Trending Topic in Weddingland: DIYing for pros and amateurs

So I have the luxury of having several friends and acquaintances that are going through the wedding planning process and the same topic seems to be the peak of our conversations…To DIY or not to DIY.  If you look back at my April 11 post I talked about some questions to keep in mind when you are pondering the idea to DIYing anything. I am happy to say that I have answered those questions for myself and I think I’m down for cause!  Now that I have the time and patience for it, I know in the long run not only will my budget be thankful but my mind will be at peace knowing that my invite is exactly what I wanted.  So if you are thinking about trying some DIY tricks of your own check out these links.

 Thinking about taking your look into your own hands, you can find cost efficient and free wedding invitation templates from Download & Print.

Don’t forget about the other details. Find FREE wedding stationary like table numbers and menus at The Wedding Chicks.

Want some budget saving pomanders? Make your own with Project Wedding.  They look just like the real thing.

Love candles? Make them the talk of each table at your reception. The Weddingbee will guide you!

The web is your friend. Do you have any additional helpful websites? Feel free to share them here! Live long and prosper fellow DIYers!

Those Darn Details

Task 52 out of 188: Work on invitation wording and figure out the design you want.
Complete: 6-8 months out [theknot.com]

There are so many details that come with wedding planning that they take Weddingland to another level.  I’m not talking about what type of flowers for centerpieces or even what jewelry to wear…oh no! I’m talking about those details of how should you position the jewel or ribbon on your invitations or what texture of linen would go perfectly with a monogram.  I never knew that there were so MANY tiny details, but many experts will tell you that those tiny details make your wedding more personal.  For a person who only thought to focus on the big stuff (reception, cakes, theme, etc.) those more intricate details can be overwhelming at times. However, I am learning that the small details can really change the feel and value of your wedding.  I’ve gone to several weddings in the past couple of months and I have definitely seen some amazing personal touches.  Those small details can vary from a picture of the couple on each table, a handmade favor based solely on the theme or even a surprise performance as entertainment for guest.  Even though choosing what small details to focus on may be some of the hardest choices in the wedding process it will definitely turn out to be some of your smartest choices.

Weddings by David Tutera: It’s all in the Details

Trending Topic in Weddingland: Engagement Sessions

So the slacking bride blogger is back but let me say, I have some major reasons why I’ve been off my blogging game.  And here are the reasons why: 1) Weddings, 2) Weddings and lastly, 3) Weddings!

My schedule has been so action pack in planning and attending weddings that I haven’t been able to share my experiences but I definitely have some good advice about my intense adventures in Weddingland.  So for today’s blog I want to discuss one aspect in the wedding planning process that has been surprisingly GREAT and simple (yes I said it “simple”).

Engagement photo sessions have been a topic for discussion throughout the wedding world. Should you? Is it worth it? What’s the point? Well I can only give you my answers; Yes, Yes, and because you can!  Engagement sessions should be used as a mini vacay from all the intense planning. You can dress how you want, go where you want, and just enjoy those moments with your boo. 

I can only speak to our engagement session but if you do decide to go that route, be sure that you remember that the shoot is about you and your soon-to-be spouse.  Don’t go outside of your realm of style or even habits, like mean mugging instead of being your happy, go-lucky self. I actually took a step out of my usual routine and went to MAC and got my make-up done professionally.  Let me tell you it looked good but after 80+ heat I figured out that it would have been best for me to do my own. The shoot started off a little rocky, seeing that me and my boo aren’t really high on PDA (public displays of affection) but our wonderful photographer helped to make us feel comfortable and made us laugh continuously.  One of the most important components of the shoot is taking the opportunity to learn about your photographer.  I highly suggest that whomever you choose to photograph your wedding should also shoot your engagement photos.  This gives you a chance to learn how to communicate with your photographer, and it helps the photographer learn your quarks and habits. All in all, the 7 hour day was hot, full of outfit changes but all worth it.  It felt good to be us and see it come out beautiful in the pictures. Now we can use those pictures for anything we want, a guestbook, home artwork, heck even Christmas cards (0k I may be pushing it with the cards but you get the point).

