).  Many brides search high and low for a new perfume for their wedding day in order to have a special scent equated with it.  Some people even suggest to brides to keep your new scent bottled up until the day of as a special touch to add.  This way you have a scent that will forever remind you two of the wedding.

Well, I’m going to go against the grain and disagree with that!  Ladies, there is no problem with wanting to have a different perfume for your wedding day.  After all it IS special, and you don’t want to smell the same way you always do.  It’s also a great excuse to buy that designer brand you’ve been eyeing  but just couldn’t justify buying for everyday use. 

Here is where I think most brides go wrong.  They buy their dream scent and save it.  They break it out the morning of the wedding and splash it on.  Sounds like a plan, right?  Well, I see two problems.  The first and foremost being what if he doesn’t like it?!?!?! The second being is wearing a new perfume for the first time on your wedding day really enough to make a lasting memory of that smell in his mind?  No, that takes some conditioning.  Think Pavlov’s dogs and the bell.

The first problem doesn’t need much further explanation.  You don’t want to be hyped up for your new perfume, just to find out later that it’s not something he particularly enjoys as much as you do.  There’s a couple ways around that depending on how willing he is.  The first being, shop for a new scent when he’s with you.  I know, I know, how taboo!  Letting him help pick something out?  Crazy!  If he’s willing swing into Sephora real quick to test some scents and find out what he’s into and what he’s not.  This will give you a guide to what he likes.  Smell is a powerful thing.  It’s important to find something you both like.  The other option is to get your hands on some samples and try them out at home.  Ask his opinion on what you are wearing.  You aren’t asking him if you look fat in your jeans so he should be able to give you his honest opinion.  There’s nothing wrong with him telling you his not as crazy about a perfume you have chosen.  It just means it’s not “the one”.

Now that you’ve established your scent comes the second part.  I don’t believe one day is enough to make a lasting impression so that whenever he smells this perfume in the future he’s magically whisked away back to the wedding day.  I think more likely what will happen is he‘ll start thinking “That smells familiar.  Where have I smelled this before?  It’s not how she usually smells…. Does my mom wear this? My sister? My coworker?”  And now you’ve got him thinking about every other woman he comes into contact with.  My suggestion is to choose your scent six months before your wedding.  As things are winding down to your last vendor visits start wearing it for everything wedding.   Going to see the florist one last time? WEAR IT!  Engagement pics?  WEAR IT!  Bridal shower?  WEAR IT!   Now he is starting to familiarize himself with the scent and unconsciously equating it to the wedding.  Now of course you wear this on your wedding day, and even the honeymoon.  Then tuck it back away and go back to your everyday perfume.  Whenever you have a date night, and especially your one year anniversary, break it back out, dab it on and now you’ve conditioned him to instantly think back, not to just the wedding day, but the entire wedding process: the excitement leading up to it, the love you felt the day of the wedding, and the natural high you felt on your honeymoon. 

Any men reading my blog?  This works both ways.  A good cologne can go a long way.

Lastly, its always important to test your scent before the big day anyways as we all know, perfume never smells the same on everyone.  Make sure you do a test run to ensure it meshes well with your body chemistry.

Of course what would a blog be without some suggestions so here are some of my favorite scents.

The first I actually stumbled upon by accident and was my inspiration or this blog.  It was given to me in powder form during my own bridal shower.  I fell. In. love!  I started using it about a month before my wedding and later bought the body spray.  As a live example of why my perfume theory works, every time I smell this I instantly am reminded of my shower, my wedding and my honeymoon. The whole package and it makes me instantly happy.

Bombshell by Victoria’s Secret -  blend of passion fruit, Shangri-la yellow peony and vanilla orchid

Another soft, romantic scent that I just love is a Ralph Lauren scent.  The thing I love about a perfume like this is that it’s absolutely timeless.

