Dena Swenson Design {our paper love}

It should come as no surprise that we love a good piece of paper. It started as a love of invitations first gazed upon in a Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and has since transpired to dozens of blogs that post daily inspiration.

One thing Simply Fabulous conveys to couples, regardless of budget, is that your save-the-date and/or invitation sets the tone for your wedding day. Whether it be by colour scheme, monogram, eclectic folds, or typeset; an invitation speaks volumes. A fabulous invitation is much like opening a present and should always be treated as such!

One day not so long ago, we were looking for someone to create our logo for Simply Fabulous. We envisioned what we wanted, but could just not find a way to bring it to life. Through a fabulous photographer friend, Emily Steffen, we connected with Dena Swenson and we found an amazing person that we are honored to have as one of our featured vendors within our boutique. Read below and see why we, quite simply, adore her and her work:
How did Dena Swenson Design come to be?
I've been into arts & crafts since I was a kid, so naturally I studied Art and Graphic Design in college. After graduating college I spent 5 years working as a Graphic Designer. In 2006 my husband and I got engaged and designed our wedding invitations together (he is also a designer!). With a background in scrapbooking it was a lot of fun for me to look at papers, ribbons, as well as the graphic design elements that make up an invitation. I enjoyed the process so much that I began volunteering to help friends and relatives with their christmas cards, wedding invitations and any other design projects that were needed. I got laid off at the end of 2009 and decided to take the opportunity to make my dream job a reality, and here we are today.

What types of work do you specialize in?
I do all types of print design work, but really enjoy designing wedding invitations! My ideal client would be someone who wants to take design to a new level. To break out of the norm and allow me to design something custom that really fits the bride & groom's wedding style. What are the benefits in working with someone such as your fabulous self versus ordering something within a catalog or online?My designs are custom made for the client. I don't use templates, so everything is thought through and specially made for the couple, I want my designs to be gorgeous, but also to reflect the client. With me, the options are endless.

Are there any types of work you see trending or something you find yourself being asked of more this year?
It seems that wedding trends are veering less traditional and more modern. Graphic style invites are also the trend, rather than the fancy layered paper style invite. Technology plays a role too, I recently designed a wedding invitation that was a simple postcard with an online RSVP, as technology advances so do the people.

Take us through the process of how a couple goes about getting their stationary needs with you.

First, I start out by finding out about the couple, whether that is meeting in person or chatting on the phone. I like to know the story of the couple, what their vision is for their wedding, and what the design needs are. I like to have my clients send me inspiration, whether it's something they saw online, a photo of the wedding dress, anything that visually speaks to them. Once we work through some of my design ideas I will come up with options, and advance from there until all design needs are met.

A lot of couples think they cannot afford custom stationary. Can you tell us your thoughts about this?
A common untruth is that custom = pricey. I want my clients to have amazing invitations that reflect them, but also respect their budget. There are so many possibilities and options when it comes to designing, there are ways to cut costs and still get quality products.What is the best way for people to contact you?I prefer to be contacted initially via e-mail, and then schedule a time to meet in person or have a phone chat. E-mail helps me stay organized :)

Any fun stuff in the works?
Yes! Another fun summer photoshoot with Emily Steffen Photo www.emilysteffenphoto.com and Bethany Hway of B*spoke www.bspokeblog.com ! I'll be designing all of the paper goods.

Dena also has an delightful collection of jewel blooms for sale that she collaborates with her twin sister. Bonus! They offer custom bridesmaid jewelry for sale too! Below is a list of where you can find their treasures:

Design Collective, Mpls MN
Laurel St. Flowers, St. Paul MN
Elodie, Woodbury MN
Young Blood Boutique, Atlanta GA
www.headstwogether.etsy.com - shop

Dena's stationary work is available for viewing at Simply Fabulous. Stop in to see her work or contact us at 507.829.1422 for more information.

Making all events fabulous,
*Lisa

Let Them Eat Cake {or a brownie, or a cupcake, or a torte, and everything in between!}

I have a confession to make. I love cake. For those of you that don't know, I am currently 7 1/2 months pregnant and have been, for the past 7 1/2 months, craving anything sweet. I have even taken this new level of crave to a whole new level by considering adding chocolate cake as an actual food group. It is simply just too delicious for words.

Have you ever heard a bride or groom say that they hate wedding cake? I have. In fact, I hear this quite often. My fear is that these poor little things composed of flour, eggs, and sugar have been getting a bad wrap for awhile now. There are many factors that can go into disliking a cake, but the most common I hear are: the cake itself it too dry, the frosting is too sweet {or gritty, or slimy, or no taste at all}, or that people just pass it up all together when served because cake is just cake. Just...cake. A travesty.