So here are the takeaways from today’s adventure:

1.    If you have a good photographer and a good package with an engagement session, be sure to do it!

2.    Be you! Wear the clothes don’t let them wear you.  Remember you and your honey are the important subjects in the picture, not your hair.

3.    Use the images forever.  Don’t just take them and let them sit on your hard drive.  Make a movie, blow up a few, or just print them and frame them.

4.     Build a comfort zone with your photographer. This is one of the most important moments and days in your life, you should trust all your vendors and especially your photographer.

5.     Have fun!!  My photographer suggested we go somewhere we had never been before and that turned out perfect! Go to places either you love or would just love to see.

I have to give a quick shout out to my fabulous photographer Raquita Henderson of Pinxit Photography, who has worked through our shyness and in hot weather just to get the shot. Our adventures continue…

You Better Protect What is Yours!

Task 8 out of 188: Protect your engagement ring! Make sure you have it appraised and insured.[The Knot]

Complete: 9-11 months out

 

Task 8 is one that is missed by many but should be done by all, sooner than later. Unlike some other jewelry in your drawer, you may not know where or even be worried about how to protect your priceless prized love stone(s). However, after your proposal it is vital that you figure out how quick. Some wonder why? Let’s look at these different scenarios:

 

Scenario #1: You are wrapping up after dinner and you have started to put away food and wash dishes. So you lay your ring on the counter because you learned that washing dishes with it on can cause damage (two points for you). However, as you swiftly pull dishes in and out the sink, you are reluctant to notice that you have knocked your ring into the disposal, which has now stopped working since it was not made to grind up your wonderful priceless piece. What should you do?

 

Scenario #2: You and your Fiancé have just returned home from grabbing some fast food when you both noticed the front door is unlocked and cracked opened slightly. You both storm in and find that several items have been stolen out of you house. And of course the ring that you sat on your night stand has also disappeared. How can you replace that?

 

Scenario #3: You are digging through your purse in search of your lip gloss, which always hides in the very bottom, when you ring gets caught on a thread. Right as you are shaking your hand free, you noticed that one of your beautiful gems has fallen out. You dump your purse direly searching for your gorgeous gem but your search turns up unsuccessful! Can you just replace that jewel? And if so how?

 

Each of these scenarios can be solved by taking out a policy on your ring(s). There are different ways to do so but first you must get the ring appraised. Know the value of your piece, even though it is truly priceless. You will gain piece of mind by protecting something you love.

 

There are a couple of avenues you can take to protect your ring:

 

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Policy

Whether you are renting or owning, it is safe to add your ring(s) to your policy. You may have to increase the value of the policy, more likely with renter’s insurance but better safe than sorry. The extension in policy is usually referred to as the “ring rider” policy, pretty self-explanatory huh?!

 

Specialized Jewelry Insurance Agency

The other option is to go through a jewelry insurance agency where you will need to start an individual policy. You will not be able to add this to your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance as it stands as a separate policy. Yes I know it becomes an additional bill, but again better safe than sorry.

 

Before you choose the type of policy that is best for you, The Knot gives you some points to think about:

• Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it's stolen?
• How will the company replace the ring -- with a check? Or will they require you to purchase a replacement through a specified jeweler?
• What if it's a vintage ring or other unique piece? How will the quality and size of your diamond and that of a replacement if needed -- be documented?
• Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?
• How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?
• Are there any circumstances that aren't covered? (What if your ring flies off at the circus and gets trampled by elephants, for example?)

Read more: Insurance 101: Engagement Ring Insurance - Wedding Planning - Wedding Budget - TheKnot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/engagement-ring-insurance-101.aspx#ixzz1RtSfznP2

 

I know I have been procrastinating about adding my ring to my policy but after a recent blunder, I am in the process of taking care of mine, so I advise that you better take care of yours!

