Let it snow; let it snow; let it snow! As I look out my office window on this New England winter day, that is exactly what I see. It’s clean, beautiful, and wonderfully serene. Although many people chose to have their wedding during the milder weather of late spring through early fall, I think a winter wedding can be just as beautiful. And if you happen to be lucky enough to get a fresh snow fall on the eve of your wedding, I doubt there is anything that could make your day more magical.
There are a few unique challenges to having a winter wedding; so for those of you who are thinking about having one, I’d like to offer you some planning tips. First the obvious: It will be cold! The typical sleeveless dresses and strappy sandals for the bridal party are probably not the best idea. The good news is there are plenty of dresses that offer more coverage and closed-toe shoes from which to chose. You can also add a wrap or pretty jacket or sweater to wear over dresses. The men of the wedding party will be fine in the traditional tuxes or suits. If you plan on being outside for any significant amount of time, say for photos, you should make sure everyone in the wedding party has a heavy coat to wear while they waiting their turn. You may even want to have an indoor back-up space in mind in case the weather is extreme.
You should also consider what your guests will be wearing. They will probably be arriving with coats and maybe even hats, gloves, and boots depending on the weather. It is important to make sure there is a place for them to put these items when they arrive. Most large restaurants and banquet halls will have a coat check. If your reception site doesn’t have one of these make sure there is an available closet or small room near the entrance that can serve this purpose. If this isn’t possible, look into getting a couple of clothing racks with hangers that you can put near the entrance.
A nice way to comfort your guests during the cold winter months is to offer them something hot when they arrive at the reception. Ask your reception venue if they can provide either hot cider or cocoa to guests during the cocktail hour. You may also want to have a variety of hot appetizers in addition to the usual cheese and veggie platters. Then feel free to carry the winter theme into your meal course by offering foods such as soups, pot pies, mashed potatoes, and macaroni & cheese. Dessert can feature an all-white wedding cake or snowflake-shaped cookies. You may even want to send your guests home with a hot beverage in to-go cups.
A couple of other winter wedding tips: Make sure your ceremony and reception sites can deal with a last-minute storm. It is important that they have the resources to clear the parking area and sidewalks to ensure the safety of the guests. Book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel for out-of-town guest that may not want to chance the weather for a long drive home. Build extra travel time into your wedding day timeline in case roads are slippery. Then sit back and relax know you’ve done everything you can. Take special pleasure in the fact that everyone is going to enjoy your unique winter wedding instead of dreading the fact that is their 5th or 6th wedding of the summer.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Bridal Emergency Kit
Most brides spend months planning the perfect wedding and taking care of all the details involved. Unfortunately, no matter how well prepared you are, you will likely encounter a snag or two on your big day. Don’t worry, these are usually minor; I’m not trying to scare you! If you hired a wedding consultant, it will be his or her job to handle any problems that arise. But even if you won’t have a professional there to help you, there is still a way you can make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Every bride should have a “bridal emergency kit” with her on her wedding day. This kit contains a variety of common items that can help you overcome obstacles that you may encounter. You probably have a lot of these items laying around your house, and the others you can purchase for little money. Use the list below to assemble your bridal emergency kit. It is an easy and inexpensive way to make sure that your wedding happens just the way you’ve always imagined. You probably don’t want to be the one to have to remember to bring it with you, so put someone else in charge. Your maid of honor might be a good choice for this.
Your kit should contain some items to help you with decorating and fixing things that may break, such as tape (clear, double-sided, and masking), scissors, a hot glue gun, hammer and nails, tacks, and safety pins. It is also important to have beauty items on hand for yourself and those in your wedding party. Good things to bring include a small sewing kit, a first aid kit (with Band-Aids, anti-bacterial solution, and aspirin), an Emory board and clear polish, nail glue, bobby pins, hair spray, extra nylons, tissues, tweezers, stain remover, and baby wipes. You may also want to include floral tape, corsage pins, and lots of ribbon in your wedding colors. If your wedding is taking place outside bug spray and sunscreen with also come in handy.
These basic items should help you with many of the small issues that may arise during your wedding. (They won’t help with getting your wedding party to the church on time or making sure your fiancé’s ex doesn’t crash the reception. Sorry but those tasks fall entirely on your shoulders!) Now you can relax a little more and enjoy your special day without worry.
