5 Reasons Why Hiring a Day-of Coordinator is Your Best Investment for Your Wedding Day
Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, but when the big day arrives, you deserve to be fully present, soaking in every moment instead of worrying about logistics. That’s where a Day-of Coordinator comes in! While you may have done all the planning, having a professional to execute those plans seamlessly is truly invaluable. Here are five reasons why hiring a Day-of Coordinator is the best money you’ll spend on your wedding day.
1. Stress-Free Wedding Day
Your wedding day should be about celebrating love, not troubleshooting problems. A Day-of Coordinator handles last-minute details, vendor coordination, and timeline execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying your day.
2. Seamless Timeline Management
From the moment you start getting ready to your grand exit, a Day-of Coordinator ensures that everything stays on schedule. They keep vendors, bridal parties, and guests informed, preventing delays and keeping the flow of your event seamless and stress-free.
3. Crisis Management & Problem Solving
Even the most well-planned weddings can encounter unexpected hiccups. Whether it’s a missing boutonniere, a late vendor, or a sudden weather change, your coordinator will handle any issues discreetly, keeping you blissfully unaware of any behind-the-scenes chaos.
4. Vendor Communication & Execution
Instead of fielding calls from vendors or answering last-minute questions, your Day-of Coordinator takes on the responsibility of liaising with all vendors. They ensure deliveries, setup, and services align with your vision, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
5. Allowing Friends & Family to Enjoy the Day
Your loved ones are there to celebrate with you, not to work! Without a coordinator, tasks often fall on the wedding party or family members, preventing them from fully enjoying the event. A Day-of Coordinator ensures that everyone, including you, can be fully present and make memories without distractions.
While it may be tempting to cut costs by skipping a Day-of Coordinator, the peace of mind and flawless execution they provide make them worth every penny. After months of planning, you deserve to relax and enjoy your wedding day without a single worry.
5 Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Guests at Any Party
Five thoughtful ways to thank your guests at any party, from personalized notes and party favors to creating memory walls and toasting their presence. These simple yet meaningful gestures help express gratitude and make your event memorable. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or another celebration, these ideas will ensure your guests feel appreciated and valued.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and one of the best ways to show it is by thanking your guests for celebrating with you! Whether you’re hosting a dinner or a casual gathering, here are five thoughtful ideas to express your appreciation:
1.) Write a Personal Note
A heartfelt handwritten note goes a long way. Leave one at each place setting or mail it afterward for a lasting impression.
2.) Send Guests Home with a Party Favor
Mini jars of honey, candles, or homemade treats are simple, thoughtful tokens they’ll cherish.
3.) Create a Memory Wall
Set up a space for guests to write what they’re thankful for or share a photo. After the event, send them a picture of the finished wall as a keepsake.
4.) Toast to Your Guests
Take a moment to raise a glass and publicly thank everyone for their presence and contribution to the occasion—it’s a gesture that will make them feel special.
5.) Capture the Memories
Hire a photographer or designate someone to snap candid photos. Share the pictures with your guests after the event, so they have a memento of the day.
At CREATEDkc, we love helping hosts create meaningful, memorable events. Need help planning your next gathering? We’ve got you covered!
Holiday Champagne Spritz
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings with this festive Champagne Spritz, featuring the fragrant sweetness of homemade rosemary simple syrup. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries for a burst of color and a dash of holiday cheer. Light, bubbly, and subtly herbal, this cocktail is the perfect way to toast the season in style!
Ingredients:
1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
1/2 ounce lemon juice
Champagne
Optional: Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs for garnish
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, add the rosemary simple syrup and lemon juice, and shake until combined.
Pour the mixture into a champagne flute, and add top with chilled champagne.
Garnish with the rosemary sprigs and/or cranberries, and enjoy!
Notes:
For rosemary simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 5 rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Allow to simmer on low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved for about 5-10 minutes. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool before using.
Holiday Simple Syrup
Take your holiday cocktails to the next level with this aromatic rosemary simple syrup! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory to add a festive twist to classic drinks like gin spritzes or whiskey sours. To make, simmer equal parts sugar and water with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary until the sugar dissolves and the herb’s flavor infuses the syrup. Let it cool and store in the fridge. Add a splash to your favorite holiday cocktail for a burst of seasonal flavor that will impress every guest!
Prep Time | 5 Minutes
Cook Time | 5 Minutes
Total Time | 10 Minutes
Makes 16 servings.
Equipment
1 cutting board
1 Small Saucepan
1 Measuring Cups
1 strainer
1 Mason Jar with Lid (or other airtight container)
Ingredients
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
Instructions
Place the fresh rosemary sprigs on a cutting board and smack them gently two or three times with the bottom of a saucepan or the flat edge of a chef’s knife. Transfer the rosemary to a small saucepan and add the sugar and water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid is clear, stirring every so often. Place a tight fitting lid on the pan and remove it from the heat.
