WEDDING NOTES™ – Questions Brides Have Asked

Our trained consultants have been advising brides on all aspects of their weddings for a number of years.  And while every bride and every wedding is unique and special, the questions brides ask about various aspects of wedding plans are similar.  Here are some the most common questions we are asked about bridal registries.

Should I register both online and in a store?

Absolutely!  Registries on line can be a huge time saver for your out of town guests, plus you can log on to the site anytime to add or delete items.  But be sure to register your preferences in a variety of retail locations as well.  Be sure to select at least one national chain if you have guests from out of town.  In addition, you should provide a range of purchase options for your guests by selecting one high-end store and at least one inexpensive retailer.  Consider expanding your gift options to include items that you would enjoy as a couple - like camping gear or sports equipment.  Some couples are also including information about a favorite charity and will indicate on their wedding website if they prefer gifts to that charity in their name.

How do I let guests know where I am registered?

Count on your website and your wedding party to spread the word about your gift registry preferences.  Every season we have at least one bride who wants to include this information in her invitation packet, but we inform her that it is considered extremely bad form to do so.  Parents, bridesmaids and relatives can spread this information to those who inquire.

Signing up for gifts makes me feel uncomfortable.  It feels like begging.  Do I need to register at all?

Utilizing a gift registry is as much for the guests as it is for the couple.  Invited guests will want to send or bring a gift to commemorate the occasion.  Bringing a gift that they know the bride and groom will cherish makes the effort even more special.  Think of the registry process as a gentle way of assisting the guests to do what are going to do anyway.  Registry gives them a comfortable way to help the young couple celebrate.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Story Time

Some of the most memorable weddings are those that tell a story - a story about the couple themselves, their family, their friends and their memories.  They tell those stories through the themes of their weddings and make the stories come alive through the colors they choose, the venues they pick and the myriad of details they put into place to create their story.

Our trained consultants have the experience and the creativity to help you tell your story in a special and memorable way.

• ·        If you are a history buff your story can be told in the venue you select for your ceremony such as an older home or club or church with a story of its own.  Let that guide your choices.  It is often wise to choose your colors after the venue is chosen.  In that way, color becomes a part of the story.  Our consultants can help you with volumes of ideas about utilizing vintage items - old linens, flea market china, flowers and vases, jewelry, music and items of your paper trousseau.

• ·        If you live for adventure and love to travel, the whole world of maps, tickets, trains, planes, automobiles and luggage can provide inspiration for food and decor.

• ·        Movies and favorite books have inspired many couples' wedding plans from location to the design on the napkins and the cocktails served.

• ·        Music is a very strong influence, whether you are a classics fan or a rock and roller, a country music devoute' or a fan of marching bands, each one can be the starting point for your story on your special day.

• ·        A unique cultural heritage can provide the underpinning for the entire wedding.  Incorporating traditions from that heritage with your partner's will create memories that your guests won't soon forget.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Selecting Your Gown

No one wedding related item is more important to the majority of brides than their wedding gown.  More time and emotion is invested in its selection than in any other part of the celebration.  Because of its importance - both as a practical indicator of the degree of formality planned and an emotional indicator of how the bride sees herself on this her day of days, its selection is important.  And little could be more important than whereit is purchased.

Budget minded brides who may be trying to save money on their wedding, may be tempted to cut corners on their gown by buying sight unseen from an internet source.  An overwhelming number of bridal experts would caution a bride not to take that step.  Brides should be extremely cautious when ordering the gown of their dreams at a discount over the phone, the internet or by mail. 

What can happen?  Listen to the woes of brides who have made that mistake. 

• ·        Receiving a gown that is not the style, color or size dress you ordered.

• ·        Receiving a gown that has obvious flaws, spots and missing parts.

• ·        Getting a cheap copy of the dress you saw in the picture.

• ·        Getting a "look-a-like" made from an inferior fabric from what you ordered.

• ·        Not getting the gown delivered on time.

• ·        Not getting the gown at all.

Most "discount" sources demand full payment in advance and in full, so if there are troubles with the order, you are left trying to solve problems long distance with a vendor who already has your money.  Even if you get it, you will need to arrange local resources to handle the alterations and pressing.

We urge brides to carefully weigh their decisions to buy on line or from a warehouse operation from a vendor with whom they have no relationship versus working with a reputable highly recommended local full service bridal salon that will stand behind every order and promptly solve any problems that may be encountered.

Good consultants will help the bride on a budget find the dress of her dreams AND save her money by suggesting ways to cut costs in a variety of other areas.  Call or email for help with any part of your wedding plans.

WEDDING NOTES™ – At Your Service

Because you want a special look....because you want a wedding that is uniquely yours... or because your taste is upscale and you want a special designer's gown, we invite you to let us help you find the wedding gown of your dreams.  We have been dressing brides beautifully for years.

We are a leader in service to brides as well.  Need help in planning your wedding?  Our trained consultants with national certification from National Bridal Service and/or Weddings Beautiful Worldwide have the experience and creativity you want to insure that your wedding is correct in every detail and decidedly yours.