Until next time, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Every bride should have a “bridal emergency kit” with her on her wedding day. This kit contains a variety of common items that can help you overcome obstacles that you may encounter. You probably have a lot of these items laying around your house, and the others you can purchase for little money. Use the list below to assemble your bridal emergency kit. It is an easy and inexpensive way to make sure that your wedding happens just the way you’ve always imagined. You probably don’t want to be the one to have to remember to bring it with you, so put someone else in charge. Your maid of honor might be a good choice for this.
Your kit should contain some items to help you with decorating and fixing things that may break, such as tape (clear, double-sided, and masking), scissors, a hot glue gun, hammer and nails, tacks, and safety pins. It is also important to have beauty items on hand for yourself and those in your wedding party. Good things to bring include a small sewing kit, a first aid kit (with Band-Aids, anti-bacterial solution, and aspirin), an Emory board and clear polish, nail glue, bobby pins, hair spray, extra nylons, tissues, tweezers, stain remover, and baby wipes. You may also want to include floral tape, corsage pins, and lots of ribbon in your wedding colors. If your wedding is taking place outside bug spray and sunscreen with also come in handy.
These basic items should help you with many of the small issues that may arise during your wedding. (They won’t help with getting your wedding party to the church on time or making sure your fiancé’s ex doesn’t crash the reception. Sorry but those tasks fall entirely on your shoulders!) Now you can relax a little more and enjoy your special day without worry.
Until next time, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Music to My Ears
Music is a big part of any wedding. It sets the mood for the day and expresses who you are as a couple. It helps with the flow of the ceremony and can keep your guests dancing until midnight. As a matter of fact the two things people usually remember about a wedding are how the food tasted and if they enjoyed the music. So before you go and hire the first DJ you come across, you should sit down and give some serious thought to the type of music you want and how it might influence your big day.
The first thing to think about is the wedding ceremony. Most people have prelude music playing while guests arrive, one or more songs for the processional, one for the recessional, and sometimes one or more during the ceremony itself. Before you think about individual songs you should consider the type of musicians you would like to have. If you are having a religious ceremony in a church or other sacred location there may be some limitations, so be sure to speak with your officiate before booking anyone. Popular options for a religious ceremony include recorded music, organ or piano music, string quartets, harpists, soloists, or a combination of these. For a ceremony that takes place in a banquet hall, tent, or other secular location a DJ is also a good option. The type of musicians you choose will influence your specific song selections. If you’re not sure what songs you’d like you can ask the musicians you hire for recommendations or find a list of popular ceremony music online or in a wedding planning book.
Now it’s time to give some thought to the reception music. There are usually three main components to a wedding reception: the cocktail hour, the meal, and the dancing after the meal. You may want to use the same musicians for all three or break it up. Many people use a DJ for the entire reception because it is a good way to keep costs down. If your budget is a little bigger you may want to choose a band over a DJ. Keep in mind that a band probably has a more limited selection of music to choose from than a DJ, and they may require a break in the middle of the reception. You can also hire separate musicians to play during the cocktail hour and/or meal. Good options for this include a string quartet, a jazz pianist and singer, or two-three pieces from the band.
The music during the cocktail hour and meal is usually mellow and soft enough so that guests can talk comfortably without shouting. After the meal though it is time to kick things up a notch and get the crowd moving to some great tunes. A DJ or band can usually do this well. This is really the time that you can express your musical preferences as a couple. You can include songs you love and ones that reflect your heritage and personalities. You will also want to give some thought to song choices for you first dance, parent dances, cake cutting music, and music for the bouquet and/or garter toss.
