Wedding Planning
The first question that I ask couples looking for a reception site is all about the feel and personality of their wedding. Your reception site should fit the theme and character of your wedding. If you have always dreamed of having a grand reception inside an elaborate ballroom, then your site selection should match that…
Read MoreSomething special and a lot of fun at the wedding ceremony is the release of live butterflies. On your special day your guest will enjoy the flutter of these creatures as they emerge from their release boxes. Some of the butterflies will land on the guests and some will head for any white flower, because…
Read MoreWe can all learn from one another, and we recently asked a number of brides who were just married to tell us just one thing they would share with other brides-to-be. Here’s what they had to say: The best advice I can give is to ask your groom to help write the thank you…
Read MoreAll bridal couples have certain expectations from wedding professionals that are a given such as the caterers will provide great food that is at the right temperature and properly cooked, the flowers will be fresh and as requested, and the DJ will play all the preferred songs. However what do you do if the food…
Read MoreDO WEDDING CRASHERS REALLY EXIST? Yes – it really does happen! Wedding Crashers! I know this because I’ve seen it. In fact, as you review your photos after the wedding and if you find one or two people who keep showing up in your reception photos who you can’t account for, you probably had…
Read MoreIt’s almost time for the big day. As the wedding draws closer you will need to finalize all of the details with each vendor and each member of the Wedding Party. (You have all the information right there in your binder!) Talk with the wedding party and family and ask them to help with specific…
Read MoreThere is just one tip that has worked for many brides. Back in college or high school we kept a notebook for each subject we studied. Generally this notebook had pockets for handouts and other material. Do the same for your wedding. Get a 3 ring binder with some dividers, and if possible, some pocket…
Read MoreIt’s now time to set a timeline for tasks that need to be completed. You know your priorities, you have a budget and you know where the funds will come from. If you have a one year engagement, the pressure to make decisions quickly is not a factor. However, if you have less than six…
Read MoreLots of brides have contacted us to assist them in their plans for their wedding day and interesting enough, when I ask a bride, “What are your top priorities with regard to your wedding?” and “What money has been budgeted for that portion?”, those questions stop most of them right then and there, or I…
Read MoreMany of us pet parents feel that our pets are an integral part of our lives, and therefore want to include them in this wonderful day. At my son’s wedding, his dog was his “Best Man”. And with some couples, the pet was a huge part of what brought them together in the first place….
Read MoreMany couples are choosing a small wedding as it can be far more intimate than a traditional large wedding and let’s face it a small wedding can generally be within the reach of most people’s budget. Inviting just a few close friends and immediate family members will allow you to choose options that might…
Read MoreNow that you have announced your coming nuptials, one of the things you should decide is what role or part will your Mother play in planning this wedding. Some Mothers are “the” wedding planner, others are simply a participant, and then there is that role somewhere between the two opposites. This discussion with your Mother…
Read MoreMore and more I see brides opting not to hire a wedding planner. Budgets influence that choice many times, and other times, brides feel that they can easily handle the task themselves. However, let’s face it, as a bride, you will probably only experience a wedding once in your life. I’ve participated in a plethora…
Read MoreMost of us have very limited knowledge when it comes to videography. Sure, it’s now on many newer digital cameras, but how much do we really know when it’s time to hire a professional. Yes, do ask the standard questions like how long will you be there and how many locations will you cover. But…
Read MoreGuys have it easy when they get married…life goes on. Us ladies on the other hand – well! First off, we have a choice whether to keep our maiden name, take our husband’s name, or perhaps, like some, hyphenate our name and his name. Some women choose to keep their maiden name for professional reasons,…
Read MoreWedding Professionals tell me that sometimes trying to figure out what brides really want is like learning to dance with two left feet. Extremely difficult because many times the bride herself doesn’t know. A bride will say that she wants an elegant, outdoor venue, on a lake with a candlelight ceremony, and then after an…
Read MoreI’ve seen a fairly large number of weddings, and I can guarantee you that there has never been a perfect wedding. Here are seven things you might want to put on your checklist when you are planning your big day. Don’t forget the marriage license. Yes, it’s true. It happens and it happens quite often….
Read MoreFor those who studied French we all know the meaning of R.S.V.P. But more importantly then knowing what R.S.V.P. means (respond please) is understanding the importance of the R.S.V.P. as a part of the wedding planning process. With your invitations you should always include an R.S.V.P. Wedding etiquette generally includes a return card that should…
Read MoreAre you aware that almost one in four brides plans a destination wedding? It’s a trend that has been growing for the past 15 years, and probably will continue to get bigger. Couples plan a destination wedding not necessarily to keep the budget down, but to spend money on the people that matter the…
Read MoreThere is no such thing as the perfect wedding. However, if you plan your wedding right you will be able to really enjoy the day. What’s your heart’s desire? – a big church wedding, a beautiful sunset wedding, a fabulous banquet to dance the night away? Don’t listen to your parents, your friends, or co-workers…
Read MoreOkay, I’m going to sound off on a pet peeve. I made several calls today to bridal shops, and one of the larger chains here in town has a Voice System. The voice mail gave me four options, call for directions & hours – didn’t need that, call for alterations – didn’t need that, call…
Read MoreFor those of you who have not been involved in the wedding scene recently, many brides today decide to do a First Look. The First Look, which occurs just prior to the wedding, is where the bride and groom see each other. It gives them a private time to share their feelings, perhaps cry, and…
Read MoreDo you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding? While I personally love a beautiful outdoor wedding there are many considerations that need to be made before moving forward with that event. First and foremost, you need to consider the weather. Will it be hot? What about the possibility of rain? What other elements…
Read MoreYou’ve been planning for months – maybe years? That day is soon here. Below is a quick checklist that should cover most of the items that you must be sure you have for the day to go smoothly. BRIDE: 1. Gown & Veil 2. Shoes, Hosiery, Undergarments 3. Something Old, Borrowed, New and Blue…
Read MoreMost weddings consist of ceremony, picture taking, and reception. However, a new trend which is quickly catching on is the After Party. Many couples are choosing to continue to celebrate the special day with an After Party. And this After Party many times ends up being one of their favorite parts of the day. It…
Read MoreEvery bride needs some practical advice for relieving wedding stress. You won’t feel overwhelmed if you follow these simply seven steps: Lists are your best friends! This is the biggest party that you probably will ever plan so there will be hundreds of details, and more details. The beauty of lists, spreadsheets, budgets, and timelines…
Read MoreBrides tell me that one of the most challenging parts of a wedding is the guest list. From experience, I suggest strongly that before you announce your wedding to everyone, you and your groom develop some simple guidelines about inviting guests – or be prepared to suffer the consequences. For instance, your excitement of the moment…
Read MoreDid you know that rain on your wedding day means good luck? Take the weather in stride and add a bold, fun umbrella and make it a fashion statement. I recently came across these fabulous umbrellas at a local store called Pure by Jen located in Wildwood. And while you’re at it, if it’s extremely…
Read MoreIf you are trying to keep the cost of your wedding reception in line, here are a few tips to reduce the alcohol expense at your reception. This is a big chunk of the reception expense, and while you want your guests to have a good time, there’s no need to break the bank. One of the…
Read MoreHere’s a great link to determine when the sun will set on any particular date. Go to: http://www.timeanddate.com Plan your wedding and know EXACTLY when the SUN WILL SET.
Read MoreSaying “I DO” can be a budget buster. Here are some additional tips and hints to save on your celebration: Keep the wedding guest list under 100. Limit the wedding party – keep it small. This cuts down on the cost of attendant bouquets and gifts to each member in the wedding party. Consider having…
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