0 Choosing Your Ceremony Style

An important part of wedding planning is choosing your ceremony style. When choosing your ceremony style, you need to keep a few things in mind: time of day, season, and venue. All of these have a impact on how you plan your wedding.

Photo by www.GingerMidgett.com

Temperature and light are important things to consider when planning your wedding outside. You want to avoid starting your ceremony at the hottest or coldest times of day. Something else to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is when does the sunset? If the sun is too bright, everyone will be squinting and the lighting is more harsh in photographs. If it is dark outside, where ever the flash hits will be beautifully lit, where ever it doesn’t will be completely dark.

Your attire decisions will be also be impacted. For an outdoor wedding, you probably want to avoid a cathedral-length train for your gown. Your shoes should be grass-friendly as well. For your guests’ sakes, you might want to make the wedding a bit less formal so that they feel comfortable being outside.

Photo by: www.PhotobyJamie.com

If you are getting married in a place of worship, you need to find out what type of gown is acceptable. Most likely you will have to have your shoulders covered. You also won’t want to wear anything with too low of a neckline or back.

Many place of worship have specific times when you can have your wedding because they have services in the evening. If you want your wedding reception to last into the wee hours of the night, you may have to plan for a break between your ceremony and reception.

Ultimately, your wedding ceremony style should be a reflection of you and your personality. What type of wedding do you want to have. Formal and elegant? Casual and comfortable? All options are available, so take the time to decide what will make you the most comfortable.

0 Should You Buy Wedding Insurance?

This question is difficult to answer with a simple yes or a no, so consider the following: if your gown salon goes out of business and you lose your deposit, would you be able to afford to purchase another gown? If your photographer doesn’t show up on the wedding day, would you be able to afford to hire one on the spot? In the unlikely event that something catastrophic (hurricane, blizzard, death in the family) happens before your wedding day, would you be able to afford to pay for a wedding all over again?

You should also keep in mind that many wedding vendors are happy to assist you in extraordinary circumstances. When Central Florida was plagued by three hurricanes within a month, all of the vendors we worked with helped couples reschedule their weddings by waiving penalties and carrying over payments. Ask the vendors you interview what they would do if a natural disaster or a death in your immediate family does occur.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cost? Basic policies can be found for as little as $125.00.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover? Wedding insurance will cover you for many things, including needing to reschedule your wedding due to circumstances beyond your control, businesses that go bankrupt or don’t show up, damage to attire, and loss of gifts. Some will even cover change of heart!

What Doesn’t Wedding Insurance Cover? If it rains, you will not be covered. If there is a hurricane, you might be covered. Your engagement ring and other jewelry will not be covered, but your wedding ring might be. If you or your groom decide not to go through with the wedding, most policies will not cover you.

When Should You Get It? If you decide to get wedding insurance, you should get it as soon as possible. Many policies will allow you to purchase insurance even after you’ve paid deposits and signed contracts, so don’t worry if you’ve already contracted with some of your service providers.

How Much Should You Get? If possible, purchase enough coverage so that if the worst happens, you will be able to reschedule and pay for a new wedding.

Do I Need Liability Insurance? Some wedding venues will require you to carry liability insurance. If you are hosting your wedding at home, you should check with your homeowner’s insurer to see if you should get additional coverage for your wedding.

Where Can You Find Wedding Insurance? Many insurance companies offer wedding insurance, so start with one of your carriers. An online search will also yield you lots of options for you to investigate.

If you think you might want to purchase wedding insurance, make sure to keep all of your contracts and receipts. You will need them if you make a claim.

This is a brief primer as to what wedding insurance covers. It’s really important to shop around for best price, best deductible and best coverage.

0 Spring Weddings

Style and Decor:

*Combine patterns for a unique look. Go for sophisticated stripes with flirty polka dots for a playful effect.
*Choose a spring color, and use a slightly different shade of fabric on each reception table. Your tables will look unified, but not too matchy.

Invitations:
*Have a common springtime motif, such as a peony or a bird, printed on the invites.
*Choose a casual, yet engaging font to reflect a fun spring feeling.
*Instead of a traditional belly band or wrap, use a wide ribbon in your wedding colors to tie up your invites.

Flowers:
*Have your florist pair your favorite springtime flower with fruits (ruby-red raspberries, luscious blackberries, or even strawberries) for a fete that feels as homegrown as a picnic in the park.
*Hang floral wreaths from the doors into your church or temple, or from a tree at your ceremony.
*Bring spring indoors by creating a space awash in tiny spring blooms -- from single-bloom bud vases lining the bar to floral-adorned baskets in the bathrooms at the reception.

