New Boutique Photos

Lenny Gotter with Impression Arts took some fantastic pictures of the boutique! Check them out! Thank you Lenny for these pictures!

Scott also completed the sign for the boutique and it looks great he is such an artist!

Professionals Only PLEASE!

Recently with the economy the way it is many brides are trying to find any way to save a buck on their wedding. There is the correct way to save money and the incorrect way. A couple of places people seen to try and save money is with the cake. Everyone knows someone who likes to "bake" but, does that person have the right type of ovens to bake large cakes in and do they know that there needs to be support dowels inside the cake? Then can they put the cake together at the facility and do they have a refrigerated truck to transport the cake with? These would be some of concerns I would have with having a friend make the cake.

I personally have repaired many cakes and every time it has been a cake made by a friend or family member. I have seen cakes arrive melted because the people driving were getting cold in the car from the AC being on high. I have seen cakes fall because they don't have the dowels in them. I have also seen people eat these cakes and spit them out because the baker got the ingredients wrong.

You may spend more on having a professional bakery make your cake but, if something does go wring you can't take action against that person. So when someone offers to make your cake for you just make sure you know what you are getting into.

Another way people try to save money is by using an IPOD instead of a DJ. I am not a fan of this but, I have seen it be done well and not so well. A DJ is not just there to press buttons and take requests the DJ is your Master of Ceremonies and a very important element of any wedding. They are the ones who will announce you into your reception and make sure everyone is in attendance for all of the reception events such as cake cutting, first dance, garter toss etc. So if you must use an IPOD please make sure you have a microphone and someone who will make these annoucements.

TIP: Make sure that all of your music on the IPOD is at the same high volume level. This can become a problem if something is recorded at a low volme and then you can't hear it even if the speaker that it is playing through is turned up all the way. Imagine your ceremony music playing but, people can barely hear it.

Wedding Budget Tips

Many brides face the predicament of going to try on gowns and finding that "the one" is over their budget. So here are some money saving tips that you can use to ensure the wedding is what you dreamed of and the gown is "the one"

Typically when brides come into our boutique they have a budget from $1500 to $3000 for a gown. Sometimes they might find something that is a few hundred more than what they wanted to spend and need ideas of how they can save that money later in the planning process.

5 Cost Saving Ideas

1. Hire a wedding planner! This may seem like an added expense but, many planners can save you money with vendors that they know and get discounts from. Plus they review contracts and make sure that you are not being taken advantage of. They are also know about how much items really cost.
2. Another way to save is by cutting the guest list, does your second cousins neighbor really need to be invited to the wedding? Many people think they have a huge guest count but, if you really examine who truly will be invited and be able to come might be a number less than what you were expecting.
3. Have your wedding on a weekday! This seems crazy to some people but, many vendors and facilities offer huge discounts to weekday weddings. Some of my favorite weddings that I have planned have been on weekdays. They were also some of the biggest fun dance party raging weddings that I have done as well. If you send out save the date cards there is no reason why your guests would not be able to take a day off work. Many guests love that they have to take time off. If people are traveling the day of the wedding does not make a difference because they are taking time off anyway.
4. Fore go the favors! Many times brides spend way to much time and money on favors that people don't end up taking with them at the end of the night. Or it is something that goes in a drawer and eventually gets tossed. Unless it is something they can truly use or eat I would pass. A fantastic idea is to donate money or time to a charity you are interested in and then have not cards at each place setting that says in lieu of a favor you have donated to the charity.
5. Have just a beer and wine bar. Or if you really want to have cocktails, have those for just a set amount of time during the cocktail hour. Many couples are shocked when they get their bar bill for a full hosted bar. I have done events where for just 100 people the bar bill came to over $16,000! This couple was expecting this but, could you imagine if you had no idea the cocktails would cost that much. Or you can set a budget for the bar and ask to be notified when that number is reached. Many people will say that they don't have many drinkers (everyone says this) however, when the bar is free many people who typically don't drink much will enjoy the 25 year scotch that they have always wanted to try.

Pets at the Party

Many brides and grooms these days are choosing to have their pets in the wedding. This is definitely a good way to have your pet be part of your special day. However, there are tips to make sure the day goes the way you planned with your favorite pet being at your side.

