What to Expect from your Day of Coordination Wedding Package

If you have made the decision to hire a wedding planner to manage your Day of Wedding Coordination, congratulations, you are now a BLISS bride.   More and more brides feel the stress of the wedding day, and elect to let a professional take over to fine tune the details, and oversee the execution of those details on the day of their wedding.  Service is subjective.  What should you expect from a planner for retaining their Day of Coordination service? Here are some tips:

Define Expectation:

Remember they are being retained to oversee your day of details.  It means that you as a bride will coordinate and plan the details leading up to the wedding.  A good wedding planner will organize your details for a flawless execution.  Planners work with a plethora of forms that detail every segment of the wedding.  Have the planner show you her forms, which will be utilized in executing your event. 

Hours of service:

A day of coordination package must include at least 11 hours of service.  Typically 1 hr is reserved for rehearsal and 10 hrs are for the day of event.  Use the time wisely.  Planners are extremely important during the beginning of the day.  If your ceremony is planned for 2pm and your make-up hair, vendor set up and pictures are scheduled for 11:00a.m., retain the service from 10:30a.m. to 8:30p.m..  If you are not done with the important details by 8:30p.m. consider adding a couple of hours to the package.  An Event Assistant is typically included in the package.

How to choose the right planner:

There are some great seasoned planners, that may cost more, and then there are some planners starting out in the business that charge less.  I personally would want the best to take care of my wedding, especially when so much is invested in it.  I would want someone with experience, so that when it came time to make hard decisions they will draw from their experience and make the right one.  I would want a leadership quality so that clear directions are given to the vendors, and excellent service to my guests.  But most importantly, I would want to make sure that they have a well trained event support team, so that my event is not dependent on just one person.

Cost:

A traditional day of coordination package can cost from $2500, for an experienced planning company, to a $1200 for a novice.  If your event is a sophisticated, detail driven and vendor loaded program, I would opt for an experienced planner.  The $1300 will be well worth paying for if it means the best are orchestrating your event.  Some ethnic events, with traditions and cultural influence, may require longer hours and multiple days.  For such events expect to pay slightly more, the size of the event can impact the price.

What not to expect from a planner:

Planners are there to oversee your vendors, in making sure that they are performing as they have been contracted to do, also making sure that Aunt Mae gets her low sodium vegetarian meal and your Bridesmaid is not lost when it comes time to take pictures.  Resourceful Planners are experts in all arenas of wedding planning. However they are not florists, photographers, cake decorators, chair cover installers, butlers or bellman.  They are quick to get a team that will deliver these types of service, but cannot be expected to put together your centerpieces on the day of your wedding.  However, some planners may be able to offer such services for additional cost.  Remember you are paying at least $1200 to your planner. If you are using her to add flowers to the table, or move wedding inventory from church to reception venue, you are definitely overpaying. Let your planner manage the other vendors to most effectively accomplish these tasks.

Your wedding day is about you and your groom.  There should not be any need for a bride to micromanage her vendors, or stand by the placecard table assisting guests to find their escort cards.  If your budget allows, at a minimum hire a “Day of Coordinator.” I promise you that you will look back at your wedding day and know the second most important person on your big day was your Wedding Planner.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now)

Olivia

Follis & Scaccia Wedding Showcase: Crystal Gardens Navy Pier

Today we showcase the a wedding that takes place at the Crystal Gardens Navy Pier! The family chose to keep it elegant with silvers, whites, and more of a focus on the beautiful environment in the surrounding space. The natural beauty of the crystal gardens, with the ambient lighting truly inspired the transformation and beauty! 

My Engagement Ring, It is Perfect!!!!! Maybe…

Have you fallen in love with your engagement ring?  Or do you love it, but you’re not quite in love with it? 

It took all the Groom’s courage, and months of saving for that special ring, which will forever represent his love and devotion to you.  The ring will symbolize his commitment to happily ever after.  After the euphoria of the proposal, engagement announcement and the solicited approval from your BFF, you sit back and wonder, “Would I have picked this ring?” After all, you have to wear it everyday.  You are not the only one out there pondering this question.

Before you decide to share your feelings with your new fiancée you might consider the following:
Do you really hate it?
Is it that he just didn’t listen to your subtle hints or taking you shopping for the ring?
If it really clashes with your jewelry collection and you will constantly think of it as your “not so fabulous ring,” then tell you partner.  In a gentle way explain to him how happy you are to commit yourself to him for the rest of your life.  Tell him, even though you were ecstatic that he put so much time and effort into buying the ring, maybe you can exchange or redesign the ring.  If he gets offended by this don’t be surprised.  You just told him that he can’t pick the right ring and doesn’t understand your taste.  But these few minutes of emotional awkwardness may turn into a day of blissful ring shopping.   
I, being a Type A personality, had the same situation and hated the ring.  The funny part is that I helped pick the ring.   So I hated what I had picked, and wanted to redesign mine one month into our engagement. I felt bad, but after few glasses of wine I found the courage to tell my fiancée that I was wrong.  Confessing I was wrong was enough to make my fiancée decide to upgrade my ring. A confession I will never admit to.  But I love my ring now, and love to show it off. 

