Be sure to listen to my interview on I Do Radio this Saturday at 11:00 am! I'll be chatting with host Angela Chester about planning your wedding day to be stress-free.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/I-Do-Radio
The Garden Club - Before + After
Everyone who has been to The Garden Club of Jacksonville knows that it is a blank slate! So I thought I would share yesterday's transformation for Kristin and Sam's wedding. (note: these are my snap shots with my camera, so not great images!)
THE GARDEN CLUB - BEFORE This is what the Garden Club provides, and how the room looked when we arrived.
THE GARDEN CLUB - AFTER Once we set the ivory pintuck table cloths, black chiavari chairs, and coral sashes and napkins, the room started coming together! Add in the ivory and gold china, gold flatware, and menu cards tucked into each napkin, and it starts looking great. Once the centerpieces from Wilson's Ltd. arrived, it was amazing!
Incidentally, so many couples think it is cheaper to rent a space like this than to have a reception at a hotel or country club. If you are one of them, be sure you are comparing apples to apples - look at all the extra costs involved, like renting china, glassware, flatware, bringing in serving staff, linens, bartenders, and catering supplies. You can easily spend an extra $3,000-$5,000 on these items for a wedding of 150 guests!
Wedding Wire + Facebook
I just got an email today announcing Wedding Wire's new Facebook application. Here's the details:
With the new App, engaged couples will have the ability to search for local vendors (that's you!) and create a Personal Wedding Blog right on Facebook. The new App will allow engaged couples to share their wedding details with all of their friends, family, and loved ones.
Sounds like this will be fun for our couples to use! Have you checked out our Facebook page yet?
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Jacksonville-FL/First-Coast-Weddings-and-Events/
Hitting the Right Note for Your Wedding & Reception
Bridal Academy is an interactive lecture series hosted by The Wedding Party on the first Wednesday of each month, with the goal of helping brides and grooms make educated decisions for their weddings! This month's Bridal Academy explores what many consider to be one of the most important aspects of a wedding: music!
Please join us to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about entertainment from some of Northeast Florida's top professionals. Bring your questions and we’ll bring our answers for April’s Bridal Academy, "Hitting the Right Note for Your Wedding & Reception."
Guest speakers include:
- From Wehner Weddings, Kyle Wehner talking about violins, string arrangements and even classical guitar and what they can add to your ceremony.
- From North Florida’s premier band, The Faze, Mark Dennison to speak about bands and what they can do for your reception.
- From North Florida’s Top interactive DJ company, D’Land Entertainment, Paul DeLand will be speaking about DJ’s and what they can do for your reception.
Click here to check out our online group and to RSVP! This event is FREE!
New Forum For Jax Brides and Grooms
At The Wedding Party, we are always looking for new ideas! We had a bride recently mention how nice it is to talk to other brides to share ideas and tips, which sounded like a great idea to us! So we created a new group on Meetup.com just for you.
We have set up an online community where you can post messages in the forum, but we will also host monthly meetings. These meetings will NOT be sales pitches - the wedding professionals of The Wedding Party will be available to answer any questions you may have, but the whole concept is to bring brides together with other brides!
Our first in-person get-together will be held next Wednesday!
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Where: The Wedding Party office, 8640 Philips Highway, Suite 8, Jacksonville
More Info: http://www.meetup.com/Jacksonville-Brides-Grooms/
Worst Wedding Advice Ever
I just read this great article on TheKnot.com and had to share it! Here's a little snippet, but be sure to read the entire article!
Bad Advice: "My mother-in-law said that it was perfectly fine to spend $9 a plate on dinner for our guests. She based this on my sister-in-law's wedding, where they served cold meat sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, and questionable-looking fruit salad." Morgan, Madison WI
Our Advice: Food is one detail every wedding guest remembers. Whatever your budget, you should allot about 40 percent of it for catering. Work with your caterer to prepare a menu within your budget and try to cut costs in other ways (like by trimming your guest list) rather than skimp on the meal.