Menu:
*Fill large punch bowls with fresh lemonade, iced tea, and white-wine sangria, garnished with fresh lemons and fruit for a colorful drink menu.
*Instead of more traditional beef, serve spring lamb with a garden-fresh herb sauce.
*Ditch the hot soup idea and present delicate chilled pea soup in shot glasses as hors d'oeuvres.

Wedding Cake:
*For a cake that spells spring, serve white cake covered in sugar-dipped long-stem cherries.
*Choose a flavor that's light and fluffy, like a strawberry shortcake covered in pale pink fondant and topped with real strawberries.
*Instead of a simple pattern, have your cake baker add colorful sugar flowers to your cake tiers.

Favors:
*Give bulbs or packets of flower seeds that guests can plant in their gardens or window boxes, tagged with a personalized label.
*Be different and offer a charitable donation to plant a tree in each guest's name.
*Offer mini potted herbs at each place setting to enhance a garden theme.

0 Thank You Note Etiquette

After your wedding you and your partner will be caught up in feverish excitement, leaving for your honeymoon and celebrating life as a married couple.

However, just because the party's over doesn't mean there aren't still a few things to think about.

Many newlyweds aren't quite sure of the post-wedding timeline when it comes to gift thank you notes or if they should they be sent straight away, or even before your honeymoon? What messages should the cards contain? Is it acceptable to have pre-printed messages?

Here are some tips that will help you navigate your thank you notes.

Time Frame

Obviously the sooner the better. Don't worry about delaying your honeymoon by a few days to get this sorted, though, because a response within four to six weeks is acceptable.

If you are sent gifts before the wedding, it's good etiquette to respond to these straight away (or at least within 2 weeks). This is not only good etiquette you will be thankful when you return from your honeymoon knowing that a few thank you's are done and dusted.

To save time, make sure you have gift cards prepared well in advance of your big day. You can order them along with your wedding invitations and have them handy to fill in with notes as soon as you receive gifts and after your honeymoon.

What to write

It's good manners to write a hand-written note to everyone who gave you a gift - emails are a no-no! While pre-printed messages can seem like a good time-saver, many guests will have spent significant time and money choosing your gift and travelling to your wedding, so the personalized thanks will be appreciated.

It doesn't have to be long, simply greet your guest by name, express your thanks and refer specifically to their gift and how you may use it.

Even if someone did not give you a wedding gift, be sure to send them a card thanking them for their attendance itself.

If a guest has traveled far or made a significant effort to attend your wedding be sure to thank them for this too.

0 Hiring a wedding consultant/planner

Planning a wedding is no small task. This is why many couples go with a wedding consultant to help them plan the big day. There are many things to consider before choosing a wedding consultant, however, and whether or not you need one depends on how involved you want to be in your special day. 

Some couples find that the wedding planner is an invaluable tool for their big day. For couples that have busy schedules, a wedding consultant can take care of many of the smaller details. Family can be both a help and a hindrance, depending on how well everyone gets along and if you can agree on the details. if you are still on the fence about certain items, a wedding planner can help you decide.

The Wedding Consultant’s Responsibilities

If you have not nailed down the details of your wedding, your wedding consultant can help with everything from choosing the type of wedding, the color scheme, venue, and more. He or she can also assist you with coming up with, and sticking to, a budget that works with your financial situation. A wedding planner can help you stay on task with the details, ensuring that everything is ordered in time for the big day. In addition, saving you headache and hassle, the wedding planner takes care of any last minute emergencies. Sometimes you can also get discounts on wedding services like catering or wedding bands through the wedding consultant’s contacts.

Choosing the Perfect Planner

Since your wedding planner is responsible for your wedding, you want to make sure that you find someone that you are totally comfortable with. Ask other brides who they have used, or visit a wedding fair to get names. Make sure that your wedding planner has completed a course in wedding planning and received a diploma. In addition, you should ensure that they are organized and seem to have a solid grasp of the whole process. Asking for references is also a good decision so that you can see what other couples liked and disliked about the planner. Lastly, make sure that the coordinator is available to help with your wedding date, and that he or she fits into your budget.

Saving with Packages

Depending on your personal needs, wedding consultants offer a variety of packages. For instance, you may go in for a consultation only which works like a crash course in wedding planning. After that, you will be on your own. Other wedding planners will offer planning and preparation packages that will cover searching out vendors that will work in your budget and time frames, and they take care of the administration of setting up appointments. Some wedding consultants are also available for hire the day of the wedding, where they will direct events and make sure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

Budgeting in the Wedding Planner’s Pricing

The cost of a wedding planner can vary, and you may want to shop around to find the coordinator that will do what you need on your budget. Some wedding planners will charge a percentage of the wedding cost, others by the hour of work done, and others will have a flat fee. Find out ahead of time what the costs cover, and what, if any, additional fees might come up during your wedding planning.

