Wedding Planning Insight

Great Guest Giveaways!

2012-02-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Do you already have your wedding favors, but would like to do alittle extra something for your guests? Or....Are you looking for your favors tobe something your guests can actually use the day of your wedding?

As we all know, every wedding is unique, and sometimes it’sthese unique details that call for a little extra flare! From warm beachweddings to wine themed soirées, there aremany ways to make your guests feel truly welcome on your special day.Check out the guest giveaway ideas below for some inspiration!

Compliments of theknot.com Compliments of beau-coup.com

Pashmina’s - For Cool Outdoor Weddings

· If you would like to hold your ceremony, cocktailhour or reception outside, but are worried about possible cool weather,provide a basket of pashmina’s as your guests arrive. You can provide a varietyof colors for your guest to choose form. Or you can create a unique effect byproviding them in colors that match your wedding color scheme. Watch to see how even your guests add to your overall wedding look!

Flip-flops – For Beach Weddings or Dancing the Night Away

· Having a beach wedding ceremony, but worriedabout your guests wanting to wear shoes that aren’t exactly beach ready?Provide a basket of flip-flops at the entrance of your ceremony (in a varietyof sizes) for your guest to wear. Or…Want your guests to feel comfortable andspend night dancing away, but know your venue has a strict “must wearshoes at all times” policy? This is another great opportunity to supply avariety of flip-flops for your guests. Your guests and their happy feet will besure to thank you later!

Fans - For Hot Outdoor Ceremony’s (Can Double as a Program!)

· Having your wedding outdoors in the peak of thesummer? Place a fan on everyone’s seat to help them cool off throughout theday. Want a two-for-one steal? Use printable paper fans and include yourwedding day program on the back of each fan.

Parasols’ - For Outdoor Cocktail Hour

· Allow your guest to be shaded from the hot sun byproviding parasol’s for your cocktail hour. Add a special touch by inscribing your monogram on eachparasol. (Perfect for vintage style weddings!)

Personalized Wine Glasses – (Can Double as a Favor!)

· Personalize wine glasses with your name, weddingdate or monogram and provide them to your guests during cocktail hour or ateach table during your reception. At the end of the night your guests can take them home asa favor. (Great for wine themed weddings)

Wine Charms

· Providing a variety of wine glass charms to yourguest so they can keep track of their glass throughout the evening, is a funpersonal touch and a great way to save on paying for a multitude of extraglassware!

Bathroom Amenities Baskets – Thoughtful and Classy

2012-02-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

In our last blog post, we shared how sometimes it's thelittlest details that can give the biggest impact and truly make a weddingunique. A bathroom amenities basket for your guests is one of those little touches that willsurely be noticed! This thoughtful and classy gesture will truly come inhandy for those “I wish I had brought….” moments. By the end of the night you will find that your baskets went to good use and were greatly appreciatedby your guests!

Below is a list of a few items to think about including inyour baskets. Although some of the items repeat, there are two separate listsfor the Lady’s Room and Men’s Room.

Already have your bathroom amenitiesbaskets planned out?

Check out our bonus items to see if we found something you may not have thought of!

Lady’s Room:

~ Mints ~Hair Elastics

~ Hairspray ~Bobby Pins

~ Tissue ~Tide-to-Go Stick

~ Spritzer/Perfume ~Lint Roller

~ Mouthwash ~Q-tips

~ Dental Floss ~Clear Nail Polish

~ Hand Lotion ~Mini Sewing Kit

~ Feminine Products ~Scissors

~ Blotting Sheets ~Tums

~ Band Aides ~Imodium

~ Moleskin ~Eye Drops

~ Safety Pins ~Advil or Ibuprofen

Something you may not have thought of: Earring backs & DoubleSided Tape

Men’s Room:

~ Mints ~Lint roller

~ Hair Gel ~Safety Pins

~ Tissue ~Mini Sewing Kit

~ Cologne ~Scissors

~ Mouthwash ~Tums

~ Dental Floss ~Imodium

~ Hand Lotion ~ Eye Drops

~ Band Aides ~Advil or Ibuprofen

~ Tide-to-Go stick

Something you may not have thought of: Instant Hem &Cuff Fabric Tape

Want to add an extra “littletouch”?

Included a framed engagement photo, poem or note next to each basket addressed to yourguests. Below are a couple of more well know poem examples.

So happy you’re here sharing ourspecial day
But just in casesomething should go astray:

Please help yourself to thecontents within
Mouthwash, handlotion or ibuprofen

Use what you need, and just leavethe rest
For it may beuseful to some other guest!

Repair the damage that may havebeen done,
Thenquick! Hurry back and join in the fun!

~ Compliments of the Bride &Groom ~

Dear Guests,
Whether your skin feels dry or your hair out of place
You're not feeling so fresh or whatever the case
We've put together a basket to help you along
Now hurry back out before you miss the next song!