Preferred Vendor Lists
I'm going to climb up on my soap box for a minute, so I apologize in advance. I read a great article today regarding wedding TV shows and preferred vendor lists. The article is called "Brides Beware! Wedding TV Shows Are Mostly Infomercials" and it was written by a wedding officiant in Los Angeles named Elizabeth Oakes. Here is an excerpt:
The catchphrases “Best of the Best” and “Preferred Vendor” are supposed to make you think providers have been vetted for quality, but the truth is the only quality required is the ability to write a check.
So brides beware! Don’t take everything you see on TV or read in wedding magazines at face value. Of course you knew that, it's just that when you’re starry-eyed with excitement about your impending wedding you might not see the white tulle being pulled over your eyes.
It’s not that you can’t consider booking these vendors if you like what you see. Just be aware that you’ll need to verify the superiority of their services for yourself--and that their prices will probably be higher than other vendors, given that they’re paying for pricier adverts and those costs are passed along to you. It’s always smart to seek independent referrals, references, and recommends from people you know in addition to any media information you receive; your own research and good sense should be your guide....a far better guide than the mediated ones being offered to you under dubious pretenses.
I whole-heartedly agree with Ms. Oakes. Anytime you are presented with a "preferred vendor list," please ask if these professionals pay to be listed. Any time you see a full-color, glossy brochure at a venue that contains a list of vendors and ads, they have definitely paid to be included. And it's not that they aren't great vendors, per se, but as this article says, be sure you are hiring a professional because you like their work, you have checked their references from past clients, and you have verified their business license and checked with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
Thanks to fab Orlando wedding planner Kerline Docteur for sharing this article with me!
Name Changes
I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus for the past week due to a nasty cold that has kept my brain from functioning well. I think I'm on the up-swing though! You may have noticed that over the past couple of weeks I have been changing my name back to my maiden name. Which leads me to a question: are you (or did you) change your name? It's really such a hassle!
If you decide to make the effort, here's a quick list of those you will need to notify:
- DMV
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Passport Agency
- U.S. Post Office
- Employer
- 401k / Retirement plans
- Credit card companies
- Bank accounts / names on checkbook
- Mortgage
- Voter registration
- Doctor, dentist, HMO, medical records, heath-care proxy
- Health, life, auto, and home insurance policies
- Clubs
- Memberships
- Discount, courtesy, and frequent-flyer cards
- Utility companies (phone, cable, gas, electric, etc.)
- Legal Contracts
- Will (you may want to change the beneficiary to your spouse at the same time)
Feel free to comment below - are you changing your name, why or why not, and for those of you already married, what was your experience like?
Trendy Bridesmaid Jewelry Your Maids Will Love
There is such a variety of bridesmaid jewelry out there, that finding a trendy piece that matches your wedding colors and theme is easy to do. Giving the gift of bridesmaid jewelry to your maids is a gift that continues after the wedding. Finding trendy pieces that both compliment your bridesmaids gown, but also compliment the color scheme is a task in itself.
With vintage with a modern twist being a fashion forward style, this also translates to many styles of bridesmaids jewelry as well. There are many beautiful filigreed designed bridesmaid jewelry designs, they provide a vintage flair with modern crystals and pearls that add the final touches.
Finding jewelry pieces for your bridesmaids is one of the nice ways to say thank you for being a part of the special day. Selecting quality made products that offer a timeless design actually gives your bridesmaids a piece that they can add to their own accessory collection and wear for many occasions to come. Most style necklaces can be worn with a pair of jeans and a great blouse to up the fashion notch a bit. Trendy bridesmaid jewelry selections also allow for your bridesmaids to wear their jewelry with great skirts and dresses that they may wear to other weddings, celebrations and memorable events.
