Saturday, November 29, 2008

Roses and Bouquets and Boutonnieres, Oh My!


With so many choices...how does a bride choose the perfect flower decor?


Choose a floral designer that is courteous, pleasant and knowledgeable - make sure it is someone you can work with easily!

If you have a wedding planner - ask them for suggestions and referrals for florists they use.

Think about your colors and theme - but also be open to the florist's ideas. Remember they are "creative people" and can take a lot of stress away from the decision making process!

Pick flowers that will be in season on your wedding day
Keep in mind the type of wedding being planned and choose your floral decor around that theme, is it casual or formal, simple or lavish?

The style of your dress, your wedding colors and even your height, also play a role on the choice of the flowers that will fit the occasion.

There are various styles of bouquets which your florist and/or wedding planner can help you choose. These include round, trailer, sheaf, crescent and cascade styles.

And of course...the bride's bouquet should be the most spectacular bouquet in the wedding party, while the bridesmaid bouquets are traditionally a similar style yet smaller.

For a chic, contemporary touch - have each bridesmaid carry a different color bouquet!

Various colors are used in today's weddings for the bridal party - soft pastels to vibrant colors (think pale pink vs. hot pink) Choose the colors that fit you best!

Mothers of the bride and groom, Grandmothers and sometimes Aunts traditionally wear corsages. Know ahead of time the color of their dresses so they do not clash with the corsage! Safe choices are pale colors, white or ivory.

Typically the groom and groomsmen wear a boutonniere - this is a single flower of the same type as used in the bride's bouquet (yes, even a man can sport a pink flower!)
For an added touch of glamour, choose accents such as tiny pearls, organza or satin ribbon, bows, streamers, or baby's breath.
For a traditional touch - ask your mother and/or grandmother what flowers they had in their bouquets - than incorporate that into your bouquet.

Most importantly...your flowers are a reflection of you, your tastes and personality!
Photo courtesy of Anna Kilbridge Photography

Friday, November 28, 2008

Romance Retreats

Our Romance Retreat is perfect for a winter getaway or holiday proposal.

Package includes:
2 night’s accommodations in a King room with fireplace
Champagne in room upon arrival
Couples (50 minute) Massage in our couples spa treatment room
Complimentary VIP wine tasting passes to some of Napa Valley’s finest boutique wineries
Gourmet breakfast each morning prepared by our in house chef
Complimentary evening wine and cheese

Package Price: Only $840.00 plus tax; (upgrade to King premium room for an additional $100)
Valid December 1, 2008 – February 28, 2009
www.napawhitehouseinn.com
707.254.9301

Monday, November 24, 2008

Holiday Parties

The holidays are a time for family, friends and of course...parties!



White House Inn & Spa is an elegant and intimate venue to host your company party! We are pairing up with Melissa Teaff Catering to provide gourmet hors d' oeuvres that will tempt your palate!



Our dining salon with fireplace is an excellent room to host a company party or retreat and is comfortable for parties of up to 50 people. For overnight lodging, all 17 deluxe rooms and suites feature sleek modern design and contemporary furnishings. Most rooms have King beds and all include desirable amenities, lux linens, plush robes, romantic fireplaces, private baths, jetted over sized tubs, comfy sitting/ relaxing areas, flat screen TV's and complimentary Wi-Fi. Included in the room rate, our in-house chef prepares daily gourmet buffet-style breakfasts.



Contact us for special rates for your company get-together!



Thursday, November 20, 2008

Small Weddings & Elopements

Planning a wedding but don't have a lot of time or a large budget? Times are tough in today's economy, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo having an elegant wedding celebration! Consider an all- inclusive package or a small wedding of less than 50 guests, even an elopement. No, we're not suggesting Las Vegas!!

