Sunday, April 29, 2012

WEDDING NOTES™ – Some Planning Tips


As one wedding planner put it, “Just because you have planned something, doesn’t mean it is going to happen.”  Here are some tips from professional planners to help insure that everything works well at your wedding.
  1. Getting Ready.   Of course you want to look your best on this big day.  You may have booked a hair stylist for yourself and your bridesmaids.  Maybe someone is doing makeup for all.  In order for everything to flow, treat this as a salon appointment and require everyone to be on time for the appointments.  Work with the stylists to establish a sensible timeline and insist that your wedding party be on time.  A lot goes on before you walk down the aisle, and you don’t need to add undue stress to the list. 
  2.  Photographs.  Every couple wants the album of perfect pictures from the wedding.  Check out several photographers and insist on seeing their work.  Some specialize in formal shots and others are masters of creative vignettes.  Some do both.  Make sure that everything goes smoothly by giving the photographer a list of the people you want to make sure are included in your wedding album.  Appoint a friend to run interference for the photographer and make sure that each of those persons is available for photos.  The photographer should spend his/her time shooting pictures, not searching out the people you want in the photos. 
  3.  If you are planning a cocktail reception, make sure that the caterer has wait staff ready with trays of cocktails as the guests enter.  For the first five to ten minutes staff should focus on getting beverages into guest’s hands.  Once that has been done, then they can start passing canapés.  Stress the importance of this to the caterer.  You don’t want lines at the bar if you are having an open bar.  Appoint someone as host/hostess at your reception and introduce them to the caterer before your event.  They can make sure that guests are not standing in lines waiting. 
  4. Order of Service.   Think of your guests.  If you have elderly relatives, make sure that they are served first.  Unless you feel strongly about it, consider having the head table served last.  That gives the couple a chance to chat with guests and socialize.
  5. Be aware of “down time”.  Weddings can lose energy after the food course.  Guests are at different points in the meal.  This can be a good time to introduce one or two toasts.  But have the best man announce that toasts need to be kept to a minimum of 3 – 5 minutes. 

For many other helpful ideas to keep your party flowing nicely, talk with one of our experienced consultants.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

WEDDING NOTES™ – Using Technology


Brides who are used to communicating with electronic “tools” may be tempted to “do it all” with technology when they think of wedding planning.  But we caution our brides to take a careful look at the world of Eplanning.   There simply are times when the bride needs to leave the keyboard or apps and do some of her planning face to face.
The Internet will be a help in searching out reception sites that may fit one’s budget, but a bride simply must check it out in person.  She may be able to hear music played by a band she is considering, but nothing beats meeting the group in person.
Cake makers can show photographs of some of their creations on line, but until you’ve tasted the actual product, how can you decide?
Ordering your wedding gown or bridesmaid’s dresses on line is also a bad idea.  Sizing and quality can vary widely so you and your maids should try on your gown choices before making a purchase.  To assure that gowns will be in on time, don’t risk ordering from an online resource.  Shop a reputable store that stands behind its merchandise.
Before registering online for wedding gifts, we recommend that you meet with an expert sales associate at a major retailer.  They have years of experience helping couples select registry items.
Brides may be tempted to send “virtual invitations”, but once again we caution brides against that.  Use the Internet to enter pertinent information about your wedding but plan to send printed invitations.  As one bride put it, “I may be old fashioned, but there is a touch of class I want associated with my wedding and an electronic invitation doesn’t cut it.” 
We advise our brides to be careful about disclosing information about their weddings on the social networks.  Here we feel that “less is more”.  Certainly share the joy of the upcoming wedding but don’t constantly post updates on the status of your plans.  Don’t go overboard posting photos.  A select few are a nice touch.  Too many will leave a bad impression.
By all means use the Internet as an information resource to get ideas and lists of vendors to visit.  But make the key decisions in person with family input as appropriate. 

Monday, April 2, 2012

WEDDING NOTES™ – Etiquette on a Budget


Quiet elegance is always in style. 
Consider a few white lilies for the bridal bouquet instead of an elaborate arrangement.
A garden luncheon can be as charming as a 5 course sit down dinner.
Select fewer attendants.  The larger the wedding and number of attendants, the greater the expense.
But no matter how limited the budget, the rules of etiquette still apply. 
Having a reception which serves only punch and cake is acceptable.  Asking guests to buy their own dinners is not.
Having an alcohol free reception is fine.  Having a cash bar isn’t.
Registering for things the couple would like and need is fine.  Asking for money instead of gifts isn’t.
Sending email invitations instead of printed or handwritten ones for a small intimate wedding isn’t OK.
Neglecting to send thank you notes within an acceptable time frame is not appropriate.

Every part of a wedding, even one done on a very limited budget, should be done with style and good taste.  An affordable wedding can be just as memorable as a lavish one.  Guests will remember the beautiful personal touches, not how much was spent on the wedding.
If you have questions about any aspect of wedding etiquette do stop in a talk with one of our experienced consultants.  We are here to help you have the wedding you want.