~ Compliments of the Bride &Groom ~

Creative Wedding Table Names

2012-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it’s the littlest touches that make a weddingtruly unique to the couple getting married. Creative wedding table numbers or namesare a great way to add a unique flare to your wedding and are usually not thatdifficult to incorporate. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

Locations: Think of places the two of you have traveled totogether or would like to travel to. Then list each table as the names oftheses locations, as a picture of these locations or as a picture of the two ofyou in these locations
Engagement photos: Add a different engagement photo to eachtable number
Hobbies you have together: For example if you both like togarden, name each table a different flower or herb
Music: List of your favorite songs or artists
Tie into your theme: For example if you are getting marriedat a vineyard, name each table a different type of wine or make custom wine bottlelabels
Multilingual Couple?: Write “I Love You” in differentlanguages
Your Story: For example if you met in college include namesof halls, buildings or locations either tied to that school or special to howyou met
Q&A: Label each table with a statement to resemblea question (i.e. First Memory). Then on the table include a picture of each ofyou. Below each picture state the full question (i.e. What is your first memoryof _____?) and then your separate answers. (Give your answers to a third partyto make it a surprise for the both of you as well!)

These are just a few of many ideas to give your wedding amore personal touch. You can even take the creativity one step further byadding some DIY crafting to the display of your table names. From pictureframes to bedazzling the options are endless!

Bridal Fair 101

2012-01-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

The hustle and bustle of the New Year is here and it’s timeto set our calendars for the year ahead. If you are planning an upcomingwedding, this could mean fitting in Bridal Fairs into your already busyschedule. Often times these fairs can be very overwhelming with a widevariety of information, special offers & new ideas being thrown at you allat once. Below are a few tips we have found useful to help simplify the processand maximize your bridal fair experience!

Bridal FairTips:

1. Try to Attended at Least Two Bridal Fairs:

Be sure to attend at least one bridal or wedding fair closeto your wedding location to help you find great vendors that work in your area.It’s also a good idea to attend a second fair in a nearby big city to see newtrends, specialty ideas and of course to enjoy the celebrity status feel!

2. Bring Contact Information Stickers:

Many vendors offer great show specialsand raffle drawings at their booths that are usually only obtainable at theshow itself. In order to enter these drawings you are often required to enter some basic contact information, which can be very time consuming. To help streamline this process brings afew sheets of address label stickers with your name, phone number, email* andwedding date. This way you can simply stick on your sticker to theirinformation card and you are ready to go!

*Additional Tip: Create a new emailaccount just for your wedding. This will help you keep everything organized inone area and avoid filling your personal/work email with wedding details.

3. Attend the Fashion Shows:

Even if you already have your attireset, fashion shows are a great way to get inspiration for other aspects ofyour wedding (i.e. floral designs from the bouquets they are carrying, colorpalettes from the bridesmaids dresses, accessories, hair designs…etc).

4. Visit Every Booth:

Take the time to visit everybooth for at least 30 seconds, even if you already have booked the service theyare offering. They may have new ideas you have not thought of and great give–awaysthat you can benefit from! Keep in mind what booths stand out to you most. Thenafter you have “scouted everything out”, return to the booths you were most interestedin to ask additional questions and gather more information.

5. Bring a BIG Bag:

Whether it’s pamphlets, cards, samples,favors or prizes, at the end of the day you will have received a mountain ofmaterial from all the different vendors. Bring a large bag with at least TWOpockets to help carry and sort everything. Use one side as the “everything”pocket and the other as the “very interested in” pocket. (If you have threepockets you can use them for “everything, maybe, and must have!”). This process willreally help when you are sorting through everything later trying to rememberwhat is what.

6. Ask Vendors About Other Vendors:

If you are hesitant about using acertain service or vendor (i.e. you are not sure if you want use a weddingplanner), ask some of the other vendors at the fair what they think. They workwith these professionals every day and know first hand the qualities they canbring to your wedding.

7. Mark Your Calendar!

Most vendors welcome arranging a time to meet outside ofthe hustle of the show atmosphere. These are usually no-obligation consultationsand can often lead to additional discounts on their services. Bring yourcalendars so you set these meetings and benefit from these specials.

Time to Budget for your Wedding – Who Pays for What?

2011-12-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

With the New Year quickly approaching it’s time to startthinking about goals for the year. If you are recently engaged, that could meanbudgeting for your upcoming big day!

Traditional wedding customs tell us that the bride’s familyis financially responsible for the majority of the wedding. Leaving the groomand his family with the rehearsal dinner, bride’s rings, honeymoon and a fewother small odds & ends. However, in today’s society these etiquettetraditions are seen more as guidelines than rules. Often with couples beingmore fanatical stable at the time of marriage they end up paying for a lot ofthe wedding themselves. Another popular option is to have the wedding cost tosplit into thirds between the bride’s family, groom’s family and thecouple. Whatever you decide, it’sgood to remember that every wedding is unique and should reflect the bestoptions for everyone involved.