Music is going to play a big role in your wedding so make sure you chose musicians that will work best for the music you want to hear. Whether you decide to go with someone like Adam Sandler from “The Wedding Singer” or an AC/DC tribute band, it’s your day and your decision. And if you want some suggestions of local DJ or musicians I’m happy to give you a list of my favorites. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
The first thing to think about is the wedding ceremony. Most people have prelude music playing while guests arrive, one or more songs for the processional, one for the recessional, and sometimes one or more during the ceremony itself. Before you think about individual songs you should consider the type of musicians you would like to have. If you are having a religious ceremony in a church or other sacred location there may be some limitations, so be sure to speak with your officiate before booking anyone. Popular options for a religious ceremony include recorded music, organ or piano music, string quartets, harpists, soloists, or a combination of these. For a ceremony that takes place in a banquet hall, tent, or other secular location a DJ is also a good option. The type of musicians you choose will influence your specific song selections. If you’re not sure what songs you’d like you can ask the musicians you hire for recommendations or find a list of popular ceremony music online or in a wedding planning book.
Now it’s time to give some thought to the reception music. There are usually three main components to a wedding reception: the cocktail hour, the meal, and the dancing after the meal. You may want to use the same musicians for all three or break it up. Many people use a DJ for the entire reception because it is a good way to keep costs down. If your budget is a little bigger you may want to choose a band over a DJ. Keep in mind that a band probably has a more limited selection of music to choose from than a DJ, and they may require a break in the middle of the reception. You can also hire separate musicians to play during the cocktail hour and/or meal. Good options for this include a string quartet, a jazz pianist and singer, or two-three pieces from the band.
The music during the cocktail hour and meal is usually mellow and soft enough so that guests can talk comfortably without shouting. After the meal though it is time to kick things up a notch and get the crowd moving to some great tunes. A DJ or band can usually do this well. This is really the time that you can express your musical preferences as a couple. You can include songs you love and ones that reflect your heritage and personalities. You will also want to give some thought to song choices for you first dance, parent dances, cake cutting music, and music for the bouquet and/or garter toss.
Music is going to play a big role in your wedding so make sure you chose musicians that will work best for the music you want to hear. Whether you decide to go with someone like Adam Sandler from “The Wedding Singer” or an AC/DC tribute band, it’s your day and your decision. And if you want some suggestions of local DJ or musicians I’m happy to give you a list of my favorites. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Let’s Get This Party Started
Showers, parties, and gatherings; it seems as though the minute you become engaged the fun never stops! And why should it? Your family and friends are so happy for you that it’s no wonder they want to honor the occasion by celebrating with you. These events aren’t necessary, but they will certainly heighten the excitement leading up to your big day.
With so many pre-wedding celebrations it may be confusing to figure out what each one is about. Don’t worry! I am here to help you out. Below is a list of all the possible pre-wedding events and information about who should host, when it should be held, and who should be invited. So when your maid of honor asks who is supposed to plan your bachelorette party you can correctly tell her “You!”
Engagement Parties: The engagement party is a time to toast the future bride and groom. Traditionally the bride’s parents host it, but any family member or friend may do so. It can be a surprise party, cocktail party, dinner party, or any other type of casual or formal gathering. The guest list may be limited to close friends and family but can be as large as you’d like. Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding.
Wedding Showers: This celebration is used as a way to “shower” the couple with gifts. It is usually a small gathering of very close family and friends. In the past the guest list was often limited to women, but recently the popularity of “Jack & Jill” showers has risen. The shower can take place anywhere between two months to two weeks before the wedding and is usually hosted by friends of the bride (often the bridal party).
Bachelor(ette) Parties: These parties are a farewell to the single days. The bachelor party is usually arranged by the best man and the bachelorette party by the maid of honor. The parties can take just about any form: a barbeque, dinner out, day at the beach, sporting event, or going to a club. The guests should include the wedding attendants and sometimes the parents of the bride and groom.
Rehearsal Dinner: The day before the wedding most couples have a ceremony rehearsal. This is attended by the couple, the wedding attendants, and the couple’s parents. Often the rehearsal is followed by dinner. The groom’s parents traditionally arrange the dinner and invite the wedding party, the officiant, and parents and grandparents of the couple. The wedding party’s significant other should also be invited.
Other Celebrations: Other possible wedding-related celebrations include pre-wedding luncheons, parties for out-of-town guests, wedding after-parties, and morning-after brunches.
Still confused? Just relax and let you family and friends figure it out. No, really, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
With so many pre-wedding celebrations it may be confusing to figure out what each one is about. Don’t worry! I am here to help you out. Below is a list of all the possible pre-wedding events and information about who should host, when it should be held, and who should be invited. So when your maid of honor asks who is supposed to plan your bachelorette party you can correctly tell her “You!”