It should come as no surprise then, that Simply Fabulous LOVES making the cake take center stage. Actually, we have become somewhat known for creating a show- stopping cake. We work closely with our preferred bakers to make sure that we are creating a masterpiece that is not only visually stunning; but one that is stunning to the rest of the human senses as well. Once created of baked goodness and filled with fruits, jams, or creams {or yes, even cookies!}, we critique the frosting to ensure that it is picture perfect based on it's consistency and bridal request. Yes, we admit it...we are a little bit of a cake snob.

From there, we help to design the cake table. Yes, our cakes deserve their own table, and often we make them the center of attention...right in the middle of the room or upon entrance. This masterpiece can be nestled within blooms, atop the best silver platter, books...you name it and we create it.

Let me note that we do NOT bake these cakes...no, no, no. We simply {and fabulously} create them to be one of the 'Oh My!' moment s within the reception. Take a peek:

We understand that even a post like this may not persuade someone to give cake another chance. For this reason, Simply Fabulous offers another unique approach to beautifully displaying other desserts for wedding events. These images from Vanilla Bake Shop will give you an idea of what we newly have available for rental to our couples for their baking confections. We customize the fabrics so that it matches the look you are searching for and is visually the best looking thing we have seen since, well, our last cake. De-lish.

Making all events fabulous,

*Lisa

{Dessert tower pricing available upon request only}

{Photo love by Michael B. Studios, Agape Moments, and Vanilla Bake Shop website, respectively}

For the Love of Spring Weddings {Our Special Offers}

As we clear each day of possible snow {sorry! I hate to say it, but it is Minnesota after all!} with glorious sunshine, it makes us very excited for all of the Spring and Summer weddings that are coming our way!

With this, we wanted to let you know of some Special Offers we have for our clients!

First off, linens. Even if a couple feels they do not want to spend a larger portion of their budget on linens, I highly encourage them to at least take a look at how linens can transform a space. Adding a floor length linen, an overlay, coloured napkins, and chair covers not only add to the color scheme couples select, but they completely set the tone for the reception- be it crisp, modern, romantic, dramatic, or funk. Linens, to Simply Fabulous, are literally the palette of which your wedding story rests on. Linens have come leaps and bounds since the days of a plastic white table runner...we have since fallen in love with couture fabrics, sequins, toile, damask, and even feathers {a personal LOVE}! And if you think that your guests will not notice a fabulous chair cover for a folding chair or gently used {and possibly mismatched} banquet chair; think again. Case in point:

Poly Chair Covers are ONLY $1.85 per cover for weddings or events booked prior to May 30th, 2010! We offer these in black, white, ivory, and chocolate brown. Add a satin or organza sash for just $.25 per sash! Or, we can customize the fabric sash for you! Just ask for details!

{new booking clients only, must mention offer when booking}

Bag style chair covers are ONLY $3.00 per cover for weddings or events booked prior to May 30th, 2010! We offer these in poly and satin in black, white, ivory, and chocolate brown as well!

{new booking clients only, must mention offer when booking}

Secondly, Bridal Attire. Brides and bridesmaids alike have fallen in love with our Dessy line and we are THRILLED to see the new fall line making it's way to our shop soon! But what is a girl without a clutch purse to match a stunning dress?

We are now offering 20% off all Emma Gordon handmade bags for your bridal party! These can be custom ordered in any fabric colour, style, and quantity. What a great gift for yourself and for your bridesmaids!

{offer expires May 30th, 2010, must mention offer at time of order}

Keeping all events fabulous,
*Lisa

{photo love images by Michael B. Studios, La Vie Photography, and Emma Gordon, respectively}

Simply Fabulous is Carrying Dessy Collection

Simply Fabulous has added the Dessy Collection to it's list of Very Important Vendors for our boutique and we are estatic to show these little gems off!

The Dessy Collection by Vivian Diamond is a premium collection known for it's flattering silouettes, vast selection of colours, and modern flair- a PERFECT fit for Simply Fabulous! Our Spring 2010 line is in and our Fall Collection will be arriving soon! Now for your viewing pleasure:

{Check out the entire collection at www.dessy.com}

Do You REALLY Need a Wedding Planner?

I have been asked several times from friends, family, and past brides 'Do I really need a planner?' . This poses a very interesting question as most people consider a planner to be that of a 'luxury' when in reality, a planner can become an outright necessity.

As someone who educates herself on her career reading blogs, articles, networks, and searches for inspirational photos for at least two hours {yes, I said TWO HOURS} every single day; I will tell you that planning an event such as a wedding becomes a full time job.

