The person you assign to oversee the ceremony decorations, handles all the details at your ceremony site, including all musicians, florist, photographer, videographer and ushers. It is a large responsibility, therefore, the person assigned must be organized and responsible to the details.
If you have a wedding planner or coordinator, they will usually handle this responsibility, or sometimes this person is provided by your ceremony site. When booking your venue, be sure to ask if there is a fee associated with this responsibility.
You and your future spouse aren't boring, so why would you want a reception that is boring or ho-hum? Have your wedding planner help you design your wedding to reflect your fun style from start to finish!
Keep the fun factor and energy level high with these ten tips for a fantastic ceremony and reception. Attending a ceremony or reception may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a pleasure. The last thing you want is for your guests to spend the reception checking their watches. Here are 10 tips to keep any guest yawns at bay.
1. Make introductions at the rehearsal. Your event brings together two families and sets of friends — which usually means a big group of people who don't know each other awkwardly attempting small talk. The solution? Invite relatives and out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner to break the ice, and introduce those who might have common interests. (That uncle who always loved Top Gun? Definitely link him to your fiance's fighter pilot cousin). By the time the ceremony rolls around, your guests will have met in a more relaxed atmosphere the evening before and (hopefully) keep the conversations going at the reception.
2. Stick to the schedule. No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force your guests to idle around while you take your formal photos. This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks, drinks, plenty of places to sit, and even a little music to set the mood and keep the party atmosphere alive.
3. Don't let guests go hungry. Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your grand entrance — lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, even fried macaroni and cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from the ceremony — and grateful for the sustenance.
4. Plan an exit strategy. If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward. Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives guests the freedom to relax (drink) without worrying about getting home safely when the party wraps up.
5. Consider your venue. Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you throw your reception, but picking an interesting reception site can go a long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet areas with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a photo booth), so be sure to talk to your site manager about your options.
6. Work your seating chart. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school together — particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your guests spend time with people they like — or even to set them up with someone new!
7. Put a time limit on toasts. Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor, best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.
8. Bring in the...clowns? Remember that scary clown/magician from your eighth birthday party? Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for event entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers to singing waiters — these people are pros at making sure your event will not be boring!
9. Think beyond THE cake. Yes, cake is still a staple, but consider expanding the selection for those with a sweet tooth — we're talking a full dessert bar with everything from whoopie pies, truffles, cupcakes, candies, along with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The dessert bar can double as your favor by setting out plastic bags or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.
10. Relax — seriously. Planning your ceremony and reception can be stressful, but when the day arrives, your guests will have a great time if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it: Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a bridesmaid, relative, or your wedding planner .
With the average cost of a wedding going up and up each year, couples who are planning weddings must set realistic budgets and stick to them, even if they'd rather go all out. A good wedding coordinator will keep you within budget and save you money. Often her services are paid for with the money you save using her vendor discounts!These six tips can keep wedding costs from spiraling out of control. 1.Set a Budget and Save Get an idea of potential expenses, knowing roughly what your wedding will cost, and open a dedicated bank amount and add to it regularly, assuming that you'll shoulder some of the costs. Try to build in a cushion of 10% for last-minute expenses, such as tips or travel for a relative. Hire a really good wedding planner who knows what each item within a wedding budget will cost. 2. Pick Your Priorities The food? The fl0wers? The music? The photos? Choose what matters most to you, and look for ways to trim other expenses. You might want a first-rate photographer and DJ. You might be a bride who thinks that flowers are a waste of money, so perhaps that will be the area where you might cut back. Another way to save is to be flexible with the timing of your big day. You can save about 20% by booking your wedding on a Sunday or Friday. Generally weddings held between Monday and Thursday are an even greater savings. 3. Trim The Guest List This is the number one say to save. Fewer people mean less food and alcohol, fewer centerpieces, invitations and rental items. A smaller venue also costs less to rent. 4. Stick To The Guest List Don't feel pressured to add names. Remember that you are on a strict budget. An "all-adult" wedding also saves you the money that would normally be spent on food for children. 5. Negotiate In this economy, couples are in the driver's seat. Try bargaining with the catering hall or your photographer. 6. Don't Overlook The Details Little expenses such as taxes and fees for everything can really add up. Read the fine print of all your vendor contracts. Have your wedding coordinator explain your contracts if you do not understand them. You need to know what you are paying for.
Flowers are an important part of the wedding ceremony and reception. There is just something about the reception centerpieces and ceremony arrangements which can turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. Varieties are selected for many reasons such as for the church, for the couple and bridal party as well as to decorate the reception location - such as wedding flower arrangements. This is why choosing the perfect flowers for the wedding is extremely important. There are a few different considerations which will make this process go smoothly, and which will allow you to find the best local florists for your wedding.