Engagement Parties: The engagement party is a time to toast the future bride and groom. Traditionally the bride’s parents host it, but any family member or friend may do so. It can be a surprise party, cocktail party, dinner party, or any other type of casual or formal gathering. The guest list may be limited to close friends and family but can be as large as you’d like. Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding.
Wedding Showers: This celebration is used as a way to “shower” the couple with gifts. It is usually a small gathering of very close family and friends. In the past the guest list was often limited to women, but recently the popularity of “Jack & Jill” showers has risen. The shower can take place anywhere between two months to two weeks before the wedding and is usually hosted by friends of the bride (often the bridal party).
Bachelor(ette) Parties: These parties are a farewell to the single days. The bachelor party is usually arranged by the best man and the bachelorette party by the maid of honor. The parties can take just about any form: a barbeque, dinner out, day at the beach, sporting event, or going to a club. The guests should include the wedding attendants and sometimes the parents of the bride and groom.
Rehearsal Dinner: The day before the wedding most couples have a ceremony rehearsal. This is attended by the couple, the wedding attendants, and the couple’s parents. Often the rehearsal is followed by dinner. The groom’s parents traditionally arrange the dinner and invite the wedding party, the officiant, and parents and grandparents of the couple. The wedding party’s significant other should also be invited.
Other Celebrations: Other possible wedding-related celebrations include pre-wedding luncheons, parties for out-of-town guests, wedding after-parties, and morning-after brunches.
Still confused? Just relax and let you family and friends figure it out. No, really, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Think Outside the Vase
Open any bridal magazine and you will see dozens of photos of gorgeous centerpieces. There will be large towering arrangements and short compact ones. Some will be monotone and some will be pop with color. Their shapes will all be different, and they include every type of flower you can imagine. No one can deny these arrangements are beautiful. You may even have already given some thought to the type of floral centerpieces you want at your own wedding. But before you go any further I want you to consider NOT having floral centerpieces.
You might thing I’ve gone crazy. After all, how could you not have a lovely arrangement of the perfect décor-matching flowers at each table? If you already have the exact image in your head and you know you don’t want anything else, that’s great. I just want to let you know that there is a world of centerpieces outside of flowers. Not only that, but they can be just as beautiful and far more creative. You can come up with ideas to match any colors or theme. It may even end up costing less than traditional centerpieces.
I hope I have you intrigued. If so, here are a few ideas to you started thinking. Candles make lovely centerpieces. You can use antique candelabras, a cake stand holding several colorful votives, or a cluster of different sized pillar candles on a mirror or silver tray. For an Asian inspired wedding consider a small rock garden with tea lights or Bonsai trees. A tropical theme might call for shells in glass bowls filled with sand. A selection of wine bottles clustered together would be a nice match for a vineyard wedding.
There are a lot of interesting seasonal ideas as well. For an autumn wedding you could use cornucopias overflowing with fruit and vegetables, wooden bowls filled with fresh apples, or stalks of grain bundled together and tied with ribbon. Pumpkins and pine cones would also be appropriate elements to tie in. For a wedding during the holiday season you might want to do unique jars filled with candy canes or simple poinsettia plants.
Some other interesting ideas include wheat grass grown in aluminum pots, hat boxes stacked big to small and tied with ribbon, small wedding cakes, balloon arrangements, paper lanterns, framed photos, fishbowls with fish in them, and snow globes.
There is nothing wrong with choosing traditional floral centerpieces, but try and be open-minded. Don’t only consider flowers, but also fruit, candles, shells, containers, and any other object that offers texture or beauty. If chosen carefully, centerpieces can accentuate the theme of your event and help set the mood. And the options are endless.
You might thing I’ve gone crazy. After all, how could you not have a lovely arrangement of the perfect décor-matching flowers at each table? If you already have the exact image in your head and you know you don’t want anything else, that’s great. I just want to let you know that there is a world of centerpieces outside of flowers. Not only that, but they can be just as beautiful and far more creative. You can come up with ideas to match any colors or theme. It may even end up costing less than traditional centerpieces.
