http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-planning/picking-the-perfect-wedding-date
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Picking the Perfect Wedding Date
Today we are over at Top Wedding Sites talking about how to pick your perfect wedding date. Come check it out!
http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-planning/picking-the-perfect-wedding-date
http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-planning/picking-the-perfect-wedding-date
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How “Real” is Reality TV When it Comes to Planning Your Wedding
I love watching "Say Yes to the Dress" as much as the next girl. WE tv can distract me for a few hours at a time as I watch couples navigate all of the decisions that go into wedding planning. However, as someone who works in the wedding industry I am watching from a different point of view than a bride-to-be or single girl daydreaming about her big day.
Reality TV does a great job of inspiring brides. The best, brightest and most cutting edge trends are highlighted for all to enjoy. Wedding related television shows have guided brides in their gown style, inspired décor and bridal party attire color selections and no doubt helped to create some fantastic celebrations.
However, I fear that reality TV has also given brides some unrealistic expectations when it comes to their big day. Many of these shows do not disclose costs, or at least the full cost of their wedding. For example, it is common to see a bride with a $3,000 budget for a wedding gown on television. Given that the gown is often budgeted at 5% of the total wedding cost, we can guess that this gown is part of a $60,000 wedding. The average wedding cost in the United States is $24,000, which creates an average gown budget of $1,200, quite a difference.
There are also costs that are unseen to the untrained eye. In addition to the base cost of any wedding related item you need to leave room in your budget to account for tax (often close to 10%), labor, shipping and/or delivery and service charges (most commonly found with your caterer or venue). These fees can range anywhere from 18% to 24% of your total bill. This will grow proportionally with your overall wedding budget.
Finally, for better or worse, there needs to be accommodation for the cost of living in different locations. The price of labor will likely be higher in a large metropolitan city (i.e. Chicago, New York) than it is in a smaller city. If you have your heart set on a product only available in a larger city you may end up paying more in shipping fees to get it to you. This information is not meant to scare you, rather provide you information to set realistic expectations.
Floral designers, bridal gown consultants, and wedding planners truly do love when an inspired bride comes in. It is lovely to work with a couple who know what they are looking for on their wedding day. So, watch all the reality tv you would like to, and keep notes on your favorite ideas. When it comes time to start your planning, be up front and realistic with your budget. Hire professionals you trust, and work with them to create the day that you have been dreaming of.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss for now),
Olivia
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Modern Wedding Registry Tips
We are SO excited to welcome our friend Jennifer from Foodie Registry to the blog today to chat with all of our lovely brides about the Modern Wedding Registry.
It goes without saying that traditional wedding registries and etiquette don’t always apply to couples living in the 21st century. These days, couples are waiting longer to get married, and many decide to cohabitate together before marriage, which results in less of a need for the nest-building housewares that have traditionally graced wedding registries.
When my husband Ben and I got engaged, we had already dated for 7 years, and had most of our household necessities. Still, we felt pressured to register for traditional items that we didn’t need, but that we thought people would want or expect us to register for. After looking over our registry at a list of things we were sure would end up gathering dust on a shelf, in a fit of inspiration and rebellion (and being the foodies we are), we created a list of restaurants we loved or wanted to try. The “restaurant registry” was a great success with our guests, gave us date nights for months, and made us realize that ultimately, doing what was best for us as a couple was the best thing to do.
The wedding registry process can be tricky, especially when trying – as all of us do – to please everyone. In the spirit of the independent and diverse modern couple, we thought we would share some of our favorite modern wedding registry tips.
DO register online. This is almost a given for modern couples. Online wedding registries are infinitely more convenient for both guests and receivers. It’s fine to provide a few pick-up options for older or more traditionally-minded guests, but just keep in mind that most of your guests will prefer to purchase their gift online.
DON’T include your registries on your invitations. This is one registry rule that stands the test of time. The main reason is because you don’t want to take any emphasis away from the primary purpose of the invitation – to ask that your friends and loved ones be present at one of the most specials moments in your life.