One possible catch, is the ring a family heirloom?
Has the ring been handed down generation after generation? Does the family have deep emotional ties to it? Have they told you how lucky you are to receive the ring?  It is rare in this day an age that heirlooms are passed down as engagement rings, but it does happen.  What do you do?? Many brides wish for a ring that is uniquely theirs, and chosen just for them.  Conveying this sentiment to your fiancée, and his family, might be tricky.  Express to your fiancée and the family how honored you are to receive such a ring, and to have been bestowed the caretaker of the ring as it passes from generation to generation.  Ladies, this will be a battle, you must pick and choose.  Could the heirloom ring serve as a commitment ring while you select a ring that reflects your lifestyle?
Greeks believed that the diamonds were precious splinters of stars that had fallen to the Earth. Diamonds have a unique status as the ultimate symbol of love.  If you have fallen in love with your ring, or are about to fall in love with it, do know that engagement rings have strings of your heart wrapped in your fingers.

BBFN  (Bridal Bliss For Now)
Olivia


If you are a bride that got her “Perfect” ring, would love to know how did you drop those subtle hints?

Capturing the Moment: Tips on How to Choose the Right Videographer

            Capturing every single moment of your big day will be something you will appreciate in the future.  Hiring a videographer will not only help you see what your day was like but they will also capture the moments that you had not noticed during your wedding day.  From taping everyone’s emotions during the special moments, to having loved ones express their joy and share their hopes and dreams for you as a couple, a videographer will create a video that you will treasure for the rest of your lives.  This video is a timeless item that you will be able to share with those who could not attend and most importantly to your children and to generations after.  This is your Cinderella story, so make sure to hire someone who shares the same vision and someone who is just as passionate about capturing the moments that you will never forget.  In order to find the right videographer for you, we have created a couple tips to have when choosing this person for your wedding day. 

Tip #1:  How to Search for a Videographer

            First things first, start as early as possible when searching for the right videographer for you.  Set up meetings and hire far in advance, because they usually are booked for months to even a year ahead.  For the actual searching process, we recommend that you turn to your friends and family for recommendations and advice.  These individuals know you the best and will know if they have a good match for you or not.  Other various ways to search are through internet research, looking through magazines or attending Bridal Expos.  Make sure to set up meetings with various videographers right away because you never know if you will have a match or not with the first or even second appointment. 

Tip #2: Experience is Key

            Knowledge and experience will be the most important factors to look at when meeting with a videographer.  You want someone who knows everything there is to know about the equipment, editing, your venue, and has created a video for weddings many times before.  If you want something absolutely breathtaking, professional and well edited, do not hire someone who is not experienced.  One more tip would be to look at their physical appearance.  If they take the time when it comes to their appearance, this might indicate that they take their time with creating videos and care what it will look like.  We have created a list of questions to ask during your initial meetings so you will be prepared to know if this person is a perfect match or not.

1.      May I see an example(s) of past videos you have done?

2.      After meeting us, what is your vision for creating this video?

3.      Do you have any creative recommendations?

4.      How many years do you have of experience?

5.      Can you tell me something about the equipment and how many cameras will you be using?

6.      Do you have someone else assisting you?

7.      Do you have back-up equipment and DVD’s?

8.      Have you ever been to our venue or not?  If not will you be visiting the venue in advance to gain ideas?

Tip #3: Style/Creativity and Artistry

            When you watch this video and look back on your day, do you want a straight forward boring video without any effects or creativity?  Or would you like to see various clips, stills, colors and have a possible theme to the video?  Well when paying as much as you are for a videographer, it is important to not only get a video that is worth that amount but to also have a video that’s fits your style and is something that is creatively put together and entertaining.  This is where experience is extremely important.   During your interview, the videographer should ask questions about your vision and who you are as a couple.  A great videographer will want to match how he captures and edits your video to fit your needs and wants while incorporating his own personal style.  We have put together a list of things to pay attention to when watching an example of a past video that he/she has created and be sure to ask multiple questions.

1.      Look for their emotional style and if it fits perfectly with yours. 

2.      Look at important filming elements such as lighting, angles, close-ups, and if it is a good quality image in high definition. 

3.      Also, look at important editing elements such as an incorporation of colors, black and white additions, stills, live video, titles, songs and if it flows all together.

4.      Ask if they can customize it to your exact wishes.  An example of this is adding short clips of your loved ones saying their best wishes and any advice they might have. 

