Wedding Planning

Working Together with Mother Nature

2009-06-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

I’m going to tackle one of my favorite topics again…outside weddings! I’ve told you before that I love everything about them, especially their beauty and uniqueness. An outside wedding can be whatever you want it to be, the options are endless. But there are some challenges that planning an outside wedding can present. So to make your life a little bit easier I am going list the most common “problems” with planning an outside wedding and suggest simple ways to handle them. I have also included a few ideas that you can use to work with nature and guarantee the gorgeous outdoor wedding you’ve always wanted.

Beverages – It is a nice idea to offer water or lemonade available before the ceremony. Since alcohol is dehydrating, serve a variety of lemonades, teas and punches at the bar. Be sure to have plenty of ice on hand.

Bugs – Consider spraying the grounds for bugs and use citronella candles. Have bug spray handy for guests.

Cake – Do not use butter cream frosting or it may melt; use fondant or marzipan instead.

Candles – If you decide to you candles, cover them with hurricane glasses so that the wind doesn’t blow them out.

Chairs – Do not have your guest sit in metal chairs in the hot sun.

Cold - Consider renting a tent heater to keep your guest comfortable. Putting down the sides on your tent will keep the heat in. In cool weather have your bridesmaids wear wraps or shrugs.

Décor - You may want to consider including an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows. Strings of lights or lanterns in the trees, luminaries, and torches all make beautiful outdoor decoration.

Electricity – Make sure there is electricity available for sound systems, fans, and lighting.

Flowers – Leave your centerpieces inside until the last minute so they don’t wilt on a hot day.

Food – Don’t use mayo or perishable ingredients in food that will be sitting out.

Ground - Make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed at your wedding site.

Heat – Consider making your programs in the shape of fans. Consider renting an air conditioner or fans to keep your guests comfortable. Upgrade to a deodorant that has Aluminum Chloride to prevent sweating.

Noise- Use a sound system with clip mikes for the bride and groom so that guests can hear your vows over traffic or other noises.

Parking – Consider having valets to help with parking or renting a shuttle to transport guests from nearby hotels.

Permit - Don't forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to find out if you need a permit for an outdoor wedding.

Rain – Have a weatherproof tent and reserve sidewalls and covered walkways in case of rain.

Restrooms – If you wedding is at a private home, reserve portable restrooms; you do NOT want 100+ guest all using the indoor plumbing.

Wind – Secure your seating cards so they don’t blow away. Add tiny weights to your veil to keep it from flying around.

Shoes – Don’t wear thin heals down the aisle or you will sink into the grass.

Sun – For a sunset wedding, make sure guests face away from the sun. Have plenty of sunscreen handy (sunscreen wipes are a good option). Parasols are thoughtful for guest to use during the ceremony.

Themes – Themes that lend themselves easily to an outdoor wedding include beach, fall harvest, garden, rustic country, vineyard, and western.

If you’re planning an outside wedding and have a specific question about it, please feel free to send me a note. I’m more than happy to help, because from “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

Budget? What Budget?

2009-06-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

I don’t need to tell you that weddings cost a lot of money. The food, flowers, and entertainment alone can leave your wallet feeling empty and your bank account drained. You need to keep a close watch on your expenses throughout the planning or you are likely to spend much more than you anticipated. This is especially important in today’s tough economy. As a wedding planner, the first thing I do when I sit down with a bridal couple is put together a budget. It doesn’t matter if your budget is $5,000 or $50,000, you should still sit down and map out your projected expenses. Then keep track of your actual expenses and compare them with your estimates. Each line item may not match up exactly, but if your bottom line is the same then you and your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief.