When you select your bridesmaid jewelry, try to search for pieces that will first compliment their bridesmaids gowns, your wedding style and color scheme. Finding a great piece that matches their gowns and fits their style as well is a gift to your bridesmaids that will keep on giving. They will love and appreciate the thought you placed into their bridesmaid jewelry selections.
by Bonnie of Bonita J http://www.bonitaj.com info@bonitaj.com 888-430-2623
Gifts Your Bridal Party Will Love
Today I was strolling around one of my favorite place, Stein Mart, picking up some small gifts for friends, and I started thinking about wedding party gifts. How many times have you been a bridesmaid and gotten a silly little trinket that you've never used? Why not be practical with gifts? My favorite gift I have received was at my cousin's beach wedding - she had a beach bag with a towel, flip flops, and assorted other goodies for each bridesmaid, but personalized to each girl's taste. My bag was pink, with a pink print towel, and pink flip flops that I wore on the wedding day both before and after donning my Tiffany blue gown. I honestly couldn't even tell you what else was in there, but I'm sure I use most of it on a daily basis!
What is her favorite perfume? Favorite lotion or bubble bath? What books does she love? In theory, your bridesmaids should be your closest friends, so you should have no problem putting together a goody bag for them. Do they love purses? Shoes? Don't feel like your gifts need to be "wedding" specific!
And just for inspiration (and fun!), here is a peek at the gift bag that Eva Longoria presented to her bridesmaids!
- Assorted Mints from Altoids $10.00
- Baccarat Crystal Heart Bracelet $225.00
- Casio Cameras $300.00
- Chic In Paris: Style Secrets & Best Addresses by Susan Tabak $28.00
- Dearfoam Slippers $25.00
- Deborah Lippman Nail Polish Kit $80.00
- H. Stern Earrings $1,000.00
- Hayden Harnett Makeup Bag $65.00
- Kacey K Pendants $1,050.00
- Poivre Piquant and Piment Brulant Fragrances from L'Artisan $170.00
- Laura Mercier Cosmetics $99.00
- Lierac Skin Care Products $119.00
- Laurel Denise Necklace $108.00
- LG Chocolate Phone $150.00
- Longchamp Bag $120.00
- Luca Luca Gift Certificate $500.00
- Madame Paulette Spot Cleaning Kit $50.00
- Phaidon Paris City Guide $9.00
- Phyto Hair Care Products $92.00
- Sally Nails Manicure Kit $12.00
- Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted iPod Shuffle $150.00
- Totes Umbrella $25.00
- Piper Heidsieck Champagne $5.00
- White & Warren Wraps $200.00
- Flora Nikrooz Nightgown $200.00
- Alain Mikli Sunglasses $500.00
- Michel Cluizel Chocolate $75.00
- Plantronics Headsets $53.00
- Lia Sophia Red Crystal Deco Ring $150.00
- Lia Sophia Clear Crystal Baguette Bracelet $1,500.00
- Lia Sophia White Cabachon Earrings $200.00
- Lia Sophia Crystal Ring $75.00
- Lia Sophia Crystal Panel Bracelet $675.00
That's right, total value is over $8,000!
(source: OK! Magazine)
Tulle is a 4-Letter Word
"You can never have enough tulle!" I was listening to tonight's episode of "My Fair Wedding" on WeTV while sitting on the couch with my laptop, trying to organize my calendar for the short week ahead. When I heard the phrase, "You can never have enough tulle," I had to look up and hit the rewind button on my DVR.
I thought David Tutera's head was going to explode. Literally.
Luckily, he held it together with a smirk and a "oh yes you can!"
In case you haven't read Danielle's updated bio, she had a great take on this: "I believe that tulle has its place... and that place is underneath a wedding gown." Unfortunately, David's bride Amanda had an entire dress made of tulle, and was planning to have more tulle added!
If you are considering using tulle anywhere in your wedding (except UNDER your dress!), call a design professional for other ideas - whether it is your coordinator, your florist, or just a friend who knows fabrics. Organza, chiffon, and silk are much nicer words to use in your vocabulary.
(Strangely enough, David let her keep her tulle dress! I didn't see that one coming.)