Romance by Ralph Lauren - Sungoddess rose, marigold, ginger, chamomile oil, yellow freesia, white violet, lotus flower, day lily, patchouli, oakmoss, musk

 

One of my husband’s favorites is on the higher end of things.  It’s a little heavier of a scent as well as on the musky side, rather than sweet and floral.

Angel by Thierry Mugler - Bergamot, Hedione, Helional, Honey, Dewberry, Red Berries, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli, Chocolate, Coumarin

Want something a little more modern and sassy?

London by Burberry - Clementine, Honeysuckle, English Garden Rose, Tiare Flower, Jasmine, Peony, Veil of Musks, Indian Sandalwood, Patchouli

If you like the best of the best and are looking for a top shelf brand I would go with Dior over Chanel.  You want something unique so you don’t smell like too many other people and Chanel is a very go to brand for top shelf perfume.  Be different and go with Dior.  This particular perfume keep the ultra feminine tone that Chanel has, but its not as popular so you don’t run as much of a risk as smelling like you fiancé’s sister or cousin.

Addict Shine by Christian Dior - cedrat, gardenias, raspberries and cedar woods

Looking for something that won’t break the bank but smells expensive?  This perfume is also ideal for an outdoor, backyard or garden wedding.

Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden - citrus lemon, rhubarb, peppermint, oakmoss, musk and amber

If you like woodsy scents don’t be afraid to dip into a different genre of stores.  Perfume is perfume.  You are never too old or young for a scent and you don’t wear the box on your sleeve.  I love woodsy and have searched high and low for a woodsy perfume that beats this one from back in my college days.

Classic by Abercrombie – fresh citrus, green apple, gardenia, pear blossom

I Do....... I Do Not

While etiquette is a huge part of weddings, nothing is set in stone and often not only do the rules change with time, they can also change from couple to couple, wedding to wedding.  Some couples choose to have a very relaxed, low-key wedding where many of the traditional etiquette guidelines do not apply while the next couple wants to keep tradition alive.

However, there are some rules, or “Dos and Don’ts”, that apply to all weddings regardless of the theme or style.

1.        Probably the most cardinal wedding rule – DO NOT show up to the ceremony drunk.  It is perfectly fine to have some celebratory champagne with your bridesmaids, or for the guys a celebratory shot of aged whiskey, prior to the ceremony.  But, be sure that is where you stop.  No one wants to see you stumble down the aisle in your gorgeous dress or slur your vows.  Keep the bulk of your drinking for the later hours of your reception after dinner, toasts and all the special dances.

2.       DO choose your first dance song to be something that is special to you.  Do not worry about whether people will like it, or won’t get the song meaning.  75% of guests actually only pay attention to the first 10 seconds of your dance.  The dance is for YOU as newlyweds.  Not for your guests. 

3.       When giving your bridal party thank-you gifts DO NOT give them something with your names and wedding date on it.  Give them something personal that they will be able to use and enjoy.  You also do not have to give them all the same item, but keep the items comparable in price.  Have a bridesmaid who loves red wine?  Get her a pair of monogrammed wine glasses (her initials, of course!).  Have a groomsman who loves specialty cigars? Give him a mix and match variety pack from his favorite brand.  This will show your attendants that you truly value them as friends and family and put thought into how you wanted to thank them. 

4.       DO NOT be afraid to go against tradition and allow the groom to see you before you walk down the aisle.  Some photographers will do the wedding party shots before the ceremony instead of after.  You can benefit from this in two ways.  First, you get to see each other before the wedding and kill all those nerves you have.  You can have your photographer set it up to capture the looks on your faces the first time he sees you in that dress!  Second of all, you can then attend the cocktail hour (if there is one) between the ceremony and reception to mingle and spend time with your guests instead of being tucked away taking pictures.

5.       DO NOT feel as though you must jet away to your honeymoon immediately after the wedding.  Its ok to take a day in between the wedding and the honeymoon to wind down and prepare for your departure.  The last week leading up to the wedding is crazy enough.  Having to pack on top of that just adds another stressful task.  Taking a day in between allows you to spend some time with out of town guests and family (such as hosting a brunch) and pack at your own leisure to ensure you don’t forget anything.

