Chat #3 is here, babes!
Hi babes, and welcome back to Martini Mondays—where the advice is unfiltered, the martinis are… well, usually drinkable, and the planning is always served with a side of sass.
I can’t believe we’re already on our third chat! This week, we’re flipping the script a bit because it’s Memorial Day—a day of remembrance and the unofficial kickoff to summer. So first, a moment to honor the brave men and women who made it possible for us to gather, celebrate, and yes, toast with a questionable martini recipe.
Speaking of which…
This Week’s Sip: The Bomb Pop Martini
I got patriotic and attempted a red-white-and-blue layered martini inspired by the popsicles of my childhood. It was supposed to be stunning. But in a true act of chaotic creativity, I used canned peach juice instead of the recommended pineapple. You guys – No.
The verdict? It was giving “what not to do.” But hey, I’m committed to perfecting it by the 4th of July—stay tuned.
Now let’s get down to business: Step 3 in wedding planning—The Date & Venue
Once the ring’s on your finger and you’ve downed your celebratory champagne, it’s time to get serious. Here’s the scoop:
1. Be flexible with your date.
Pick a month or a general timeframe. Having a few backup dates can help you book your dream venue without a meltdown.
2. 10-month rule.
We recommend locking in your date and venue at least 10 months out. If you’re even thinking about a destination wedding, start sooner.
3. Consider the “off-season.”
Banquet halls in places like Chicago often offer major discounts for winter weddings (January and March are hot for cold deals). Not everyone wants to brave the snow in heels, but if you do? Your wallet might thank you.
4. Coordinate the ceremony + reception.
If you’re getting married in a church or separate location from the reception, make sure both are available on the same date. It’s like the ultimate logistics puzzle.
5. Holiday weddings—yay or nay?
We say yay (with caution). I personally got married over Memorial Day weekend and loved turning it into a long-weekend bash. Out-of-town guests had extra time to travel and enjoy a post-wedding brunch. Labor Day is also a solid option. I love a good New Year’s Eve wedding but maybe skip NYE—venues are pricey, parties are already planned, and it can turn into chaos real quick.
Final Sip of Wisdom:
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does have to be intentional. Once your date is set, everything else—from your dress to your martini selection—starts to fall into place.
And in case you’re wondering—I did redo the Bomb Pop martini using pineapple juice like a proper adult. I even had my husband’s friends & family try it. Their reactions? Well, I’ll let them speak for themselves in the outtakes.
Until next Monday, babes—cheers to solid planning and strong martinis.
Cheers & Kisses, ACE
Bomb Pop Martini Recipe
A patriotic pour with a twist—and a nostalgic popsicle on top.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz citron-flavored vodka
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz blue curaçao
- ½ oz grenadine
- 1 Bomb Pop popsicle (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, shake citron vodka and pineapple juice with ice until chilled.
- Pour mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass—it will sink to the bottom.
- Next, gently pour blue curaçao down the opposite side of the glass so it floats above the grenadine but below the juice.
- Garnish with a Bomb Pop popsicle for extra flair and flavor.