Getting The Most Out Of Your Initial Consultation
By Lisa Burnett, Professional Bridal Consultant and owner of Elegant Weddings By Lisa The initial consultation is a get to know each other meeting for both the Bride as well as the Bridal Consultant. In order to get the most out of this meeting, it is best to come prepared. Although most Bridal Consultants are very knowledgeable and creative, your input puts a personal touch on the wedding. Whether you are starting from scratch or you have finalized some details of your wedding, these are some things you can do to enhance your first experience with the bridal consultant:
- If you have selected your dress bring a picture, or the style number and designer and be prepared to describe it. If you have not selected your dress give the consultant feed back on the color you plan to wear, as well as the style and formality. Your dress sets the tone for the entire event. If the groom is going to be present at the meeting your consultant will work around this situation without giving the groom an advance vision of the dress.
- Bring pictures of flowers, linen, table settings or any other decor or ideas that you have seen and want incorporated in your wedding.
- Have an idea of the color scheme you want to use in your wedding.
- If you have booked any vendors or your ceremony and reception venues, bring those contracts with you as well as any contact information.
- Set a realistic budget and be prepared to discuss it with your consultant honestly. The more your consultant knows about your budget, the better he or she can maximize your dollars.
- Have in mind an estimate of the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding.
- Decide on how many members you want in your bridal party.
- Most importantly set a wedding date, and have an idea of the time of day you want your ceremony to begin.
- If you have any family or cultural traditions that you want to incorporate into your wedding make your consultant aware of those as well.
- Make sure your consultant is aware of any special family situations.
- Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the consultant.
When selecting your consultant make sure you are comfortable with their personality, as the two of you will be spending a great deal of time together in the months to come planning your wedding. Always make sure the consultant you hire is licensed. A coordinator that is a member of a Bridal Association is a plus, because this means he or she is dedicated to their profession. Never make a decision based on price. The cheapest is not always the best. Remember as with everything in life you get what you pay for. An experienced consultant is priceless.
Gratuity for Wedding Vendors
Gratuity for all wedding vendors is customary. Many brides wonder what should be the appropriate amount to tip their vendors. Tipping should always be based on the quality of service provided at your wedding. Some vendors will expect tips, and others will not. David Hanscom, Former President of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers and current President of the North Florida Professional DJ Association offered his insight on this subject. “While gratuity is a hot button topic it is something that frequently gets overlooked. It has always been customary to pay a gratuity to individuals that work in any service industry. Vendors in the wedding industry, such as Planners, Disc Jockeys and Musicians all provide a specific service versus a product. Many times their time and talent are how they measure their value and worth. Customarily a 15 – 18% gratuity is reasonable when you feel a service provider has gone above and beyond your expectations.”
One of the most valuable signs of your appreciation to your vendors would be to recommend them to others. A thank you card to your vendors is also a nice touch to show your gratitude for their hard work. By incorporating your planned vendor tips into you’re wedding day budget, you will have one less thing to worry about on your big day.
For more information on wedding day gratuity, check out the following web sites:
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/tipping.htm
http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/wedding-gratuity-guidelines.htm
Melanie Wishes She Knew...
From our “I Wish I Knew…” series!
I wish I had known how much I was going to want our wedding festivities to last; I would have made an extra effort to plan a farewell brunch with all of our guests. Many of our friends and family just happen to run into each other during breakfast at a restaurant close to their hotel. I've heard many stories about how fun it was to spend some extra time together and reminisce about the night before. And each time I've said to myself, "I really wish we had been there."
Your wedding will probably be the only time you have so many of your loved ones celebrating together in the same time and place, and it is a very touching experience. The farewell brunch is a great way to spend more time with your friends and family in a more relaxing and informal atmosphere. You'll get to hear about parts of your wedding that you missed, and of course how fabulous it was! So when you begin to think that you couldn't possibly plan another wedding related gathering consider adding just this one more: I wish I had.
Heather Wishes She Knew...
From our “I Wish I Knew…” series! I wish I had hired a videographer. It sounds cliche, and I hear videographers say it all the time, but there are some things that are great to see on video.
Since I work behind the scenes, I never like being in front of the camera, especially a video camera. You'll very rarely catch a glimpse of me in wedding photos or video.