I read an amazing post by one of the most worldly recognized and respected wedding planners {and one of my idols, I might add}, Preston Bailey, yesterday that helped to confirm the answer to this question. Here is a few excerpts from his article:

If you are giving a small, intimate party, have lots of time and you enjoy entertaining then no, you do not need a planner. However, having a large event (at times) is similar to producing a play or show and this requires time and experience to produce.

I have interviewed more than one client who has mentioned that hotel or location managers often insist they don’t need a planner–well, these folks are wrong. There is a lot that happens before the day of the event that needs to be managed.Now comes the bad news: there are great planners and then there are the planners who give the business a bad name. Being also a part of the planning industry, I have had the joy and pain in working with both good and bad. Here is my humble opinion on how you can tell the difference:

Good planners: They make the process as easy and painless as possible, respecting the client’s time and level of involvement.

Bad planners: They think they are the show. They create drama were there should be none. They over-involve the client, and they need lots of attention.

Good planners: They give their clients realistic budget expectations, telling them what things really cost.

Bad planners: They unrealistically promise clients they’ll get quality for less and drive all the vendors crazy asking them to lower their prices.

Good planners: They get their normal fee from their clients and they do not accept commissions from vendors, which puts them in a better position to negotiate.

Bad planners: They collect a fee from clients and also quietly blackmail vendors into paying them commissions. (For example, they say something like, “If you don’t pay me a commission, I won’t use you or your services.”)

Good Planners: They are very open to creativity, yet respectful of the vendors and artists they work with.

Bad planners: They are frustrated designers and seem to think they know what is best for the design. (Though, to be fair, they have seen a lot of designs, which gives them the right to have an opinion.)

So yes, I do think having a good planner is a very essential component to having a successful event. I have often found myself explaining this (and why) to my clients.

There are a few key points in Preston's blog that I would like to touch on in regards to Simply Fabulous and how we work.

First off, Simply Fabulous goal is to always go above and beyond for our couples and their families. We recognize that this is one of the most important days of your lives. We want for you to be able to experience all of the beauty and emotion of the day and truly be able to enjoy your time with loved ones.

Many people will say to me 'Well, both of my aunts and my cousin are just going to put everything together so I don't need a planner'. While this is wonderful that people are willing to help the days prior to the event {and day of}; are they able to put together different quotes based on value of product and necessity? Do they know what to do if an ice luge shatters into pieces during the reception {trust us, its happened.}? Are they able to work with the venue manager in the event of feeding 250 people within ten minutes with specific instruction? What if the AV doesn't work for toasts? Who do you contact if the florist does not provide what was in the contract? And most importantly, are those family members able to enjoy the most important day of your life as well? These are just a few of the things to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a wedding planner.

Secondly, Simply Fabulous works hard on budgets. Rock hard. We understand and respect that our couples work hard for their money and have been saving for this special day. As part of one of our packages, we actually help to break down the most important elements of your day, your out-of-this-world ideas, and how to make those dreams a reality. We constantly research pricing and quality for our couples. We love talking with vendors, whether contracted or not, to make sure that you are getting the best quality and value for your money.

Most importantly, Simply Fabulous does NOT accept kickbacks or commissions from other vendors. We recommend and work with those that are whole heartedly in this industry because of the love and passion they have for their work. This is a promise that we value and stand by, 150%.

Lastly, we love the creativity that each couple brings to our linened table. We want the day to be about YOU as a couple; not what we did on our last event. We are always willing to incorporate our ideas or help in telling you what may have worked for another wedded couple, but your day will always be about you, your dreams, and the families joining together to celebrate your love. It may sound corny, but that really is what Simply Fabulous is all about. We LOVE love and can't wait to be a part of our couple's day. It really is just as simple as that.

Still not 100% on whether or not to invest in a planner? Call and set up a time to meet, as initial meetings are always complimentary. We can tell you openly and honestly if we feel you would benefit from our experience and services. We may be a little biased, but once you meet with us, you most likely will fall in love with us too.

{photo is courtesy of Preston Bailey and all of his bloom love...fab.u.lous.}

HELLO Spring and Summer!! We Have NEW Boutique Hours to Enjoy You More Often!

These past few weeks have flown by and once again we want to thank those that have stopped in to see what we are all about! As the warmer weather is upon us, we wanted to let you know that our hours have slightly changed to better serve our clients and to enjoy time with our family:

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10:00 a.m.~ 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00p.m.~7:00p.m.
Saturday 10:00a.m.~3:00p.m. {or later by appointment}
Sunday and Wednesday CLOSED

We will always accommodate appointment times needed to fit our busy couple's lifestyle, so please call us at 507.829.1422 and we would be happy to open shop for you.

We are planning some amazing weddings over the next few months and cannot wait to share all of the details with you!

Best,
Lisa