Countdown to Halloween!!...

It may just be me (Ruby) but Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year... in the sense that everyone gets the opportunity to be anyone or anything they want to be without judgement (for the most part)... So far, we have shared with you some last minute costume ideas and some cool pictures from Halloween themed weddings... Hopefully you have chosen your costume and are ready to trick and/or treat the weekend away... so the only thing left to do is to share some last minute safety tips so you can have a safe, fun Halloween with your loved ones and still be on track for your wedding planning when it is all over!!...

Picture courtesy of Google.com and Peanuts

1. Check your (and all children's costumes) and be sure they can see and that there is nothing hanging that may cause them to trip. If it is a store bought costume, read the label and make sure that it is made from flame retardant materials.

2. If you are giving out candy, be sure your porch is well lit and that there are no open flames (candles in jack-o-lanterns, etc) that may catch any costumes or cause little ones (and big ones) to fall.


3. Try to stay away from busy streets and intersections and (as always) keep a close watch on any little ones you may have. With all the excitement, laughter, candy, and costumes they may not see a car coming down the street.


4. For the little ones, if you have a store bought costume for them, especially ones that have mask or parts that cover their faces, make sure you add something to distinguish them from the other little ones wearing the same costume. It may be funny on TV when someone goes out to trick-or-treat and comes home with someone else's kid but I'm SURE it's not funny in real life (don't know how often this happens but as a mom of a toddler who will be trick-or-treating for the first time I won't be taking any chances!!)


5. For the BIG little kids, be aware that you may be out to have fun but that there may not-so-nice people out with other intentions. They may use this holiday and the opportunity to wear masks and other costumes to their advantage (and your disadvantage)... if you will be drinking, have a designated driver, and be aware that drinking leaves you impaired even if just a little... be aware of your surroundings and watch for anyone suspicious!!!! There are creepos out there... and not the good kind (if there is a good kind ;))


6. For parents, use your judgement, if a house, person, piece of candy looks suspicious pass it by... you may receive ridicule from your little ones but there is plenty of candy out there and no piece of candy is worth your safety or the safety of your family. Don't accept any open candy and be sure to check your kiddies baskets before they eat anything!!


7. Remember to have fun, be safe, and enjoy your family. We are wedding planners by trade but family women by birth!!



Happy Hallooooooooweeeeeen!!



~The lovely ladies of R&P~

Halloween Weddings!!

Was browsing the web this morning and thought... I wonder if many people have Halloween Themed weddings... turns out they sure do!.. here are some pictures of some great cakes, place cards, dresses, and favors!

The monogram jack-o-lantern and mini pumpkin place cards can be used at any harvest or Halloween party... add other fall colors like brown or burgundy for a nice fall touch without looking to "Halloween-y"!!

~* The lovely ladies of R&P*~

Easy Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas!!

Halloween is just around the corner!... do you have your costume together?... if not here are a few simple ideas that you can pull together from your own closet.




1. Tights or Leggings- Start with a pair of your old tights or leggings in your favorite texture or color: Use your hot faux leather tights and a leather jacket and you have an awesome biker chick or vampire outfit. Have green tights?... couple it with a green vest, boots, and a belt and you have Robin Hood. Brown tights and top??.. add some ears and a tail to create an adorable bunny, bear, or dog.



2. Cardboard box- Decorate an empty cardboard box to become your favorite cereal, board game, a computer, rubix cube, or an ice cube!



3. Look-a-like- Have a celebrity that people always say you look like??... pick a well known scene from a movie or tv show and pull items out of your closet or purchase them from a store like Target, Kohl's or Wal-mart. If people think you look like them on a regular day, chances are you will have a great costume.



For some great kids costume ideas go to www.parenting.com/halloween-central!!



More ideas for treats and decorations coming soon!! And look out for our two newest couples in the "I do, I do!!" section of the Richmond Times Dispatch Celebrations!



~*the lovely ladies of R&P*~

Questions to Ask When Booking a Hotel

There are some simple questions that everyone asks when booking a hotel for their wedding or event like... what is your room rate?... and what type of amenities does your hotel have?... but what about the more complicated questions? Here are a few helpful questions that you may not have thought of...

• What is the name and phone number of your contact person?

• How long have you been providing rooms for weddings?

• How many rooms does your hotel have?

• What amenities are included in your regular rooms?

• Do you have any suites? If so, how many?

• What amenities are included in your suites?

• Do you have handicapped accessible rooms? If so, how many?

• What is your check-in time?

• What is your check-out time?

• Do you have a parking deck? If so, how much is parking?

• Does your hotel have a restaurant?

• Is breakfast included with an overnight stay?

• Do you provide the bride and groom with a complimentary bridal suite?

• Do you provide room blocks? How many rooms are required for a block?

• Do you provide a contract for room blocks?

• Do you charge an attrition fee if rooms in a block are not reserved?

• What is your room cancellation policy?

• Do you provide guests with roll away beds? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide cribs if guests request them? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide babysitting service?

• What are your fees for babysitting service?

• Do you provide welcome notes to your hotel guests?

• Will you deliver welcome gifts for the wedding guests? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide free cable?

• Do you provide free Wi-Fi ?

• Do you have a business center?

• Do you have a fitness center?

• Do you have a pool? Is it heated? Indoors? Depth?

• Do you have a beauty salon?

• Do you provide laundry service?

• Does your hotel have any boutiques, gift shops, or salons?

• Do you provide transportation to the local airport?