 

I Too Suffer From MWDS

So this is a new condition that I’ve come to diagnose myself with.  It’s not rare in Weddingland but I just never thought it would happen to me. I’m here to say that I officially suffer from MWDS, also known as Multiple Wedding Dress Syndrome (I have coined this term, however, it’s not in the medical books…not yet at least).  I’ve come to find out that there are many Brides that have and are suffering from this disease but unfortunately I’m not sure there is a cure for it yet.  No budget, friend/family member or husband seems to be able to stop this disease from occurring. If you are wondering if you suffer from this growing epidemic, here are some possible signs:

·         An undeniable itch to keep looking for a dress even though you have the perfect one.

·         The “Quick Trigger” effect; you initially thought that one of the first dresses you tried on was the one so you purchased it but after a month or so you soon found out that it was not.

·         Continuous eye moments towards wedding gown sale racks; no matter where your budget is at, they still look attractive.

·         And lastly, Buyer’s remorse; you know that you shouldn’t have but you did anyway!

Again, I have yet to figure out where the actually root of the disease lies.  Is it boredom? Perhaps it has to do with the uncontrollable need to be “perfect”? Or maybe it is just the sheer greediness of having more than another bride.

I can tell you that the first step is admitting that you have a problem.  Today I stand up and tell the world that I, Nikke T, suffer from MWDS.  As I move towards a successful recovery, I plan to sell the second dress on craigslist or to a wedding concealment store. Heck if you need a dress send me a comment! This is tough love, but I have to do it! Beware of MWDS, it’s an epidemic that is not spoken much of but really does kill a lot of pockets! Score one for Weddingland.  [Insane meter: 8 out of 10]

When Wedding Dresses Go Wrong

So here is the scenario, you go try on 20 to 30 dresses and you finally find the right one.  You order it and they explain that it will take approximately six months to come in.  Sure, no problem, you think to yourself.  You have plenty of time, at least 10 months worth. So you’re waiting and waiting and you get the call in five months to pick up your dress, one month early, and you are excited to put it on.  You and a few of your bridesmaids go and pick up the dress but before you leave the store you want to try it on again.  First you notice that it’s not the color you originally order, it’s white instead of the Ivory, like the sample you tried on.  No sweat, it still looks good right?  Then you go to put it on and certain features of the dress are missing; let’s say the corset is not in the dress and the sweetheart top now looks like a regular tube top. Now your mind is racing, your heart is about to jump out of your chest and your calm demeanor has now changed to an enraged, psychopath that is waiting to grab the brain right out of the next sales rep you see so that you can ask “What the hell happened”.  This may seem like an extreme case, however, it is not!  Just watch the show “Say Yes to the Dress” and you will see all sorts of dress mishaps!  So…I had to deal with a situation like this, not as extreme, but my dress did not come back as the original dress that I ordered. There are some simple techniques that you can use to keep your stress low and to suppress that Bridezilla that can be found in all of us.

Go Directly to the Manager and Ask for a Replacement

Do not waste your time and breathe with speaking with a regular sales rep because that will only piss you off more.  Take a deep breath, whoooo-sa and then find the manager.  Explain what your issues are with the current dress and that you need things fixed a.s.a.p!  Remember, you have paid so they will want to help but you have to play the cordial game to get the best service from anyone, no matter how at fault they may be.

Go Directly to the Manager and Seek the Sample on the Floor at a Discounted Rate

Now this technique is a little risky because usually the sample is not in the best shape, however, with alterations and minor tweaks it may work out in your favor.  Again, go directly to a manager and tell them of your issues, then bring up this solution.  This solution is more for a flexible bride that maybe under a major time constraint. The idea is that sometimes stuff happens so we must follow the old adage to take a lemon and make lemonade instead of crying over the lemon someone gave you.

Let Your Wedding Planner Handle It

This is the easiest and less stressful technique of them all!  The idea is not to worry about the who, what, when, where or how, but to pass those questions right along to your planner.  For reasons like this, you must make sure that you have a planner that you can fully trust. Instead of your nerves being bad, let them communicate the issues and find the solution for you. 