1. Make sure the facility will allow the pet to be there and find out specifically what area the pet can or can't be in.


2. Make sure you have someone besides the wedding couple to care for the pet on the day of the wedding. This should be someone who knows the pet and is comfortable disciplining the pet if needed. This person should also have a supply of treats, and poop bags for any messes that will happen.


3. The pet should be leashed at all times, not everyone likes pets and also you don't want the pet to jump up on their wedding day outfit.


4. During the ceremony make sure there is someone there to escort the pet away if needed. If the pet is kennel trained bring the kennel and after the time that the pet is needed take the pet away from the area.


5. Do not leave the pet in a car especially on a hot day even if the windows are rolled down! A pet can overheat in a car even in the winter if the car is in the sun!!


6. Make sure if you are having the pet wear flowers that the type of flowers are not poisonous to the pet in case they eat them.


7. Make sure your photographer and videographer know that the pet is going to be there so they can be prepared and get those cute photos.

True Story: When my husband Scott and I got married we had our two dogs Jynx and Piper a Siberian Husky and a Beagle. They each had an attendant with them and we made sure the dogs were groomed that morning and somewhat worn out by the time they arrived at the ceremony location. Everything went great with having them there but, during the ceremony the beagle decided that she wanted to talk. It turned out she just wanted to be sitting next to the Husky but, we did have someone that escorted her away and it got a laugh from the guests. So even with being prepared you never know what can happen. Thankfully most of those events turn out funny and memorable.

Bridesmaids Dresses

Many brides have challenges when deciding which bridesmaid dress to choose for their wedding. It is a hard process because you typically have many opinions and styles that your attendants want to wear and they are usually the ones footing the bill on the dress. So how do you make everyone happy?

The new trend is to choose a color or fabric of dress and then let your attendants choose the style of dress. This way they can have a dress that flatters them and hopefully that they will wear again in the future. By going this route your attendants will be more comfortable spending more money on a dress that they truly like and will wear more than once.

At Magnifique Boutique we carry a fantastic line of Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride and Flower Girl dresses that all coordinate in color and fabric and then your attendants can choose the style of the dress. http:/www.lynnlugo.com/

The White Wedding Goes Green

Magnifique Events has a new Eco wedding planning package that will make other brides green with envy. It's a socially conscious experience that balances bridal wishes with a positive impact on the environment. For example the program offers the use of a certified organic menu with locally grown produce. Organic wines and wedding cakes are other options as well. Hybrid vehicles are used to ferry the bridal party to the bride and groom. Unused food is donated to a local shelter and floral arrangements are recycled by giving them to the guests as gifts or area hospitals. In addition guests are given notes on recycled paper that explain the details of the wedding's carbon-neutral effect. For more information and pricing please schedule a complimentary consultation to go over all of your wedding planning details.

Along with having an Eco wedding and reception your gown can be equally Eco friendly. Many bridal gown fabrics are natural and it is possible to get an all natural or part natural fabric gown. We carry a wide array of natural fabric gowns and bridesmaids dresses.

Another option is to recycle your gown after the wedding by donating it to a charitable cause. Magnifique Boutique works with Making Memories - Brides Against Breast Cancer and can help you with information on how to donate your gown to their fantastic charity.

Magnifique Events

Along with having a gorgeous boutique, exclusive wedding gowns and accessories Magnifique also plans weddings and events. Jennie Streitberger owner of Magnifique has planned weddings for the past 10 years in the Portland area. If you have any wedding or event planning needs please call Magnifique. We offer a complimentary consultation to go over your event and then customize a proposal based on those needs. We also have a wide array of portfolio pictures from past events.