Choose the Right Color Scheme
Wedding flowers come in a wide array of different colors. From subtle pastels to vibrant pinks and reds, one can choose almost any type of color with regard to their floral arrangements. As well, both silk wedding flowers and fresh varieties are popular. With that said, it is important to choose a color scheme - bold or neutral for example - which is right for the bouquet or wedding flower arrangement. If one wishes to have a contemporary floral theme blend in nicely with everything else, choosing pastel floral grassy varieties and herbs might be the best. On the other hand, if the couple wishes to have their wedding flowers be something of a focal point at the ceremony or reception, then perhaps vibrant and bright colors would be the best choice. It is important that the couple selects the right color scheme for their wedding.
Volume
It is also important to decide how many floral arrangements they would like at the ceremony and reception locations as well as how big the bouquets should be. This too will depend on a few different factors. Things such as desired price range, floral focal points and personal preference will all determine the volume which should be ordered and should be discussed with your wedding planner and florist
Wedding Flower Types
Those who are purchasing for the big day should also consider various types that they can add to their bouquets and arrangements. This is an especially important aspect for those individuals who wish to have a particular type of flower in their ensembles. Including one special type of flower might just make all the difference in the world to the future bride and groom.
Flower Price Range
One should also be aware of the fact that wedding flowers are by no means inexpensive. However, it is possible to choose items which are more tuned to an individual’s budget than others may be. It is important to have a specific price range in mind when it comes to ordering flowers for weddings as this will help to determine how many can be ordered, where they will be situated, how big each of them will be and what types the arrangements and bouquets will be comprised of as a whole. For example, one who is on a strict floral budget may not wish to order roses in their bouquets and arrangements as this will increase the price of the flowers greatly. Keep in mind that silk wedding flowers are often less expensive, depending on where you source them.
Wedding flowers are a wonderful addition to any type of wedding. From casual to elegant, floral themes and design do so much to add to a setting and make the day even that much more special. It is important to choose an arrangement with items such as color scheme, variety and price range in mind. This will help to ensure that the proper items are chosen for the special occasion.
A big THANK YOU to all the beautiful brides who stopped by our booth at the American Heart Association Bridal Fair this weekend! Thanks to each of you, it was a successful event, and we look forward to working with many of you. It was my pleasure meeting each and every one of you. Your stories were each unique and inspiring. My sincere congratulations to each and every one of you as well as my wishes to you for a lifetime of beautiful memories.
We will honor the 10% discount for all Bridal Faire participants booking through the end of January.
As a wedding planner, the most-asked question I receive is how many Bridezillas have I worked with. Fortunately, so far, I can answer...none! With proper, organized planing that includes NO procrastination on the brides part, and someone to handle all the last minute, stressful details (ah, that would be me), there should be little or no reason at all why all brides should be anything other than completely charming on their wedding day!
Give me a call anytime to schedule your anti-Bridezilla consultation:)
Let me be among the first to congratulate you and your beloved! You are making it officially official.
If you are one of the women who first freaked out or cried, and then immediately thought, “OHMY GOODNESS WHAT DO I DO NEXT?!” then welcome to the club. Nearly every newly engaged woman at some point will feel scared and excited at the very same time. So, what should you do after you tell your family and friends (and co-workers and neighbors and strangers at the bar)? Here’s a good place to start:
Step 1.Give yourself seven days – one FULL week – of not buying anything; of not thinking about how much money you’ll need to find to pay for the wedding; of not purchasing your dress. Give yourself one full week of being happy in your situation. Impulse purchases – even if you feel they have been “planned” for years – are likely to cause anxiety in the long-term.
Step 2. (This is a super important step.) BEFORE talking money with your parents and your partner’s parents, spend some quality time with each set of parents. By taking time to focus on your families you will bond over the promise of your future, and not over the stress of the money being spent.
Step 3. Now that your families are happy and on-board, it’s time to sit down with each set of parents and talk about the realities of the financial obligations of each family. Modern weddings often bring equal financial assistance from both sets of parents. However, if your partner’s family is more traditional, and if your family is not able to support the full cost of the wedding and reception (especially if there is food involved), then you will need to openly discuss with your partner the best way to broach the topic of conversation with your future in-laws.
It should be noted that reality often sets in, and many couples soon discover that their families are unable to provide the type of financial support to give them a “Dream Wedding.” Please know that ‘by the numbers’ very few couples are fortunate enough to truly experience their ideal wedding… especially as our view of modern weddings is purely excessive and over-consumptive by nature.
In the situations where there is not enough money to get what you think you want, it is best to remember one thing: You are not getting married to have a wedding. If you remember that you are getting married because you are very much in love and focus on your marriage, rather than just the wedding, you will be able to put everything into a better perspective. If you are unable to have the wedding of your dreams, make yourselves a promise that as soon as you can you will go on a fabulous vacation, or perhaps have a rockin’ anniversary party for all of your family and friends! If it comes down to money and you absolutely have to have what you want, fore go the marriage and enjoy being engaged for as long as it takes.
Step 4. Now that you are aware of your financial situation, set a wedding date that makes financial sense. There is zero point in planning a wedding date that is too soon for your finances. If you do not have the money to pay for wedding vendors and services, then you should absolutely not be signing contracts because the legal ramifications are just too large and the risk too high.