How much exactly should you plan on spending on each wedding category? This is going to vary depending on what is most important to you. If you are the type of person that will spend hours pouring over your wedding photos, then you should spend a little more on a great photographer. If you want to dance the night away with all your friends, an excellent DJ or rocking band would be worth the investment. Of course by spending more on one item, you will need to spend slightly less on another thing. It is all about priorities, so decide what yours are. You should work on this step as a couple; you don’t want to have a “spat” with your fiancé because you decided to use 50% of your budget on a designer dress. You can use the percentages I’ve listed here as a starting point.

Your reception will eat up the bulk of your wedding budget. You should designate around 45% of your total budget for this post-nuptial celebration. This figure includes the site fee, rental items (including a tent if your reception is outdoors), food, drinks, wedding cake, and décor. Next, consider designating 12.5% of your budget to hiring a Professional Bridal Consultant. This percentage might be a little higher if you want help with the majority of the planning. It could be a little less if you just want wedding day management. About 8% of your budget should go to the bride’s attire, including dress, veil, shoes, undergarments, jewelry, hair, and makeup. Another 8% is for photography and/or videography. Music and flowers should account for approximately 7% each. Use 4% for invitations and other stationary and 2.5% for wedding bands. These figures leave 6% available for miscellaneous costs such as transportation, the groom’s attire, gifts, accessories, the ceremony fees, and tips.

Once you have a rough outline for your budget it is a good idea to plug the figures into a budget worksheet. Check out the ones at TheKnot.com and also MarthaStewartWeddings.com. I have one I made myself that works well. If you’d like me to send you a copy, just drop me a note. Once your budget is together you can move on to the more exciting aspects of planning your wedding. And you won’t go into debt doing it!

From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you. See you next time!

You are Cordially Invited...

2009-05-26T06:50:00.001-07:00

You’re getting married! You’ve set a date and reserved the location for your big day. Now it’s time to select the invitations. So you head to the local stationary store (or go online to a virtual one) and spend hours poring through books of invitation samples. Finally, you find the perfect one. You are happy and relieved, but when you go to place your order you see a list of over a dozen components that you can include with the invitation. You have no idea which ones you need. You don’t even really know what half of them are. If you are at a small stationary store, the staff can probably help you figure it out. But if you are at a large chain store or on your computer you may not have any help decoding these invitation “extras”. What’s a bride to do? Don’t worry; I’m here to help! Here is a quick rundown of what these components are and why you may (or may not) need them.

Ceremony Invitation – This is the most important piece of the invitation puzzle. It invites the guests to come to the wedding ceremony and informs them who is hosting the wedding, the name of bride and groom, and the ceremony location, time and date.

Reception Invitation – A separate invitation to the reception may be included if it is at a different locations than the ceremony. It includes the reception location, time and date. Often times the ceremony and reception information are included on the same invitation, so don’t feel like you need to have both.

Response Card – This is a small card for guests to mail back to the bridal couple so they know how many people are attending. If there is a meal choice, it is usually listed on this card as well.

Self-address Envelope – This small envelope is to mail back the response card. It should always be pre-addressed and stamped.

Inner Envelope – This is an unsealed envelope that contains the invitation and all other enclosures. It is usually lined in the colored paper of your choice. The name of the guest(s) should be hand-written on the front.

Outer Envelope – The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope. The outer envelope has the name and address of the guest, as well as a return address.

Admission Cards – These may need to be included if the wedding takes place at a location that normally charges admission. It will allow the guest inside for free.

Map or Directions Card – This card provides a map and/or directions to the ceremony location. If the reception is at a different location, ushers should give out these directions at the ceremony or directions can be included in the wedding program.

“Within the ribbon” or Pew Card – This card lets immediate family members know they will be seated within the first few pews or rows at the wedding ceremony.

These are the most common components to wedding invitations. There are a few others that are used less often. These include “At-home Cards” that lets guests know the couple’s new address; “Name Cards” that lets the guests know if the bride will be keeping her maiden name, taking the groom’s name, or using a hyphenated name; and “Rain Cards” which let guest know about the contingency plan for an outdoor wedding.