0 Preparing your groomsmen

Considering the little things for your wedding really can make all of the difference when it comes to a smooth and stress-free day. Those friends and family who have taken on special roles and responsibilities (bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially) want to be prepared to perform their very best. While it’s fun to fuss over the girls, make sure that you take time to prepare the best man and groomsmen for their part in your wedding.

Chances are, your bridesmaids could get dressed, accessorized, and attend to their hair and makeup needs in the dark with one hand tied behind their backs. You know, since us ladies do practically the same getting-ready-routine everyday. However, you should be mindful that the groom or groomsmen may not be accustomed to getting dressed to the nines on a regular basis, and may require a little extra instruction when it comes to the putting on the finishing touches. Here are some more groomsmen-related preparations to consider:

• Ensure that someone knows how to tie the neckwear that the groomsmen will be wearing: a bow tie, neck tie, ascot or cravat. In this day and age, with the popularity of casual dress even in the workplace, it is not unheard of for a man not to know how to tie a bow tie. A good idea would be to have them practice ahead of time, using an online tutorial, such as the ones found at websites like Tie-A-Tie.net (www.tie-a-tie.net). Other accessories to consider are pocket square folds and how to put on a boutonniere.
• Rings, rings– who’s got the rings? If you are not having a ring bearer, or your ring bearer is perhaps alittle bit too young and unpredictable to trust with the actual rings, make sure that your best man is prepared for this role. Your maid of honor will typically be cued by the officiant as to when to take the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony, as will your best man be instructed when to hand over the rings.



• Raise your glass! When it comes time to toast, make sure that if you are expecting a few special words from your best man, he knows it. Not everyone can perform under pressure when they’re put on the spot, so having the chance to prepare something ahead of time can turn a potentially awkward wedding moment into the touching tribute they intended.

0 Bridesmaid Duties: A Visual

In case you weren't clear on who does what, here’s a nifty infographic of bridesmaids duties, courtesy of the diamond and jewelry experts at BlueNile.com.

0 Wedding Decor: Picking a style that reflects you

Choosing a style for your wedding might seem like a daunting task with so many different styles out there. However, when you think about it, your wedding day décor and details should be a direct reflection of you and your fiancé. Think about your clothes, the way you decorate your home, the kinds of restaurant ambiances you like, the kinds of things you like to do and all the other little details that help you create your personal style. Choosing a style or theme for your wedding should reflect all of that.

It can also be dictated by the venue you choose. You chose your venue for a reason and you don’t want to take away from it. Consider a style that enhances and complements the venue. This will make everything stay cohesive and it will look like it “belongs.”

Here are a few key details about some popular styles today to help you choose which one is right for you and your venue and which one falls more in line with your style as a couple.

1. Rustic: For the couple who loves the outdoors. Maybe it is an outdoor wedding. Rustic can be made to look more casual or more elegant depending on the flowers used. It often involves woody elements such as curly willow, branches, wooden barrels, driftwood and natural looking vases/containers.

2. Classic: For the traditional couple who may be getting married in a church/synagogue, a country club or a large ballroom that has classic carpeting and drapery already. Florals in this style are usually round in shape and the colors and flowers are all mixed together. They can be big or small, but the shape generally remains the same.

3. Glam: For the couple who likes nice things and maybe wants to make a larger production of their wedding. Florals for this style are usually big and lush, such as hydrangeas, peonies and garden roses. It often includes other elements such as crystals—but can also be achieved with a lot of candlelight and a lot of flowers.

4. Contemporary: For the modern couple who likes contemporary art, clean lines and/or minimalistic décor—but still wants to be able to wow their guests. This style may not be as big in size as glam or classic, but it is more of a “clean” look and it is sometimes about making a big statement with less—perhaps using bigger or more expensive flowers (like orchids) in these arrangements; or using only one or two types of flowers for everything.

5. Garden: For the couple who loves nature. Also a perfect, complementary style for those getting married in a garden. This style will not take away from the beautiful garden ambiance that drew you to your venue—instead it will enhance it and complement it by creating wispy floral arrangements, using a lot of foliage (including leaves, vines and flowering branches). The foliage helps the design blend into the garden so it looks like it belongs.

6. Vintage: For the couple that loves antiques, soft colors and treasures the past. This is usually a very romantic style due to the softness of the décor. The containers/vases for these arrangements are often delicate glass, gold pieces or mercury glass (and sometimes a combination of all three). The containers don’t always match perfectly but the décor is connected through the flowers used in the arrangements. There is usually some asymmetry to this style.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match. A good floral designer should be able to use elements of two or more different styles to create a personalized style to make your wedding day look like it’s yours!