Go with the Dress
Now this may sound totally dumb to others but here is how I look at it.  Yes, the stored jacked it up! Yes you paid for it already and your wedding is coming up. But you have to believe that you will look beautiful in anything close to the dress that you wanted.  I would go score a deal with the store to do some major alterations, free of charge, and make that dress work no matter what.  I understand that the dress is as important, if not more, than the reception and ceremony but what’s really more important is the fact that you are going to get married no matter what. Dress or no Dress! Details are very important, but the BIG picture is what drives all details so don’t lose sight of that.  Details always change but as long as you come up with the same answer you wanted from the beginning, no matter if every detail was the total opposite of what you wanted, you will still come out on top!

Below are my "Top 5 Worst Dress Ever Made" (My apologies in advance for anyone who totally disagrees and has any of these dresses hanging in their closet right now!)

#5

#4

#3

#2

#1

Put on a Poker Face to Land the Perfect Venue

It has been a moment but I come bearing updates and advice!!!

The first and most important update is that the venue is finally confirmed.  But oh how this adventure has taken some turns and risks through red lights!  From my past blog entry, (Venues, venues, venues! Stress Update) I explained how rushed and overwhelmed I felt by a sales lady who basically told me to act now and think later.  My process is complete and there were several lessons I learned that many brides and grooms can learn from.  Check out my top three rules in landing your perfect venue.

Rule #1: If you can’t take your sales rep around your mother’s house, why would you want to work with them?

I looked into several venues after my initial scare on the one I wanted.  We looked at the 5 star hotels, the do-it all banquet halls and renovated, modernized sites that where full of vintage character.  The location is half as important as the staffing.  Depending upon your theme, you want to make sure that the location has the same flare that you want to present.  However, don’t be blinded by the location.  Get to know the Rep.  Are they on time? Are you number one on their list (at least for that time period)? Or are you just another dollar sign? Watch for signs of tardiness, miscommunications and attitudes.  Remember you are the customer and you deserved to have top flight treatment not the other way around.

Rule #2: Use your poker face during your meetings but once you are ready to sign on the dotted line show your winning hand.

This rule is one rule that many have advised me to do.  It’s ok to pursue the place that you really want but be sure not to let them in on how bad you want it.  Sometimes in those situations, reps may try to take advantage of your eagerness and you will miss out on some good negotiation opportunities.  Try to stay neutral when you are reviewing the place.  Ask many questions, even those questions you think you have the answer too.  Make them work to sell you, even though you may have already sold yourself.  Once you make the decision that this is it, negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate!!!  You should always try to stretch your dollars as far as they can reach within the budget.  Here are some areas to be sure to negotiate on:

• Dinner: If you decided it is okay to have kids at the reception, be sure to have theirmeals discounted. Set an age limit for the adult menu and work from there.  It helps to already have your guest list segmented by Adults, teenagers, and kids.

• Bar: There are so many ways to negotiate the bar if you choose an open bar.  Be sure to take into account those members of you family that will not drink and any kids. Also you may be able to cut down on hours by doing wine only during dinner.
• Vendors: Be sure to ask for their referred vendors to find additional discounts.

Rule #3: Stray away from buyer’s remorse!

Buyer’s remorse is the worst feeling to have, especially after a large purchase.  Unfortunately, once you put your deposit down that is it. Be active in your decision making.  You should research the place like you worked there and grill the rep to get all the details that you need to make the best decision.  Just like the usual decisions in life, you may have to give and take on a couple details but be confident in your decision. 

It’s your day! Live it! Love it!

Guest Lists Can Be the Pits!

Task 20 out of 188: Start your guest list! Decide approximately how many people you want to invite. Request "wish lists" from both sets of parents, then compile.

