Just imagine - your wedding day went perfectly, and your honeymoon was a very welcome retreat for you and your new husband. Two blissful weeks on an island, with nothing and no one to bother you except for the wait staff asking if you want a refill. Life is great!
Now you're back home, trying to get adjusted to your new life as a married couple. One of the first things that should be on your to do list is to write thank you notes to everyone who came to your wedding and/or sent you a gift. Also, every vendor who made your wedding so special would certainly appreciate hearing from you. I know that writing thank you's can be tedious, but it's as necessary as buying your wedding gown!
The best way that I've found to get this task done is to make a list of every gift you received and who gave it to you, together with your guest list that contains everyone's address. Make 1 copy of each list and then divide the list between you and your spouse. Then, start writing your thank yous!
A good thank you note doesn't have to be long. Three sentences should be more than enough! Start out by thanking the person/couple for coming to your wedding and for giving you such a generous gift. (NOTE: ALL gifts are generous in a thank you card!) The next sentence should let the person/couple know how you intend on using their gift. And then, the final sentence should thank them again, and tell them that you hope to see them soon. That's basically it!
Just one thing to keep in mind. Thank you notes should be handwritten and personalized to each person. It's just tacky to have your photographer make you up thank you cards with a verse pre-printed! Worse yet, to have your names pre-printed too! Either inserting a wallet-sized photo or having your photographer print up your photograph on the outside of the card - these are GREAT! But, please, don't take the easy way out when doing your thank yous! With all the special touches you included in your wedding, you don't want to lower the bar now!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Picking a theme
One of the first things to be decided upon, once you have secured your wedding venue(s), if the "theme" of the wedding. Sometimes, even, this decision is made prior to finding the venue(s), as the theme may dictate what locations you look at. So, the "theme" of your wedding is integral to how you proceed throughout your planning process.
Now, what exactly constitutes a "theme"? Well, it can be very simple -- the colors of your wedding. The theme can be the color scheme; the color of the bridesmaid dresses, the basic flower colors, linen choices, etc.
Sometimes, the "theme" is more elaborate, however. Getting married on the beach? Consider carrying the nautical theme throughout - including your save-the-dates, invitations, bridal party attire, menu cards, linens, centerpieces. Are you having your wedding in a garden setting? The theme can evolve into a Garden Tea Party. Are you just in love with roses? Your theme could be just that - roses - where the invitations are in the shape of a rose, your bridesmaids wear rose colored dresses, and your centerpieces are bowls of water with floating roses.
To start, you want to choose 2-3 colors that you will use throughout your wedding. More than that, and the feel may be more frenetic than you want. Once that's decided upon, then you can see if you want to go farther and incorporate a monogram or a motif that can be repeated on all the paper used for the wedding as well as possibly used in the favors, escort cards, etc. The sky's the limit for your creativity!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Now, what exactly constitutes a "theme"? Well, it can be very simple -- the colors of your wedding. The theme can be the color scheme; the color of the bridesmaid dresses, the basic flower colors, linen choices, etc.
Sometimes, the "theme" is more elaborate, however. Getting married on the beach? Consider carrying the nautical theme throughout - including your save-the-dates, invitations, bridal party attire, menu cards, linens, centerpieces. Are you having your wedding in a garden setting? The theme can evolve into a Garden Tea Party. Are you just in love with roses? Your theme could be just that - roses - where the invitations are in the shape of a rose, your bridesmaids wear rose colored dresses, and your centerpieces are bowls of water with floating roses.
To start, you want to choose 2-3 colors that you will use throughout your wedding. More than that, and the feel may be more frenetic than you want. Once that's decided upon, then you can see if you want to go farther and incorporate a monogram or a motif that can be repeated on all the paper used for the wedding as well as possibly used in the favors, escort cards, etc. The sky's the limit for your creativity!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, October 8, 2007
"Substitute Planner"
This weekend, I was asked to take over a wedding and be the wedding planner by another planner who had a family emergency come up. I received the request on Thursday night, followed by an email of the wedding day timeline and a conversation with the bride and groom on Friday morning. Under the circumstances, the bride and groom were very understanding and spent some precious time with me going over the fine details of their plans. I also spoke with all of the vendors and confirmed last minute issues. Then, Friday night I attended the rehearsal and Saturday was their wonderful, beautiful wedding.