0 Everything you need to know about buying alcohol for your wedding!

So, you’re having a wedding! And you want to serve alcohol. This is fun part of wedding planning ;) Also, confusing, and potentially expensive. 

This post is framed around providing your own alcohol for your wedding, Before we get into it, yes, it is totally okay to have a dry wedding. If your crowd is not used to dry weddings they may grumble a little bit, but seriously, they can go get a drink after they leave.

And, if you’re using a venue that provides the bar or makes you use a licensed service, or if you just want to use a bartending service, great! Pro bartenders are a great thing and tend to be fun people, and what you may pay in premium you will make up for in ease and lack of hauling around cases of wine. That said, if they’re not charging you on consumption, or you’re providing your own alcohol for them to serve, I’d suggest still looking at my quantity suggestions below and comparing them against the ones they provide you with, as I find that a lot of beverage service providers tend to significantly overestimate the amount of alcohol you’ll need.

This post looks like a whole lot of writing (sorry) but bear with me its all good information :) 

How much alcohol do I need for a Friday or Saturday night wedding with dinner and dancing?

To get started, let’s define serving sizes:

• 1 bottle of wine = 5 servings
• 1 case = 12 bottles
• 750ml bottle of liquor = 18 servings (1.5 oz servings)
• 1 bottle = 1 serving of beer
• 1 full sized keg = 165 beers

And, the all-important basic ratio:

• Full bar: 20% liquor, 15% beer, 65% wine
• Beer and wine only: 20% beer, 80% wine

(See more detailed breakdown below.)

I calculate one drink per guest per hour of reception, with the understanding that some people will drink more than that, and some will drink less. In my relatively vast experience, this is more than enough, and you’ll still have some leftovers. (Running out of booze mid-wedding = nightmare.)

So for example, for 100 guests, for a spring or summer Saturday night wedding, with a 4:00 pm ceremony and a reception that ends at 10:00pm, that’s 5 hours. For beer and wine only:

• 100 (guests) x 5 (hours) = 500 drinks
• 500 x 0.2 = 100 beers, or 8.5 twelve-packs (I’d buy 9)
• 500 x 0.8 = 400 glasses of wine, /5 = 80 bottles of wine, /12 = 6.6 cases = I’d buy 2.5 red, 2 white, 2.5 champagne (yes, this totals 7)

What about daytime weddings? Or weddings in different seasons or weather?

In general white wine is more popular, but in the winter red is more popular. For summer evening weddings I usually recommend an even split between red wine/white wine/champagne. In the winter go 40% red, 30% white, 30% sparkling. Note: if it is hot then no one/almost no one will drink red wine, and beer consumption will rise. Try to plan accordingly.

For daytime events you will also see a sharp decrease in red wine consumption, especially in the summer. Think about it—does red wine sound good to you at 1:00pm on a warm summer day? It probably won’t to your guests either. If you’re hosting an indoor winter lunch, than sure, people will drink red. However, for morning and daytime weddings, people generally drink champagne, white wine, and beer, or select mixed drinks (think: spiked punch, margaritas, mimosas).

For Sunday or weekday (not including Friday) weddings, most people tend to drink slightly less. That said, if it’s a holiday weekend, or a destination wedding where most people have traveled and aren’t working the next day, or you know that your crowd regularly parties during the week, this may not apply.

All of this comes with the caveat that you should look at your guest list and think about their drinking habits (as much as you can). I know that my parents and their friends usually drink wine and champagne at weddings, I have a fair amount of friends who pretty much only drink beer and whiskey, and also that many of my girlfriends are relatively dedicated champagne drinkers. So, if you know you have a ton of beer drinkers, up the beer ratio a little, etc.

So what kinds of alcohol should I offer?

At it’s most basic, a full bar is two beers (one light, one darker), red wine, white wine, champagne*, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, rum, and basic mixers.

Now—you do not need to have a full bar, about 80% of weddings (at least in California) serve beer and wine only (Google) This is more than okay, and in fact is what will mainly be consumed even if you have a full bar. It’s also worth noting that when serving wine, at most I recommend two whites, two reds, and one sparkling. (One of each is also fine!) Too much choice actually overwhelms people. And if you’re doing two of each, definitely go with two different varietals (say, a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc, a Malbec and a Pinot Noir).

Limited bar are also okay! Do you and your partner love bourbon? Great! Totally okay to offer it as your only liquor along with beer and wine, there are benefits of a “signature” cocktail…but I think it’s important to ask yourself—do you have a signature/favorite cocktail?  If so, you should totally consider serving it! If not, no need to come up with one for your wedding.

What kind of beer should I serve?