But I can remember my wedding reception like it was yesterday, even though it has been seven years. To see all of my family dancing together (a rare sight for a Southern Baptist family!) made me so happy. Our reception ended well past its scheduled end time (or so I was told), and we danced so much that the dance floor actually started coming apart.
As great as my photos are from that day, I wish I had a video as well - I know the "video" in my head won't last forever!
Emma Wishes She Knew...
From our “I Wish I Knew…” series! As soon as l got engaged, l was very excited to start planning for my special day. Even though l help to coordinate weddings, you really learn how easy it is to go over your wedding day budget when it is your own wedding. To keep within my budget l cut back on the things that l thought were not as important to me. However, looking back l now wish that l had really thought about it a little more. One of the biggest things that l wish l would have spent a little more money on was my photography package. Since l had a videographer l skimped a little on my photography package and did not get as many pictures as l had wanted. Nearly two years later l now know why people say to spend that little bit extra on your photographs, as a picture lasts a lifetime!
Melanie Wishes She Knew...
From our “I Wish I Knew…” series! I wish I knew where we were planning to go for our honeymoon before we set our wedding date. We had already booked our venues for December 1st before we had even thought about our honeymoon destination. We eventually decided on St. Lucia in the Caribbean in January. This happens to be the peak season for most of the Caribbean and the prices for hotels and air travel are at their highest. Our honeymoon cost almost double what it would have if we had gone in April. If the date or time of year for your wedding is not a priority, consider planning around your honeymoon destination's off season. You may find some great deals, and less crowded beaches or attractions.
Melinda Wishes She Knew...
From our "I Wish I Knew..." series! Planning a wedding can be very stressful. You probably have all the skills and knowledge to plan your own wedding, but in order for it to be successful, you need help. Hire a planner even for just the day of the wedding, so you can be relaxed and not too stressed about the arrangements. I wish I had known that.
- Melinda and her husband, Reynold (photo by Camera Bliss Photography)
I Wish I Knew...
I recently asked our team what they wish they had known as they were preparing for their own weddings, or what they learned looking back. In the next few weeks we will be sharing these little tidbits, starting today with our intern Melinda!
Wedding Day Snacks
Snacks may not be one of your top priorities as you are planning your wedding day. But guess what? You'll need them! I had a meeting with one of my Spring '09 couples on Saturday that reminded me of this point. As we discussed the bride's love of sunflowers, the groom asked if they would still have seeds in them. Then when we talked about using hypericum berries in the boutonnieres (I love berries, by the way!), he made another snack comment.
So, for all of those grooms-to-be out there that love to munch, here are some yummy recipes for Trail Mix that can fit nicely into a plastic bag on your wedding day!
SUGAR FROSTED TRAIL MIX
4 c. Sugar frosted corn flake cereal 2 c. dry roasted peanuts 2 c. plain chocolate candies 1 c. chopped dried apricots 1 c. raisins
In large bowl combine all ingredients. Store in tightly covered container or plastic bag. Yield 10 cups.
ULTIMATE TRAIL MIX
1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup dried blueberries 1 cup dried pineapple 1 cup dried apple pieces 1 cup peanuts 1 cup cashews 1 cup almonds 1 cup marshmallows (any kind) 1 1/2 cups puppy chow 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup peanutbutter chips 1 cup butterscotch chips 1 cup white chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
VANILLA CHIP TRAIL MIX
1 stick butter, melted 2 tbsp. cocoa 2 tbsp. sugar 4 c. Cheerios cereal 4 c. Wheat Squares cereal 1 c. slivered almonds 1 c. golden raisins 1 (10 oz.) pkg. Hershey vanilla milk chips
In 4-quart bowl, place butter. Microwave on High 1 minute or until melted; stir in cocoa and sugar. Add cereals and almonds; stir until evenly coated. Microwave at High 3 minutes, stirring every minute; stir in raisins.
Microwave on High additional 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Cool completely stir in vanilla chips. Store in tightly covered container in cool, dry place.
(I found these recipes on Cooks.com - check out the website for more!)