5.      Will they have the option for multi-camera coverage?  And if so, will it cost you more?

Tip #4: Pricing and Packages Available

            The amount of money you are willing to spend on the videographer all depends on the quality of video you would like to receive.  As you can tell from all the various questions, there are a lot of important elements to consider when choosing your videographer.  Make sure to research, research and research different packages available and compare prices for what you will get for the amount of money you are willing to spend.  You want a package that describes exactly what you would like to see on your video and that you are also receiving a videographer that is completely professional with every aspect when he is creating his masterpiece.  One piece of advice we could give is always ask multiple questions and make sure you know exactly what you are getting.  Also, make sure to determine ahead of time how many hours you would like to be filmed so you can determine the amount of time in your contract.  Signing a contract is key when it comes to hiring a videographer in order to ensure you are getting exactly what was agreed upon for the price.  To most, this video is a vital part to capturing every detail of one of the best days in someone’s life, so make sure it is something in the end that you will be pleased with. 

            

A videographer can capture every important moment of your wedding day as it is happening.  From getting a close up of the bride and groom saying their vows to one another, to capturing the tears from the mother’s eyes when they say I do.  Seeing the emotions of yourself and your loved ones will really show you just how much you are loved and how truly important your union together is to those sharing this day with you.  This video is a precious keepsake, so make sure you are hiring a videographer that cares about this as much as you do.  

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Lurain & Alvarado Wedding: Simplistic Elegance

This wedding was gorgeous simply because of the location, when you have your event at the University Club, there are so many things that a decorator is able to accomplish, as there are many things that can be decorated. This event was very simple, with the little accent decor for each area of the room to add to the over all look! Family oriented, it made everyone feel as if they were at home celebrating! 

Scissors, Cell Phone and Inspiration

Have you ever seen a Bride’s notebook?  I have, and it has notes, doodles, and vendor interviews, but most importantly, it has bridal magazine clippings of her dream wedding.  In the notebook you will find a picture of her perfect dress, her bouquet, colors that she loves and flowers that she has fallen in love with.  For a floral designer, nothing produces a successful meeting more than seeing what the bride’s vision entails.  It may seem that your choices are disparate, but sorting through pictures to find your style can transform your wedding day into a personalized, branded, event. 

Fairy tale weddings can only be reigned in by a budget.  Drama of tall centerpieces, mood set with specialty lighting, lounge furniture by the bar and graceful linens, they do add up.  The second largest slice of the budget, after the venue, is definitely given to the floral and décor expense.  The impact of a $20,000 floral budget will not be the same as $7,000 budget, but how you maximize it will certainly define your event.  Instead of creating $200 centerpieces mix and match the room with some high centerpieces and some low centerpieces.  Linens are the least expensive option to add impact to the event design.   If you work with a full service event studio the threads of your vision can be presented to you with a complete visual sampling.

So I say to the Brides, find a good pair of scissors and cut out as many pictures as you can of centerpieces. If attending a wedding, take pictures with your cell phone of things that you like, but also of things that you do not want at your wedding.  Be Blissful, Be Inspired, Be an Artists Palette.

BBFN

Olivia

Bridal Show

You’ve got the ring, you’ve called your family and friends to share your good news, and now, you are registered to attend a Bridal Expo to start the journey of planning your big day.

Depending on where you live, and the time of year, you will most likely find a wide variety of expos, trunk shows, boutique events and Bridal seminars to attend, all geared to helping you plan the perfect day. Each show has its own unique, creative format for providing this information.  Feeling overwhelmed as to which showcase(s) to attend? 

Here are some tips and tricks to help you figure out which shows are best for you to attend:

Define your expectation of the show

What are you looking to get from the show? If you are looking to gather information and special offers from a large number of vendors about their services, then one of the larger shows is a great place to start. If you are looking for design inspiration, be sure to look for a show that is being hosted by a décor company. Wanting a better idea on how to start planning your wedding? Look for a show that features a wedding planner to help point you in the right direction.

Decide how much you are willing to spend on a ticket?

There is a wide variance in the cost of these events, some are free and some can cost upwards of $100. One factor in cost is what kind of food and beverage, if any, is being served. Another consideration is what you, as the bride, will take away from the event. Will you get a Swag Bag full of goodies? Some of these events are hosted as fundraisers for different not-for-profit organizations as well.

Are you looking for an intimate experience or a large crowd?

Some events will draw hundreds of brides and their friends and families. Some smaller shows will only have 10 – 20 brides in attendance and will offer a more intimate experience for the attendees.

What shows are your already selected vendors participating in?

If you have already selected a venue, florist, photographer or some other vendors for your big day you will want to find out what shows they are participating in. It is likely that the vendors they work with will also be in attendance. This is a great opportunity to meet those vendors in person and set-up appointments to discuss their services.

No matter which show(s) you decide to attend you will surely have a good time and take away information that will help you plan your day.

Best of luck, and hope to see you at one of our events!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia