There are some things that only the bride or her family can deal with.

 Wedding planners can help you pull your vision of your wedding together. They can help you screen and hire local vendors. They can see that everything goes as planned from your processional to your get-away. They can help you save money and stretch a wedding budget from here to tomorrow, but some things the bride and her family must control. · Manage who sits where. Wedding planners will assist, but only you know the complex family arrangements and relationships that govern who sits where and why. You need to decide on those seating arrangements and just let him/her know your decision. She can be a compassionate ear if you wish to talk through your decisions, but you need to make that final choice. 

· Your budget is your budget. You know how much you can afford to spend. Be honest with your planner and let him/her help you have a fabulous wedding within those budget guidelines. · Select the wedding party. Nobody but you can decide who matters in your life enough to be selected a member of the wedding party. No one else can make that call for you. 

· Choose your music. Wedding planners can offer a wide range of music choices for ceremony and reception. But only you can make the final choice of what matters to you, what touches you, what are favourites. · Write your own vows. Wedding planners can offer many options and ideas to get you started, but this highly personal statement of what you and your future husband mean to you is way beyond his/her arena. Think how hurt you’d be if you found out that someone else wrote your groom’s vow for him. If in doubt, use the accepted/standard vows from your church. 

· Write your own thank you notes. No exceptions.

Happy Planning…Kay

All traditions have to start somewhere. Today’s brides are busy creating their versions of “new” traditions. Our staff of experienced consultants can help you find or create the tradition that expresses your individual thoughts and preferences. We have a big file of successful ideas and very creative staff members.  

• One of our favorite ideas worked for a bride who was marrying for the 2nd time. Both she and her fiancé had children and grandchildren from previous marriages. The combined total was too large to include everyone in the ceremony. Trying to figure out who should be in the wedding party was impossible. The solution? The bride walked down the aisle by herself carrying an empty basket. Her trip down the aisle took her past every child and grandchild from both sides and each of them held a flower that they put in her basket. She reached her groom at the altar steps with a basket filled not just with flowers but love from everyone in their new combined family. Great Idea. 
• One bride we know had formal traditional wedding photographs done before the ceremony, but she also arranged for an artist friend to attend and sketch various scenes from the ceremony and reception. Simple pen and ink versions of her wedding added a beautiful dimension (plus gave reception guests something fun to watch).
• A recent bride, who is an active environmentalist, chose as favors for her wedding, miniature seedlings obtained from the state forestry department. Each seedling was planted in a paper cup the color of the wedding theme and tied with a raffia bow. The seedlings – along with a thank you note and planting instructions, were put at each place setting as wedding favors. The couple estimated that over 200 new trees were planted in their honor. 
• Couples with strong ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to incorporate those traditions into their own weddings. In addition, toasts to the new couple should be prepared in the languages of their origins whenever possible. If no one in the family can still speak the original language, contact a local university for help with translations. Serving some ethnic foods, planning some ethnic décor and incorporating some of the traditions in the ceremony can be powerful reminders of one’s history.

Happy Planning…Kay

Can’t afford a wedding like Prince William and Kate? Not to worry! Our experienced staff of consultants can help you to create a beautiful wedding no matter the size of your budget. Before you begin call and talk with one of our staff that will be your advisor throughout the process. Whether you have six weeks or six months to plan, we can help you make wonderful wedding memories. Here are some ideas to help you save dollars.

• Plan your wedding for “off season” and pick the day carefully. Depending on where you live, November and January are likely to be slower months for weddings. That should help you find the caterer and/or reception venue more easily.
• Many wedding related businesses hold sales in these months enabling you to enjoy savings.
• Consider being married on a Friday night instead of Saturday night. Or consider a morning wedding followed by a brunch instead of a sit down dinner. Time of day of your event can make a difference in costs.
• Take care of the “something borrowed” by asking a friend or relative to borrow her veil or headpiece.
• Let seasonal themes decorate for you. If you are getting married between Christmas and New Years, the church you choose will already be decorated, thus saving you floral expenses. The same will be true of your reception venue.
• Let your iPod furnish your reception music instead of an expensive band or DJ.
• Let a friend with a passion for “classic cars” be your limousine for the day.
• Hire a professional photographer for the formal and ceremony shots only.  

