Tuesday, June 27, 2017

15 Hidden Wedding Costs

Think you've got your wedding budget all figured out? Not so fast! Hidden wedding costs like décor rentals, wedding dress alterations and even cake cutting can quickly send your budget soaring. Here are a few hidden wedding costs to be mindful of when planning your big day.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Check lists - do you have one????

Let's face it, once the excitement of saying YES has worn off, you go into panic mode!  After all, you really have no clue where to start with truly planning the day you have been dreaming of!  Making a simple list will help to keep you on track and quickly secure the vendors of your choosing. 

  • Start with your ceremony site!  Jot down a list of the place or places you have thought of getting married at. 
  • Your going to need a place for your reception!  This list is just as important as your ceremony list.  Think about the distance that will have to be traveled between ceremony and reception by not only you and your new spouse - but your guests as well.  Are there adequate accommodations for your out of town guests nearby.  Will the directions be easy to follow?  Will there be access to transportation for guests that decide they may need it after a fun filled evening celebrating your marriage?
  • What day would you most want to get married?  Pick a month!  Then another one!  If your favorite ceremony site is booked the entire month you picked as your first choice - hopefully they will have something available for your second or third pick!
From there you have all of the other vendors that will fall into place:
  • bridal shops
  • photographer
  • videographer
  • caterer
  • cake/dessert shop
  • florist
  • DJ
  • transportation
  • décor rental
  • AND OF COURSE - ME!  YOUR WEDDING COORDINATOR!  There with you - every step of the way!


Friday, February 3, 2012

Wedding Program Wording

Wedding programs are incredibly unique -- from the layout and embellishments, to the content. Your program should have the same "feel" as the rest of your wedding and should add to the ceremony, not distract from it. That being said, there is no "official guide" to what must be included in your program. This may be used as a guide to what is traditionally included in a program.

ON THE COVER:
* Full Name of the Bride
* Full Name of the Groom
* Wedding Date, Year & Time (the time is optional)
* Wedding Location
* A design or monogram that matches the theme/feel of your wedding. Or you may want to include a picture of you and your fiance

THE WEDDING CEREMONY
* Prelude (you may want to list the music that is played in the prelude, or leave it off)
* Seating of the Grandparents and Mothers (may be two separate items, or together -- usually dictated by if there are 2 songs or one song being played). Include the name of the song and the composer, or the soloist/duet/trio, etc...
* Chiming of the Hour (most brides do not include this, but I listed it in case you will be chiming the hour at your wedding)
* Vocal Solo/Musical Selections
* Processional (include what is being played while the bridal party enters)
* Entrance of the Bride (include what is being played while the bride enters)
* Call to Worship
* Statement of Intent
* Prayer
* Scripture/Poem Reading
* Charge to the Couple
* Exchange of Vows
* Exchange of Rings
* Pronouncement of Marriage
* Lighting of the Unity Candle (include the song that is being sung or played during this)
* Blessing of the Marriage
* Presentation of the Couple
* Recessional (include what is being played during this)
* Postlude
* A brief line inviting guests to the reception

THE WEDDING PARTY
* Officiate (minister, pastor, rabbi, etc.)
* Parents of the Bride
* Parents of the Groom
* Grandparents of the Bride
* Grandparents of the Groom
* Matron(s) of Honor (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Maid(s) of Honor (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Bridesmaid(s) (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Flower Girl(s) (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Best Man (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Groomsmen (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Ring Bearer (may include their relationship and/or city and state)
* Musicians (include their instrument, or list if they were a vocalist or soloist)
* Bell Ringer (if you have one!)
* Registry Attendants (the people who kept the bride's book for you)
* Program Attendants (the people who passed out the programs at the door)
* Reception Attendants (the people who are assisting at your reception)
* Wedding Director
* Wedding Coordinator

OTHER THINGS THAT ARE SOMETIMES INCLUDED:
* Special Thanks (to your guests for coming, your parents for raising you right....etc.)
* Directions to the reception site
* Dedication -- "The candle in the front of the sanctuary burns brightly in loving memory of Mrs. Pearl Smith, grandmother of the bride."
* Your "At Home" Address -- you new address, phone, email...
* A special poem or scripture
* Notes of interest -- for instance "the bride's veil was originally worn by her grandmother in 1935"
* Items explaining customs, special ceremonies, riturals or symbols that were included in your ceremony that your guests may be unfamiliar with (especially for ethnic weddings)
* An brief story about the highlights of your relationship - how you met, the proposal, etc...
* Insert a card and let your guests in on the fun! Ask them to write down their favorite memory about you, their favorite part of your ceremony or some marriage advice on the cards. After the ceremony, you can have a basket set up where they can drop the cards in as they exit.