Magnifique Favorites

At Magnifique we have the please to work with the best in the bridal industry. We just wanted to link those who are our favorite vendors.
Photography:
The Photographers - http://www.thephotographers.us/
Daniel Stark Photography - http://www.danielstarkphotography.com/
Peter Paul Rubens - http://www.peterpaulrubens.com/
Woman Photographer - http://www.womanphotographer.com/
Floral:
Growers Garden - http://www.growersgardenevents.com/
Blum - http://www.blumfloraldesign.com/
Gernaium Lake - http://www.geraniumlake.com/
Music:
Northwest Artist Management - http://www.nwam.com/
A Sound Choice - http://www.asoundchoiceentertainment.com/
All Wright Music - http://www.allwrightmusic.com/
Rentals:
Barclay Event Rentals - http://www.barclayevents.com/
West Coast Event Productions - http://www.wcep.com/
Video:
Hybrid Moon Videography - www.hybridmoon.com
Hair & Makeup:
Twisted Locks Salon - Estee Aalvik
Katherine Ross - www.katherinerossweddings.com
Invitations:
Uncommon Invites - www.uncommoninvites.com
Silver Leaf Designs - www.silverleafdesigns.net
Wedding Venues:
The Aerie at Eagle Landing - www.theaerieateaglelanding.com
Gray Gables Estate - www.graygablesestate.com
Abernethy Center - www.abernethycenter.com
The Governor Hotel - www.jakescatering.com
King's Raven Winery - www.kingsravenwine.com
Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast - www.mthoodbnb.com
Oregon Golf Club - www.oregongolfclub.com
Stonehedge Gardens - www.stonehedgegardens.com
Desserts:
White Rose Bakery - www.whiterosebakery.com
Papa Hyden - www.papahyden.com
Piece of Cake - www.pieceofcakebakery.net

Tsarina Couture

Magnifique Boutique is proud to carry Tsarina Couture Gowns! These gowns are amazing and Magnifique Boutique is the only boutique on the West Coast that carries Tsarina Couture gowns. Please call to schedule a time to try on these beautiful works of art.

Wedding Reception Music

With the unfortunate passing of Michael Jackson I just wanted to say that his music will forever live on especially at wedding receptions. I can't think of a wedding that I have been to where a MJ song of some sort has not been played. Also in recent years many people have even performed the "Thriller Dance" at their reception after many long hours of practicing acting like zombies with their wedding party. If you would like to see the "Thriller Dance" at a wedding please go click on the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-vKvL9rd_k&feature=related

RIP MJ

SHARP DRESSED MAN

Magnifique Boutique is an authorized retailer for Jim's Formal Wear Company (est. 1964) Jim's is one of the nation's largest and most respected wholesale distributors of men's formal wear in the United States.

Simply Visit Magnifique Boutique to place an order. Professional consultation and advice is available and we encourage you to take advantage of our retailers' expertise!

We will take your measurements, offer advice and guide you through the ordering process. .

Tuxedo Trends... Lately many people have been opting for something besides that traditional black tuxedo. a very popular trend has been the brown tuxedo. We carry 2 colors of brown a light and a dark brown tuxedo. While many grooms are doing everything from a white or cream tuxedo to a zoot suit.

Ella Rosa Weddng Gowns

Magnifique Boutique is pleased to carry Ella Rosa gowns. These are fantastic gown styles at a reasonable price point. Many of the gowns can be customized to your needs and come in White or Ivory. if you would like to come and try on some of these gowns just give us a call and we can schedule an appointment.

Bridal Jewelry

Magnifique Boutique is excited to carry a full line of OPearl Bridal Jewelry. Many of the pieces can be customized for the look that you want. Or a piece can be custom designed for you. We have a wide array of pearl and Crystal jewelry. OPearl owner Kerry can meet with you at the boutique to discuss your bridal jewelry ensemble.

Perfect Summer Wedding Tips

In the Northwest the months of July through September are when most brides and grooms choose to get married. Yet, even those months do have rain and it is best to be prepared for whatever weather may come your way.

Either way, in the Northwest you should always have a backup plan for an outdoor wedding. This is where the expertise of a professional wedding planner can really save you and your wedding. The best plan is to reserve a tent with sides and heaters as a back up plan. You will typically have to put down a deposit on these items with the rental company and may lose it if you don't need to use the items but, in the end think of that money as insurance. If you wait until the week of your wedding and rain is in the forecast it will be much harder to secure these items because everyone else that is getting married outside is doing the exact same thing!

Heaters are really important as well because if people are cold they will leave early and we all want people to stay and enjoy the whole wedding and reception. If your guests will have to walk from the ceremony to the reception it is a good idea to have umbrellas for them these can be rented as well.