Have friends and wedding party members take the informal party shots from the reception. We have other wonderful ideas that can help you create the dream you can afford. Call and talk with one of our experienced consultants. Happy Planning….Kay

Increasing in popularity and use are individual wedding websites. Today’s bridal couple is likely to be “wired” in that they are techno savvy and used to online information gathering and sharing. Couples have seen the websites of their soon to be married friends and have some ideas about the site they will create for themselves. In our years of working with brides, here are some of the best components that we have seen. Many websites begin with the story of the couple’s courtship, how they met, how the groom proposed and their detailed wedding plans. The website is a good way to introduce and profile the attendants chosen for the wedding both the bride’s and the groom’s. Be sure to include pictures of them. Site visitors should be able to learn about the fun and friendship that has developed over the years and know why someone was chosen to be such an important part of the celebration.

Include pictures of the church and reception site and even the honeymoon destination if it isn’t a secret. Some brides include photos and information about china, crystal, and silver patterns chosen and often list the stores where registry items are recorded as a help to invited guests. A few words of warning however, resist expecting guests to reply to invitations via email. Do not send thank you notes that way either. Some things are still done the traditional way in spite of electronic innovations. Our experienced consultants can share other good ideas for using the internet as an effective communication tool for your wedding.

Happy Planning…Kay

In an ideal world, each place you use for the ceremony and reception will have everything you need for a perfect event. However, things are rarely exactly how you wish them to be. Brides usually ask us for recommendations for rental businesses that can supply additional items that may be needed. But before we recommend any other business we try to help the bride determine exactly what may be needed and sources for those items. Before you rent anything, be sure to check with your wedding ceremony site, wedding reception venue, caterers, beverage providers, décor company, florist, entertainment, audiovisual, staging and lighting companies for items needed. It is hard to believe that one could need something these services couldn’t provide, but if there is, a reputable rental provider is your answer. Once you have identified the items you think you’ll need, have a conversation with two or more rental services to check the quality of the items provided as well as the rental costs.

Your ceremony or reception venue and wedding planner may be able to refer you to a reputable service that comes with strong references from previous customers. To help you with discussions about rental items, there are some questions you will want to ask them. Ask the agency to be specific about the services they will supply. Will they merely deliver the items to your site or does the price include set up and tear down? Ask if the items are insured against theft and/or damage and is that included in the rental fee. If it is not included, ask for the amount of insurance you may need if applicable. Bear in mind that a full service décor or wedding planning company will likely be able to handle all or part of your décor, floral, table settings, glassware, tables, chairs and chair covers, linens, and lighting requirements. In addition to the usual items, the décor company may be your best source for any unusual items you decide you must have to complete the theme of your celebration. How much “extra” you want will likely be determined more by budget than lack of resources.

Happy planning…Kay

If you are planning to serve liquor at your reception there are a few ground rules to remember as you place your order. Costs for beverages can either be managed or reach the stratosphere. The prices of champagne, wine, beer and/or hard liquor can vary a great deal but with a little research on brands, quantities and service style, you can contain the costs. A great deal depends on the expectations of your guests and your own personal tastes. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you choose your wedding spirits.