WHAT TO STAY AWAY FROM:
* Generally, people who are paid for their services are not listed in the program (photographer, florist, bakery, caterer, printer or stationery shop) -- that being said, it's your wedding and if you want to include them, go right ahead.
* Do not mention gifts, money trees, etc...
* Do not over-embellish you programs. Too much ribbon or clipart will take away from the overall effect. Also, just use 2 fonts at most -- one fancy font for the headers and one easy-to-read font for everything else.
* Keep in mind the lighting of the church in regards to the colors you select -- elderly guests, or those with compromised vision may have trouble reading light colored ink.


Courtesy of www.wiregrassweddings.com   

Monday, January 23, 2012

Wedding Invitations

How do I word the invitation if my parents are divorced?
  • If they are divorced and single parents are hosting?
    • List them each separately. You can put them on separate lines to give them equal respect, and if they're not close omit the word "and" joining their names:
    • Mr. Thomas Graft and
      Ms. Mary Weiss
      invite you to join in the celebration of their daughter...

  • If they are divorced and only one parent is hosting?
    • If only one parent is hosting, only that name is necessary: Mr. Thomas Graft
      requests the pleasure of your company at the marriage of his daughter...
  • If they are divorced and remarried?
    • Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Susan Graft
      Mr. & Mrs. Nelson & Mary Weiss
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of their daughter...
  • Or omit formal titles to shorten:
    • Thomas & Susan Graft and Nelson & Mary Weiss
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of their daughter...
  • If they are divorced and remarried, but not close?
    • See above, but omit the "and" joining the two sets of parents (you might decide to do that anyway to make the host line more succinct).

How do I word my invitation if a parent is deceased?
  • Wording can be very hard if a parent is deceased. If it's your mother who is widowed, a traditional approach is:
    • Mrs. James Marshall
      invites you to celebrate the marriage of her daughter...
  • Another option:
    • Joan Evelyn Marshall
      daughter of Jane Marshall
      and the late James Marshall
      request the pleasure of your company...
  • If your parent is widowed and remarried, the following wording works well:
    • Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Brown
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of the daughter of Mrs. Brown
      and the late Thomas Marshall
      Joan Evelyn Marshall
      to
      Adam James Walker...
Should we include the groom's parents on the invitation?
  • In most traditions, if they're not hosting the wedding, you don't need to put their names on the invitation (a key exception is Jewish weddings in which the groom's parents are always honored). That said, it can be a nice gesture of family unity to include them and is essential if they're hosting the wedding.  
  • If the bride's parents are hosting:
    • Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of their daughter
      Joan Evelyn
      to
      Mr. Adam James Walker
      son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Walker...
  • If the groom's parents are hosting:
    • Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Walker
      request the pleasure of your company
      at the marriage of
      Joan Evelyn Marshall
      to their son
      Adam James Walker...
If both sets of parents are hosting:
  • Together with their parents
    Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall
    and
    Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Walker
    Joan Evelyn Marshall
    and
    Adam James Walker
    request the pleasure of your company at their marriage...
  • Or, simply write "Together with their parents" and omit the parents' names.

How do I word my invitation if we're hosting our own wedding?
  • The most popular option is:
    • Together with their parents
      Joan Evelyn Marshall
      and
      Adam James Walker
      request the pleasure of your company
      at their marriage...

Reprinted courtesy of:  www.hellolucky.com

Friday, January 6, 2012

How to pull together your wedding colors!

I have been searching for a great article on helping brides decide on their wedding colors - who would have guessed that The Knot is where I should have started my search.  The color/colors you choose for your wedding help to set the mood for your wedding, and touch every single detail of your wedding day.  I hope the article is as interesting to you as it was for me - and in the end - helps you decide on one of the many important decisions you will be making throughout the course of planning your dream day.  Enjoy!  - Nikki S. Melton


Wedding Styles: Picking Your Wedding Colors

The hottest thing happening at wedding receptions isn't just on the dance floor -- it's on the wedding cake, the invitations, the centerpieces, and even the bride's gown. It's big, bold color. Years ago brides used color to accent their white wedding day decor, but now they're using color to cover every inch of the wedding. We've developed a step-by-step guide on color coordination (from choosing it to decorating with it) to help you dream up a bright wedding day.