I have to admit, it was rather difficult stepping in at the last minute and trying to grasp everything that needed to be accomplished in such a sort time frame. It was rewarding, as well, when the bride and groom entrusted me with their details and I made sure they came to life. The newlyweds were able to relax during their celebration and enjoy their day - leaving all the logistical issues to me. And their thank you's at the end of the night let me know that they truly appreciated their "substitute planner."
It certainly was flattering to be contacted by another planner to take over and represent her during this wedding celebration. Being recognized by another, highly respected, professional in my field and having her trust me to carry out her plans was gratifying.
This experience, however, certainly pointed out some important issues that you need to keep in mind when you're planning your own wedding. Of utmost importance, you should ask your wedding planner about her back-up should something unforeseen occur. My backups are other wedding planners that I know through the Association of Bridal Consultants -- and my assistant for the wedding. I always work with an assistant, someone who is learning about how to become a wedding planner, and that person is well-versed on the wedding beginning about 1 month prior. So, having a more experienced planner coupled with my assistant - or even my assistant becoming the lead on the wedding day - means that each one of my clients is well cared for on their special day should something happen to me.
Until next time, happy planning...
I have to admit, it was rather difficult stepping in at the last minute and trying to grasp everything that needed to be accomplished in such a sort time frame. It was rewarding, as well, when the bride and groom entrusted me with their details and I made sure they came to life. The newlyweds were able to relax during their celebration and enjoy their day - leaving all the logistical issues to me. And their thank you's at the end of the night let me know that they truly appreciated their "substitute planner."
It certainly was flattering to be contacted by another planner to take over and represent her during this wedding celebration. Being recognized by another, highly respected, professional in my field and having her trust me to carry out her plans was gratifying.
This experience, however, certainly pointed out some important issues that you need to keep in mind when you're planning your own wedding. Of utmost importance, you should ask your wedding planner about her back-up should something unforeseen occur. My backups are other wedding planners that I know through the Association of Bridal Consultants -- and my assistant for the wedding. I always work with an assistant, someone who is learning about how to become a wedding planner, and that person is well-versed on the wedding beginning about 1 month prior. So, having a more experienced planner coupled with my assistant - or even my assistant becoming the lead on the wedding day - means that each one of my clients is well cared for on their special day should something happen to me.
Until next time, happy planning...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Favors
One question that most of my couples grapple with concerns favors. What is a good favor? Should it be one per couple or one per guest? Should a favor even be given at all?
The history behind favors goes back centuries. Since a wedding was considered a lucky occasion, the happy couple shared their luck and appreciation of their guests by way of small gifts of candies, representing fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity.
Today, favors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some couples choose to make a donation to a favorite charity in their guests' names (which, by the way, is tax deductible) and give out the organization's bracelets as their favors. Some couples choose a favor that comports with their wedding's theme or a favorite activity. Others forego this tradition, preferring to spend the money elsewhere in the celebration.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to your decision regarding favors. Frankly, I always recommend a donation or something edible, so that the guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Mini-bottles of wine, chocolates, cookies all make wonderful favors - their packaging can also be part of the favor! A lovely cookie placed in a hand-painted box that goes with your theme is always appreciated!
The question of whether to give one favor per guest or per couple is usually determined based upon your budget. Believe it or not, favors often cost $5 or more per piece. No one will be upset if you give out mini bottles of wine to each couple - they will simply toast to your new life together!
Until next time, happy planning...
The history behind favors goes back centuries. Since a wedding was considered a lucky occasion, the happy couple shared their luck and appreciation of their guests by way of small gifts of candies, representing fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity.
