With NYE just around the corner our thoughts turn to sipping bubbly and celebrating with friends and family as we ring in a new year. Not too different then when we think about upcoming weddings! Looking for ways to throw a fabulous wedding without breaking the bank? How about a cocktail wedding reception?

Cocktail wedding receptions are formal events and, typically, call for formal attire for women and black tie or business for men. Since wedding guests stand for most of the party, these parties encourage mingling. You can add cocktail tables and stools and even funky couches for guests, especially grandma and grandpa, to rest. Why not throw in some late night dancing if your venue has the space.

Cocktail receptions are perfect for newlyweds looking to have an elegant affair, without spending a fistful of dollars. How about holding it at an art gallery, on outdoor terraces underneath the stars or in garden surrounded with patio lanterns.

To keep the bar tab low many couples choose to limit the number of types of drinks serviced, choosing only champagne, wine and beer and maybe a few other specialty or signature drinks.

Some d'oeuvres may also be served by waitstaff or on buffet tables at a cocktail reception. The wedding cake is cut after the wedding ceremony. This way guests can enjoy a piece of the wedding cake along with their drinks.

Need some help finding that funky reception venue for your upcoming cocktail reception in Calgary? Call Cornerstone Events today!

Here are some great champagne recipes for your next party!

Champagne Cocktail - Courtesy of Food Network

Cosmopolitan Champagne Cocktail - Courtesy of Lifestyle Yahoo!

Jelled Champagne Dessert - Courtesy of Taste of Home

My love for Esty grows each time I visit that fabulous website! I did a search and found these amazing cake toppers from Subtle Details. Customize the bride and groom to look like you and your hubby to be down to the color and type of flowers you’re going to be carrying. They come in a cute little box, and are nestled in a bed of white satin. How cute! Just another great way to personalize your big day!

A very talented Calgary designer I know has just given me a bunch of amazing logo options for the launch of Cornerstone Events. I love them all and need help deciding!

Send us a comments with your favorite and why you like the one you chose.

Happy Holidays everyone!

*logos and images property of Cornerstone Events and designed by Mike Schuck

Lets face it, we've all received the pre-printed shower invitations with the fill in the blanks for date, time, guest of honor, etc. Want to ensure your invitation for your best gal pal's shower stands out like she does? Then visit http://www.plumparty.com/ for something truly unique! These "candy box" invitations are sure to wow your guests and have them wondering what other tasty treats await them at your soiree! Each invitation includes 1 box, 1 invitation card, 1 envelope sticker and an edible treat.

*image courtesy of www.plumparty.com

1. Have your ceremony and reception at the same location.

2. Create a wedding website, and have guests RSVP on the site rather than using mailer inserts with your invitation. Afraid some of your older guests won’t know what to do? Include a phone number as an alternative way to RSVP.

3. Choose bridesmaids dresses that your friends will wear again, How about a LBD with a fun accessory that ties into your wedding colors like a sash or brooch? Your girls will love you for it!

4. Purchase wedding shoes that you will wear again.

5. Use your Grandma’s or mom’s vintage veil. It can be your “something borrowed” and they’ll love that you’re using a piece from their wedding.

6. If you have separate sites for your ceremony and reception, use the same decor from the ceremony for the reception.

7. Have your guests sign the mat of a framed photo from your engagement instead of a guest book.

8. Donate the flowers from your wedding to a hospital.

9. In lieu of a favor, give the money to a charity for a greener world.

10. Use a florist who uses flowers from local or organic farms.

Here's another great color combination for all you Calgary spring brides! My favorite part of this board is the use of limes in the centerpieces. What a great economical way to infuse a great color. Top with some mixed pink blooms, and you have an incredible piece!

It's a balmy -30 outside today in Calgary, and I've been thinking of warmer climates to try and keep warm! I came across these cute luggage tags on http://www.einvite.com/ and wanted to share them with you. If you're planning to have a destination wedding, and venture somewhere far from Calgary to say I do, check these out. You're guests will love the notice and can save the tag for luggage identification when they arrive at your destination.

Need some help planning that destination wedding? Call Cornerstone Events today! We do more than just plan weddings in Calgary and surrounding area. We can help you plan that special get away on the beach too!

With Christmas fast approaching, and it getting colder and colder here in Calgary, we can't help but think of warmer climates and palm trees. Being in the business of planning weddings, those thoughts typically turn to thoughts of destination weddings, being barefoot on the beach under the warm sand. So if you're thinking of jetting off to marry your sweetie, don't forget to give guest some notice with a save-the-date. We found these on http://www.mypersonalartist.com/ and fell in love. These are a great way to give guest the low down on your plans, plus it doesn't commit you to a color scheme if you're not quite ready to decide on purple vs. pink bridesmaid dresses.

I realized that I should have posted a picture of Matty. Here he is with our Ring Bearer Loghan - who is clearly impressed. Plus one of him alone.

I love Esty. No doubt about it. So when I came across this next vendor, I had to pass it along to all you future brides looking for a ring bearer pillow. Emici Bridal has some amazingly unique pillows sure to match any wedding décor. Best of all, when the wedding is over, you’ll want to use this pillow as a décor item in your home.

Looking for another creative idea? Instead of a pillow why not use a ring “bear-er”? We went to Build-a-Bear and bought our ring bearer a Bear (who we named Matty) and dressed him up in a tux. We also purchased a pocket square from the tux shop we rented the tuxedos from and made a matching bow tie for our bear. Matty was a hit with the guest, but most importantly, with our ring bearer Loghan!

*Image courtesy of Emici Bridal - Esty.com

We had a Christmas party a few weeks ago and I went searching for table clothes to cover my kitchen table and coffee table. I couldn't seem to find anything that matched the color scheme I was going for. So while in Superstore I found some really cool gift wrap and that's when the idea hit me. I wrapped my tables, including my kitchen counter with wrapping paper! I even decorated it with ribbons and bows! 

Now I know what everyone is thinking, that's not a very environmentally friendly way to decorate. But I'm making the paper do double duty - I've torn it off carefully and am now using it to wrap presents. 

Enjoy the pics!

With Christmas just around the corner, everything seems to be coming up red and green! So we thought we'd do a post on a red and green color scheme. The possibilities are endless. Even if you're not having a holiday wedding, infuse some lime green with a nice deep red, and it can look amazing! In addition, with using green as one of your colors, you can use a lot of floral greenery and cut down on the cost of your floral arrangements.

Happy Holidays!!