I generally recommend getting at least two types of beer—something light and crowd pleasing (Corona and Trumer Pilsner are favorites) and then something more interesting if you or your crowd is into beer. I also generally recommend against kegs. (See quantities above; a keg has 165 beers in it.) Unless your wedding is huge, and you’re only serving beer, it’s unlikely that a whole keg will be consumed, and unlike bottles, undrunk kegs don’t keep. You have a few leftover twelve-packs at the end of the night? No big deal. Give them to guests (or to your waitstaff) at the end of the night, or just take them home and drink them at your leisure! A half-full keg, on the other hand, is going to go back to the store. Sad face.

What kind of wine should I serve?
Unfortunately for you, I know just enough about wine to order something I’ll like off a wine list, or buy a bottle in a store. Start with a budget (say, under $10, under $15, or under $30,) and go to a wine store or grocery store with a dedicated wine buyer and ask them to recommend a few bottles that fit into that. It will be helpful if you generally know what kind of wine you like so that you can give them some direction. Then have some family or friends over and combine wedding wine tasting with crafts, invitation addressing, or any other type of wedding-related activity that you’d like some help on. Way more enticing (hey, want to come over and taste wine for our wedding, and oh, help stuff, stamp, and lick eighty-five envelopes too?) and a ton of fun.

How much should I spend on wine? And where should I buy it?

That is totally up to you. There are a ton of great wines out there that cost under $10/bottle. If you spend $35/bottle will the wine be better? Well, for the most part yes. But, unless you and your partner are big wine people, and the quality of the wine at your wedding is one of your three most important things, please don’t feel the need to break your budget buying expensive wine. Do you like the way the wine you’re serving tastes? Great! Most of your guests probably will too.

That said, local wine stores are fantastic, and while they may not keep large quantities on hand, are probably going to be totally happy to special order a few cases for you. You’ll also probably get more personalized service, which may make up for the discounts you might otherwise get from the mass-quantity sellers.

What about toasts?

Let people toast with whatever they have in hand, and offer champagne at the bar all night. (If you really want to pass drinks before toasts, just send wait staff around with red, white, and sparking. Done.) That said, if you want to do a champagne* toast, because you just can’t imagine your wedding without one, make sure that the bar staff only pours 1/3 or 1/2 full glasses, and calculate eight glasses per bottle instead of five for buying purposes.

Inevitably alcohol calculations are an art not a science. With these numbers you may run out of one or two things towards the end, but you certainly won’t run out of alcohol overall. Wedding guests aren’t upset about having to switch their drink in the last hour of the night if the bar has run out of whatever they’ve been drinking up to that point.

And, most importantly, my golden rule of alcohol at weddings: If your guests complain about the type of free alcohol you’re serving them, they are free to go elsewhere.

One last tip, just because: Homemade agua fresca is available in mass quantities very cheaply (think $15 for 2 gallons) at many Mexican restaurants and Mexican grocery stores, and makes for a great and easy mixed drink when mixed with vodka or tequila. If you fill up a glass drink dispenser (or two—multiple flavors!) and have the booze on the side, you can cover both your non-alcoholic offering and your “signature” cocktail. Win all around.

Also—don’t forget to buy ice!

*champagne = sparkling wine. Prosecco, Cava, or California Sparkling Wines are all way more than acceptable alternatives.

0 New Years Wedding Ideas & Inspiration

New Year’s Eve is a popular night to hold a wedding; it’s an easy anniversary for your and your spouse to remember and who doesn't want to be surrounded by their family and friends to ring in the new year? There’s typically more sparkle and confetti around the holidays, but that sparkle can be added to a wedding anytime of the year. Here are some ways to add the glitz and glamour into your wedding even if it isn't’t on New Year’s Eve!

1) Add horns to your celebration. This could be fun during your exit!

                       

New Year’s Horns

2) Add fun sparkly hats, confetti and less traditional invitations!

                     

Bride and Wedding Invitation; Save the Date

3) Wear fun hats! Maybe make ones that say “Happy Wedding” for a non-New Year’s wedding!

                     

New Year’s Rings

4) Incorporate sparkly table runners, table ornaments, and cake decorations!

                           

Silver and Blue Table; Rings; Cupcakes

0 Hiring a videographer

While a picture is worth a thousand words, sometimes wedding photography is not enough to capture all the magic of your wedding day. For this reason, many couples also consider hiring a wedding videographer for their wedding. Here is a look at what you need to know when choosing a videographer.

Count the Experience
Above all, you want someone that has experience in the field of wedding videos. A videographer needs to be an expert in the field. Some videographers will see wedding videos as a cheap and easy way to get into the field of videography, so you want to watch out for these people. Hiring a professional is critical in producing great results.