6.       DO ask your make-up artist to use waterproof mascara.  Self-explanatory.

7.       DO NOT expect things to be perfect.  You must always operate under the assumption that something will go wrong so that if it does, you are prepared.  You can either have a perfect day or a happy day.  Many brides realize after the wedding that even if a thing or two did go wrong, the happiness surrounding the event greatly overshadowed any slip-ups and would still describe it as the perfect day. 

8.       DO be true to yourself and go for the things you want, not the things the bridal magazines tell you are “in”.  Don’t want a photo booth and are still mesmerized by ice sculptures even though they are supposedly “out”?  So what!?  Get an ice sculpture.  Everything comes back into fashion eventually, you could start a new “re-trend”. 

9.       DO try on wedding gowns in different styles.  DO NOT get too wrapped up in your “dream gown”.   Many times brides put on their dream gown and it turns out, it doesn’t look as great on them as it did on the model.  The style of dress they absolutely did.  not.  want.  is the kind they ended up liking the best.  Every bride would love to take home a Pnina Tornai, Kenneth Pool or Monique Lhuillier gown, however, in reality most bridals gowns cost only a fraction of what you see on Say Yes to the Dress, so be extra cautious watching that show.  Its fun to dream, but the brides you see on that show are not everyday brides.

10.   DO remind yourself to eat at your wedding.  You spent a good amount of time tasting, trying and approving foods to serve….. make sure you get to enjoy them!

11.   DO NOT lose your mind if someone steps on your gown a little when they lean in for a hug.  It WILL happen, bustled dress or not, and by the end of the night you won’t care.

12.   DO make sure in the months leading up to your wedding that you take time to do non-wedding things.  Go to a friends birthday party.  Have girls night out and ban any wedding talk.  Go to a sports event with your guy and let him talk your ear off about how horrible the team’s defense is.  By keeping things semi-normal you can help avoid that post wedding crash when you get home from your honeymoon and gasp! Its all over…. Now what?  If you continue with your normal life during the wedding planning, its not as difficult to swing back into your normal life after the wedding.

13.   DO read wedding blogs. They often give you info that sites like The Knot and Wedding Channel do not since blogs are less formal and speak from direct experience.  ;-)

I'll Drink To That!

One of the first items guests think about when going to a wedding: the bar.  Will it be open?  Will it be cash?  Will they only serve beer and wine or I’m I going to be able to have a rum & coke?  As trivial as it seems the drinks are a foremost concern and something that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.  In order to make your wedding stand out, why not have a “signature” cocktail?  The bartenders will be sure to make plenty so all your guests would have to do is walk up to the bar and grab one already waiting for them.  You have the option to pizazz it up some by coordinating your cocktail with the main color you have chosen for your wedding, as well as naming it anything you would like.  There are multiple possibilities to have some fun with the cocktails you offer. And who doesn’t like to have a little fun with cocktails?

Try to remember a few simple rules to go by.

1. You don’t want any frozen drinks.  Frozen drinks are heavy and filling.  You (or your parents) probably  will spend a sizable amount of money on dinner and appetizers for your guests, not to mention the wedding cake for dessert.  You don’t want your guests to fill up on drinks and then have no room left over for the food.
2.  If  you choose to have a colored signature drink that is served in a low glass such as a martini glass, you may want to ask the bartender if he can make yours in a tumbler.  This will reduce the chance that you spill on your wedding gown.
3. It is perfectly acceptable to choose a time for the bartenders to stop serving your guests, however make sure that non-alcoholic drinks such as water and coffee will be served up until the very end of your reception. Have the DJ announce last call so that your guests are aware and have the chance to get one last drink if they would like.
4. Keep the season in mind.  If you are getting married during the summer your guests will want something cool and refreshing.  In the winter they will be looking for something warmer, although warmer doesn’t always mean drink temperature.  For example, in the summer they are thinking fruity, hard lemonades, mai tais etc. while in the fall or winter they would be more likely to gravitate towards a holiday spice type drink or hard cider. 