Step 5. Find a qualified wedding planner. A wedding planner’s services will range from $300-$3,000, depending on your financial situation and the level of hired talent, but you can be sure that the wedding planner will save you TONS of cash and time and frustration and confusion.It is logical to assume that if you are relaxed and excited during your engagement, then you will start your marriage off on the right foot.
A long formal dress is suitable for a church wedding of a civil ceremony although many brides do prefer wearing a smart dress or tailored suit for the Registry office. Some religions also frown on sleeveless dresses or low cut outfits and this will need to be taken into account too. No matter which style you pick, remember that the back view is as important as the front, you will have your back to everyone during the ceremony. Choose fabric that is resistant to crushing and creasing. Detachable trains that can be removed or hooked up are also wise. Dress ideas and colors will need to be discussed with the groom without revealing all the details so that the colors and styles of the wedding party can be coordinated. Look In The Mirror Be realistic and don't try and aim for what Hollywood starlets look like on their wedding days, most of us don't have personal trainer and chefs to look after us and help keep us in shape. Don't set your goal posts too close to the moon, you will only be disappointed and feel like a failure when your big day is meant to be a celebration of your love for one another. Concentrate on the real you! Think about what you normally wear, what colors suit you and which styles flatter you figure and most important, which outfits make you feel on top of the world, what type of ceremony and theme are you looking to create-traditional or relaxed, formal or informal. Colors White dresses are not obligatory these days, if you don't feel white is your color or will complement you then don't wear it. Wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular in cream, pale gold, pale blue, pale pink and red. There is also a trend these days to go for darker colors like burgundy or shades of green which is a beautiful idea for a Christmas wedding. You will feel better in a dress that flatters your complexion or one of your favorites instead of going with white because it seems to be the norm. If wearing a bright colored dress the details should be kept to a minimum. The Right Style For Your Shape Choosing a style that flatters your shape can make a huge difference to how you look and also give you a huge confidence booster. Trying on dresses that either don't suit your body or the ceremony is not only a waste of time, but can also depress you. You might find that you give in and buy the wrong dress anyway. A sure fire way to put a damper on your big day. Tall and Thin Choose a ball gown with a strapless, fitted bodice Bony shoulders or collar bones can will suit dresses with a higher neckline that are long and fitted If you feel you are too thin for this style consider that you can set of your height and leanness with some delicate detailed embroidery or beading. Short With a Fuller, Feminine Figure Try an empire line dress which has a seam under the bust line and in the right fabric, the dress will flow instead of cling. A Knee length dress will also look good, the longer dress will add height and give you a taller silhouette. Sleeves should also be long but not too tight if considered. Thick Waist Conceal a wide waist with a boned corset or wear a decorative jacket that falls just below the waistline Avoid fitted ballerina styles Very Full Bust To draw attention away from the bust choose a dress with a long bodice or cowl neck Dresses with a natural waistline will draw attention to the bust area Pick a plain bodice and avoid low necklines Pick a detailed hem if you want to add a little embellishment Full or Wide Hips Avoid bustles and ruffles or tiered dresses Most styles will look great but avoid tight styles around the hips Princess styles that are fitted on the top and flare slightly to the hem will help disguise larger hips Ball gown styles in simple fabrics will also draw attention away from the hips Big bottom Avoid bows or back fastening ties Consider a light train from the top of the bodice or waist Wide Shoulders Wide straps will narrow the appearance of your shoulders or cover thencompletely Draw the focus to a v-neckline Wearing a sheer wrap will also soften the effect Do not wear puffed sleeves, don't even consider them! Short or Heavy Legs Opt for a long dress Sheath styles which are straight but not too clingy will add height Short Arms Three Quarter length sleeves will be flattering Do not go sleeveless Chubby Arms Choose long simple sleeves that are not too tight Wear a bolero, shrug or wrap Some Guidelines When Deciding On a Dress: Try on as many different styles as you like and view them from as many different angles as possible, take some shoes along that will be similar in height to the ones you may wear. To get the full effect have the shop fit you out in a veil with the dress as you wont want to take your wedding dress with you when you go veil shopping Take your time to make a decision and don't feel pressured by pushy salespeople How much deposit is required and when is the balance due Does the price include VAT How much extra are the alterations How far before the wedding must you order How many fitting will be required and do they offer Saturday or after work hour fittings Can you arrange a fitting with accessories, lingerie and shoe Get confirmation of all appointments and money paid in writing How far before the wedding will the dress arrive Do the shop offer storage garment bags Ask about the care instructions for getting the crease out before yourbig day What is the shops policy on cancellations Have you added the dress to your wedding insurance If You Are Going to Rent Your Dress Check to see if the chosen dress will be available on your day, cleaned and ready for collection. Does the rental price include a full 24 hours? Does the dress have to be cleaned before its returned (an added expense) After the wedding who will be entrusted with delivering the dress back to the hire shop?
Ceremony Decorations Coordinator
