I have something I need to say that I just can’t hold back any longer. Ready? Here it is: I love an outdoor wedding. I don’t just like them; no, I LOVE them! In the many years I have been working as a Professional Bridal Consultant I have helped plan and manage countless outdoor weddings. And the thing I like best about them is that each one is completely different from the last.
I have handled wedding in locations such as back yards, public parks, private camps, college campuses, mountaintops, and yachts. Each of these settings offered its own unique backdrop for the couple’s big day. One back yard had a huge made-made pond with a waterfall, and the small bridge that spanned the fall was the perfect place for an elegant ceremony. A small grove among towering trees at a day camp was a beautiful natural setting for another wedding. The top deck of a small yacht provided guests with a 360-degree view of the Boston Harbor during one summer union. No cookie-cutter weddings here!
I should point out that outside affairs present a variety of obstacles that are not an issue for traditional inside weddings. You’ve got the weather, bugs, and “nature” to contend with. There is also the challenge of buying or renting everything you need for a wedding and setting it up on your blank canvas. You wouldn’t have to worry about supplying a tent, tables, chairs, lighting, and even electricity if you were getting married in a church or banquet room. But the extra work is all worth it if you are able to tie the knot surrounded by earthly beauty in a location that has special meaning to you.
So as you start your wedding planning and begin to think about possible locations, don’t restrict yourself to halls and restaurants. You can create the perfect place almost anywhere you chose. Think about the beach where you love to spend summers, the huge flower garden in your grandma’s back yard, or the vineyard where you and fiancé spent your first vacation. And when people ask you why you’re going through so much extra trouble when you could simply have your wedding at a nearby banquet hall, tell them it’s because “I love an outdoor wedding!”
If you are getting married in the Western Massachusetts area and would like some suggestions for local outdoor locations just drop me a line. I’m happy to share with you some of my favorite outdoor wedding spots. Remember, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Weddings: Cut The Costs But Not The Class
By: Elizabeth Corridan
BELCHERTOWN, Mass (abc40)-- It's supposed to be the most beautiful day in a couple's life, but a wedding can easily be the most expensive. The quickest way to get in over your head when it comes to planning a your big day is to start planning without a budget.
Wedding planner Lisa Watts says while the economy is not keeping people from getting married, it is changing how they do it. Watts says, " The size of the wedding is going down, people are having fewer guests, and making it more intimate as they look to save money."
Watts recommends creating a wedding budget spreadsheet or finding one online. Then it's time to start allocating your funds. Keep in mind, it's all about what's important to you. If you want your wedding to be the party of the century, then spend a little more on a fabulous DJ or a band. Then cut back somewhere else.
When it comes to cutting back, think about doing it yourself. You can easily print professional quality invitations on your home computer. Also, think about
hosting your wedding at a non-traditional time, either during the winter or on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. Keep in mind, lunch or brunch will likely cost less than dinner.
One of the biggest wedding busters is flowers. Centerpieces can easily eat up a huge portion of your funds. Opt instead for arrangements that do not use flowers. Low bowls with candles and mirrors can create an inexpensive yet elegant table accent.
BELCHERTOWN, Mass (abc40)-- It's supposed to be the most beautiful day in a couple's life, but a wedding can easily be the most expensive. The quickest way to get in over your head when it comes to planning a your big day is to start planning without a budget.
Wedding planner Lisa Watts says while the economy is not keeping people from getting married, it is changing how they do it. Watts says, " The size of the wedding is going down, people are having fewer guests, and making it more intimate as they look to save money."
Watts recommends creating a wedding budget spreadsheet or finding one online. Then it's time to start allocating your funds. Keep in mind, it's all about what's important to you. If you want your wedding to be the party of the century, then spend a little more on a fabulous DJ or a band. Then cut back somewhere else.
When it comes to cutting back, think about doing it yourself. You can easily print professional quality invitations on your home computer. Also, think about
hosting your wedding at a non-traditional time, either during the winter or on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. Keep in mind, lunch or brunch will likely cost less than dinner.
One of the biggest wedding busters is flowers. Centerpieces can easily eat up a huge portion of your funds. Opt instead for arrangements that do not use flowers. Low bowls with candles and mirrors can create an inexpensive yet elegant table accent.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Have a Trendy New Year!
The New Year is upon us and that means it is time to take a look at some of the upcoming wedding trends for 2009. If you consider yourself a hip bride and want your wedding to reflect that then you may want to incorporate as many of these suggestions as possible. Even those of you who are a little more traditional may find an idea or two that appeal to you. This year’s trends are all about keeping things fun and affordable. No one can go wrong with that combination!