Complete: 9-11 months prior to wedding [theknot.com]

Let me tell if you, if creating the guest list is not half of the journey in wedding planning, I’m not sure I can make it through the rest. I have heard various ways, reasons and comments alone about how disastrous a list can be. Stressed is evoked just by the thought of having to make such a decision when it comes to family, friends or even associates. There are many reasons for solidifying the guest list early on, the top being to stay within budget, and there are ways to weed your guest list in order to remain within that budget. Let’s start with the AB strategy.

A + B = Wedding Invite

Staying within budget is always easier said than done especially when you have a huge family, a large circle of friends or a network of associates from work or just from social gatherings. Usually creating the budget comes out of thin air so how do you even gauge how much to spend per person? One way of attempting this seemly impossible chore is to adapt with the pricing of the venue. When you know the budget and after you score the venue of your choice at the price you want, go back through your list and separate out what would be you’re A and B list. You’re A list are those individuals you really want and definitely have to have at your reception. The B list is used to take the places of those A-listers who will not be able to attend. This way you will meet the number you agreed to in the contract and give as many people as you can a chance to attend. Another choice, which is one of the hardest, would be to decide between inviting those to both the ceremony and reception and those just to the ceremony. This may be harder if you are having both in the same area; if this is the case, I do not advise going with this option. If the AB strategy stumps or the partial invite discourages you, you can always go with weeding by location.

Weed by Locations

Choosing between planning a destination wedding or a local wedding is easier to do once you think about how many guest you want to attend. For some couples who would enjoy a quiet and small wedding, a destination wedding may work best. Remember a destination wedding is any wedding that is not in the hometown or current location of either couple, which means that more than like neither friend nor family will be residents of the city. Destination weddings can get costly both for the couple and for any attendees but may be worth it if you are in need of a vacation. Destination weddings are usually attended by close family (mom, dad, sisters and brothers) and close friends (BFFs, roommates or co-workers). Sometimes close extended family and friends are invited but usually the number stays under 50 attendants. If you are thinking about choosing this type of wedding you really have figure out the age ( elder family may not be able to travel), health (does anyone have health issues that could keep them grounded) and opportunity (finances may be a significant factor) for family and friends to attend.

On the other end of the spectrum would be to have the wedding where ALL or at least the majority of the family and friends can attend. Usually this location is the home town of either partner or in my case both. The apparent issue with this is the inability to limit the guest list. Sometimes asking for what you want can be overwhelming and wanting a lot of family and friends gets costly! Remember, you will also need to get the address of everyone on the list. For some, having a large amount of family and friends is top priority when it comes to wedding planning, no matter what the budget may state. The idea of sharing that moment in time with all your love ones could very well be priceless in the long run. If you have a small family, this may be the best choice and most cost efficient choice for all parties involved.

My advice; be cautious of the guest list! Early on it may seem easy as pie but as time moves by it may seem like you opened Pandora’s Box. I honestly believe that if you have a good and solid foundation with family and friends either decision, whether they make the list or not, would work out just fine. Most understand that weddings cost, and aren’t usually cheap so try not to stress yourself about Cousin Johnny or Aunt Sue. Communicate, coordinate and conquer your guest list fears!

DIYer for LIFE!

There are so many small details that can easily fall through the cracks when planning a wedding. I’m reaching the one year mark and as I make my way through my first turn all of a sudden I fall into the DIY dilemma! It was time for me to DIY for my life. But wait…can I DIY? Will I save a substantial amount of money becoming a DIYer or should I just hire someone to do the majority of my thinking? DIY, for those of you who have yet to review my abbreviations guide (take a gander in the “Nikke T’s Quick Tips” section) are those do it yourself projects that HGTV and many others invite consumers to do on their own. Many have DIY projects in enhance their home on a low budget and the same idea goes for DIYers involving weddings. The object is to save, save, save! Believe you and me, I’m a saver, however, I wonder how much of a “doer” I am.