Today, favors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some couples choose to make a donation to a favorite charity in their guests' names (which, by the way, is tax deductible) and give out the organization's bracelets as their favors. Some couples choose a favor that comports with their wedding's theme or a favorite activity. Others forego this tradition, preferring to spend the money elsewhere in the celebration.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to your decision regarding favors. Frankly, I always recommend a donation or something edible, so that the guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Mini-bottles of wine, chocolates, cookies all make wonderful favors - their packaging can also be part of the favor! A lovely cookie placed in a hand-painted box that goes with your theme is always appreciated!
The question of whether to give one favor per guest or per couple is usually determined based upon your budget. Believe it or not, favors often cost $5 or more per piece. No one will be upset if you give out mini bottles of wine to each couple - they will simply toast to your new life together!
Until next time, happy planning...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Timing
They say that timing is everything. Timing is when you meet your future spouse. Timing is when you find your first house. Timing is when you ... well, you get the picture!
In wedding planning, timing is one of the first details that you'll face. The overall timing picture - will you get married in the summer or fall, winter or spring? Once you make that decision, it's on to deciding which particular month will be the best for you. Then, you get more specific - on which day of the week do you want to celebrate with your family and friends. Next you zero in on the actual date - let's say, Saturday, August 9, 2008 (which just happens to be my 10 year anniversary!).
Now, you may think you're home free with the timing thing once you've picked your exact date, right? Well, not exactly. You now move onto deciding when, exactly, on your date that you will be married and when your reception will be held. Now, this can be tricky. You don't want to have too long of a time in between ceremony and reception or your guests will get bored, lost, or worse yet - will simply skip the ceremony! However, you don't want to have too short of an in-between time or else you and your new spouse (and bridal party) won't be able to enjoy the cocktail hour because you'll be getting your photos taken -- not to mention a rushed break-down and set-up time for your vendors! I hope I've given you some food for thought to make the timing of your wedding just right!
Until next time, happy planning...
In wedding planning, timing is one of the first details that you'll face. The overall timing picture - will you get married in the summer or fall, winter or spring? Once you make that decision, it's on to deciding which particular month will be the best for you. Then, you get more specific - on which day of the week do you want to celebrate with your family and friends. Next you zero in on the actual date - let's say, Saturday, August 9, 2008 (which just happens to be my 10 year anniversary!).
Now, you may think you're home free with the timing thing once you've picked your exact date, right? Well, not exactly. You now move onto deciding when, exactly, on your date that you will be married and when your reception will be held. Now, this can be tricky. You don't want to have too long of a time in between ceremony and reception or your guests will get bored, lost, or worse yet - will simply skip the ceremony! However, you don't want to have too short of an in-between time or else you and your new spouse (and bridal party) won't be able to enjoy the cocktail hour because you'll be getting your photos taken -- not to mention a rushed break-down and set-up time for your vendors! I hope I've given you some food for thought to make the timing of your wedding just right!
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Security
This post is going to deal with a topic on which I've just received a crash course: security. Like insurance, security may be a "necessary evil" depending upon where you choose to have your wedding, or some of the players in it.
Let me tell you what happened this week: I had a client meeting at their wedding venue in Newark at 7:30 pm. I parked in a lot - albeit an open-air lot that I knew would not be attended upon my return. However, I bargained that parking in the lot was a better alternative to simply parking on the street. Well...when I returned to my car around 9:30 pm, I found my passenger side window smashed and my GPS unit stolen. No fun!
I spoke with my clients about this, and we are going to take extra security precautions at their wedding. Although there is a valet service provided, we are going to look into hiring security guards to patrol the parking lot during the wedding, just so that the guests (and me!) will feel extra safe.
This is just one example of how security may be advisable for a wedding. Think about where you are going to be celebrating your big day - could people enter your room without being noticed and grab something off the gift table? Do you have an ex who may want to intrude on your reception and make a scene? Now, my purpose here is NOT to scare you, but rather to make you think about a topic that you may have overlooked in your planning. So, I hope it gives you food for thought!
Until next time, happy planning...
Let me tell you what happened this week: I had a client meeting at their wedding venue in Newark at 7:30 pm. I parked in a lot - albeit an open-air lot that I knew would not be attended upon my return. However, I bargained that parking in the lot was a better alternative to simply parking on the street. Well...when I returned to my car around 9:30 pm, I found my passenger side window smashed and my GPS unit stolen. No fun!
