Wish Upon a Wedding Launches in Chicago

We are super excited to announce the launch of the Chicago location of Wish Upon a Wedding, America's first wedding wish granting organization. The organization is made up of fabulous, local wedding vendors who are happy to donate their services to special couples facing terminal illness.

Chicago's chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding hosted it's launch party at  the Ravenswood Billboard Factory on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Chapter president and renowned event planner, Ali Phillips, told the evening's guests about the short history of Wish Upon a Wedding and presented a beautifully-done video (courtesy of I do Films) telling the love story of Chicago's first WUW couple. We think everyone cried.

We're proud to be part of this new and exciting organization. Wish Upon a Wedding started in January 2010 and chapters are quickly popping up all over the country. We believe that couples dealing with terminal illness should not have to give up their dream wedding because of mounting medical bills.

If you know of a couple facing terminal illness who might be interested, please send them to www.wishuponawedding.org.

Big Fun & Great Food at Joey's on Sunday (Milwaukee)

Spring is in the air and so is the smell of delicious Italian cuisine from Joey Buona's in Milwaukee! Joey Buona's Restuarant, in Milwaukee, WI, is hosting their annual Bridal Open House on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from noon to 4 pm. This is your chance to try out the photo booth, meet some of the Photo Booth Guys® and visit with some other great wedding vendors. If you're looking for a reception venue in Milwaukee, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Admission is FREE, so come say hello, get a free photo strip and some killer deals!

Admission is Free.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

12pm to 4pm

Annual Bridal Open House

Joey Buona's Restaurant

2nd floor banquet space

500 N Water St.

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Get the Most from your Rental

You can't go wrong renting from the greatest photo booth company in the galaxy. Now that you've got your photo booth lined up, how do you ensure every single one of your guests has the time of their lives at your reception? We've got some ideas to help you guarantee that every last guest uses the photo booth and has a great time.

Make an Announcement. It's always a great idea to have the DJ, band or even the groom let everyone know about the photo booth.

Create a Sign. If you're worried your guests won't see the photo booth, it never hurts to make a large, simple sign (placed near the entrance) that tells guests there is a photo booth.

Use Place Settings. As mentioned in a previous post,  place settings (like a little ticket) are a super cute way to let your guests know about the photo booth. They'll be right in front of your guests and almost impossible to miss.

Plan Ahead. If your photo booth isn't a surprise to your guests, consider mentioning that there will be a photo booth at the reception somewhere in your invitations or save-the-dates. Tell them to start planning their poses now and guests will be equally excited and prepared for the fun.

Know What to Say. Now that you've got everyone's attention, what do you say about the photo booth? Tell them that it's free for them to use (as much as they want), that everyone should use the photo booth AND write a message in the guest book, what times the photo booth is available and anything they should know about extras (like props or photo strip frames). And don't forget to tell your guests to have fun!

Have a better idea? We know there are brides out there with experience on this subject. What worked for you? Please share your wisdom in the comments.

Perfect Wedding Theme: Photo Booth

Everybody loves a well-executed wedding theme. Though it's certainly not required, having a theme is a great way to make your wedding more memorable (and it might even make the planning process easier). One theme we've been seeing more of lately (and we can't say we mind) is... the photo booth! If photo booths have played an important role in your life or your relationship, it may be the perfect theme for you. Below are some tips to pulling off a great photo booth theme. We'll even take care of most of the work!

Super Cute Save-the-Dates

 What better way to get people psyched up about your wedding than to send a ridiculously fun photo strip of the two of you? You can hop in any old photo booth and then scan your photo strip to use with your save-the-dates. If that sounds like a lot of work, let us create your save-the-dates. That way, they'll look just as good as the thank yous and the photo strips your guests enjoy at the reception. As an added bonus, you'll get all of your R.S.V.P.s right away, because guests will want to attend your wedding so desperately (our overpaid legal team would like to remind you that this has not been demonstrated). But it could happen.

The Main Event (and Meaningful Mementos)

No photo booth themed wedding is complete without a real photo booth at the reception. After all, this is where the magic happens. Guests will have had a chance to brainstorm the perfect pose to celebrate your marriage. Your friends and family will have the time of their lives and you'll have proof in a beautifully crafted photo strip guest book complete with gorgeous photo strips and personal messages from everyone. Your guests will leave the reception happy and thoroughly-entertained with their photo strip party favors in hand.

Please Enjoy the Photo Booth

One of the cutest ideas we've come across is a little ticket at every place setting encouraging the guests to use the photo booth and to sign the guest book. You can even take it a step further by giving away Photo Strip Frames as an added favor. Use the frames to hold place settings that also tell the guests about the photo booth. It's one of the best ways to guarantee every person signs the guest book. As an added bonus, the place settings are sure to spark some interesting pre-dinner conversations.

A Thank You to Treasure

After the party is over and all of those expensive gifts (and the used towel set - thanks for nothing, Aunt Betty) have been opened and maybe even enjoyed, it's time for the real work to begin. Writing your thank you notes doesn't have to be a chore. Write a quick note on our Personalized Thank You Cards, available as a postcard or folded card with envelope. With your pretty picture on the front and four designs to choose from, it's the most personal way to say "Thanks!"


Want some inspiration? Check out how far "Mrs. Cupcake" took the idea on Wedding Bee.