I hope I have you intrigued. If so, here are a few ideas to you started thinking. Candles make lovely centerpieces. You can use antique candelabras, a cake stand holding several colorful votives, or a cluster of different sized pillar candles on a mirror or silver tray. For an Asian inspired wedding consider a small rock garden with tea lights or Bonsai trees. A tropical theme might call for shells in glass bowls filled with sand. A selection of wine bottles clustered together would be a nice match for a vineyard wedding.
There are a lot of interesting seasonal ideas as well. For an autumn wedding you could use cornucopias overflowing with fruit and vegetables, wooden bowls filled with fresh apples, or stalks of grain bundled together and tied with ribbon. Pumpkins and pine cones would also be appropriate elements to tie in. For a wedding during the holiday season you might want to do unique jars filled with candy canes or simple poinsettia plants.
Some other interesting ideas include wheat grass grown in aluminum pots, hat boxes stacked big to small and tied with ribbon, small wedding cakes, balloon arrangements, paper lanterns, framed photos, fishbowls with fish in them, and snow globes.
There is nothing wrong with choosing traditional floral centerpieces, but try and be open-minded. Don’t only consider flowers, but also fruit, candles, shells, containers, and any other object that offers texture or beauty. If chosen carefully, centerpieces can accentuate the theme of your event and help set the mood. And the options are endless.
Let Them Eat Cake
I love wedding cake. I don’t just like it; I LOVE it! The soft, moist cake and smooth, creamy frosting are what I consider a perfect treat. Every wedding I attend, whether as a guest or for work, I have to have a piece. It doesn’t matter how good the food is, how much I eat, or if other desserts are offered. I have certainly had my fair share of wedding cake over the years, some of it better than others. But one thing is for sure: No wedding would be complete without one.
Early wedding cake traditions date all the way back to the Romans. The groom would eat part of a loaf of barley cake and break the rest over the head of the bride as a symbol of fruitfulness and good fortune. As time passed, icing was used to keep the cake moist, and the custom gradually fell out of practice. Over time this tradition evolved into the wedding cake we use today.
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task. It is no wonder that the wedding cake is often left as one of the final details the bride and groom decide on. It can, however, be one of the most enjoyable tasks. Even the most planning-reluctant groom can usually be persuaded to attend a cake tasting. After all, what’s not to love about an afternoon of free cake samples from the best bakery in town?
There seems to a trend of wedding cakes becoming more thought out and incorporated closely into the theme of a wedding. Bakeries are able to make complex creations that were impossible not too long ago, and couples are taking advantage of this. They are asking for intricate designs, asymmetrical shapes, and unique touches to make their cake stand out.
And no longer is it expected that the cake will be all one flavor. Many couples are using a different flavor for each tier. Mocha cake with coffee mousse, almond cake with cherry filling, lemon cake with blueberry filling, white cake with white chocolate and caramel mousse, the options are endless! The only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. (And maybe your wallet.)
If you are planning a wedding, start giving some thought to your cake. Go to the library or book store and get a book of wedding cake designs. Go online and search through the hundreds of pages of sample cakes. Once you have a basic idea in mind, call your favorite bakery and make an appointment for a tasting. Have them prepare several different flavors for you to try. While you are there, not only taste the cake but make sure they can accommodate the design you want. If you still aren’t quite sure what you want they may even be able to help you decide.
Most importantly make sure to enjoy a piece of cake at your wedding. I know you are busy dancing and socializing with all your guests. But it would be a shame to miss out on something you put so much time into planning. And hey, if you remember, save a piece for me.
Early wedding cake traditions date all the way back to the Romans. The groom would eat part of a loaf of barley cake and break the rest over the head of the bride as a symbol of fruitfulness and good fortune. As time passed, icing was used to keep the cake moist, and the custom gradually fell out of practice. Over time this tradition evolved into the wedding cake we use today.
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task. It is no wonder that the wedding cake is often left as one of the final details the bride and groom decide on. It can, however, be one of the most enjoyable tasks. Even the most planning-reluctant groom can usually be persuaded to attend a cake tasting. After all, what’s not to love about an afternoon of free cake samples from the best bakery in town?