• Champagne Guides – Brut =extra dry, Extra sec or sec =medium dry to medium sweet, demi sec or doux = sweet to very sweet

• 750 ml = six flute glasses of champagne and 1500 ml = 12 flutes

• Budget 2 glasses of champagne per person if wait staff are pouring

•You can control costs by planning 1 glass per person, and have it served by waiters from silver trays

• Serve champagne at 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Wine:

• Sugar Content – very dry = 0% sugar, dry=1-2%, medium=3-6%, sweet 7+%

• Budget two glasses of wine per person per hour

• Budget a bottle of wine per person if you are serving cocktails before/during meal service

• Unless dictated otherwise by menu choices and guest preferences, the usual breakdown of wine to be served is 60% white, 40% red

Beer

• Include a mix of light, dark, imported, and nonalcoholic beers. Factors that will influence quantities served

• Will you serve wine and beer only or include specialty drinks?

• Will you have an open bar?

• Will you serve wine with the meal following cocktails or with no pre meal cocktails?

• Will you serve after dinner liquors?

• Will the bar remain open during dinner?

Other factors to consider:

•You will need one bar for every 40-50 guests

•You will need one bartender for every 40 guests

• Set up a minimum of 3 glasses per person per bar

Happy planning…Kay

Your wedding planner and/or your facility vendor can help you assemble a memorable buffet for your wedding reception. It doesn’t matter if you are having a brunch buffet following a late morning ceremony or a dinner buffet following a cocktail hour, the principles are the same. Here are some guidelines assembled by planners and caterers to help all brides with their planning.

Your buffet should feature one or two main entrees surrounded by a selection of side dishes. Experts say, “Quality and abundance is key, not unlimited choices”. Include one extravagant item or display for the WOW factor. You can do a whole poached salmon, or an elaborate dessert table, a magnificent cake or a fountain of chocolate for an ice cream sundae bar. Remember that it doesn’t have to be expensive to look extravagant. When the buffet table is set up be sure that the display provides height variations for the foods selected. It is more interesting and visually pleasing. Wait staff should be available to clear plates from guest tables between visits to the buffet. Be sure to order additional plates, cutlery and napkins so that the guests may use a fresh set at each visit to the buffet table. If your plans call for a stand-up buffet, make sure that the portions are appropriate finger foods and do not require the use of a knife. Serve meat slices tucked into a small roll or specialty bread . Salad plates will be easier for guests to handle than full sized dinner plates. Make sure that plenty of seating options are available for guests. If your plans include a sit down buffet, you might want to consider having the first course – soup or salad –served with guests seated. Then guest can be called up to the buffet by tables. That gives everyone something to eat and helps to manage the lines. Make sure that there is room between the tables to accommodate guest movement and traffic. Be sure to talk over your concerns about the service style you select with the food vendor you have chosen. Make sure that you hear his/her ideas and that the vendor has heard yours. If your family has favorite foods or if some foods are meaningful to you and the groom, or if some of your guests have special needs, make sure that your planning takes these factors into account.

Happy planning…Kay

Contrary to popular opinion – music doesn’t just happen. Music must be planned. It is an important ingredient in setting a mood. The good news is that you have lots of options. You can pick live entertainment – high energy bands, symphonic orchestras, classical trios, disc jockeys, or jukeboxes. The music played at your wedding ceremony does not necessarily set the tone for your reception. But whichever you choose, make sure you have heard the group play live. Ask for the option of attending a ceremony and/or reception where the group you are considering will play. Where do you find the music you want? You may first have heard of the group from a friend or relative. It should be no trouble to “crash” the event to look at and hear the group under consideration. But be very careful of this. If you involve strangers, the band may consider letting others “crash” your wedding. What are some other issues to consider as you select the music for your wedding? What kind of overall look will the musicians under consideration present to your guests? How do they look? How will they dress? Can you request/ demand what you consider proper attire? What condition are their instruments in? Will they play the music you request or are they determined to use only their play list? Most musical groups have CDs or taped recordings.

