Tip Of The Week: Do I Really Need A Wedding Planner

Okay, so have you seen the commercial with the Dentist using a jackhammer while the construction worker watches him?  The dentist isn't doing such a good job and the construction man looks concerned.  Well, as a professional wedding planner that's how I feel when I hear about a new engagement.  Sure, there are tons of books and downloadable checklists, but how confident are you in the caterer you are going to choose?  Or the DJ...will they show up on time and play only the type of music you want to hear?  How about the decor at your reception?  Will the lighting be the right color and will all of the candles be lit when you arrive?  I can never stress enough to newly engaged couples how important it is to hire a professional.  I mean, you wouldn't want your surgeon doing your job, or you hers...right?

So my Tip for you for this week is that, YES, you should really consider hiring a wedding planner.  You don't need to necessarily hire somebody to take over the planning of your entire wedding, but at least somebody to have there the day of your wedding to make sure everything is as it should be.  Somebody that will take care of any and all problems so you don't even know there was one.  And, somebody to make sure the candles are lit so your friend, or worse yet, your mother, doesn't have to run over to your reception to take care of it!

Below are a few pictures of weddings that I have done.  Sure, things happened {like a major storm rolling in before the outdoors ceremony was supposed to happen}, but nothing that the bride, groom, families or friends had to think about.  The celebrating is all they had to take care of!

Photography by Heidi Lee Photography

Photography by Heidi Lee Photography

Photography by Heidi Lee Photography

Photography by Heidi Lee Photography

Photography by Gravidee Photography and Design

Photography by Gravidee Photography and Design

Photography by Heather Kessler Photography

 

 

Photography by Heather Kessler Photography

Photography by Heather Kessler Photography

 

Photography by Heather Kessler Photography

 

Have a wonderful Monday!

Theme Thursday: Tangerine and Pink Wedding Inspiration

The sun is finally shining and the weather is getting warmer every day.  Tangerine Tango - the color of the year - is such a fun color so that is what I had to go with today!  Seductive, yet bright and encouraging...I love it!

What are your wedding colors?  Are you incorporating Tangerine Tango?  Please do share!

Wedding Reception Seating: Have a Seat Please

It's been a crazy week, and I've had passing thoughts on what to blog about next, but after spending an extremely fun night with a couple I'm working with, the light bulb in my head lit up - SEATING CHARTS.  

{www.intimateweddings.com}
The seating arrangement for your wedding reception dinner is, quite possibly, one of the most stressful things when it comes to wedding planning {you thought it was finding the right dress, didn't you?}.  And, I hate to tell you, but this part of your planning really cannot be avoided.  Some people are very adamant about "letting their guests decide where to sit", but this doesn't work.  Too many times people end up shuffling around trying to sit with their spouse, or finding the right space for their children.  Cliques start happening {AHH!  High School nightmare!!}, and your quiet, reserved out-of-town friend is stuck sitting with people she doesn't know.  Not good!

So, with that being said I am going to help you figure out how to put together a perfect seating arrangement for all of your guests. Ready?


1. First, you have a couple of options as far as seating. You can do a Seating Assignment or a Table Assignment.  Either way, people will feel organized and relaxed - not anxious trying to figure out who to sit with.

2. Consider where to sit your elderly guests and those with disabilities.  Away from the music speakers, yet close to the fun and near the front are some things to keep in mind.

3. Figure out where to put the head table ~ if you're having one.  I am not one for the "traditional long head table on a stage" look so my couples always start their seating assignments with themselves.  A few options for my couple's and their set-up are:

• a sweetheart table, usually positioned near the dance floor
• a long banquet table in the middle of the room that can include everyone from the couple, bridal party and dates, parents, siblings, grandparents, officiant, just to name a few
• a series of round tables ~ this works well if there is an extremely large party
• a large square table including the two of you and your parents

4. Typically, both of your parents would sit at a table together along with the officiant and guest, grandparents and any siblings not in the wedding party.  Again, some options... You could decide to let each of your parents "host" their own table with close family and/or friends.  If your parents are divorced this could mean that you have 4 parents tables.  Not an issue, just keep this in mind.  And, if you're not sure what the best way to do this is, ask them.  You don't want any uncomfortable situations arising...and neither do they.

5. Aside from parents, keep your other family and friends relationships in mind.  If people aren't speaking due to past problems, don't try to make this day the "make-up day".  Let them do that on their own time.  Keep them as far apart as possible ~ trust me, they'll appreciate it.