On the other end of the spectrum you should have a plan set if it's going to be really hot. Make sure that there is shade for people to sit in and again renting umbrellas is not a bad idea. If your dining tables are going to be in the sun you can always get unbrella tables instead. Also make sure everyone has water to drink! Don't wait until after the ceremony for the water either. It is easy to have a bucket with bottled water that people can have before the ceremony especially if they are sitting in the sun.

Another fun idea is to print your programs on fans or have small fans as favors. Also make sure the bridal party stays hydrated!! Especially guys wearing all black in their tuxedos! Also beer doesn't count as hydration!! :) Another option is to have cold towels for people to use after sitting in the sun. Most important especially for those in the wedding party and having lots of pictures done. Wear sunblock SPF 45 because you don't want to have red faces in your pictures. Also a lot of makeup these days has sumblock in it and works well for re-applying if you are sweating.

Remember on your wedding day don't stress about the weather! There is nothing that you or anyone else can do about it. Instead of being bummed about the liquid sunshine embrace the rain and use it to your advantage. For instance you can get really cute pictures with you and your new husband under an umbrella, if your facility has a fire place have it lit to add a cozy space for guests to warm up to. Candles are easy items to add last minute while they don't work great when it's sunny and 90 degrees but, when it's cold and rainy you instantly have a really romantic look. If you have cute rain boots pull em out and use them as well for fun pictures. Just remember your wedding is never ruined by the weather and if you are having a great time so will your guests!

Cheers,

Jennie Streitberger

Magnifique Events

Wedding & Event Planner

Fantastic Bridal Shoes

Pink is the fastest growing and leading bridal footwear brand in the UK. The Pink brand is young, fun and trendy offering a broad range of styles to suit the bride, bridesmaid and mother of the bride.

Pink styling is influenced very much by high street trends, which are then translated into fabulous satin bridal shoes. Pink footwear can be hand coloured to match your desired colour to help to complete your look for any special occasion.

Magnifique Boutique carries a large selection of these fantastic shoes. I personally am a shoe fanatic and I LOVE these shoes. They can be dyed many colors and even after the wedding you have have them dyed black so you can wear them over and over.

Wedding Shoe Tips:

1. When you buy your wedding shoes make sure to break them in before the wedding. I wore mine to our wedding dance classes to make sure I would be able to dance in them at the wedding.
2. It is good to have a couple pairs of shoes at your wedding in case your feet get sore plus it's fun for pictures. I had 3 pairs for our wedding 1 pair of heels that were for the ceremony, 1 pair of cowboy boots for dancing and fun pictures and 1 pair of flip flops for when my feet said no more! This is good for the bridal party as well, flip flops are a great alternative for summer weddings when the shoes start to hurt.
3. If you are getting married on a lawn pass on the spike heels, you don't want to get stuck in the grass. Also make sure the wedding facility does not water the grass the day of your wedding so that it is dry for your guests and a little harder surface to walk on. A good shoe for a ceremony on a lawn is a stacked heel or a wedge shoe.
4. Also make sure your wedding planner has band aids and mole skin on hand for anyone who gets a blister.
   

Cheers,

Jennie

Owner & Wedding Planner

Mangnifique Boutique

Gown Shopping FAQ's

Why do I need to make an appointment to try on wedding gowns?
In order to give you the full attention of our experienced consultants, appointments are suggested.

Bring pictures of dresses you’ve seen on our website, in magazines, on www.theknot.com, or that you’ve tried on elsewhere. And bring an open mind: don’t be surprised if you find “the dress” on your first visit to Magnifique Boutique. We have plenty shoes and undergarments for you to use when you try on gowns.

Who should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the closest friend or family member whose opinion you value and who knows you well and with whom you want to share the experience of buying your gown. Bringing a lot of people can take the focus off of you.

May I take pictures of the gowns while I try them on?
Yes you may!

When should I order my veil and/or headpiece?
Special-order designer veils have a 3-4 months lead-time, so making a decision at the time you order your gown is helpful.

How far in advance do I need to buy my gown?
It's best to allow 4-6 months before your wedding to order a gown.