DO make your wedding registry easily accessible. Word of mouth may be the traditional way of telling guests where you’re registered, but in modern times it is all but impractical. Instead, link to your wedding registry on your wedding webpage, which we highly encourage you to create. Most wedding webpages are free to create and serve as a central online hub of information for your wedding guests. You can also include the URL of your wedding webpage on invitations.
DON’T forget to update your registries on a regular basis. Often times, certain items will be out of stock or get discontinued. Try to monitor them at least once a month to prevent any inconveniences for guests.
DO register for items that reflect you as a couple. If you and your future spouse are avid rock climbers or amateur chefs, why not register for rock climbing gear or cooking classes? In other words, don’t feel pressured to register for things you don’t really want or need. There are many exciting alternative registry options available now, from honeymoon and charity registries, to our own Foodie Registry. You can also go the DIY route and create your own wedding registry!
DON’T wait until the last minute to register. Complete your wedding registries up to 6 months, and no later than 2 months in advance of the wedding, in order to give your guests plenty of time to choose and purchase their gifts.
DO provide a variety of options for guests. That includes a variety of price points, items and registries. We advocate doing what’s best for you as a couple, but we also think it’s polite to think of your guests. If you know your friends will have to travel far for the wedding or have smaller budgets, or if Aunt Edna has always wanted to give you a set of flatware, consider these things accordingly while shaping your registry.
DON’T be afraid to register for what you want. If you already have your towels and spatulas, don’t be afraid to register for things (or experiences!) you actually want and will use. You’ll find that many guests will not only love having some fresh or unique items to choose from, but will appreciate knowing their gift will be truly enjoyed.
DO read FAQs and check for hidden fees before setting up a registry. Unfortunately some registries have added costs, either for you or your guests. Make sure that you are not choosing registries that will charge your guests a service fee.
Jennifer a.k.a. @mrsfoodiereg started Foodie Registry with her husband Ben in 2010, after eschewing the traditional registry at their own wedding in 2008 and creating a “restaurant registry” instead. The registry was a huge hit with guests, and Foodie Registry was born.
It goes without saying that traditional wedding registries and etiquette don’t always apply to couples living in the 21st century. These days, couples are waiting longer to get married, and many decide to cohabitate together before marriage, which results in less of a need for the nest-building housewares that have traditionally graced wedding registries.
When my husband Ben and I got engaged, we had already dated for 7 years, and had most of our household necessities. Still, we felt pressured to register for traditional items that we didn’t need, but that we thought people would want or expect us to register for. After looking over our registry at a list of things we were sure would end up gathering dust on a shelf, in a fit of inspiration and rebellion (and being the foodies we are), we created a list of restaurants we loved or wanted to try. The “restaurant registry” was a great success with our guests, gave us date nights for months, and made us realize that ultimately, doing what was best for us as a couple was the best thing to do.
The wedding registry process can be tricky, especially when trying – as all of us do – to please everyone. In the spirit of the independent and diverse modern couple, we thought we would share some of our favorite modern wedding registry tips.
DO register online. This is almost a given for modern couples. Online wedding registries are infinitely more convenient for both guests and receivers. It’s fine to provide a few pick-up options for older or more traditionally-minded guests, but just keep in mind that most of your guests will prefer to purchase their gift online.
DON’T include your registries on your invitations. This is one registry rule that stands the test of time. The main reason is because you don’t want to take any emphasis away from the primary purpose of the invitation – to ask that your friends and loved ones be present at one of the most specials moments in your life.
DO make your wedding registry easily accessible. Word of mouth may be the traditional way of telling guests where you’re registered, but in modern times it is all but impractical. Instead, link to your wedding registry on your wedding webpage, which we highly encourage you to create. Most wedding webpages are free to create and serve as a central online hub of information for your wedding guests. You can also include the URL of your wedding webpage on invitations.