6. Your high school and college friends will be excited to be sitting at the same table together.  It will give them all an opportunity to catch up, but, this is also a great time to mix and match both of your friends.  Seat some friends that don't know each other together, but who you think will get along exceptionally well...and who knows what might happen.


Remember that your seating chart takes time.  There are a number of on-line templates or you can draw tables on a large piece of paper and use post-it strips {that's my favorite!!}.  As you receive your responses back, write the names down immediately ~ on your computer template or your post-it.  Create a spreadsheet and write the guests names and their relationship to you {bride family, groom's cousin, dad's business partner...}, this will help you keep to easily sort the list and break it down into more manageable table assignements.

Try to have this finished, at least, a week before your wedding.  I try to have my couples get it done two weeks beforehand, then, since you've spent the time to make sure your 250 guests will have a remarkable night, show it off in your own style. 

www.austintaylorevents.com

www.milestonemoments.ca

www.thewhitelibrary.com

www.unitedwithlove.com

Are you doing a Table Assignment or a Seating Assignment?  We would love to hear what you do with it!  Leave a comment below and tell us how it went.

The Fit Bride: Challenge Yourself

As your wedding nears I know it will be hard to think about much else.  All the errands, phone calls, and meetings to make sure everything is just right.  It will be important to stay focused on your fitness goals through this turbulent time.  One way of doing this would be to challenge yourself to do something you have never done before.  Give yourself something that will push you to keep up on your health and fitness. 

This year I have decided to challenge myself as well, by signing up for the short course in the Waupaca Area Triathlon.  I have never done anything like this so it will really help me stay focused and push myself to get ready.  The excitement of a new challenge will do the trick in keeping me on track.  Try something new and challenge yourself to keep moving forward to achieving your goals.

Below are a few links to races and different ways to challenge yourself in the new year!

http://www.waupacaareatriathlon.com/

http://www.midwestsportsevents.com/paperdiscovery.html

http://www.eastbay.com/halfmarathon/

http://www.greatlakesendurance.com/wisconsin-races.html

Get out and be fit!!
Andrew

Fathers and Daughters

With the latest Father/ Daughter dance that has been all over the news {and re-danced for us on GMA}, I thought I would share some of my favorites over the next week. Enjoy!

These dad's are AWESOME!!  Congratulations!

Theme Thursday: Peacocks!

This weekend I am attending a Bridal Open House in my hometown.  I really wanted to use the "Rustic" theme that everyone seems to be loving lately, but I also really wanted to stand out.  This is the board that I put together to follow my theme through {notice the burlap along with all of the bright elegant colors}.

Crazy for the Peacocks!!!

Watch for the pictures from the show next week.  I am bringing my camera so I will be posting pictures of my booth.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the colors.  Also, make sure to follow and share my blog for weekly tips, ideas, themes, and all around fun wedding stuff.  

I LOVE this theme!!!

Wedding Traditions and Their Meanings

How many of you think the "White Wedding Dress" means purity?  I did too! 

Way {way, way, way} back in the day, like medieval times, most brides wore dresses that they already owned or if they were lucky enough, they purchased a practical dress. One that they could wear again.  This pretty much, meant that the general population of brides did not wear white wedding gowns.  Then, in the 1800's when Queen Victoria married, she wore a white, lace gown...and the rest is history.  Actually, the color blue is purity.  And, now you know!

Tossing the bouquet
This originated in England.  Women used to try to rip pieces of the brides flowers and dress to obtain some of her good luck.  To escape the crazy mob of women, the bride would throw her bouquet and run!  Could you imagine this sort of thing happening today??!

Giving away the bride
Can you guess when this one started?  Yep, in the long ago era of arranged marriages.  Daughters were considered to be the fathers property {hmmm!!} and it was his right to give away his daughter to a groom, usually for a price.  Today, though, a father "gives his daughter away" to show his blessing of the marriage.

The wedding ring
The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman Times.  The Romans believed that the vein in your "ring" finger runs directly to your heart.  The wedding ring is a never - ending circle symbolizing never-ending love.  Personally, I love the meaning of this tradition. 

The best man
He's not just there to keep the groom company.  In ancient times men sometimes captured women to make them their bride.  He would often take along his biggest, strongest and most trusted friend to help fight off resistance from the woman's family.  That brute was then considered to be the best man among his friends.  In Anglo-Saxon England the best man accompanied the groom to help defend the bride. 

Bride on the left
In Anglo-Saxon England the bride stood to the left of the groom to keep his sword hand free. 