You need to make sure that what you hear on the recording is what you get live. Will whoever you hear be on stage at your event? Think about how you want the musicians to interact at the wedding reception. Do you want/mind them mingling with the guests or will you prefer that they go to a “ break room”? Have you made arrangements to feed them if they request it? Do you need to add to your catering numbers and feed them as if they were a guest or can you do sandwiches in the break area? Just because you “ love” a group, consider your reception guests. If you love “Metallica” and your guests are more “Frank Sinatra” how will you reconcile preferences? Make sure that the venues you have chosen – for both ceremony and reception – can physically accommodate the musical group you have chosen? Think this through before you sign the contracts involved. Our experienced consultants can help you with all the aspects of your wedding ceremony and reception. No idea what kind of music you want or where to start? Contact us for ideas and recommendations.

Happy Planning…Kay

Unless you have dreamed of every food item you want to serve at your reception, keep an open mind as you interview venues, chefs and caterers. Just because the caterer or facility offers set menus, stay open to various ideas and suggestions. See if you can mix and match items from various menus. Many food suppliers are open to creating a custom menu for you based on your budget – as long as it meets their minimum pricing policies. Your choices of what to serve obviously depend on what kind of a reception you have chosen. Depending on the time of the ceremony, the number of guests and the formality of your wedding you have plenty of choices. You can choose a brunch, a luncheon, a wine and cheese reception, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, cocktails followed by a sit-down or buffet dinner or a dessert reception. Whatever you choose, know that you are not bound by tradition.

We can share our creative ideas and lessons learned from planning and supervising numerous receptions. Here are some of our guidelines for reception foods that you might find helpful. If you really want a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception know that we suggest that you plan to serve an assortment of no more than eight to ten appetizer items. If there is no meal plan on each guest eating two to three of each item (the simple guideline is 24 pieces per guest). Use this guide as you work with your food provider to see how she/he plans to provide coverage for your guests. This base amount could vary depending on the length of your reception. Once you have an estimate for this type of reception, compare the costs quoted to you for a buffet. Sometimes a buffet can be less expensive. However a buffet has a very different feel from a lavish serving of appetizers, elegantly displayed and passed one item per tray on silver trays. Consider setting up several mini-tasting stations where guests can help themselves to the less expensive choices. Space the stations so that there are no traffic log jams. The more costly items can be served on trays by gloved wait staff. Having choice items passed gives you a measure of control. Make sure that each mini station is set with plates, cutlery and napkins.

Happy planning…Kay

If money were no object, you could simply tell a wedding planner/designer the look/effect that you wanted and trust in a fabulous result. But if you would like to have a wonderful setting for your wedding and reception without breaking your budget, we can offer you some elegant but cost saving ideas. If your wedding is one of several being held in a large church on the same day, consider coordinating the décor and floral elements for the location with the other brides. Many times shared expenses on rental greens and plants can create a marvelous setting with minimal costs. Remember that ceremonies held in churches already have an impressive setting. Try to minimize your efforts to add personal touches to the atmosphere of a church. You are being married there, be aware of the role the atmosphere plays in the solemnity of the occasion. Enhance it with your additions, not detract. For both ceremony and reception locations budget for the most bang for your dollar. Tone on tone floral arrangements have more visual impact than more costly mixed floral groupings. Create a statement with one large decorative element rather than a dozen smaller and less effective elements scattered throughout. For example, a working fountain in the center of the dining room may create the entire atmosphere you wish.

Concentrate on wow by focusing your decorative efforts at the entrance to your reception area. It will be easier to do if you visualize the room full. Don’t spend excess money on items that only the first few guests entering the room will notice. Once the room is full of guests, lots of décor touches won’t even be noticed. Most experts will advise you to skip decorating the skirting on any of the tables for that reason. Their advice – THINK TABLETOP AND UP. If your guests do not dance, don’t spring for an orchestra. Think trio to play background music and atmosphere. If the facility offers it, lighting that can be changed – lighter, brighter, softer, dimmer – can transform the room as the activity level changes. Some couples choose to have their combined initials cut in either metal or glass. These silhouettes can be placed in front of lighting sources and be positioned to shine on walls, floors or ceilings. The cost is minimal but the effect can be impressive.

Happy planning…Kay