Now get yourself back online or to that stationary store and order your invitations with confidence! And remember, from “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

The Little People

2009-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Let’s say you’re putting together your wedding guest list. You start address the one for your sister and brother-in-law when it dawns on you that they have four kids. Oh yes, your adorable little nieces and nephews, how could you forget? Well you have to invite them, don’t you? But wait a minute; your best friend has two children and your boss has three. Do you have to invite them as well? Honestly the decision is yours. But it is definitely one you are going to have to make, because even if you don’t specifically include the children’s names on the invitations, you will have some guests who will ask you if it is alright to bring them. In the end many couples decide they would like to invite the children closest to them. You may even consider having children in your wedding party. So if you do decide to involve children in your big day, here are some tips and suggestions to help things go as smoothly as possible:

Children as Guests
• Make sure your wedding venue has highchairs and changing tables to accommodate young children.
• Children are picky eaters, so make sure there is a kid-friendly alternative to your chosen adult meal.
• Consider seating older children at their own table. Cover the table with white paper and put out crayons and stickers so they can decorate it.
• Give each child a goody bag containing items such as activity books, small puzzles, and some candy.
• Get the photographer to take a photo of all the children together early in the day before they get cranky.
• Hire someone to entertain the children, such as a magician or clown.
• If your wedding is outside you can rent a bounce house to keep the children busy.
• Have an attendant organize a treasure hunt for your young guests.
• Have a special room for the children to play in. Stock it with a crib, VCR, and many crafts and activities.
• Consider hiring a babysitter to keep an eye on the children so their parents can enjoy themselves.

Children in the Wedding Party
• Try to have your wedding ceremony early in the day, because as the evening progresses children tend to become cranky.
• Make sure the children you want to have in your wedding party have the right personality for the job. If they are hyperactive or very shy, they may not be the best choice.
• Make sure you dress the children as comfortably as possible so they are not pulling at their clothing or complaining that their feet hurt.
• Do not give your real wedding bands to the ring bearer. Buy inexpensive costume jewelry to attach to the pillow, and give your real bands to the best man and/or maid of honor.
• Choose an attendant to be in charge of the children in the wedding party. Do not make it your best man or maid of honor because they have other responsibilities to attend to.
• At the rehearsal, have the children practice their job more than once or twice. The more comfortable they are with what they have to do, the more likely it is that everything will go smoothly during the actual ceremony.
• Make sure they know where their parents will be sitting during the ceremony. You may even want to let small children take a seat next to their parents after the procession.
• Besides being a ring bearer or flower girl, good jobs for children include reading a poem, handing out programs or flowers to guests, being in charge of the guest book, and giving out favors.

Have a specific question about including children in your wedding? Send me a note, because from “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

Rain on your Wedding Day

2009-04-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

It’s spring! In many parts of the country that means lots and lots of rain. After all, we need those April showers to bring May flowers. If you are planning on getting married in the spring though, you may not be so keen of the idea of having your big day be wet and gray. Most brides hope the day will bring cloudless skies and bright sunshine. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about Mother Nature. So if your wedding day forecast calls for rain you may wonder how it is going to affect your special day. There are, in fact, many different beliefs about what it means when it rains on your wedding day. Here are a few of the most common:

Many cultures believe that rain on your wedding day is good luck. In the Hindu tradition rain on the wedding day is considered lucky, as it is believed to foretell a strong marriage. The logic behind this belief is that a wet knot is more difficult to untie. (Getting married is often referred to as “tying the knot.”) So if it rains on your wedding day you will have a long, happy marriage.

Rain is also believed to be a symbol of fortune and abundance, which falls generously on the bride and groom. It brings good wishes and washes away all the couple’s troubles and woes. It also means you will be blessed with fertility and have many children because rain is what replenishes reservoirs and sustains crops.

A more direct interpretation of rain brining luck is the thought that if it rains on your wedding day and everything proceeds smoothly, the marriage will be a success because it shows that you work well together under pressure in the face of obstacles.