DON’T forget to update your registries on a regular basis. Often times, certain items will be out of stock or get discontinued. Try to monitor them at least once a month to prevent any inconveniences for guests.
DO register for items that reflect you as a couple. If you and your future spouse are avid rock climbers or amateur chefs, why not register for rock climbing gear or cooking classes? In other words, don’t feel pressured to register for things you don’t really want or need. There are many exciting alternative registry options available now, from honeymoon and charity registries, to our own Foodie Registry. You can also go the DIY route and create your own wedding registry!
DON’T wait until the last minute to register. Complete your wedding registries up to 6 months, and no later than 2 months in advance of the wedding, in order to give your guests plenty of time to choose and purchase their gifts.
DO provide a variety of options for guests. That includes a variety of price points, items and registries. We advocate doing what’s best for you as a couple, but we also think it’s polite to think of your guests. If you know your friends will have to travel far for the wedding or have smaller budgets, or if Aunt Edna has always wanted to give you a set of flatware, consider these things accordingly while shaping your registry.
DON’T be afraid to register for what you want. If you already have your towels and spatulas, don’t be afraid to register for things (or experiences!) you actually want and will use. You’ll find that many guests will not only love having some fresh or unique items to choose from, but will appreciate knowing their gift will be truly enjoyed.
DO read FAQs and check for hidden fees before setting up a registry. Unfortunately some registries have added costs, either for you or your guests. Make sure that you are not choosing registries that will charge your guests a service fee.
Jennifer a.k.a. @mrsfoodiereg started Foodie Registry with her husband Ben in 2010, after eschewing the traditional registry at their own wedding in 2008 and creating a “restaurant registry” instead. The registry was a huge hit with guests, and Foodie Registry was born.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What is wedding entertainment?
Today we will learn about all aspects of wedding entertainment from Sr. Event Architect, Adel Domingo.
It’s not just figuring out if you should have a DJ or a band. It is a combination of your wedding fitting your personality, how you want your guests to have fun and most importantly, how you as a couple want to celebrate.
Where do we start?
First, tell the band or DJ your “do not play” or “do not do” list and stick to it. You know what those are – the songs that you really dislike or not letting your crazy relative have a microphone to sing his version of “Endless Love.”
Second, if you feel like choreographing your first dance, make sure you are both committed to it, and rehearse a lot. Even if you’re professional dancers, after a few drinks and the potential weight and size of your wedding gown, you don’t want to trip or have your groom step on your gown. The first dance is important, so pick your favoring song ahead of time together.
You do not need to do a lot to entertain your guests, just enough to let them know you appreciate their presence and that you thought of them.
A few ideas to keep your guests from yawning, or leaving your wedding reception early, are:
1. Make the speeches short. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
2. Make each other feel special. If you can sing, sing something for your groom or bride. Really kiss when your guests clink on their glasses. Compliment your bride publicly on how pretty she looks. Make sure his meal is extra special like surprising him with his favorite steak instead of the chicken you ordered.
3. If you are at a regional area, serve the regional food. For example, if you are having your wedding near apple orchards, add apples to your menu or use apples as place card holders.
4. Ask your bridal party to mingle with the guests or play hosts to the guests. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifThere are always guests who just know the bride and groom but nobody else. In short, make everybody feel welcomed.
Photo by R.E.M. Photography
5. Combination photo booths and guest books are great during cocktail hour. They are still extremely popular even though they have been around for years now. Why? Because the guests feel relaxed and there is interaction.
6. Hire a great band or DJ. Not only that, make sure the emcee is professional. This means they care about your timeline, how they pronounce your names when announced, and most importantly, they are witty and funny and know when to liven up the party when there is dead time.
7. When you throw the bouquet or garter, attach a gift card to it. Will it make the single guests be more interested to be on the floor? You bet!