Napa's White House Inn offers an "Elopement" package for up to 20 guests! You can still have a nice wedding without the cost of a huge reception...consider a small wedding with just your close family & friends, some champagne, cake and a photographer. Simple, easy and efficient! In lieu of a reception, consider having a fancy lunch or dinner after your wedding ceremony, or take it up a notch and plan a fun winery tour with your group!
Package Fee Includes

· Two (2) night’s luxurious accommodations for two in one of our King Rooms.
· Welcome Amenity in room upon arrival
· On Site Ceremony location with Officiant
· Bridal Bouquet & Boutonniere
· A Champagne Toast for you and your guests
· Petite Wedding Cake with cake cutting service
· One (1) Hour Swedish Couple’s Massage in our couple’s spa room
· Professional Wedding Photographer for One (1) Hour
· Concierge services for sightseeing, wineries, dining!
$2,900.00, plus tax (up to 6 guests)
$3,400.00, plus tax (7-10 guests)
$3,700.00, plus tax (11-20 guests)

Thursday, November 13, 2008


The White House Inn & Spa now has winter rates available for romantic getaways and also vacations to celebrate time with friends & family for the holidays, as well as company holiday parties! Check out these amenities:

Welcome Gift Amenity in room upon arrival
Group Packages include the Presidential Retreat
A Customized Group Itinerary
Pre-arranged preferred seating time for gourmet buffet breakfast prepared by our fabulous in-house Chef!
Evening wine & hors d’ oeuvres reception**Option of having this served on the private patio of the Presidential Retreat if this suite is reserved!
Pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and 2 spa treatment rooms on site

A friendly and professional staff to cater to your every whim!
707.254.9301
*Photo courtesy of Anna Kilbridge Photography

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Why should I use a Wedding Planner?

You've got the ring, you've got the date (maybe)...now what??

Planning a dream wedding involves so much more than the "I Do". That's the easy part!

There are so many details involved in a well-planned event and this takes a great deal of time and effort - consider it another full time job...that you're not even getting paid for. SO why not take the stress-free way and hire a professional to work out the details for you!

More than half of today's brides are using the services of a professional wedding planner to help them in orchestrating their special day. This is your wedding...you deserve perfection! Wedding Planners are experts at successful event planning and will work with you to customize your wedding day. Imagine a professional party planner, personal assistant, counselor and friend all wrapped into one...they will help you with anything and everything involving your wedding from invitation design, to choosing the perfect dress to finding the best photographer...even down to the colors and theme, and those hard-to-find flowers.

A wedding planner can be counted on to make sure everything happens on schedule, handle any emergencies and be there for advice and support. In choosing a planner, look for a person you feel comfortable with, that is key! This person will become your best friend over the next few months to make your wedding day the best it can be, and to keep you focused on why you're getting married in the first place...this is a day of love and devotion, not headaches and hassle. Your Planner will focus on the details, giving you the spotlight.

Relax and enjoy, and let your family and friends do the same...no worries, your wedding planner has it covered. Leave it to the pros and you will be sure to remember one of the happiest days of your life with fond memories.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Wedding Trends


When planning your wedding...


Consider having your wedding on a holiday weekend. This allows you an additional day for the celebrations to continue (or some extra relaxation). Also consider having your wedding on a Sunday or during the week, which is typically less expensive than a Friday or Saturday, usually by quite a bit! Be sure to relax and calm your nerves before the main event: get a massage, have a spa day, go on a bike ride or brisk walk, play golf, read a good novel or work out. Whatever it is, let your mind take a break from the event.


After the Reception...


Post-reception snacks for your guests are a big hit after a long night of dancing. This is another area where the bride and groom’s personality can be carried through the event as a fond farewell. Some suggestions are:


· Mini fast food option

· Asian noodles in a Chinese to-go box with chopsticks and personalized fortune cookie from the couple
· Box of popcorn with a movie theatre or rental gift card (or a Netflix subscription) or a small basket of candy and other goodies
· Petite box of donuts or donut holes


Remember to have fun during your planning...this is YOUR special day!