A few cultures do not believe that rain on your wedding day is lucky, but quite the opposite. There is an old saying that goes, “Happy is the bride whom the sun shines on.” This goes with hand-in-hand with a popular belief that rain on your wedding day brings unhappiness, bad luck, and tears throughout your married life.

No matter what the weather is on your wedding day keep this in mind: You have a lifetime of sunny and rainy days alike to spend with the one you love throughout your married life. So grab an umbrella and smile! And remember, from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.

The Greatest Gift of All

2009-03-25T12:56:00.001-07:00

Love, right? Well, yes, but what I’m talking about right now is actually the best WEDDING gift of all. This is the question that came to my mind when I was out looking for one for a good friend of mine that is getting married this summer. I was thinking of taking the easy way out; I was my local department store where my friend is registered walking around with the list that the customer service desk printed out for me. The problem was that nothing on the list really caught my eye. It included lots of practical stuff and a few luxury items that were out of my price range. So then I was just thinking about grabbing a gift card. That’s when I stopped myself. This is a good friend of mine and I owe it more to her than to put as little effort as possible into her gift. So what if it takes me more time to put some thought into it and get her and her future husband something that will surprise and please them? She is worth it!

Don’t get me wrong; it is perfectly fine to get someone something from their registry. After all you know they need it and like it. But sometimes you just want to go that extra step. So I decided to get something from the list to give to her at her bridal shower and keep looking for the perfect wedding gift. Guess what? I found it! I’m going to share it with you and a few other items that I think make really great wedding gifts. So the next time a good friend or family member is getting married, you can check this list and use it for a little inspiration. Now put down the toaster!

I’m getting my friend the Vera Wang Wedgwood Invitation Frame (http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=242057&PartnerID=FROOGLE&BannerID=MP675). It’s something she would never splurge on herself but will be a great way to display her wedding invitation and favorite photo.

If you know they enjoy a good drink, consider getting them an expensive bottle of wine or scotch to have on their first anniversary. Not only will they appreciate it when they receive it, but also again when they enjoy it.

Another idea is to get them a gift certificate for a couple’s massage. This is something that they can enjoy together when the stress of everyday life starts to creep into the honeymoon phase.

If you know they don’t have a video camera, you could get them a Flip Video camcorder to take some footage while they are on their honeymoon (http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-Ultra-Camcorder-60-Minutes/dp/B000V1PXMI/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238009567&sr=8-2). It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.

If you also know the couple’s parents, this idea will blow everyone away! Find out what the couples favorite meals were growing up and ask their parents for the recipes. Then compile them at this website (www.tastebook.com) and turn them into a unique cookbook that they can use for years.

Here’s one last idea for you: luxurious matching monogrammed robes and towels for the couple’s home. (It goes her first initial first, the initial of their last name larger in the middle, and his first initial at the end.)

Need more idea for the perfect gift? Ask way! From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

Service Please!

2009-03-11T13:03:00.001-07:00

I love to eat; it’s true. And although I don’t consider myself a foodie, I can appreciate a really good meal just as much as anybody else. I particularly enjoy a good meal when it is eaten during the few moments I have to sit down when working a wedding. It’s a time when I can briefly forget about my sore feet and sit down to a delicious meal I didn’t have to cook myself. Prime rib, baked stuffed chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs; buffet, plated, family style; I don’t care as long as it tastes good.

It’s your big day, and I know you want to please your family and friends with your meal and service selection. After all, it is the presentation and the service that makes fantastic party food different from ordinary food. So this week I am going to share with you the different types of meal service available. Then next time I’ll get into specific suggestions for unique menus that will surprise and amaze even your most culinary inclined guests.