Review the Demos

A good way to tell how professional your videographer is at his or her work is to ask for demos. Take the time to sit through a few and watch how the videographer works. Since it is a live production, it is normal to see a few minor errors, but you should see that on the whole the wedding and receptions are covered professionally. You can also ask for references from previous customers, which will help you further understand how the videographer works.

Ease of Communication
Your videographer needs to be a people person. This is important not only in getting the specific shots that you want included in your wedding video, but also in making sure that everything runs smoothly. Your videographer will need to work with both the guests and the other professionals you have hired for your special day.

Personalization of Style
Like photographers, videographers will have varying styles. It is often helpful to have a photographer and a videographer that have a similar style so that they can work together. Some videographers prefer a reality-TV style approach, others more of a documentary, and some will prove more of an artsy feel to their work. You want to find a videographer that has a style that you like, which will fully reflect your personality for your wedding day.

Budgeting the Price
As with anything else in your wedding, a professional videographer is going to come with a fee. Since this is a professional service, you should keep in mind that you will often get what you pay for. Expect to pay at least as much for your wedding video as you do for your still photography. Since the pictures and the video are the main remembrances of the big day, the two are often at the top of the pricing scale to insure good quality.

Evaluating the Cameras/Equipment
For most couples, unless they are into photography or videography themselves, the type of equipment that is used is not important. However, you may want to ask how many cameras the videographer and staff will be using. In most cases, you will want a minimum of two cameras going throughout the ceremony in order to make sure that every moment is captured.

Incorporating the Editing
While the videography of the big day is important, just as important is the editing. You will want to know the length of the final version, if captions or titles will be included, if there will be a menu, what sort of music there will be, and any other concerns. For those couples who are working with a budget, an unedited video can give you a realistic picture of the day, if your videographer is willing to give you one.

Buying Extra Copies
If you want extra copies of your wedding video, you will want to find ahead of time if there are any copyright fees that will be involved. If you want still shots made from the video, you might also inquire about the charges for these at the same time.

Overall, your videographer is responsible for capturing your big day. Choose wisely, and you will find a professional that will do quality work within your budget in order to have the best memento possible.

0 Mood Music for your wedding

For many couples, the wedding ceremony is just part of the celebration.  After exchanging vows, they go on to the wedding reception, where family and friends join together for joyous celebration.  

For both parts of your special day, the music you choose can play an important role in the type of mood that is set.   Do you want a fun wedding?   Do you want a serious or traditional one?  How you choose your wedding entertainment will definitely determine the ambiance of your special day.

Jamming with Wedding Bands

For many couples, the wedding band is a popular choice.  For instance, you can pick up some of the local flair by hiring a country band or a Latin band.  If you are going for a tropical or Caribbean themed wedding, then a reggae or steel drum band might be appropriate. Other couples will decide to go with a  wedding band that does their personal favorite music, such as a Top 40 band, a 90′s band, or a dance band. If you are unsure what you would like, consider interviewing a few different wedding bands to see what there is available.

Spinning with Wedding DJs

Some couples prefer a variety of music styles for their wedding entertainment in Dallas. If this is the case for you, then a wedding DJ might be more appropriate. The advantage of a wedding DJ is that you can use a variety of different music styles, since everything is done on CD. There is often less of a need for an “intermission” since there is no band that will need to take a break (and the DJ can often eat right at his or her station, or set up several tracks to play while taking a break). Different DJs will have different styles – for instance, some may be more into telling jokes and making small talk than others, so you will want to interview a few before deciding on your wedding entertainment.

Going with Solo Musicians

For those couples who prefer a more traditional sound to their wedding, you might consider a solo musician for your wedding entertainment. Unlike a band, this is only one musician. Depending on your personal tastes, a variety of instrumentation is available. Your choices might include an acoustic guitar, a cellist, a harpist, a keyboardist or organist, or a violinist, among other instruments. Or you can choose to hire a wedding singer to sing songs during your wedding and reception. Again, the type of instrument and/or singer that you choose will have a large impact on the style and the mood of your wedding.

Enjoying Classical Wedding Ensembles

Another option for a traditional wedding is to go with classical wedding ensembles as your wedding entertainment.  Like the wedding band, these are often a group of performers. However, instead of playing Top 40 music or your favorite 80s songs, these musicians give a more classical feel to your wedding. Brass ensembles, string quartets, and woodwind ensembles are all popular choices. Again, some people will find that different instrument selections will give a different feel to their wedding. For instance, a brass ensemble may be a bit overwhelming for the actual ceremony, but may be perfect for the festive celebration afterwards.

As with other parts of your wedding planning, the wedding band or entertainment may need to be reserved well in advance in order to secure your date. Start interviewing early, and reserve a time slot as soon as your plans have started to fall into place.  By understanding the mood you want to create, you can choose the best musical option that will become a beautiful soundtrack to your special day!