Let the syrup steep, covered, for 10 minutes, then strain the cooled syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. This will keep, tightly covered, for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
10 Festive Must-Haves to Elevate Your Holiday Hosting & Gifting Game!
The holidays are a time to bring people together, but between hosting and finding the perfect gifts, it can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you're prepping for an intimate gathering or a festive bash, we've got you covered. Plus, we’ll share our holiday pro tips on hosting with ease, so you can enjoy the season as much as your guests do!
The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and a little extra magic in our hosting and gifting. Whether you’re throwing a festive gathering or showing appreciation to loved ones through thoughtful gifts, here are 10 simple, yet impactful, ways to bring a touch of holiday cheer into everything you do. Get ready to wow your guests and make your holiday moments even more memorable!
1. Homemade Whipped Cream for Cocktails & Desserts Elevate your festive treats by whipping up your own cool whip. This easy-to-make delight pairs perfectly with cocktails and desserts alike. Imagine topping off a boozy eggnog or hot chocolate with a dollop of fresh, airy whipped cream. It’s the ultimate luxurious touch that makes any sweet treat feel extra special.
2. Potpourri or Candles for a Welcoming Scent Set the holiday mood the moment guests walk in by filling your home with cozy aromas. Homemade potpourri made with spices, dried fruits, and pine is a great way to spread that festive fragrance throughout your space. Or, if you're short on time, lighting a seasonal candle can create a similarly warm, inviting atmosphere that’s both relaxing and nostalgic.
3. Infused Liquor & Simple Syrup for Elevated Cocktails Want to impress your guests with unique cocktails? Try infusing your favorite spirits with festive flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or cranberries for a special twist. You can also whip up some infused simple syrups to give your cocktails a gourmet feel. Not only will your drinks taste incredible, but these infusions also make a fantastic holiday gift!
4. Fresh Sheets for Overnight Guests Make your guests feel extra comfortable by washing their bedding in a lightly-scented, luxurious detergent before they arrive. Crisp, clean sheets with a hint of holiday scent create a welcoming and restful space for overnight visitors. It’s one of those small touches that make a big difference in their stay.
5. Dress It Up: The Power of Packaging Sometimes, it’s all about the presentation! Whether you’re wrapping gifts or presenting treats, don’t forget the bow. A beautifully wrapped package, complete with festive ribbons or twine, shows thoughtfulness and care. It’s an easy way to add a festive touch, even if what’s inside is simple.
6. Less is More: Elevate Your Existing Dishes There’s no need to break out the fine china or splurge on new tableware. Instead, dress up what you already own with stylish accessories like holiday napkins, elegant placemats, or beautiful serving dishes. Sometimes, less really is more, and simple touches can add just the right amount of festive flair.
7. Homemade Gifts from the Heart Nothing says “I care” quite like a homemade gift. From breakfast casseroles to holiday cookies, gifting a dish in a festive container with a cute towel adds a personal and heartwarming touch. It’s the perfect way to share a little holiday spirit without overcomplicating things.
8. Keep Your Menu Simple & Delicious The holidays are no time to stress yourself out with complicated gourmet recipes that have you sweating in the kitchen. Instead, focus on crowd-pleasers you know and love. A tried-and-true recipe will always beat a Pinterest fail. Keep it simple, trust your instincts, and most importantly, enjoy the time with your guests.
9. Convenient Drink Stations Avoid sending your guests on a scavenger hunt for drinks by keeping them conveniently accessible. Instead of making people trek to the garage for that forgotten bottle of wine or beer in the spare fridge, set up a cooler or festive serving tub filled with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This way, guests can easily help themselves and keep the holiday cheer flowing.
10. Relax and Enjoy Finally, the most important part of hosting is to have fun yourself! When you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment, your guests will feel it too. So don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust that you’ve created a warm and festive environment and make the most of your time with loved ones.
By keeping these simple, festive tips in mind, you’ll be ready to host or gift with ease and elegance this holiday season! Happy hosting! 🎁
Homemade Whipped Topping
Elevate your desserts with this simple, yet indulgent, homemade whipped topping! All you need is heavy cream, a touch of sugar, and a dash of vanilla for a light, fluffy treat that’s perfect for pies, cakes, or hot cocoa. Just whip chilled heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, and voilà—you have a velvety, sweet topping that will impress your guests and add a homemade touch to any holiday dessert.
Bonus: It takes only minutes to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Prep Time | 5 Minutes
Chilling Bowl | 15 Minutes
Total Time | 5 Minutes
This recipe makes 16, quarter-cup servings.
Ingredients
1 pint heavy whipping cream (COLD) (2 cups)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Put the bowl of a standing mixer or a large mixing bowl (glass or metal preferred) into the refrigerator to chill for at least 15-30 minutes (or longer).
Add whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the chilled bowl of a standing mixer (or chilled mixing bowl).
Use the wire whisk attachment to a standing mixer, or a hand-held mixer, and beat the ingredients together, starting on low speed and increasing to high slowly as it begins to firm up.
Beat for 60-90 seconds until stiff peaks form. Stopping once halfway through to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Transfer mixture to a piping bag to pipe onto your favorite dessert or into hot chocolate. Or put in a serving dish to serve.