Buffet - A buffet is typically a long table with lavish displays of food. Guests make their way down the line to pick and choose from an a la carte-style menu. Buffets are versatile and work for many cuisine styles. Guests appreciate the variety a buffet offers, and even finicky eaters can find something to nibble on. While this is a less formal service style, a well-planned buffet meal can still be elegant depending on the dishes you serve.

Stations - Stations offer different foods grouped by course, cuisine or a theme at individual tables spaced throughout the reception area. People can sample a variety of different foods, and it allows guests to socialize as they move around the room. Stations can be self-served like a buffet, but chef-manned stations add more sizzle to the party.

Family Style - Family-style service is a casual dining approach. Waiters bring platters and bowls of food to the table for guests to share and pass amongst themselves. People looking to break from a traditional formal reception love the friendly and interactive atmosphere of this service style. Comfort foods are a natural fit for family service.

American or Plated - Plates are assembled in the kitchen and delivered to the table in a parade of courses. Side dishes are used for bread and butter and salad. Plated service offers less variety, so design a meal with broad appeal or offer multiple entrée choices. Be sure to offer foods with a variety of different colors, sizes, flavors and textures.

French - French service is unique in that the final meal preparation takes place tableside. Food is partially prepared in the kitchen and then finished on stands next to the dining table. Servers might mix and dress salads, or carve and sauce meats, and then prepare the plates for serving. The elegance of this style makes guests feel especially pampered.

Russian - Russian service is a seated style that’s highly personal and attentive. Guests feel like honored royalty as waiters bring platters of food to the table and serve them individually. Everything should be easy to serve, and pre-portioned items are always a safe bet. Russian service requires ample table space to keep guests from feeling cramped.

Butler Service - If the traditional sit-down reception isn’t your style, consider a swanky cocktail party with butler service. Food is passed on trays and guests simply help themselves. The unstructured, roaming format makes this style of eating relaxed and fun. Butler service is also ideal for venues where table seating won’t work. Just set up a few standing tables and several clusters of chairs and let your guests move about as they please. Plan on serving a heavy spread of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres so guests will be well fed.

So give some thought to which type of food service fits your wedding style and come back soon to see my menu ideas fit for a queen (or a bride)! From “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

It’s Going to Cost How Much? Part 2

2009-02-25T07:47:00.001-08:00

As promised, here is the second installment of tips to cut back on your wedding costs while still having the day you’ve always imagined!

Display a small wedding cake. Intricate wedding cakes can cost up to $10 a slice. So have your baker make a small display cake and a large sheet cake to feed the guests. It will taste just as good but cost much less.

Use fresh flowers on your cake. Every little squiggle adds significantly to the cost of your wedding cake. You can save a lot of money by using real flowers to decorate your cake instead of ones made with icing.

Choose flowers that are in season. If you decide right from the beginning that you want a certain flower that is not in season when your wedding takes place, the flower bill can skyrocket. During other times of the year flowers can cost 2-3 times the amount they would if they were in season. Ask your florist what will be in season during your wedding.

Choose a color scheme instead of specific flowers. There are a plethora of flowers to fill any color scheme. Your florist can tell you the most affordable options that are available in the colors you want. This way you can avoid paying top dollar for a hard-to-find variety.

Use your ceremony arrangements at the reception. Make your flowers do double-duty. If you are having your ceremony and reception at the same place, this is easy to do. If they are happening at different locations, find someone reliable you know to transport them for you.

Be creative with centerpieces. Large floral centerpieces carry a hefty price tag. Try floating a few flowers in pretty bowls filled halfway with water. Or instead of flowers, use baskets or bowls filled with seasonal fruit.

Hire a DJ instead of a band. Not only do bands cost more than DJs to hire, but you may need to hire numerous musicians to cover all the music you will need throughout your wedding. A DJ can play any variety of music you desire and can even handle your ceremony.

Have one limo drop you off and another pick you up. It may be nice to have the same limo and driver do both, but the meter is running while the driver sits in the parking lot during your wedding. You may be able to save a lot by only having the limo around when you need it.