0 How To Add "Winter" To Your Wedding Bouquet

Wedding florals vary by season, and choosing florals that are in season helps keep costs down. While that means peonies aren't the best choice for your winter wedding, you'll still have some fabulous winter floral options. Here are some of the best ways to winterize your wedding florals:

1. Use holiday trimmings like pine and holly berries.

2. Make them frosty with lambs ear, or do an all-silver brooch (non-floral) bouquet.

3. Add winter texture with pinecones, berries, and lotus pods.

4. Incorporate winter fruits and veggies like kale and persimmons.

5. Make them all winter white (or cream).

What is your favorite way to winterize wedding florals?

0 Wedding Planning During The Holidays

We know this time of year is all about family and togetherness, but we actually think the holidays are a perfect time to do a little wedding planning. (And what are weddings about if not family and togetherness?!) If you are traveling or off work, you'll likely have some down time...so rather than playing Candy Crush for hours, here are some ways you can get a little wedding planning done.

1. Look at wedding inspiration and research vendors with your fiance. Even if you browse wedding inspiration regularly for fun, finding time to sit down and browse as a couple can actually be tough. And while the holidays can certainly be busy, they often include a lot of down time. So if you'll just be hanging out at your parents' place in the days between Christmas and New Year's, set aside some time to browse for wedding ideas and researching venues and people to hire. (We recommend sending out emails to venues and vendors you're interested in while you're at it; you may not hear back for a few days, but it feels so good to get those initial emails sent!)

2. Read gift guides to find bridesmaid and groomsmen gift ideas. Because when you're ready to start buying gifts in May, you won't have all these great gift ideas right in front of you! Even if you don't buy the products now, you'll likely get some ideas you hadn't thought of before. (Hint: gift guides are also a great place to find ideas for wedding gifts for the coming year!)

3. Take advantage of the face time with your family and friends. One of the most difficult things about planning a wedding these days is that family and friends are often so spread out, meaning a trip to the bridal salon with your mom and all your maids is a long shot. So think about any aspects of your wedding you need to discuss in person (like the budget and guest list) or any shopping that you'd prefer to do offline (like trying on bridesmaids dresses) and try to find a time to do it when people are around this week.

4. Work on your DIY projects. Again, if you have a few days off work and you know you'll have some down time, it's a great time to tackle one of your wedding DIY tasks. What would feel like it's taking over your entire weekend during the rest of the year week will feel much less stressful during a week-long vacation. And attempting a DIY project well in advance -- when you still have time to give up and hire someone if it doesn't work out -- is always a good idea.

Have a great holiday!

0 finding the perfect venue

Once you say “I do,” there needs to be a waiting location ready for a beautiful celebration with your family and friends! In addition to the wedding ceremony itself, couples also need to consider where they will have the wedding reception afterwards. Some are designed to have your wedding on site, while others are better tailored for just the receptions with weddings held off site.


There are several things that you need to consider when choosing a wedding reception. Here are some things to think about so that you find the perfect site.


How many guests?

You will first want to think about how many people you will be inviting to the wedding reception. Often, the wedding reception venue will need to be larger than the actual location of the wedding, since many couples will have more guests for the reception than the actual ceremony. Some wedding reception venues are designed to accommodate large numbers of people, while others are designed for a more intimate setting. You never want your guests to feel cramped while at the wedding, so make sure that the venue is large enough.


When is the wedding?

If you are planning to get married quickly, versus having a long engagement, your choices of wedding reception venues are going to be more limited. Popular sites tend to be reserved quickly, and if you have a dream location, reserve it as soon as possible. If you do not have a site in mind, then you should start looking right away because availability may influence your wedding date. Make sure that you get a confirmation receipt of your reservation as soon as you have found and reserved a venue.


What setting are you thinking of?

If the weather is nice, but you still want a traditional church wedding, then an outdoor reception is a good way to take advantage of the beauty of nature. However, keep in mind that there are unique challenges for both indoor and outdoor wedding receptions. With outdoor wedding receptions, you are much more dependent on the weather being nice, while indoor receptions may be limited in space. Both have their own unique catering, entertainment, and photography concerns. If you decide that an outdoor venue is right for you, an option is to consider a location that has the option of moving the party indoors if the weather does not cooperate.


Where is your wedding being held?

If your wedding is not being held at the same location as your wedding reception, then you want a venue that is nearby. Having the ceremony location and the service location too far apart can make travel difficult for guests and wedding party members.


What is your entertainment?

Depending on your wedding reception venue, noise laws may be in effect during certain times of the day. If you are having a wedding DJ or a wedding band, check into these laws before booking a site.