There is a wide range of ideas to create unique and personal centerpieces, favors and additional decorations. So much so that it is very hard for me to pull all my ideas into one theme. So do I A) go out and buy various vases, flowers, beads, lighting and all the items needed to create different options or do I B) just go to a party planning firm to have them become the master minds behind my theme. Here are my top five questions to consider if you are in the same dilemma:

1.       Do you have the army needed to help you with each project or will you be the only one up late, trying to glue, tap and tie?

2.       Do you have a clear idea of how you want everything to look or do you have a bunch of ideas that you can’t figure out how to fit them all together?

3.       Do you have an army to help you set up, maintain and break-down after the wedding or will you just be looking to relax and have someone else get their hands dirty?

4.       If you decided to DIY, do you have the time to shop around for the best prices? The key to being a successful DIYer is to get the full bang for your buck, which means you shop until you find your perfect sale.

5.       If you decided to go with a party planner, can you let someone else have control over how your wedding and reception look or do you want to be have your hands on everything including the very small details?

DIY projects are fun but they could be stressful when they are done for a wedding. I give much kudos to my bridal sisters that are true DIYers. Creativity lives in my bones so I may go ahead and give it a go, but I’ll keep the party planner on speed dial…Just in case!

Take a look at these creative centerpieces!

B.S. Mania: Bridal Shows for ALL!

So it has been a moment since I have blogged but only because there has been a lot wedding activities that are starting to fill my calendar.  I had a chance to travel to my first bridal show (I’m no longer a BV aka bridal virgin) and let me tell you it was insane.  I decided to go with a bridal show pro, my fellow bridal sorority sister, but she was as surprised about the madness that we were walking into as I was.  We attended the Georgia Bridal Show at the Cumberland Galleria.  We should have known exactly what we were getting ourselves into when we saw the herds of brides with bags, boas and stickers (oh my). 

Our first stop was the registration station where we signed up for everything that we needed or were interested in knowing more about.  Options ranged from wedding bands to Mariachi bands. As we entered the door to the vendors there were herds of brides screaming, mumbling and speeding from booth to booth.  It was hard to see what each vendor had to offer because brides were circling each table like vultures to their feast. Eventually, we joined the chaos. We jumped into a money machine where we won a huge discount on tuxedos and almost become eye lash models for the second half of the show (ok she wanted to do it more than me).  We were signing up for things left and right, trying to get ideas for our own event but mostly grabbing as much free stuff as our bags could hold. 

Towards the close of the event there was a fashion show that was put on by Savvi Formal Wear.  The show was cute and some of the gowns were pretty but for the most part the tuxedos were the best (Go figure!).

My overall impression of my first bridal show was that for the $10 I paid, it was worth it.  I got free stuff, new ideas and opportunities to win additional prizes both during and after the show.  I’ve received several calls about honeymoons, invite only designer dress shows and plenty of emails about discounted bridal/wedding packages.  I will say the best thing to do is to attend a bridal show in the city where the celebration will be held, that way there is a higher probability of utilizing those resources but it doesn’t hurt to go to as many as you can wherever you can.

I definitely suggest that every Georgia bride-to-be goes to the Georgia Bridal Show, heck to any show in that regards because you just never know; you could be a winner too!

Venues, Venues, Venues: STRESS UPDATE

So I decided to follow my own advice and begin planning where the ceremony and reception will be.  I decided to use my best friend’s church and to look in to city hotels and reception halls for a venue.  Prior to calling any venue, my fiancé and I had already decided, per the internet, which venue we believed to fit us best.  Well I go ahead and gave the venue a call, even though I’m several months earlier than the 11 months out suggestion from theknot.com.  Since we are not in the same city where the nuptials will be held, I decided that it may be best to call and set up a meeting for when we would be coming in town.  In my mind, the worst that could happen would be that the sales person would say “Wow you are early, aren’t you?” Instead I got a comment that bolstered sheer panic and unmentionable anxiety. The wonderfully pushy sales person explained “Well I won’t be able to hold a date for you to see the venue as it may be gone by the time you come see it in a couple of months.” Now my wedding is next year, over a year away, and she was saying that I won’t be able see this venue because it may be gone over a year before my date.  I know what you may be saying, duh Nikke it could be gone, but that wasn’t what I called for.  In addition to sparing my worries the sales person continue to explain how I needed to book the place before seeing it in order to reserve my date…WTH!  Now anxiety was peaking at 10 notches because in my mind I’m thinking I have to take an immediate trip to the location to go look for it and book it ASAP, when that was not in the original plan.