Choosing Your Color

First things first: location. When deciding on a scheme, you must consider the reception space or choose a space without decor or color. If you've chosen a country club with navy and maroon Oriental carpets, a color scheme of lime green and hot pink won't work.

Next, become aware of color combinations that you like, whether browsing art galleries or flipping through a stack of fashion magazines. You might be able to narrow down your color choices to a half a dozen. To help you choose the exact hue for your wedding details, visit a local fabric store or paint shop and collect swatches or chips of colors you might want to use. This will help you get specific, so that when you decide on green you'll know if it's lime green, kelly green, sage green, or forest green. If you have access to a Pantone book, use this collection of colors to select your shade the same way graphic designers do. Many invitation designers mix ink to match the colors in this book, and many cake bakers use Pantone numbers as a reference when creating dye for frosting. Can't decide on just one or two colors? Don't worry. In fact, many extraordinary weddings feature a variety of colors, sometimes up to five, that work together to create a specific sensibility -- like an "English garden" with green, yellow, pink, red, and brown, or "Fall in New England" with orange, red, brown, and gold.
The Knot Note: For specifics on choosing your winning color combo, read more on choosing your wedding colors.

Where & How to Execute Color

Where and how you use color really depends on the mood you are trying to create. The best way to get started is to figure out what emotions you want your celebration to evoke. A peaceful, Zen-like retreat? A regal, romantic affair? A jumping, high-energy party?

For instance, a vibrant summer yellow mixed with chocolate brown (think sunflowers and bees) is perfect for a country-chic wedding style; add gold to the mix, and the combination becomes more reminiscent of Northern Italy. As another example, leaf green paired with cantaloupe is pretty for a waterside wedding; but pair this green with copper, and you have a color scheme that's formal enough for a ballroom or an estate setting. If your wedding takes place in multiple spaces, each room can have its own color scheme.

The Elements of Style

Attire Your gown doesn't have to be solid white, especially since color accents are increasingly more available. A blue or red sash around the waist is striking and still very bridal. The groom and his guys can also sport color in their ties or on their cuff links. But color will be most prominently displayed throughout the day in the bridesmaid dresses. Some fervent folks might want to match the dresses to the invitation ribbons, the favor tags, and the bouquets but this isn't the only way to define a style. Mixing and matching dresses in varying shades -- pink and orange, or pale green and yellow -- can sometimes make a statement stronger than uniformity.

Invitations Your invitations set the stage for the event, so remember that mood you want to evoke? This is your time to show it off. Coordinating the invitation colors with those of the wedding can be as easy as choosing a color font, ribbon, or monogram or as elaborate as layering colorful cards.

Flowers & Decor No matter what color you've chosen, chances are you'll be able to find flowers in that shade -- but that, of course, does not mean the blooms will be available or affordable. If your dream flowers aren't an option, use neutral white flowers with centerpiece containers or other decor elements in your color.

Wedding Cake The cake is one of the easiest places to add color -- all it takes is the right mixing. The color should reflect the other style elements used throughout the wedding. But when it comes to cake, your color options are the most flexible. White icing makes a marvelous background for colorful sugar flowers, sugar-paste stripes or polka dots, or other effects. Fondant can also be created in any number of shades. For instance, a yellow and brown country-chic wedding might have a wedding cake iced in a light brown basket weave and topped with fresh sunflowers.

Favors Ultimately, it's more important to give something meaningful rather than something that matches, but it can be a nice touch to your favors package in your color scheme. Use gift tags and ribbons to incorporate your colors into your favors. If favors will be left at each place setting, consider how they will look with your wedding linens and flowers.

New Ways to Use Color

We should point out that overdoing it with a matchy-match look is entirely possible. (You don't want your guests thinking, Um, yeah, lavender...we get it.) Begin with the five essential wedding elements (attire, invitations, flowers, cake, and favors) and see where you can -- or should -- add more color. Then consider details, such as napkins, candles, signature drinks, your ring pillow, or your guest book, made from the same fabric and in the same color as the bridesmaid dresses.