Rent a town car instead of a limo. If you only have a small wedding party, a town car will do just as well as a limo. Be sure to go through a reputable company that deals mostly with corporate clients and not an airport shuttle company.

Have a friend chauffeur you in your own vehicle. This options works well if your wedding party is supplying their own transportation. A limo is really only necessary if you have a lot of people to transport.

Hire a wedding consultant. You may think that hiring a wedding planner will add to your wedding cost. But a professional consultant can actually save you a lot of money. They know which local vendors have the best prices, can make suggestions on ways to cut costs, and often can acquire flowers, invitations, and other wedding items at wholesale prices. Add this together with the time and frustration they can save you, and you can’t afford not to hire a consultant.

In need of even more money-saving tips? Just drop me a note. Because as always, from “I will” until “I do” I’m here for you.

It's Going to Cost How Much? Part 1

2009-02-11T07:03:00.001-08:00

You’re getting married! It’s the happiest time of your life! You can’t wait until the big day when you get to stand before all your friends and family and declare your love for each other. You know exactly the kind of wedding you want. You can picture everything in your mind: the perfect location, exquisite décor, designer dress, and mouth-watering food. You can even hear the music of the hottest party band. Then you sit down to crunch some numbers, and your head nearly explodes. You realize there is no way you can afford your dream wedding.

Don’t give up! I’ve planned many wedding during my years as an event coordinator, and I’ve learned a plethora of tips and tricks for cutting back on your budget without sacrificing the look and feel you really want. I’m going to share them with you here, in a two-part series. The first thing you should do is take the time to develop a detailed wedding budget. Decide what aspects are most important to you, and spend the bulk of your money on those areas. Then use the ideas below to save money on all of the other parts of your wedding. You’ll still have your dream wedding, but you won’t break the bank doing it.

Have a winter wedding. May through October is when many people chose to have their wedding. By choosing to have yours off-season you may be able to save money on banquet facilities, lodging, and other vendors.

Have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday. Saturday is the most popular day for weddings; so most banquet facilities charge more to have your event then. You can often save a lot by booking on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon.

Limit the number of attendants and guests. By having more attendants you will spend more on clothing, flowers, gifts and transportation. The more guests you have the more you will spend on catering, cake, alcohol, and favors. Invite only those close to you and send announcements to acquaintances.

Look for a dress at sample sales and outlets. You can often find designer gowns for half of what you would normally pay. Be prepared to do a lot of looking however, since most of the dresses you find will only be available in one size.

Don’t assume a buffet will cost less. You won’t have to pay for servers with a buffet, but guests will eat more. The caterer will also want to keep the buffet stocked so it looks nice, but this means you may pay for food that is not eaten.

Serve breakfast, brunch or dinner at your reception. These meals cost much less than a traditional sit-down or buffet dinner. This is a good option if you don’t mind having your reception earlier in the day.

Have a dessert reception. Nowhere is it written that you have to serve a meal at your reception. Serve your wedding cake and a variety of delicious desserts along with champagne. Just make sure you are clear in your invitations so guests don’t come expecting a full meal.

Limit alcohol to beer and wine. By limiting your open bar to beer and wine you will save money on costly mixed drinks. You can also consider offering one signature drink. No one ever complains about free drinks, even if the selection is limited.

Stayed tuned for the next installment of money-saving tips. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.

The Great Outdoors

2009-01-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Weddings: Cut The Costs But Not The Class

2009-01-15T05:46:00.001-08:00

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.

Have a Trendy New Year!

2009-01-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-31T09:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Bridal Emergency Kit

2008-12-10T07:35:00.001-08:00

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.

Music to My Ears

2008-11-12T05:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Let’s Get This Party Started

2008-10-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Think Outside the Vase

2008-10-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Let Them Eat Cake

2008-10-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Bridal Expo Mania

2008-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

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.

I’m Engaged! So now what?

2008-10-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

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.