Something old
This represents the bride's link to her family.  She may choose to wear an heirloom brooch, her great-grandmothers engagement ring {my mother-in-law lent me her grandmothers 3ct hand-etched ring}, or she may wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.

Something new
Representing hope for good fortune and success in the future, most brides choose the wedding gown as their "something new".

Something borrowed
Something borrowed usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her happiness and good fortune to the new bride

Something blue
Something blue symbolizes love, fidelity and purity of the bride

The bridal veil
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty, virginity and was used to ward off evil spirits. 

The bridesmaids
These great ladies were used to confuse evil spirits.  The bride's friends would dress similarly to her to confuse and fool any badness that was floating around.  Today, the bridesmaids are there to support the bride through stressful times.  You know, get her some wine once in a while.

Well, those are my favorite traditions and their meanings and origins.  Post a comment and let us know your favorite traditions. Tell us of new traditions that you've incorporated into your own wedding.

I hope you all have had a great weekend!

Summer Wedding Tips and Ideas

With the weather changing, flowers blooming and a lot more sunshine to be had by all, May through August - with good reason - are the most popular months for weddings. 

Here are some tips and ideas for you to be able to take full advantage of your summer wedding.



The outside setting
Take advantage of the longer days with a later afternoon wedding.  With the sunset behind you, you don't really need to spend a lot with decorations.  Use a flower garden as your nuptial site, a huge, green willow tree, or your families backyard. 

Summer wedding attire
With most of the wedding gowns being strapless, the summer bride is LUCKY!  Be sure to choose a gown that will fit with your location.  If you're getting married on a beach, a simple, light silk, linen or chiffon is perfect.  You could use beautiful hats in your party for a garden wedding, or you could decide to go barefoot for your beach wedding. If you are still getting married in a church and having an indoor/ outdoor reception, something a bit more formal, but still a light weight material is what you will want to find.  Make sure your girls are comfortable with a lighter dress and the guys could go with a linen suit or a pair of khakis and a nice button up shirt and dinner jacket.  And, of-course, a tuxedo is always appropriate for the more formal weddings. 

Summer hair and make-up
You will want to keep humidity in mind when choosing what to do with your hair {all of you!}.  Don't fight your hair, work with it.  Most professionals can design an updo for you that will look fabulous all day.  Keep your make-up light and natural.  You will be more comfortable and it will just look better!

Summery wedding favors
This is a great time to use some delicious fresh fruit for favors for your guests.  Work with your planner to find the perfectly colored, perfectly ripe peach or chocolate covered strawberries.  Also, make sure to offer your guests water {if getting married outside}, a beautiful wicker fan {which can double as your ceremony program} or a personalized parasol to block the sun.

The flowers
Well, this is easy!  It's summer and flowers are everywhere!  There are so many choices, so to help you narrow your choices here are some favorite options:
Hydrangeas, Roses, Lilies, Lilacs, Calla Lillies, Orchids, Stephanoitis, Mums and Zinnias.


Are you having a summer wedding?  Tell us about your details! Gown, flowers, food, decorations...we all want to know!

A Mexican "flavored" Wedding

I love Mexico!  I love the water, the people that I've met, the food and most definately the drinks!  Cinco de Mayo is coming up {YAY!!  another reason to have a party!} so here is an Inspiration Board - Mexican style!

I also created a fun Bridal Shower invitation for my future sister-in-law {ooo...that is so fun to say}.  Since I love Mexican food, and I'm hosting the party, Cinco de Mayo style is what she is getting!

Watch for party pics!

You May Kiss the Bride

Friday is here, the wedding has happened and it was all sealed with a kiss!

Acutally there were two kisses - good for them! 

When you are pronounced husband and wife and get to have your first kiss as a married couple, will you do it?  Are you the shy type and just want to get it done?  Will you be so caught up in the moment and all of the excitement so that your parents will blush?  Here are some of my favorite "You may kiss the bride" moments.

And, of course, the best kiss of all!

Okay, a couple "non-wedding" kisses, but still pretty sweet smooches!

Wediquette Wednesday - Help for the groom

Traditionally, the bride and her family did most of the wedding planning.  Well, that time is done!  Grooms today are WAY more involved in the whole planning process.  If you are one of those men that want to be involved, but you're not really sure what you should do, here are some things just for you.


Choose your best man (wisely)
Your best man will be the guy that is supposed to be there to help you with some very important duties.  He will be in charge of the marriage license, the wedding rings, giving the first toast at your wedding reception, delivering your final checks to your vendors, organizing your bachelor party and assisting with any last minute details that need to be taken care of. 