I immediately place a call to some of the star players on my wedding team, my Fiancé, MOH, and BM. Through my sheer panic, each person was able to give me some valuable points and ideas.  For any Brides that fall into this situation here is some good advice to go by;

1.       Breathe and re-evaluate the situation: Signing a contract before seeing the place is totally out to the question so finding a person who you can speak further about your position is best.  Speak with their manager, not to get them in trouble per se, but to see if there is any way to accommodate placing yourself down for any calls if the date is jeopardy. 

2.       Be sure to keep a list of alternate choices: In the case that the date is taken for your favorite venue, remember there are always other choices.  With the proper designer and décor, any venue may be able to give you your dream vision.  Try to stay flexible to those uncontrollable situations and be prepared for continual changes.

3.       It’s about your day: Don’t let yourself be force into any situation.  If the sales person continues to push you into an uncomfortable situation take yourself out of that situation and take your business elsewhere.  The reception venue is very expensive and is a good portion of the wedding budget, so there is no reason to no get what you want. 

In the end, I calmed down and remembered that I have more than a year to be stressed out and that no matter what, our day will be great where ever it ends up to be.  But I’m sticking with the plan and seeing the place when I come in town.  Stress adverted! Nikke 1: Weddingland 0

Venues, Venues, Venues

Task 10 out of 188: Scout reception sites in your area until you find the perfect reception location

Complete: 9-11 months out from wedding

[Theknot.com]

So I’m working on the general details of the wedding and now I’m starting to check off things on my list; Wedding Date, Check! Budget, Check! Toning up, in Progress! The Dress, in progress too! Location…Location…LOCATION!? Where to have a wedding is as important as the show stopping dress in the wedding.  Should the wedding be at your place of worship?  How about at a unique location like under the St. Louis Arch?   What about a destination wedding in some exotic place like Aruba? As I have worked through the ups and downs of possible locations, I figured I would share some things that have helped me to narrow down my location choices.

Place of Worship

Choosing the place of worship is usually a top choice with Brides that I know.  Depending upon the religion, these locations can be elaborate, new and gorgeous to more traditional, aged beauties that are engraved into family history books.  Something to think about when figuring out if your place of worship works best for your occasion is to take into account the actual size of the wedding.  Will it fit the wedding party and guests comfortably or will some adjustments need to be made?  And will there be areas to set-up for the rituals like the unity candle, symbolic food tasting, jumping the broom or breaking the glass?  One may even need to think about whether to have the reception in the same place or move off-site. Your place of worship can be a very personal touch to the wedding and a classic back drop for your photos. 

  

Unique Venues

When I think of unique venues, I think of spectacular sites like the New York Public Library from the movie “Sex in the City” or maybe in front of a sea of fish like at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA.  Unique venues are those that most would never choose but probably mean more to the couple then to anyone else in the world.  I’ve heard of a couple who decided to bungee jumped off of a bridge, why? Of course that was the first place they met.  That sounds crazy to me, but I’m sure in their eyes there could have never been another place. The one concern that I have with unique venues is whether or not to decorate. Usually the scenery should be enough but should there be flowers, balloons or anything else? Cynthia Bailey from Atlanta Housewives got married at the Fern Bank in Atlanta under the bones of a T Rex. I would say in that instance, no decorations needed

Destination Weddings

W.O.W. or Wonderful Out-of-Country Weddings are special to each couple! Most destination weddings happen on the beach with the ocean in the background or amongst the vineyards and valleys in France.  They are usually smaller weddings at a higher price per person. But no matter the price they never disappoint. With the blue-green sea behind and the soft sand under your feet, or even a rustic castle surrounding the ceremony, the couple and guests are in a relaxed vacation mood easing into a day of celebration.  There are several things to consider when choosing a destination wedding.  One decision that has already been touched on is the size.  Many family members and friends may not be able to put up the dollar amount so if you want a beachside large wedding, going stateside may work best.  For those weddings not stateside, things to consider are the need of passports, inclusive vs. individual costs, or even the constraints of the overall budget.  In my opinion, I love destination weddings, I have yet to make one but I look forward to relaxing on the beach and watching love roll in with each tide.