There seems to a trend of wedding cakes becoming more thought out and incorporated closely into the theme of a wedding. Bakeries are able to make complex creations that were impossible not too long ago, and couples are taking advantage of this. They are asking for intricate designs, asymmetrical shapes, and unique touches to make their cake stand out.
And no longer is it expected that the cake will be all one flavor. Many couples are using a different flavor for each tier. Mocha cake with coffee mousse, almond cake with cherry filling, lemon cake with blueberry filling, white cake with white chocolate and caramel mousse, the options are endless! The only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. (And maybe your wallet.)
If you are planning a wedding, start giving some thought to your cake. Go to the library or book store and get a book of wedding cake designs. Go online and search through the hundreds of pages of sample cakes. Once you have a basic idea in mind, call your favorite bakery and make an appointment for a tasting. Have them prepare several different flavors for you to try. While you are there, not only taste the cake but make sure they can accommodate the design you want. If you still aren’t quite sure what you want they may even be able to help you decide.
Most importantly make sure to enjoy a piece of cake at your wedding. I know you are busy dancing and socializing with all your guests. But it would be a shame to miss out on something you put so much time into planning. And hey, if you remember, save a piece for me.
Bridal Expo Mania
Fall has arrived. The kids are back in school, the evenings are cooler, and the trees are changing color. But there is another phenomenon that happens this time of year: The Bridal Expo. If you are planning a wedding or even considering getting married you may be tempted to attend one or more of these expos. You probably won’t have trouble finding friends and family members to tag along either. After all, where else can you watch a live bridal fashion show, listen to string quartets, enjoy delicious cake samples, and collect enough free information to fill a giant gift bag?
Attending a bridal expo can be fun for anyone, but if you are serious about collecting information for your upcoming wedding, here are a few tips to help you get the most out the experience.
Register. When you enter the door to the show there will be a place for you to register. By registering you will be eligible to win door prizes. Your contact information will also be distributed to all the vendors at the show. Many of them will mail you information or special deals after the show is over.
Gather as much information as possible. Even if you don’t think you will need a particular vendor’s services, it doesn’t hurt to take their literature. You may need to find a last-minute replacement or suddenly realize you can’t live without a videographer.
Don’t hesitate to talk to the vendors. The literature they have available probably will not answer all you questions. For example, prices are seldom listed on flyers. If you are even mildly interested in a vendor’s services, strike up a conversation with them. Ask lots of questions and get a feel for their personality.
Bring a friend or relative. Spending several hours at a bridal expo by yourself can be dreadful. Bringing someone with you will help the time pass quickly and lighten the mood a little. Also, your guest might ask questions that you didn’t think of.
See the fashion show. Even though the designer dresses may be out of your price range, seeing them on the models could help you decide which type of style you like. The fashion show will also include bridesmaid and parent outfits, which are sometimes even harder to decide on than a wedding gown.
Bring a notebook. There is no way you will be able to remember everything that the vendors tell you and all the ideas that you like. Write down anything that you think you may want to refer to in the future, especially price quotes.
Follow these tips and you will be sure to get your time and money’s worth out of any bridal expo. You may even find yourself spending every weekend at one. But don’t burn yourself out too early. Because as soon as the fall bridal expo season is over, the spring one is right around the corner.
Attending a bridal expo can be fun for anyone, but if you are serious about collecting information for your upcoming wedding, here are a few tips to help you get the most out the experience.
Register. When you enter the door to the show there will be a place for you to register. By registering you will be eligible to win door prizes. Your contact information will also be distributed to all the vendors at the show. Many of them will mail you information or special deals after the show is over.
Gather as much information as possible. Even if you don’t think you will need a particular vendor’s services, it doesn’t hurt to take their literature. You may need to find a last-minute replacement or suddenly realize you can’t live without a videographer.
Don’t hesitate to talk to the vendors. The literature they have available probably will not answer all you questions. For example, prices are seldom listed on flyers. If you are even mildly interested in a vendor’s services, strike up a conversation with them. Ask lots of questions and get a feel for their personality.
Bring a friend or relative. Spending several hours at a bridal expo by yourself can be dreadful. Bringing someone with you will help the time pass quickly and lighten the mood a little. Also, your guest might ask questions that you didn’t think of.