Read more: Color-Coordinated Weddings - Choosing Wedding Colors - Wedding Color Ideas - TheKnot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-colors/choosing-wedding-colors/articles/color-coordinated-weddings.aspx#ixzz1iisHYIF1

Courtesy of www.theknot.com

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Mother of the Bride Attire Etiquette Q & A

While working in the bridal industry, I found that some Mothers of the Bride had difficulty in deciding what to wear for their daughter's wedding.  I found this article on The Knot, www.theknot.com, and thought it answers some really good questions concerning the Mother of the Bride's attire.  I hope this helps! - Nikki Melton


Q. What's the dress-buying protocol for moms?

A. It's customary for the mother of the bride to purchase her dress first. Her choice is meant to subtly dictate what the mother of the groom will wear. However, this approach can be a little old-fashioned, not to mention a little unrealistic. There's always some factor that make abiding by tradition a lost cause. Our advice: Just play it by ear, and try to be flexible. It's not a competition.

Q. When the mother of the bride buys her dress, is it her duty to then politely "inform" the groom's mother? What happens?

A. Old-school wedding etiquette says "yes." She is expected to notify the mother of the groom (presumably to prevent overdressing, clashing colors, and other fashion faux pas.) And while it's certainly good form, it's not a requirement, especially if you're worried about seeming pushy or bossy. That said, the mother of the groom might really appreciate -- and even expect -- a heads up. You can either have your daughter subtly pass the details along, or, better yet, give her a call youself. Try to sound as friendly and non-territorial as possible: "I finally found a dress that fits! Do you know what you're wearing yet?" Chances are the mother of the groom will want to know more. Of course, she might be totally disinterested, but if that happens, don't sweat it -- you've been heard.

Q. Does the mother of the bride need to touch base with the groom's stepmother about the dress, or should she contact only the mother of the groom?

A. Divorced family situations can get sticky. Don't worry about the groom's stepmother. He'll let her know what you (and his mom) are wearing. You risk offending the mother of the groom if you formally involve her ex-husband's wife in the game plan.

Q. What are the color restrictions surrounding the mother of the bride's dress?

A. Traditionally, avoiding dresses in the white, ivory, and champagne color family (that match the bride's wedding gown), black gowns (that can suggest mourning) and red gowns(or similarly "flashy" shades) is the standard. Though we've seen moms in white who look tailored and elegant. We think black is classic, chic, and formal, and know that even red can be done with gorgeous good taste. The bottom line? Before you start shopping, talk to the bride. She may be very sensitive to the color issue or completely indifferent. If she expresses reservation, think about subdued-but-stately colors in the lavender, silver, burgundy, and blue families.

Q. Does the mother of the bride's dress color have to match the bridesmaids?

A. Some will swear by the "rule" that all the dresses must coordinate. And some brides really love that matchy-matchy look. But there are countless alternatives. Maybe stay within one color spectrum -- if the bridesmaids dresses are baby blue, for instance, the mother of the bride can wear navy. But mixing and matching can be ultra-stylish, too. What's most important, however, is that everyone feels comfortable and beautiful.

Q. When it comes to choosing the Mother of the Bride's dress, how much say does the bride
have?

A. Definitely consult her on color -- she may have issues with certain shades (white, black, red) or want your dress to complement the bridesmaids' get-ups. She may also have ideas about style, length, and formality. Do try to respect her wishes -- her opinion should count for a lot, and if she wants long sleeves or if she likes you best in pistachio, what's the harm in obliging? Keep her guidelines in mind while shopping, but the dress you settle on should make you happy, too.

Q. How far in advance should the Mother of the Bride purchase her dress?

A. Start dress shopping as soon as possible. If you must put it off (maybe you're trying to firm up or just dread shopping in general), aim to have made a decision at least one month before the wedding. We know you're going to get around to it eventually -- just be sure to let the groom's mom know she can forge ahead without you and keep the bride informed of your progress.

Q. Does the Mother of the Bride have to get dressed up for the wedding, even if fancy isn't her style?

A. If it's an evening wedding, you're going to have to dress up more than usual. You don't want to stick out or appear disrespectful. But this doesn't mean you have to sport sequins and satin or velvet and rhinestones. There are many frill-free formal looks out there. Stick to your guns and you'll find an outfit (pants are okay!) that's unembellished, easy, and elegant -- perfect for your casual style.

Q. Can a young-looking MOB wear a strapless ball gown -- is there such a thing as looking too young or sexy?

A. On one level we think you deserve to wear a fabulously sexy dress, but on another, we're wondering how the bride will feel. If she's supportive, go for it -- you're both going to sizzle! But if your daughter seems concerned about "Mommy" turning heads, not acting her age, and otherwise upstaging her, let her be selfish. It's her day, not yours. Besides, you're not limited to "frumpy" or overly conservative attire at all. It's quite possible to be glamorous without ruffling any feathers.