Choose your formalwear
Be sure to set up an appointment with your formalwear merchant.  Your future bride should be with you to make sure the colors are right and the style you choose works with the formality of your wedding day.

Make your boutonniere selection
Again, you and your fiancee should go together to your chosen florist to decide on flower bouquets and boutonnieres. 

Get your groomsmen gifts
When considering what to get your attendants, you should think of their hobbies and personalities.  Here are some suggestions:

Make sure you get your marriage license!
Enough said.  Most counties require you to apply for your marriage license no more than 30 days before your wedding.  You both will need to be there and there may be blood testing that will be required.  Also, make sure to bring your marriage license to the rehearsal the night before your wedding.  The officiant will keep it and make sure it is there to sign after your ceremony.

Toast your bride
After the best man has had his moment with the microphone, you will want to toast your bride.  Make sure you spend time on this.  Think of special moments the two of you have had together and the wonderful new life you will have as a married couple.  The words you say should be written down and should come from the heart.

The rehearsal dinner
Traditionally the rehearsal dinner is the responsibility of the groom's family.  This can be anything from a formal dinner to a fun backyard bar b que.  Make sure to invite the wedding party, family, any out of town guests and the officiant.  You can invite anyone you want, but these people are a must!

Mother/ Son dance
You might not think this is important, but it is.  Choose a meaningful song and practice your steps.  Let your mother know that you appreciate and love her.

Final payments
All of your vendors will need a final payment.  Some of them will require up to 2 weeks before the wedding day, but some will be paid the day of your wedding.  It is easiest to have an envelope made out for each vendor.  When you know what the final payments are, write out the check and slip it right into the envelope.  Give the envelopes to your best man for any vendors that need their payments on the day of the wedding and have him deliver them.

The wedding night
You might want to surprise your new bride with some fruit and champagne, flowers in the room, petals on the bed, or a light late-night snack for the two of you to share when you finally are alone. 

Another thing for you to keep in mind is, your mother.  She won't have the responsibilities that the mother of the bride has, so she might not be as involved in the wedding planning.  I guarantee that she will appreciate any advice you ask of her, and any "keeping up-to-date" information that you give her.

Tip of the week - Get your groom involved

He asked, you said yes.  You're engaged and getting ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams, and, traditionally, the bride has done most of the planning, but you'd really like your fiancee to be involved.  Here are some simple ideas on how to get him involved, keep him involved, and enjoy the time you will get to spend together while planning for your celebration.




1. Have dinner or lunch together, regularly, to discuss wedding plans.  Have a lot of one-on-one discussions with your notes, pictures and thoughts all readily available.

2. He's a guy, so you will have to make the planning fun and boost his self confidence.  Take him to tastings.  How can you go wrong with food and drink?  Go on fun gift registration trips.  Sporting stores (Scheels), outdoor party ideas, items needed for fun entertaining are all decisions that he'd most likely want to be involved in.  And, always make sure to compliment him on his creativity and ideas.

3. On one of the first one-on-one discussions you have, ask him what he would like to be in charge of. Even though you would still like input on these decisions, you can let him take charge of these things.
Some fun ones for the guys are:

• drink selections
• writing his vows
• music for the reception
• cake flavors
• tuxedo or suit options 
• wedding day transportation
• planning the honeymoon
• make room blocks for out-of-town guests at local hotels

4. Delegate simple tasks to your fiancee.  He can run over to pick up the invitations.  He will have to check them over to make sure everything is correct, so this is a great thing for him to do to make sure he is involved.  He can also work with you to call all of your vendors the week before your wedding to verify all important information.  Give him half of the list and the date that this should be done by.  When this is done, have some dinner and verify everything with each other.

5. AVOID fighting over wedding planning and wedding budgets. Finances is the number one topic married couples fight over. Start your marriage on the healthy path by having loving, mature, productive discussions about your wedding finances.  To make sure you don't have finance issues before you're even married, make a budget for your wedding and stick to it.  Make the budget one of those one-on-one discussions...you'll be happy you did!

6. Please don't be a BRIDEZILLA!  Your groom will give up on trying to help, and neither of you will be happy.  A BRIDEZILLA is defined by the following behaviors:

• controlling behavior
• irritability
• yelling
• making all of the decisions
• hard to please
• being critical of the groom and everyone else that is trying to help 

Planning your wedding together should be a fun and creative way for the two of you to start your new life together.  This is a great time to learn how to work together.  Planning a wedding is stressful and time-consuming, but if you work together, make sure to communicate, don't sweat the small stuff and have fun with each other, you are off to a great start.

