WEDDING NOTES™ - Great Shape

All brides search for a wedding gown that has the "look" and features they want.  Whether it is simple or ornate, there truly is THE GOWN for every bride.  The guidance of an experienced consultant who knows each designer's specialty can put her in the perfect dress.  The hands of a skilled alterations expert can make the gown of choice fit beautifully.  But even those professionals can't change body shapes without help.

Some designers construct a wedding gown with built in bras or corsets.  That can come as a surprise to a bride from a generation that thought corsets disappeared with the end of the Civil War. But the designer who adds the proper "infrastructure" to a gown knows what he or she is doing.

If your gown of choice does not have a built in minimizer or enhancer, rely on the skill and advice of a trained consultant who can help you find the proper undergarments to make the most of you and your gown.  The proper bra and slop and other "control" items like Spanx can help you feel and look your very best on this special day.

Be sure that the undergarments you choose are neutral or skin toned.  You don't want a surprise color peeping out our showing through.  Be sure to try on the undergarments with your gown and have a friend or relative take photographs front, back and side so you know all is secure.

Far from being uncomfortable, today's undergarments are designed for both comfort and camouflage.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Elegance on a Budget

Quiet Elegance is always in style.  And no matter your budget, you can have a "proper" ceremony and reception.  A wedding that is perfect for the two of you is just that - perfect!  Here are some tips to consider.

• ·         A garden luncheon or a wedding brunch can be just as special as a five course sit down dinner.

• ·         One or two special attendants are really all you need.  Remember that the larger the wedding and number of attendants, the greater the expense.

• ·         Having a reception that serves only cake and punch is certainly acceptable.  Asking guests to buy their own dinner is not.

• ·         Hosting an alcohol free reception is fine.  Having a cash bar isn't.

• ·         Registering for items the couple want and need is fine.  Asking for money instead of gifts isn't.

• ·         Sending email invitations instead of printed or handwritten ones for a small wedding isn't.

• ·         Limiting the number and size of bouquets for the wedding party works well.

• ·         Neglecting to send thank you notes within acceptable time frame is not appropriate.

Every part of a wedding, even one done on a very limited budget, can and should be done with style and good grace.  An affordable wedding can be as memorable as a lavish one.  Guests will remember the beautiful personal touches, not how much money you spent.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Tips from Our Brides

These are some ideas from brides who were searching for ways to make their day memorable and more fun.

1.  Make a special keepsake of your wedding invitation by mailing one to yourself.  Don't open it.  Keep it in your wedding guest book and save it for future generations to open.

2.  Ask all friends and relatives to write a favorite recipe on the back of the reply cards.  Keep them in a special box throughout your married life.

3. If you can't decide on a color theme for your wedding, consider using the colors of your birthstone(s)- yours or both.

4. If you plan to "throw your garter" wear two and keep one for your memory box.

5.Buy a new silver dollar with your wedding year on it and add one to your collection on each wedding anniversary.

6.  Pick a charity of your choice that you both support and make a donation on your wedding day.  Then every year, make a donation on your anniversary.  If yours is a second wedding and you really don't want gifts, let guests know that you'd prefer gifts to that charity in lieu of gifts to you.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Manage Reception Costs

The best advice we offer brides on budgets is "Spend where you need to, save where you can".

Couples who come to us for ideas on how to save money without crushing their bridal dreams find wonderful and practical ideas.  Done in the right places, there are many ways to save costs and take nothing away from the wedding they have planned.

Because receptions tend to be the biggest ticket items, major savings can be realized through some minor adjustments.  Consider these!

1.  Find a location that both fits the occasion and requires very little decorating enhancements.  Many spots are fine the way they are.  If a bride is determined to add to the decor, most wedding planners would agree that creating one large decorative element is not only dramatic, but also more budget friendly than a dozen or so smaller elements scattered about the room.

2.  When planning for decor enhancements, always imagine the room full.  We counsel brides not to spend money on decor items that only the first few guests walking in will see.  Don't waste money decorating the skirting of any tables.  Think tabletop and up!

3.  During receptions, caterers will say that people tend to take less food if it is passed by the wait staff than if it is placed on a buffet table.  This also tends to be true about beverages like champagne or a special themed cocktail.  The good news about this factor is that less food and liquor can be ordered and your guests still feel pampered.

4.  If you feel you must serve a sit down dinner, we suggest that you consider instead of ordering one high end entree consider half portions of two main entree items.  For example ordering half portions each of prime rib and chicken breast, you will likely bring down the cost per plate while offering guests a selection with depth.

5.  If you have a band or entertainers, order sandwiches for them rather than full banquet meals.  Have them available in a separate room.  It gives them a chance to "take a break" and provides food that is "grab and go" if it is necessary.

WEDDING NOTES™ - The Safety Check

All the pre planning you have done is in place.  It's going to be a beautiful wedding.  There is one more thing to do - a safety check if you will - hold a pre event meeting with all of your suppliers and venues.  Professional planners do this as a matter of course and you should as well.

Schedule meetings with every one of your vendors.  In person is best if they are all in the same town.

The purpose of these meetings is to insure that there are no surprises.  Review your plans with the florist, caterer, photographer, musicians, location manager etc.  Confirm details.  Bring along your point person or helper or personal attendant you've enlisted to help to make sure everyone hears the same information.  Try to hold these meetings two or three weeks before the actual day.

Remember that you are the client and it is your wedding day.  You've been working on these details for some time and it needs to be delivered in the way that you planned.  It is your vision for your wedding and you have hired these professionals to make your vision a reality.  These pre event meetings will serve as a double check that everything will be done and nothing overlooked.  Ask any questions you want.  Be confident of the answers and then relax and let the professionals do what they've promised.

If you don't have a professional wedding planner assisting you, stop in and let one of our experienced consultants help you review your plans and prepare for your pre event reviews.  Our staff knows the kind of questions to ask and can help you evaluate your plans and vendor promises.We can assist you in your final check of details and help you hand off plans to those who will turn your plans and dreams into reality.