See the fashion show. Even though the designer dresses may be out of your price range, seeing them on the models could help you decide which type of style you like. The fashion show will also include bridesmaid and parent outfits, which are sometimes even harder to decide on than a wedding gown.
Bring a notebook. There is no way you will be able to remember everything that the vendors tell you and all the ideas that you like. Write down anything that you think you may want to refer to in the future, especially price quotes.
Follow these tips and you will be sure to get your time and money’s worth out of any bridal expo. You may even find yourself spending every weekend at one. But don’t burn yourself out too early. Because as soon as the fall bridal expo season is over, the spring one is right around the corner.
I’m Engaged! So now what?
You just got engaged to the love of your life. You’re happy, excited, thrilled! Until you realize that now you have to plan a wedding. Suddenly fear takes hold, your face pales and your stomach twists into a giant knot. Let’s face it; planning a wedding is not easy. And all too often a time that should be filled with love and merriment turns into a stressful, chaotic planning frenzy that leaves you wondering why you didn’t just go and elope.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? First of all, take a deep breath. You can do this. You just need to take it one step at a time. To begin there are a couple of key questions that you need to answer. Take your time, discuss them in depth with your fiancé and anyone else who will be involved in the planning, and make sure you are completely happy with your decisions. Once you do that, the rest of the planning becomes a lot easier.
The first thing you should decide is the type of wedding you want to have. Do you want it to be large or small? Traditional or contemporary? Formal or informal? Religious or civil? Do you want to have it in a church, hall, tent, or a totally unique location? You don’t have to write out the guest list or decide on a specific place just yet, but you should have some general parameters in mind.
Next you need to come up with a budget. You are probably thinking to yourself, “A budget won’t help me because thing are going to cost what they cost.” This is not true! There can be a huge price range for services you will need. Without a budget you won’t know if you should go with the basic $1,000 photography package or spring for the super $3,500 one. Also, things tend to add up really fast. You don’t want to open your credit card bill one day and realize you need to take out a second mortgage. A budget will help keep you on track.
Finally you should give some thought to the date. The time of year, day of the week, and time of day are all important factors. You may decide that the day is the most important thing and make that the basis of your planning. Or you may think that the location is more important and once you pick one you will then chose from their available days. Either way is fine; it’s just a matter of what is most important to you.
Once you make these decisions you should start to feel better about the entire process. If not you may want to consider hiring a Professional Bridal Consultant™ to help you. He or she can help guide you and give you some piece of mind. At the very least you should invest in a good planning book. Two of my favorites are “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette” and “Wedding Planning for Dummies.” And of course I will be here along the way to answer your questions. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? First of all, take a deep breath. You can do this. You just need to take it one step at a time. To begin there are a couple of key questions that you need to answer. Take your time, discuss them in depth with your fiancé and anyone else who will be involved in the planning, and make sure you are completely happy with your decisions. Once you do that, the rest of the planning becomes a lot easier.
The first thing you should decide is the type of wedding you want to have. Do you want it to be large or small? Traditional or contemporary? Formal or informal? Religious or civil? Do you want to have it in a church, hall, tent, or a totally unique location? You don’t have to write out the guest list or decide on a specific place just yet, but you should have some general parameters in mind.
Next you need to come up with a budget. You are probably thinking to yourself, “A budget won’t help me because thing are going to cost what they cost.” This is not true! There can be a huge price range for services you will need. Without a budget you won’t know if you should go with the basic $1,000 photography package or spring for the super $3,500 one. Also, things tend to add up really fast. You don’t want to open your credit card bill one day and realize you need to take out a second mortgage. A budget will help keep you on track.
Finally you should give some thought to the date. The time of year, day of the week, and time of day are all important factors. You may decide that the day is the most important thing and make that the basis of your planning. Or you may think that the location is more important and once you pick one you will then chose from their available days. Either way is fine; it’s just a matter of what is most important to you.
Once you make these decisions you should start to feel better about the entire process. If not you may want to consider hiring a Professional Bridal Consultant™ to help you. He or she can help guide you and give you some piece of mind. At the very least you should invest in a good planning book. Two of my favorites are “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette” and “Wedding Planning for Dummies.” And of course I will be here along the way to answer your questions. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
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