Wediquette Wednesday - Mother of the bride

Your daughter is getting married!  This is such an exciting time for you and your daughter and by following some simple rules of etiquette the planning process should run smoothly. 









Responsibilities
The number one rule of etiquette for the mother of the bride is to know what your responsibilities are.  It is a great idea for you and your daughter and her fiancee to sit down and discuss budget and responsibilities.  Your main responsibility is to assist your daughter in the planning process.  Give advice when asked, but don't force your opinion or try to take control of the wedding.  And, be willing to do the tedious jobs - like tying 200 ribbons onto favor boxes.  It might seem like a small thing to you, but to the bride it might be very important.  Here are some general responsibilities you might have: assisting with the guest list, hosting an engagement party or bridal shower, gown shopping - mostly all of the fun stuff!

Budget
In the past it was the family of the bride that paid for the wedding and the family of the groom covered the costs of the rehearsal dinner.  Times have changed and so has this tradition.  Many more couples are covering wedding expenses on their own now.  It is a wonderful idea to discuss the budget of the wedding before any plans are made.  Before any family meetings are held to discuss who will pay for what, you should sit with your daughter and future son-in-law and tell them your ideas to get their insight.  Listen to the type of wedding they would like to have and what their hopes are regarding financial obligations.  This will help any future family discussions regarding money go smoothly. 

FYI- most wedding planners will help with this very difficult responsibility!

Attire
Tradition says that the mother of the bride has the first choice in deciding what to wear for her daughter's wedding.  If following this tradition, talk with your daughter about colors, formality and the style she would prefer.  You will want to make sure you stand out from the other guests, but not overshadow your daughter.  After you have decided on the color and style of your gown contact the mother of the groom and let her know.  The mother of the groom's dress doesn't necessarily need to match your style and color, but it should not clash.  Another important tip is to stay away from the "whites".  Tans, beige, champagne, cream and white should be avoided.  The bride may or may not want you to stay within the colors she has chosen for the wedding, but either way, the colors should not clash.  If you want to stay within the color range, don't get too "matchy" but stay complementary.

Now have fun with your daughter and enjoy this "once-in-a-lifetime" experience with her!

Tip of the week - For the Mother Of The Bride

This week I really wanted to go beyond just your wedding day celebration and hope to spread some advice to some of the other VERY important people surrounding you.

Dear mother of the bride, you have one of the most important jobs in the world (and the best).  To be there for your daughter!  Please use these tips and enjoy this time with your daughter, her fiancee and embrace your new family.

• You might have been dreaming of your daughter's wedding longer than she has, but you have to remember that this is HER (and her fiancee's) day.  There will most likely be a team planning this day so don't feel hurt if you aren't in charge of the planning process.  Have fun with your daughter and let her know you want to hear how she wants her wedding.

• Promise yourself, as the mother of a beautiful young woman, that you will make her and her fiancee's wishes the most important thing regarding their wedding.  Know the difference between making a suggestion and pushing your opinions.  And, guilt trips, a big NO!

• When your daughter comes to you for guest list information, be ready.  They might ask for ideas regarding the guest list or any family traditions that they might like to incorporate into their wedding.  Be quick and diligent when getting them information, but not pushy.

•  Let them know what you'd like to help out with and what your talents are.  If being part of the menu decision is important to you, tell them.  A simple phrase "I'd love to join you" is much better than insisting and throwing a tantrum.  Also, if you are a scrapbooker, you might be able to put this talent to good use with escort cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, and even the wedding programs.  But, let them make the final decisions.

• Make sure you welcome the groom into the family.  Have relaxing family dinners that you all can just have fun together and not always be discussing the wedding. 

• Make sure to do fun things with your daughter.  Lunches, spa days, a weekend at the cottage.  Make these moments relaxing and give her time to take a break from all of the wedding planning. 

• Get yourself prepared for the wedding day, as well as the rehearsal dinner and any other events that might come up.  Personal shoppers at a department store can help you find some terrific gowns. 

• Give meaningful gifts as well as practical ones.  Do shop from the registry, but how wonderful would it be for your daughter to receive a framed photo of the two of you with a handwritten letter from you on the morning of the wedding.

 

  

   

 

Fashion Friday - Spring

Here are some of my FAVES for some gorgeous spring wedding fashion!  

A little walk down the runway with Carlina Herrera's designs.  Absolutely beautiful!!  Simple, elegant, Talk about adding the WOW factor to your wedding..start with the dress...WOW!!!