While there are hundreds of options to choose from we’ve selected some of our favorites (one in each color, one for each season (two for winter), and a bonus throw in for good measure).

RED:   Red Devil  - Because who isn’t feeling a little devilish on their wedding day?

Ingredients:

1-1/2 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice

1-1/2 oz. grapefruit vodka

1 oz. fresh orange juice

1 oz. cinnamon syrup

Garnish

Cinnamon-brown sugar powder (rim of the glass)

Preparation

Prepare a cocktail glass by wetting the rim with an orange and then frosting it with cinnamon-brown sugar powder. Assemble the first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker glass and shake well. Strain into the prepared glass.

ORANGE:  Orange Splash  - a new twist on a citrus cocktail.

Ingredients:

2 ounce(s) Absolut Citron vodka

1 ounce(s) Cointreau or triple sec

1 splash(es) fresh lime juice

1 splash(es) orange juice

Garnish
orange slice, sugar

Preparation:

Pour all ingredients over ice in a shaker or large glass and shake vigorously. Rim a glass with sugar and serve on the rocks. Garnish with an orange slice.

YELLOW:   White Lady – This is a no-brainer.  A cocktail called “White Lady” they day you and only you are wearing a gorgeous white gown?  Don’t be fooled though, this drink is most definitely yellow.

Ingredients:

1 oz Cointreau
2 oz gin
3/4 oz lemon juice

Garnish:

lime twist

Preparation:   

Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lime.

GREEN:  Berry Bliss – Yes, a berry cocktail that is green.  The best part, you can make it in a large quantity and serve as a punch.  

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Midori Melon Liqueur

1 part Vanilla Vodka

1/2 part Skyy Raspberry Infusions

Splash of Pineapple juice

Splash of soda water

Garnish: 

Strawberry slices

Preparation:

Fill a punch bowl half way with ice.  Add Midori, Vanilla Vodka, Skyy Raspberry Infusions, pineapple juice and a splash of soda water.  Garnish with strawberry slices. 

BLUE:  Blue Lagoon (Also known as Electric Lemonade) – This drink is versatile and can be used for a cool icy winter wedding theme, or as a cool down for a hot summer wedding.  With some ambiance lighting these drinks simply glow.  (You could also call it “Something Blue” to add a wedding touch.)

Ingredients:

1 shot glass vodka
1 shot glass Blue Curacao
4 shots lemonade

Garnish:

cherry, lemon, lime

Preparation:

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the ingredients in order from vodka to the lemonade. Garnish with a cherry & a slice of lemon/lime

PURPLE: Purple People Eater – This is perfect for the fun loving couple that wants to make their guests laugh, if of course you keep the original name.  

Ingredients:

1 oz. Three Olives Purple Vodka
1 oz. Peach schnapps
4 oz. Cranberry juice

Garnish:

blueberries

Preparation:

Pour vodka and schnapps into a martini glass filled with ice and top with cranberry juice.  Garnish with a few blueberries.

PINK – Watermelontini – This is a simple yet refreshing drink.  It is an excellent summer or spring drink, which coincidently is when pink is used the most.

Ingredients:

1/2 ozfresh lemon juice
1 oz Midori® melon liqueur
1 oz citrus vodka
1 1/2 ozfresh watermelon juice

Garnish:

mint

Preparation:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve.

CLEAR/WHITE:  Tuxedo – Regardless of most tuxedos being black this drink gives off a clear or just slightly ivory color.  It’s a great way to add a signature cocktail if you are having a classic black and white wedding.

Ingredients:

2 ounces London dry gin

1 ounce dry sherry

1 dash orange bitters

Garnish:

lemon

Preparation:

Shake the gin, sherry, and bitters well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.Garnish with a wedge of lemon.