The key to choosing the ideal wedding reception venue is to get a start early! This will give you the widest array of options, and thus, you can plan the perfect wedding – and celebration!

0 Bonding with your in laws at Thanksgiving

4 Tips for Bonding With Your Future In-Laws at Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving -- one of the most family-centric holidays -- is often the time when you realize your engagement isn't just a shiny diamond ring and a good-looking fiancé. While those things are nice, it is much more than that -- it's a time to prepare for the joining of two families and communities.

The Norman Rockwell version of Thanksgiving conjures up images of a glistening roasted turkey, beautiful side dishes, and a perfectly set table. But underneath the yummy food and lovely table settings are family dynamics that can be wonderful...or can be rather difficult to handle. Here are some tips to help newly-engaged couples navigate their first family holiday together and help set the stage for their upcoming wedding.

1. Be positive.

Arriving at your in-laws' home for Thanksgiving with a smile on your face really sets the tone for the day. People tend to respond better to others who are positive and loving. It's important to let your future in-laws know that you're really happy to be spending the holiday with them and to become a member of their family.

2. Be patient.

Not everyone has good social skills or knows how to tactfully introduce himself or herself. If people are awkward or struggling to make conversation, try to have empathy for them and be as gracious as possible. 

3. Get involved!

Offer to make something to bring to the meal -- perhaps a side dish or dessert. Your future in-laws will be thrilled to see you pitching in. You could also help by clearing the table or doing the dishes. On the other hand, don't go overboard trying to do so much that it makes them feel uncomfortable. Others in the family will want to contribute as well.

4. Try to learn about the dynamics of the family in advance.

That way, you'll better understand what's really going on and who has an underlying agenda. It's best not to get involved in heated debates or discussions, even if this is typical for your fiancé's family. A good rule of thumb for the holidays (or for any dinner party for that matter) is to keep the discussion friendly, light, and pleasant. And always try to remain civil even if some sparks fly. Basically, if someone acts up or says something provocative, don't take the bait and engage.

What are your best tips for surviving your first holiday with your future in-laws?

0 Creating a registry

In addition to the wedding and reception, many couples will also have a bridal shower. If not, many guests will bring gifts to the wedding itself. However, it is not always easy for guests to choose gifts for the happy couple, nor is it always easy for couples to come right out and ask for specific items. That is when creating a bridal registry is a good idea. Bridal registries allow the couple to ask for specific items that they will need when starting out their new life together, while giving guests options to choose from based on their personal budgets or wishes for the couple. Many larger department stores will offer bridal registry services, as well as local boutique shops.

What do you have already?
The first thing to do is go through what you and your fiancé already own before creating your bridal registry. Take a look at the items that you already have that are still in good condition, as well as items you will need.

What do you need?
If you are not living together prior to the wedding, then your living situation will definitely change once you get married. Even if you are living together, you may decide to purchase a home or move to a larger apartment once the union has become “official.” Take into consideration the items that you will need to live comfortably together. For instance, you both probably already own dishes, but a new set big enough for both to share, as well as guests, can be a useful item to add to your bridal registry. Pots, pans, and cookware are other common wedding registry items. Do not forget about the smaller things that you may need, even if they seem nonessential. If you really need a vacuum cleaner, add it to the list. Often this will give your guests a better price range for options so they do not have to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford.

What do you want?
Once the needs are out of the way, you can also add on things that you will like to have. This is one of the few times in your life where you can go all out and put big items on their wish list. Some family members or friends may choose to go in together on a gift, or decide to go a little over the top to help the new couple celebrate.

Some couples creating their wedding registry find that this is easiest to do while walking around the store they have chosen to register at, giving them ideas that they might not have thought of otherwise. Consider something fun for the two of you – like a new entertainment center, camping gear for two, or another activity that the two of you enjoy. You can also add items to the bridal registry that are just for the bride or the groom. For instance, if he wants a new set of power tools and she wants designer linens, you can add both to the list.

Make the registry
Many department stores will have an easy way for you to create your  bridal registry. Often, this will involve carrying around a hand held scanner or sitting at a kiosk to input items. The store may also have a checklist of “must have” items to get you started if you have not created your own list. If you are too busy or pressed for time to stop in the store and do the bridal registry in person, many of the larger stores will also allow you to create or edit bridal registries on line at their website.

Tell your guests about the registry
Tell your bridal shower host or hostess where you are registered. Many stores will also give you cards to stick in with the invitations to tell your wedding guests where your bridal registry is set up.

Creating your bridal registry is a fun experience! You get to shop, while all of the presents arrive at your wedding. Enjoy the wonderful time, which lasts from the shopping and planning throughout years of your married life together.