Winter Weddings: Hot As Ice

It may be cold outside but that doesn't mean you should shun the winter season as a wedding choice. With the snow falling and the crispness in the air you can set the place on fire with a cozy, romantic, cool and regal affair. Winter time weddings allow you to bring the hot and cold together in perfect harmony. By incorporating the temperature into your event you can step outside of the box and do some things your guests have never seen before.

Take full advantage of the temperature drop to chose a wedding dress with maximum accessories. A beautiful full length coat of fur, either real or faux, with warm your body on the outside as your nuptials are warming you up on the inside. Other good choices for the bride are long gloves, caplets, long sleeves and even furry snow boots. Bringing in pieces that bride would not typically use in any other season with make you stand out and be a sight to remember.


To take you event to the next level opt for an outdoor setting for your wedding. Yes, it may seem like a crazy idea but having your guests cozy up close together while you and your bride exchange vows under snow covered birch trees is a fantasy-like setting. Remember to inform your guests on the invitation as well as your wedding website that the ceremony will be taking place outside so they know to dress warm. If you know many of your female guests are fans of fur then suggest that they don their hats and muffs for the occasion.

After you the sparks have flown at the ceremony allow your guests to warm up by inviting them inside a heated tent for the reception. Here they will be able to shed their layers and get down on the dance floor. If you are opting to have a cocktail hour before your reception try a hot beverage bar. Offer your guests flavored sake, brandies and hot cocoa to help them unthaw before they move on to dinner.

Choosing food can be exciting and let opposites attract in this category by serving dishes that are hot and spicy. Ignite your taste buds by having exotic foods from around the globe that use such ingredients as chili's, peppers and even wasabi. Cap off the night by serving your guests S'mores and chocolate fondue. By having these desserts it not only lets them choose what they want for dessert but it also lets them leave enough room for cake!

Know that a winter wedding doesn't always have to be centered around Christmas, New Year's or Valentine's day. You can have these holidays inspire you for your decor and location but they don't have to control it completely. Try to use different color palettes for your winter nuptials such as red and turquoise, plum and silver, hunter green and platinum or white, silver and amber. Which ever ideas you choose always make the event your own!

Throw Your Own Obama Ball

Gearing up for the biggest Inaugural celebration ever there are an overwhelming number of "balls" kicking off in Washington, DC. By now many supporters have already started planning their own Obama ball for friends to gather around and share in this historic and joyous occasion. If you are a little late to jump on the planning bandwagon here are a few tips that will help you put together a ball fit for a president!

Note: This is a wonderful occasion to involve the entire family for a party like this so tell your friends to bring their little kiddies along to the party so they can enjoy the moment as well.

Sophisticated Chic
Barack and Michelle seem to ooze class and sophistication every time they step out into the limelight. For Barack he always dresses in classic cut suits with simple ties. Not one to be ostentatious he keeps his look simple which makes him exude simplicity and elegance. Michelle on the other hand is a lady that like to experiment with color! She, like her husband likes to stick to simple staples in her wardrobe. She knows cuts and styles that look great on her and she has shown the world that it doesn't have to be over $100 to be chic. This is why you should opt to have your guests arrive in classic, simple and chic attire. Whether they are dressing up for the ball or wanting to keep it low maintenance elegance, either way they can't go wrong.



Dance to the Music
Barack has been asked many questions over the last 22 months about foreign policy, the economy, and healthcare but he may have been caught off guard when he was asked "What's on your iPod?" A question that not only do we want to know is he cool enough to answer but also to see what he really like to get down to on Air Force One. Barack has admitted to jammin' to the like of Jay-Z, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Ludacris, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. So take a list from the president-elects playlist and mix up the tunes for the night. I suggest throwing in a few tunes from Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers for the kiddies to enjoy too!




Invite Not Just the Red,White and Blue
For an occasion such as this its not enough to only use the colors of America to spice up your party. You must incorporated golds, silvers, platinum's and pewters into your decor palette. Using these shimmery tones will make you want to boost all the colors for this night. Incorporate frosted reds and blues with pearlized whites and ivory. Don't forget that accents go along way and for this don't be afraid to break out the crystals and special dishes. This is the perfect time to bring out the good china to dine like the Obamas and other dignitaries on this night. Opt for an all black affair and trim the menus, invitations and centerpieces with golds, reds and blues to make them stand out regally.

Another suggestion is to mix the Democrats and Republicans and break out the plums and purples for your party. This way no one is left deciding between red martinis and blue cocktails. This would be the perfect time to also be bold and use both silver and gold to up the chic factor at your event. Not matter what you do enjoy, celebrate and make this a memorable event in your life!

Brie Sea Designs

Welcome to Brie Sea Designs! A full service design company geared to you and your sense of style. Creating beautiful spaces for events, special occasions and homes has been a passion of mine for a very long time. I began doing this a few years ago when friends would ask about tips to help plan their parties or how to use the space in their home more effectively. My company serves those who want unforgettable and beautiful milestones in their lives to be remembered.

I specialize in creating and coordinating weddings, parties of any sort, holiday functions, family gatherings and reunions. I also am talented in the area of DIY projects crafting many aisle runners, table runners, card boxes, ceremony candles, and even blinged out shoes! If you have any questions or need any information please email me at briedesigns@gmail.com!