1. Rustic homespun details – A rustic wedding offers your guests the warm feelings of handmade simplicity and charm. You can achieve this feel by incorporating nature and texture into your wedding. Consider adding touches such as birch and pinecones throughout your décor. Other elements that can add to this look include fruit, vegetables, leaves, baskets, and lanterns.
2. Bright colors – This year’s palate is all about bright colors, especially jewel tones. Soft muted colors are taking a backseat to rich blues, royal purple, fuchsia, and amber.
3. Grey – Grey is the new black. This versatile color, whether it is light grey, steel, gunmetal or brushed silver, is the neutral of choice. And it compliments this year’s bright color palette extremely well. Muted shades of gray can bring a cool, classic feel and offset brighter, more daring accents.
4. Vintage looks – Having a vintage-inspired wedding is a great way to add some style without adding a lot of cost. Look for vintage-inspired wedding gowns with halter necklines, plunging necklines, strapless gowns, antique lace, and satin ribbons for straps. The 1920’s look will be especially hot this year.
5. Two looks – Many brides will be changing out of their wedding gowns and changing their hairstyles at their reception this year. Consider getting a short dress for after the wedding. It’s perfect for those brides who want a gorgeous but mobile second gown to get down and boogie the night away.
6. 2-tiered cakes – Small 2-tiered cakes are taking over cupcake trend of last year. Get creative and order several small cakes and put them on each table as a centerpiece. Or set up a table of tiny wedding cakes mixed with other desserts. Having one simple 2-tiered cake and several back-up sheet cakes is also an easy way to save money.
7. Monogramming – Once very popular, monogramming is coming back into invitations, lighting design, ice sculptures, and dinner plates. Many brides are using their initials to set the tone and design of their day. The look works particularly well in complimenting a vintage-style wedding.
8. Spending within your means – Results from recent surveys by The Wedding Report show that 62% of couples are cutting their wedding budgets by an average 32%. This is reflected in choices that bridal couples are making, such as: smaller weddings with fewer guests; increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services; simplified decorations, centerpieces and wedding invitations; off-peak weddings (mornings, afternoons, Fridays, Sundays); dessert, hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions.
Do you know of any other trends that will be big this Year? If so, I’d love to hear about them! And remember, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
1. Rustic homespun details – A rustic wedding offers your guests the warm feelings of handmade simplicity and charm. You can achieve this feel by incorporating nature and texture into your wedding. Consider adding touches such as birch and pinecones throughout your décor. Other elements that can add to this look include fruit, vegetables, leaves, baskets, and lanterns.
2. Bright colors – This year’s palate is all about bright colors, especially jewel tones. Soft muted colors are taking a backseat to rich blues, royal purple, fuchsia, and amber.
3. Grey – Grey is the new black. This versatile color, whether it is light grey, steel, gunmetal or brushed silver, is the neutral of choice. And it compliments this year’s bright color palette extremely well. Muted shades of gray can bring a cool, classic feel and offset brighter, more daring accents.
4. Vintage looks – Having a vintage-inspired wedding is a great way to add some style without adding a lot of cost. Look for vintage-inspired wedding gowns with halter necklines, plunging necklines, strapless gowns, antique lace, and satin ribbons for straps. The 1920’s look will be especially hot this year.
5. Two looks – Many brides will be changing out of their wedding gowns and changing their hairstyles at their reception this year. Consider getting a short dress for after the wedding. It’s perfect for those brides who want a gorgeous but mobile second gown to get down and boogie the night away.
6. 2-tiered cakes – Small 2-tiered cakes are taking over cupcake trend of last year. Get creative and order several small cakes and put them on each table as a centerpiece. Or set up a table of tiny wedding cakes mixed with other desserts. Having one simple 2-tiered cake and several back-up sheet cakes is also an easy way to save money.
7. Monogramming – Once very popular, monogramming is coming back into invitations, lighting design, ice sculptures, and dinner plates. Many brides are using their initials to set the tone and design of their day. The look works particularly well in complimenting a vintage-style wedding.
8. Spending within your means – Results from recent surveys by The Wedding Report show that 62% of couples are cutting their wedding budgets by an average 32%. This is reflected in choices that bridal couples are making, such as: smaller weddings with fewer guests; increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services; simplified decorations, centerpieces and wedding invitations; off-peak weddings (mornings, afternoons, Fridays, Sundays); dessert, hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions.
Do you know of any other trends that will be big this Year? If so, I’d love to hear about them! And remember, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
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