I this a second time wedding for you and you wonder whether to wear white or color?  Are you planning a destination wedding and have no idea about what kind of gown you want and need or how to get it on the airplane and off in one piece?  Are there children involved in your wedding plans and you aren't sure of the best way to include them?  Are you concerned about the style of gown best suited for your figure type? Are you concerned about what the ushers should wear?

Dressing you and members of your party beautifully, answering your questions and offering guidance for every aspect of your wedding, and giving you the confidence that every detail has been perfectly planned is what we're about.  For more ideas and answers to questions call us.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Cocktail Receptions

National Bridal Service and Weddings Beautiful certified consultants are available to answer questions and offer these guidelines for those brides who are planning a cocktail reception.

• ·         Know that just because the venue offers set menus, you should stay open to various ideas and suggestions.  In many places it may be possible to mix and match from various menus.  Many food suppliers are open to creating a custom menu for you based on your budget - as long as it meets their minimum pricing.

• ·         If your plan is to serve cocktails and hors d'oeuvres most food professionals will suggest that you plan to serve an assortment of no more than eight to ten appetizer items.  If there is no meal to follow, plan on each guest eating two or three of each item.  The simple guideline is 24 pieces per guest.  Use this guide as you work with your caterer to see how he/she plans to provide coverage for your guests.   Be aware that this amount will obviously vary based on the length of your reception.   Many couples will follow cocktails and hors d'oeuvre with coffee and desserts.   Whether you plan to serve wedding cake or have multiple dessert options available following the hors d’oeuvres, which may influence both the quantity and type of appetizers you choose to serve.

• ·         Once you have an idea of cost for this type of reception, you may want to consider a buffet which can be less expensive.  However, a buffet has a very different feel from the lavish serving of appetizers, elegantly displayed and passed one item per tray on silver servers.

• ·         You might consider setting up several mini tasting stations where guests can help themselves to the less expensive choices.  Space the stations so that there will be no traffic jams.  Using these stations for some items, reserve the more expensive items for tray service from white gloved waiters.  Having choice items passed gives you a measure of control.  Make sure that each mini station is set with plates, cutlery and napkins.

• ·         This type of reception works well when you choose to serve champagne and other non alcoholic sparking beverages.  For variety, consider asking a bartender for ideas to create a special cocktail to be served to your guests.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Liquor Service

If you are planning to serve liquor at your reception, there are a few guidelines to remember as you place your order.

Know that costs for beverages can be either managed or shoot the stars.  The prices of champagne, wine, beer and/or hard liquor can vary a great deal, but with a little research on brands, quantities and service style, you can contain the costs.  Most of your decisions will depend on the expectations of your guests and your own personal tastes.

Here are some points to keep in mind as you choose your wedding spirits.

• Champagne:

* Brut ₌ extra dry, Extra sec or sec = medium dry to medium sweet, demi sec or doux= sweet to very sweet.

*750 ml = six flute glasses of champagne and 1500 ml = 12 flutes.

*Budget two glasses of champagne per person if wait staff are pouring.  But you can save costs if you budget one glass per person and have waiters serve from silver trays as they pass among the guests.

• Wine:

*Sugar Content - very dry = 0% sugar, dry =1 to 2% sugar, medium = 3 - 6%, sweet = 7+%

*Budget two glasses of wine per person per hour.

*The number of bottles to order will depend on whether or not you are serving cocktails before or during dinner.

*Unless dictated otherwise by menu choices and guest preferences, the usual breakdown of wine to be served is 60% white and 40% red.

• Beer:

*Include a mix of light, dark, imported and nonalcoholic beers.

Other factors to consider when determining quantity to order are will you serve wine and beer only or include a specialty drink?  Will you have an open bar?  Will you serve wine with the meal following cocktails or with no pre meal cocktails?  Will you serve after dinner liquors?  Will the bar remain open during dinner?

Reminders:  You will need one bar for every 40-50 guests.  You will need one bartender for every 40 guests.  Order a minimum of 3 glasses per person for stocking the bar.

Work closely with your catering or reception venue staff to insure that your "spirit" needs are met.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Caring for Your Wedding Gown

Know that you are unlikely to ever own any item of clothing as beautiful and symbolic as your wedding gown!  Preserving it and caring for it whether you plan to keep it for your daughter to wear one day or as personal keepsake of a monumental day in your life, is an important series of steps.  And please know that an overwhelming number of brides do treasure their gowns and preserve them after the ceremony rather than take part in some sketchy post wedding photo shoots that essentially trash the gown.

Know too that your wedding gown must be carefully cleaned before it is stored.  Food and beverage stains, though seemingly invisible at first glance, are likely to yellow later on.  The hemline is usually soiled and must be cleaned.  Many cleaners may offer to pack your gown in a special box, which offers protection from dust in the air.  To save you time and insure proper gown storage, we offer a special gown preservation service that will take care of all the steps for you.

If you decide to store it yourself, it is best to place it in a cool, dry place, not in the basement or attic.  If you chose to store it on a hanger, sew straps to the waistline to relieve pressure on the shoulder seams from the weight of the skirt.  Stuff the sleeves (if your gown has them) with white tissue.  Finally, wrap the entire garment in a protective sheet or muslin covering.  Do not encase the gown in plastic.

Before you trust this special symbol of your wedding day to just anyone, talk with us about your cleaning, preservation and storage options.