8. Have interactive food. For instance, design your own cocktail. Have a martini bar. A chocolate fountain never gets old but a new twist to it is maybe to add a crepe station. The latest is to adding cotton candy or a popcorn machine near the end of the party. A popcorn machine is great if you’re having your event at a theater.
9. Choose an interesting venue or design it so it fits your personality. Do you like wineries, a vintage diner, a garden, a beach, a contemporary ballroom, a barn, or a chalet? No matter what, choose a venue that is interesting.
10. Finally, do not have a cash bar. Having an open bar is still affordable; just ask the venue to customize something that is more affordable. Maybe you can buy your own wine and the venue just charges you corkage fee. You invited the guests to your wedding and it’s more courteous to not have them pay for anything.
Wedding entertainment really translates as making every second special during your celebration. Do not over think or make it over the top so it feels like a circus. Just pick a few ideas so your wedding feels like a unique celebration, something you, your family, and friends will remember as a great experience.
Thanks for this great blog, Adel.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia
It’s not just figuring out if you should have a DJ or a band. It is a combination of your wedding fitting your personality, how you want your guests to have fun and most importantly, how you as a couple want to celebrate.
Where do we start?
First, tell the band or DJ your “do not play” or “do not do” list and stick to it. You know what those are – the songs that you really dislike or not letting your crazy relative have a microphone to sing his version of “Endless Love.”
Second, if you feel like choreographing your first dance, make sure you are both committed to it, and rehearse a lot. Even if you’re professional dancers, after a few drinks and the potential weight and size of your wedding gown, you don’t want to trip or have your groom step on your gown. The first dance is important, so pick your favoring song ahead of time together.
You do not need to do a lot to entertain your guests, just enough to let them know you appreciate their presence and that you thought of them.
A few ideas to keep your guests from yawning, or leaving your wedding reception early, are:
1. Make the speeches short. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
2. Make each other feel special. If you can sing, sing something for your groom or bride. Really kiss when your guests clink on their glasses. Compliment your bride publicly on how pretty she looks. Make sure his meal is extra special like surprising him with his favorite steak instead of the chicken you ordered.
3. If you are at a regional area, serve the regional food. For example, if you are having your wedding near apple orchards, add apples to your menu or use apples as place card holders.
4. Ask your bridal party to mingle with the guests or play hosts to the guests. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifThere are always guests who just know the bride and groom but nobody else. In short, make everybody feel welcomed.
Photo by R.E.M. Photography5. Combination photo booths and guest books are great during cocktail hour. They are still extremely popular even though they have been around for years now. Why? Because the guests feel relaxed and there is interaction.
6. Hire a great band or DJ. Not only that, make sure the emcee is professional. This means they care about your timeline, how they pronounce your names when announced, and most importantly, they are witty and funny and know when to liven up the party when there is dead time.
7. When you throw the bouquet or garter, attach a gift card to it. Will it make the single guests be more interested to be on the floor? You bet!
8. Have interactive food. For instance, design your own cocktail. Have a martini bar. A chocolate fountain never gets old but a new twist to it is maybe to add a crepe station. The latest is to adding cotton candy or a popcorn machine near the end of the party. A popcorn machine is great if you’re having your event at a theater.
9. Choose an interesting venue or design it so it fits your personality. Do you like wineries, a vintage diner, a garden, a beach, a contemporary ballroom, a barn, or a chalet? No matter what, choose a venue that is interesting.
10. Finally, do not have a cash bar. Having an open bar is still affordable; just ask the venue to customize something that is more affordable. Maybe you can buy your own wine and the venue just charges you corkage fee. You invited the guests to your wedding and it’s more courteous to not have them pay for anything.
Wedding entertainment really translates as making every second special during your celebration. Do not over think or make it over the top so it feels like a circus. Just pick a few ideas so your wedding feels like a unique celebration, something you, your family, and friends will remember as a great experience.
Thanks for this great blog, Adel.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia
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