What is a special-order gown?
Most of the gowns we sell are special-order. A special-order gown is made specifically for you by a designer, based on the measurements we take from you, the designer then uses their pattern that is closest to your measurements to create your gown. Then if needed you have it altered for a perfect fit.

How do I pay for my gown?
We accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as cash and personal checks.
Full payment is required upon ordering of the gown, if you need to cancel your order it must be within 5 days of the order being placed. Once the gown arrives and passed our quality control check we will call you and let you know the gown is in and to come in and have your fitting and make arrangements for alterations if needed.

HELP! I’m getting married less than 4 months – is it too late to get a gown from you?
No, it’s not too late, but every second counts! Your options include buying one of our samples off the rack or working with a consultant to determine which designers can meet your time frame for a "special order" gown, which could include an additional rush charge.

Sellwood Passport Event

As of this morning we are new members to the Sellwood Westmoreland Business Alliance and will be participating in the Passport Event on August 8th.

“Passport to Sellwood” functions as a venue to move people around the neighborhood. Each person receives a ‘passport’ and is encouraged to visit as many businesses as possible to get their passport stamped at all of the participating businesses. Once they have 6 or more stamps on their passport they are eligible to enter the raffle to win gift certificates donated from the local businesses.

So of cousre we will have our gorgeous front yard all decked out for the event. Come check out the wedding gowns that will be on display at street level along with assorted accessories and tuxedos.

Join in the fun and get your Passport stamped at Magnifique Boutique!

Magnifique Boutique Grand Opening

On Friday June 5th we had our grand opening event. Many people from the local wedding and event industry came by to see the boutique, along with many friends and family. We all enjoyed champagne and hors d' oeuvres while meeting new friends and of course checking out the new shop and all of the gorgeous gowns.

Even though we had some liquid sunshine and didn't get to fully enjoy the gardens we still had a great time and look forward to our next event!

Thank you to everyone that came by to support our new business!

Cheers,

Jennie & Scott

Owners

Lila Couture

We have just received three new gowns from Lila Couture and they are beautiful! One is a satin mermaid gown with beadiong at the bottom and pleating at the bust. The next is a classic, elegant A Line gown with a lace up back and the third is fit for a princess. A full toulle ballgown with crystals and a gorgeous long train! Come and check out these new gowns along with all of the other amaing gowns we have here at the boutique!

Magnifique Events

Magnifique Events is a boutique event planning company created by Jennie Streitberger. Her fresh, energetic attitude paired with years of experience in event design will assist you in planning an event that is a true celebration of your unique style and spirit. While remaining true to the classic etiquette of event planning, she explores new trends and updates old traditions with a fresh new twist. She combines artistic creativity and stylish taste with precision planning and skillful event management to design an atmosphere that is captivating for your guests and reflects your uniqueness as a couple.
Every event is different and each couple has their own distinct needs. Because of this, we have the ability to tailor our services to fit your needs. Fees are determined based on the level of service you require.
All services include an initial complimentary consultation

Magnifique Full Fête
For the couple who wants Magnifique to take them through the entire wedding planning process, focus on design and décor, assemble their team of service providers, provide unlimited professional advice, and manage every detail of the wedding day.