BROWN – Wedding Cake Martini – There are several different recipes for this drink but to make it brown use the following one.  Experiment with the Crème de Cacao in order to reach the level of brown you prefer as well as a heavier chocolate taste.

Ingredients:

1 ounce Vanilla vodka
1 ounce Creme de Cacao
1 ounce pineapple juice, chilled

Garnish:

chocolate

Preparation:

Combine ingredients into a martini glass.  Add shaved chocolate for a garnish.

BLACK: Black Martini -  For those of you daring enough to feature a black cocktail this is a simple black recipe that has a little kick of sweet to it.

Ingredients:

2.5 oz Black vodka

1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth

Garnish:

cherry

Preparation:

Place Vodka and Sweet Vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Now for the seasons.  

SPRING:  Flamingo – Spring is all about fun colors and this gives way to having a fun layered cocktail.  These can be difficult to make just right, so for these you will want to be sure to have a professional bartender.  Its ok to ask them to make samples before you book them to ensure they can make the drinks you choose.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Gin

1/2 oz. Apricot Brandy

Juice of 1/2 Lime

1 tsp. Grenadine

Preparation:

Carefully float each ingredient, in order, on top of each other by slowly pouring over the back of a bar spoon. Keep separated.

SUMMER:  Mojito – Summer is the perfect time to be traditional.  People will be hot and thirsty and to see a fan favorite will make them feel comfortable and relaxed.  You can change it up and offer a flavored mojito or a mix of flavored and traditional.

Ingredients:

6 ounces light rum

12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 tablespoons sugar

Club soda

Garnish:

lime, mint

Preparation:

Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, 8 broken up mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda. Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.

FALL:  Pumpkin Pie Martini – While it’s a touch too early to bring out the hot drinks, you still want something with the fall flair.  A pumpkin martini is perfect, especially if you used fall colors.

Ingredients:

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger vanilla flavored vodka

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger Irish cream liqueur

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger pumpkin flavored liqueur

1 cup ice cubes

Garnish:

1 cinnamon stick, nutmeg

Preparation:

Pour the vanilla flavored vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and pumpkin flavored liqueur into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.  Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick to serve.

WINTER (December) – Candy Cane Swirl – Everyone is in the Christmas mood so why not provide a cocktail with a little Christmas feel.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Creme de Cacao
1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
1/2 oz OVAL Vodka

Garnish:

candy cane

Preparation:

Put ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes. Strain into glass either straight up or over crushed ice. Put a small candy cane to hang over the edge of the glass

WINTER (Jan/Feb): Hot Toddy -  Its cold outside.  Snow is on the ground.  Give your guests something to warm up with.

Ingredients:

1 oz brandy, whiskey or rum

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 lemon

1 cup hot water

1 tea bag

Garnish:

lemon

Preparation:

Coat the bottom of a mug or an Irish coffee glass with honey.  Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter. On the side, heat water in a tea kettle and add the tea bag to make hot tea. Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir. Add lemon wedge for garnish.

BONUS DRINK:  Cotton Candy Martini – These are fabulous because you can use any color cotton candy you want.  The drink will turn the same color as the cotton candy you chose.  So choose one color, or multi-color to sweeten things up.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Pinnacle Cotton Candy Vodka

1/2 oz X Rated Fusion Liquor

1 oz Cranberry juice (100% pure)

A nice size handful of cotton candy

Garnish:

sugar, cotton candy

Directions:

In a martini shaker add Ice, cotton candy vodka, X Rated, and cranberry juice. Shake until well mixed and chilled. Rim your martini glass in sugar or rub cotton candy around it. Take a heaping handful of cotton candy and place in your martini glass and slowly pour the contents of the shaker directly over the cotton candy. Watch the cotton candy just disappear and crystallize at the bottom of the martini glass

HAPPY MIXING!