WEDDING NOTES™ - Consider His Size

Formal wear has come a long way!  The variety of styles and colors and importantly SIZES has made it possible to accommodate men of all sizes and make them look good in the process.

While we know that couples have a vision of their wedding - style and colors coordinating - the reality for many weddings today is that at least one or more of the male members may be "bigger than life" and need some TLC when size and style selection are considered.  Experienced formal wear specialists know that certain styles compliment larger men.  They know that darker clothing- black or darker shades of gray or brown or navy, are the best choices for these men.

We suggest pants that do not accentuate fullness.  Yes, pleats do give more room but they do not always flatter a bulkier bottom or hip area.  Pants should always hang straight and break at the top of the shoe's heel.

We find that more men are choosing vests over cummerbunds.  They are making that choice for comfort as well as style.  If top coats are discarded in the heat of the day or for dancing at the reception, a full coverage vest can insure that the men in the party still look coordinated.  A solid black or dark colored vest will look much better on a large size man.  A lay down collar and a trendy tie will give balance to someone with a wide upper body.  Similarly, a larger man generally looks better in a simple one button style jacket.

As the bride and groom select the formalwear style for their wedding, we remind them to consider the shape and size of the various men in the wedding party. With the wide variety of styles and colors available to you from many vendor resources, our formal wear experts can be your best friends as you create the wedding of your dreams.

Whatever the size of the men in your wedding party, you can be comfortable knowing  that our formal wear experts can make everyone look their best on the important day and in your photographs.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Blooms and Greenery

The floral arrangements you choose for your wedding ceremony and reception are likely to be the most important accessories of the events.  Know that before you select individual blooms, what most people notice first is COLOR - then they notice arrangements and individual flowers.  So before you consult with a florist on the details, decide on what colors you want for your wedding.  Here are some color considerations.

1.  Look at the locations for your ceremony and reception.  What colors are on the walls?  Do you want to contrast or blend?  What are the rules and regulations from your church or ceremony site?  Do they specify size and/or placement?  What kind of lighting is available?  If there are lots of windows and you are planning a daytime ceremony, pale colors may wash out.  In dimly lit evening weddings, try to use warm colors like red, orange and yellow.  Warm colors are said to reflect light better, while cool colors like blue, purple and green tend to recede into darkness.

2.  What effect do you want to create?  If you want drama, color theorists tell us to use contrasting hues like red and chartreuse green.  If you want a more subtle and sophisticated atmosphere, experts say to consider sequential colors (those are the ones next to each other in the color spectrum).  Or you can choose a one color palette, but then pick flowers with different sizes and textures so that the result is not a flat one dimensional thing.  If you don't have a clue where to start, go to a hardware store and look at paint samples.  Collect samples of colors that you like.

3.  Consider the style of your wedding when selecting blooms.  If you are planning a casual country event, you will want to bypass formal elegant orchids.  If you are planning a formal black tie event, you will want something other than daisies and sunflowers.

Let our wedding planning experts help you with this important aspect of your special day.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Long Term Couples Renewing Vows

While weddings remain our primary focus, we are finding more couples planning to celebrate renewing their wedding vows.  Whether the couple is celebrating milestone weddings of10, 20 or 25 years together, we think it is a wonderful event and have plenty of ideas to help couples plan that special day.

This ceremony is popular with couples who may have eloped or were married in a no frills civil ceremony.  The official term is "reaffirming" wedding vows.  The gathering may be just family or it may be a celebration for friends and family alike.  It may be held in a church or your home or a garden or a hotel or restaurant.  It is a time for celebrating the life you have made together.

Guests are invited with small informal notes or personal phone calls if the ceremony is to be low key.  A larger celebration may include printed invitations that include ceremony and luncheon, brunch or dinner invitations.  It is still considered inappropriate to print "no gifts" on the invitations should you decide to send them.  Count on word of mouth or your website to let friends know your wish for no gifts.  Gifts are not expected for the vows renewal celebration, however some guests will continue to do so.  Accept any gifts graciously and do acknowledge them with a hand written thank you note.

Couples may choose to repeat the vows they spoke on their wedding day (if they can remember them) or they may wish to write new ones that reflect how their love has grown and matured over the years.  If the renewal is to take place in a church, the officiant will be able to help with the ceremony design.

Dressing up for the event is important and symbolic.  We can help you with the selection that will meet with your plans for the event.  We also have good ideas to help you plan the special day and create more memories.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Tips from Wedding Planners

As more and more brides come to rely on the skill of Certified Wedding Planners, they have tips to share with brides as they plan their big day.

*As couples begin their planning process, it is important to prioritize.  Figure out what is important to each of them and decide what is critical and what can be optional.  If the bride wants a particular gown that may exceed the preliminary budget, then she needs to save the $$ by cutting something else.  Trade offs are likely, so build in some flexibility.

*Make sure that your wedding day reflects your personal tastes and personalities.  If you are casual people don't get talked into a very formal wedding.  It is your day and it should be the way you wish it.

*Your wedding is likely to be the biggest celebration/party you'll ever host.  Enjoy the planning.  Engage a certified wedding planner to help you design and execute the event.  As one planner said, "It's time to be a guest at your own wedding."

*Pay attention to your timeline.  Most weddings are booked with long lead times- especially for the top venues.  If you really have your heart set on one particular spot, be prepared to book it ASAP.

* Know that wedding planners/coordinators can be valuable resources for the bride and groom.  Whether you elect to hire them from the beginning or want only day-of coordination, you'll be relieved of the pressure of handling every detail yourself.  Find one with professional credentials  from Weddings Beautiful Worldwide.