• Initial Meeting- Detailed Meeting to discuss your Wedding Style and Budget Management Ongoing access with Magnifique for professional advice and guidance with unlimited consultation via email and phone.
• Establish Color Combinations.
• Theme and Design Concepts
• Set up and attend meetings with 2-3 Florists and attend any follow up meetings
• Set up and attend meetings with service providers based on client’s needs: 1-3 meetings for each of the following categories (Photography, Videography, Custom Invitations, Lighting, Custom Wedding Cakes/Baker)
• Place orders for any Rental items (Chairs, Linens, Draping, Lounge Furniture, Dance Floor, Specialized China, Glassware, Flatware, Trees, Props, etc)Assemble musicians for the ceremony and cocktail hour.
• Assist with selection of Band or Disc Jockey for reception.Provide referrals for Officiants, Transportation, Hair and Make-up Artists, Tuxedos, etc.
• Attend meeting with local stationer or Set up Meeting with Custom Invitations.
• Assist with wording and selection of stationery for save the date cards and invitations.
• Review proposals and terms of final contracts with attended referred service providers.
• Assist with the selection of favors, gifts and welcome baskets.
• Research Hotel Accommodations & Group Room Blocks.
• Attend Menu Selection/ Banquet Set up Meeting with catering manager and client.
• Review and proof BEO (Banquet Event Order) provided by catering manager.
• Contact service providers for arrivals time and communicate venue’s procedures for unloading, set up and tear down.
• Confirm all vendor orders and quantities on rental items.
• Distribute client approved timeline to all vendors 1 week before wedding date.
• Assist Officiant and orchestrate ceremony rehearsal with bridal party and family.
• Communicate with musicians on ceremony song selections and cueing wedding party for processional.
• Manage banquet staff regarding set ups and compliance of floor plans.
• Attend sound check with Band musicians/ or DJ.
• Direct Ushers with seating and program distribution.Assist with set up- Seating Cards, Menus, Favors, Sign-in Book, Gifts, etc.
• Work with Band/DJ to establish timing for Grand Entrance, First Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss.
• Onsite coordination and management of entire wedding day.
• Handle final payments and gratuities to vendors.
• Every wedding Includes 1 Assistant. Additional assistants will be required for specific locations, larger weddings and multiple locations.

Starting at $2,500.00

Magnifique Petit
For the couple who has already booked vendors and planned the wedding, but need someone to manage all the details so they can enjoy the day.

During the 3 months prior, two meetings with the client to cover the following:

• 1st meeting - Review all the vendor contracts provided by client and produce a minute by minute timeline of the wedding day.
• 2nd meeting- Final detail meeting with client, meet at venue if available.
• Unlimited emails and phone calls during the 2 month period.
• Review and proof BEO (Banquet Event Order) provided by catering manager.
• Contact service providers for arrivals time and communicate venue’s procedures for unloading, set up and tear down.
• Confirm all vendor orders and quantities on rental items.
• Distribute client approved timeline to all vendors 1 week before wedding date.
• Work with Officiant in coordinating the ceremony.
• Communicate with musicians on ceremony song selections and cueing wedding party for processional.
• Assist Officiant and Orchestrate ceremony rehearsal with bridal party and family.
• Manage banquet staff regarding set ups and compliance of floor plans.Attend sound check with Band musicians or DJ.
• Direct Ushers with seating and program distribution.Assist with set up- Seating Cards, Menus, Favors, Sign-in Book, Gifts, etc.
• Work with Band/DJ to establish timing for Grand Entrance, First Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss.
• Onsite coordination and management of entire wedding day.
• Every wedding Includes 1 Assistant. Additional assistants will be required for specific locations, larger weddings and multiple locations.
  

Starting at $1,000.00

Ala Carte
Magnifique can customize any wedding package to meet your needs.

We can also provide a-la carte or add on services that may include any of the following:

Rehearsal Dinner Location Search, Research Hotel Options for Out of Town Guests

Negotiate Discounted Room Blocks, Morning After Brunch Reception RSVP Service, Welcome Basket Ideas and Delivery, Wedding Weekend Itinerary Transportation for Out of Town Guests or Bridal Showers.

Corporate Soiree
Whether it’s a Charity Gala, Corporate Weekend Retreat or a Launch Party, we can produce the event and manage it from the beginning to the end and all the details in between. In producing your event, we start by understanding your company, your audience and your goals. Our services may include: Secure a Location/Site, Caterer, Obtain Talent and Musical Entertainment, All Print and Paper Goods, Provide Audio Visual Equipment, Staging, Lighting, Obtain all necessary Permits and Security.Each client is unique and each event is tailor made. Please contact us to discuss for pricing for your corporate event.

Célébration
From graduation parties, to a blow out birthday bash, to a momentous anniversary- we can help you plan your special celebration.

Your special celebration must be a reflection of you and we want to the bringing all those Magnifique details to life.
Magnifique will assist you throughout the planning process and services can include:

Venue search, invitations, vendor selection, menu creation, decoration/floral, rental needs, entertainment and party favors. We are on-site the day of and stay through the entire event.
Whatever the occasion, Magnifique can create the perfect party.

Starting at $800.00