Read more: wedding.theknot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/mother-of-the-bride/articles/mother-of-the-bride-attire.aspx#ixzz1TFPEqYIG

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Bridal Bouquet Bonanza

I found this great article on flowers for your wedding day and wanted to share it with you.  Your floral selections will help to set the style of your wedding and I hope this helps you to get started on some of the larger details to be taken into consideration as soon as possible.  - Nikki S. Melton

Bridal Bouquet Bonanza
Reprinted from www.weddingzone.net, <a href="http://www.weddingzone.net/">Wedding Planning Guide</a>
by Kathryn Lemmon, Wedding Zone Staff Writer

Chances are, you'll purchase more flowers for your wedding than for any other occasion in your life.

Among other factors, the choice of your wedding bouquet depends a great deal on the style of your gown. Season is another important consideration. Like many brides, you may decide to chose your bouquet based upon the time of year. Bouquets come in these principal types:

Cascade: The cascade is the most traditional and formal style of bridal bouquet. It's a waterfall-like "spill" of blooms and greenery which is anchored in a hand-held base. As the name implies, it resembles a cascade or waterfall with the flowers flowing downward. Traditional wedding flowers used in the cascade bouquet are white and include roses, stephanotis, white or calla lilies, and mingled with greenery. The bouquet has the appearance of being loose and free flowing.

Classic Hand-Tied Bouquet: This choice is a dense bunch of blooms either anchored in a bouquet holder, wired, or hand-tied. This option gives the illusion of a "just picked" bouquet of spring flowers.

Nosegay: This is actually a general term for any small, round cluster of flowers, all cut to a uniform length. They were all the rage in Victorian times and are popular once again. Usually made with one dominant flower or color, nosegays are wrapped tightly with ribbon or lace for a delicate effect. This type of bouquet usually contains very little greenery. Or, for an all-out Victorian look, insert the nosegay into a silver carrying cone (also known by the unusual name: tussy mussy).

Pomander: This style is a bloom-covered ball suspended from a ribbon, perfect for child attendants. (Flower girls may carry a basket of petals instead.)

Composite: Less well-known, this option is a handmade creation in which different petals or buds are wired together on a single stem, creating the illusion of one giant flower.

Beidermeier: This is a nosegay made up of concentric circles of different flowers for a somewhat striped effect.

Arm Bouquet: As the name implies, this is an elegant crescent shape, designed to be cradled in one arm.

Here's some additional bouquet suggestions and ideas.

Don't let your bouquet overwhelm you. A beautiful gown will be over-shadowed by a large, cascading bouquet. If you're petite, the weight of a large bouquet could become a problem during the ceremony. Consider your gown and your stature before making selections.

Local, in-season flowers will guarantee freshness and lower cost, so choose a couple of seasonal staples (orange blossoms, lavender, or tulips, for example) and use them as a base for bouquets, boutonnieres, and decorative arrangements. For continuity, incorporate them into huppahs, arches, or pew adornments, as well.

Select flowers which will hold up for the entire day. Particularly if you are taking pictures before the ceremony or outside, you want to make sure that you select flowers that will still look gorgeous when you walk down the aisle. Another option is to use a bouquet holder, which will keep your flowers hydrated with water for most of the day.

Flowers in matching shades or cool contrasts are stunning, but make sure they suit your wedding. Bring a bridesmaid dress fabric swatch when you meet with your floral designer (to show your wedding colors), and provide a wedding dress photo to give the designer a sense of your personal taste.

Florists who specialize in weddings may do more than just blossoms; they also conceive and execute the design for your reception, from flowers to linens, candles, decorative trees, lights and more. Whether you go with one of these full-service designers or a standard florist who'll provide bouquets, centerpieces and the like, you should start looking for a professional at least several months before the wedding, or earlier.

Consider silk flowers. Although not as traditional as real flowers, they are becoming more popular. Today, there are many realistic looking silks to be found. Craft stores sell a wide variety of silks, and you don't have to worry about whether or not your choice is in season. In general, silks are a less expensive alternative to real flowers. You also save money on preservation after the wedding.

Elaborate arrangements mean more of your budget is going for labor rather than for the flowers themselves. If you stick with simpler displays, your money will go further.