The wedding day, for most, is just one day. Be sure to pick a location that speaks to the value of the relationship and also that matches the atmosphere desired for the day. Love is in the air so be sure to catch it all during your day!

Saying Yes to the Dress is Not as Easy as it May Seem

Task 10 out of 188: Envision Your Wedding Dress! (It’s never too early!)

Complete: 12+ months before wedding
[theknot.com]

Most brides have a vision of the PERFECT DRESS. I, however, fell in the low percentage of those who had no clue what would work best with my body type. For someone in the same situation there are several ideas that can help to narrow down the search.

Price is definitely the first thing that I finalized.  The hardest thing for brides to do is remain within their budget; walking into a bridal store can be as exciting as a kid at Disneyland. My best advice on price is once the decision is made on the price range DO NOT, let me repeat DO NOT, try on dresses out of that range.  You will set yourself up for a major crisis. It’s like walking into Wal-Mart for one item; it sounds good but you are sure to get sucked into spending much more than you need.

Style is unique for each bride. Based off of age, religion, body type, hell even mood, picking a dress style can be very overwhelming. Impression Bridal, a Texas based bridal designer and my dress designer, provides a style guide to finding the right dress options for your body type. Here are a few snippets from the style guide:

Apple Shape

An apple body shape fits those who hold a large frame with both a full lower half and torso with little waist definition.  The most flattering dress style would be an Empire or Ball Gown dress with a strapless or sweetheart neckline. The idea is to have a relaxed fitting skirt and create a better defined waist.

Hourglass Shape

The hourglass a.k.a. coke bottle b.k.a. the “thick” (in urban America)body shape has been more traditionally described as the measurements of 24-36-24.  These women carry a proportioned or curvy top and lower half with a defined waistline. This body type will look good in any of the styles; Sheath, A-line, Ball Gown, Dropped Waistline, and Mermaid/Fit-n-Flare.  The best neckline would either be the one-shoulder, strapless or scoop neck. So in other words, if you have it flaunt it!

Pear Shape

Pear shape is when the bottom half (hips, thighs, and butt) are larger than the upper half. Suggested styles are A-line and Ball Gowns with strapless or halter necklines.  In my opinion this has become a much more popular body shape thanks to J-Lo and Beyoncé!  Thanks ladies.

[Find more descriptions in Impression's Style Guide]

Color would seem to be a much easier choice to make however in Weddingland white is not just plain white! Wedding dress can be found in various colors ranging from the tradition white or mother-of-pearl to the un-traditional black or even red.  Wedding dresses can be as dazzling and laced out like that of Chelsea Clinton to the more tone down and relax look of Rene Zellweger.

                                                                                                                                           

There are plenty of websites, television shows and magazines that can give you insights on THE PERFECT dress but I say just go out and start trying things on.  Make sure when you do start your dress shopping, be sure to bring a good, honest friend, family member or group of people.  You have to have people who can do nothing but keep it real. In the end, the dress choice is yours but I’m sure looking good from the outside in is as important.

Sometimes, we women have our minds set on a particular style and color but until we step out of our zones and try those things that we never really thought about, do we then really find our best matches (by the way, this notion doesn't just fit dress shopping *wink*).  I found my dress after two stores, 12 dresses and 3 close family members.  I think I was lucky but either way no matter the number of stores, amount of test dresses or the numbers of members in the trial audience, the perfect dress is out there!   #inspirationweddingvitamin