I spoke with my clients about this, and we are going to take extra security precautions at their wedding. Although there is a valet service provided, we are going to look into hiring security guards to patrol the parking lot during the wedding, just so that the guests (and me!) will feel extra safe.
This is just one example of how security may be advisable for a wedding. Think about where you are going to be celebrating your big day - could people enter your room without being noticed and grab something off the gift table? Do you have an ex who may want to intrude on your reception and make a scene? Now, my purpose here is NOT to scare you, but rather to make you think about a topic that you may have overlooked in your planning. So, I hope it gives you food for thought!
Until next time, happy planning...
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Budgeting, part 2
Back to the realities of weddings -- if only lace and tulle were free! Every one of my clients has a budget; some may be larger than others, but no one doesn't have a total amount in mind to spend on their wedding. While Eva Longoria & Tony Parker, and Tom & Katie, may have spent over 2 million on their weddings, they still had budgets to stick to and, if we could ask them, probably had wanted more of something but decided against it because it was outside of their budgets!
So how to get the most bang for your wedding buck, so to speak? First, look to yourselves. What's important to you? Are you foodies - then spend a bit more on the reception site. Are you dance-a-holics - then invest in a superior band. Did you go to FIT - then your gown may be your splurge. Spend a bit more on your passion, but keep in mind that not everything can be your passion!
Another way to stretch your dollar is to make a statement - instead of having little centerpieces on every table, have 1 major one in the center of the room. Or have things do double duty, such as decorations in the church being moved to the reception room.
The best budget idea: hire a wedding planner! While it's true I, as a wedding planner, charge my clients a flat fee, it's also true that I can save my clients money. Sometimes I save them a lot of money by knowing the industry and certain tricks of the trade. I do not accept referral fees from vendors, and ask that the commission be given directly to my couples, so they see their savings directly. Other times the savings is by ideas. I try to recommend less expensive alternatives to achieve the same look and feel for the wedding. For example, if my client wants a very expensive designer gown, I can recommend a seamstress that can create a similar dress for much less money.
But the truth is, you are the ones responsible for your budget! My job is to recommend budget-friendly vendors and to remind you of your expenses - and to offer choices. Your job is to love each other, remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and to share your happiness with your family and friends in a fiscally responsible way. As a wedding consultant, I'm not here to spend your money (although I certainly can do that!) but rather I'm here to assist you along your wedding journey in as happy and stress-free manner as possible.
Until next time, happy planning...
So how to get the most bang for your wedding buck, so to speak? First, look to yourselves. What's important to you? Are you foodies - then spend a bit more on the reception site. Are you dance-a-holics - then invest in a superior band. Did you go to FIT - then your gown may be your splurge. Spend a bit more on your passion, but keep in mind that not everything can be your passion!
Another way to stretch your dollar is to make a statement - instead of having little centerpieces on every table, have 1 major one in the center of the room. Or have things do double duty, such as decorations in the church being moved to the reception room.
The best budget idea: hire a wedding planner! While it's true I, as a wedding planner, charge my clients a flat fee, it's also true that I can save my clients money. Sometimes I save them a lot of money by knowing the industry and certain tricks of the trade. I do not accept referral fees from vendors, and ask that the commission be given directly to my couples, so they see their savings directly. Other times the savings is by ideas. I try to recommend less expensive alternatives to achieve the same look and feel for the wedding. For example, if my client wants a very expensive designer gown, I can recommend a seamstress that can create a similar dress for much less money.
But the truth is, you are the ones responsible for your budget! My job is to recommend budget-friendly vendors and to remind you of your expenses - and to offer choices. Your job is to love each other, remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and to share your happiness with your family and friends in a fiscally responsible way. As a wedding consultant, I'm not here to spend your money (although I certainly can do that!) but rather I'm here to assist you along your wedding journey in as happy and stress-free manner as possible.
Until next time, happy planning...
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