Below is the TraditionalBreakdown of Expenses for your reference:

Bride’s Family Pays For:

· Engagement Party (optional)

· Wedding Invitations & Other Stationary(announcements, thank you’s, programs)

· Wedding Gown & Accessories

· Wedding Coordinator

· Décor Flower’s for Ceremony & Reception

· Bridesmaids Bouquets

· Music (Ceremony & Reception)

· Photography

· Videography

· Venue Fee’s (Ceremony & Reception)

· Catering

· Additional Décor

· Additional Specialty Vendors

· Favors

· Bridal Party Transportation to Ceremony &Reception

· Bridesmaids Accommodations

· Their Own Wedding Attire

Groom’s Family Pays for:

· Engagement Party (optional)

· Marriage License

· Officiant’s Fee

· Rehearsal Dinner

· Personal Flowers: the bride’s bouquet,boutonnieres for wedding party & fathers, corsages for mother’s & grandmothers

· Their Own Wedding Attire

· Honeymoon - Including Travel (in conjunctionwith groom)

Bride Pays for:

· Groom’s Ring

· Bridesmaids Luncheon

· Gifts for Bridesmaids

· Wedding-Day gift for the Groom

· Gift for her Parents

Groom Pays for:

· The Bride’s Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

· His Formalwear

· Groomsmen Accommodations

· Gifts for Groomsmen

· Wedding-Day gift for the Bride

· Gift for his Parents

· Honeymoon - Including Travel (in conjunctionwith groom’s family)

Attendant’s Pay for:

· Bachelor & Bachelorette parties

· Bridal Shower (Bridesmaids pay for)

· Gifts for Bride & Groom

· Wedding Attire and Accessories

· Transportation to and from Wedding Town

Buffet or Plated Service- My Only Catering Options?

2011-12-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of the traditional buffet or plated service catering options for your wedding reception? To add little wow factor and entertainment for your guests, consider Food Stations. This can be a fun way to keep the mood of your wedding very social. Depending on space and price conditions, set up 5 to 10 Chef-attended stations around the room. Each station can feature a different type of cuisine or different variation of one type of cuisine. Every station should include guest interaction and a unique presentation to ensure that overall wow factor for your wedding reception! You want to encourage people to move around the room so they can taste each of the delicious cuisines, so make sure you make it easy for them to do so.

Do you like buffet and plated service, but know with your time and/or space constraints, you need to consider other catering options? If this is the case, Family Style Service may be a better fit for you. Family Style catering serves your meal on platters to each table and guests are then encouraged to serve themselves. Much like the name implies, this style of catering allows your guests to become more intimate as they gather around their meal much like a Thanksgiving feast with family.

The Four C’s – Outside your Diamond Selection

2011-11-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

We are not talking cut, color, clarity and carat, but rather another set of “C’s” that relate to your overall wedding experience; compromise, consideration, communication, and celebration!

Marriage is a momentous and joyous transformation in a couple’s life. Often times, how a couple works together on their wedding plans can forecast how they will approach other major decisions they will come across in their life together.

Weddings are a beautiful and exciting event, but just like marriage, planning wedding can also be a lot of work. Just remember at the end of the day, your wedding is about you and the one you love coming together! The four “C’s” are a great guide to helping you master the wedding planning process.

1. Compromise: This is an important day for many people. It is always a nice gesture to make sure everyone feels included in some way.

2. Consideration: Try to take into consideration the thoughts, feelings and emotions of others during this sometimes-stressful process.

3. Communication: Try to be very specific about your thoughts and expectations. As they say, communication is key to a great marriage…so get your practice in early!

4. Celebration: Sometimes you can be caught in all the little details of your wedding. Just remember, at the end of the day you are there to celebrate one of the most joyous milestones in your lives!

Wedding Planning Tips - How to Make The Most of Your Wedding Photography

2011-09-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Once you hire a professional photographer for your wedding, you already know you are in great hands, but here a a few things to think about to help learn about the process and make their job easier!

First, make a list of who you want in your photo's and in what location. Make sure you include their full name and title. [ For example: Location - At Golf Course 18th Hole People - Brides family including Mary Jones (Mother of the Bride), John Jones (Father of the Bide)...etc.] By having this list you will help streamline the photography process by knowing who you need when and where.

Second, make sure you realize your photographer is not your time-keeper. They are there to capture every moment perfectly, and make sure that you wedding photo's are as beautiful as ever! In order to help your photography stay on track while still allowing him or her do what they do best, have a Wedding Planner or friend close by who is very familiar with your timeline and knows what your time limit is. Also keeping your list handy can help prepare the next group being photographed and move along the process.

Finally, many brides and grooms enjoy taking photo's with all their guests at each table. If this is something you are also considering, try to allot at least an extra 30 minutes for this photo session. Often times, when visiting each table everyone wants to say hello and congratulate you, which usually takes more time than expected.