Planning Your Dream Wedding In This Economy

He finally popped the question, and you said yes! That was in December - now you're in full planning mode. Except the economy has contracted, perhaps one of you has lost your job or is in danger of doing so, and you're trying to figure out how you're going to pay for your dream wedding.

Does this scenario sound familiar? I bet it does to many of you, unfortunately. That's just the reality of the current economy.

My first piece of advice is not to finance your entire wedding on credit cards. Your wedding is the first day of the marriage that will last your lifetime - and who wants to start off being in debt?

My next piece of advice is not to cut back so drastically that you don't even recognize any part of your dream wedding. If you always wanted a live band during your reception, believe it or not there are excellent bands out there that don't charge an arm and a leg! In my market, I know bands that charge in excess of $20,000 and those that charge less than a quarter of that price tag and have an equally packed dance floor. Does your vision always include chair covers? There are other rental options in the marketplace, such as "chair caps" and "chair backs" that will give you much of the same effect at a fraction of the cost. And the best way to control your budget is, as it always has been, to cut your guest list.

My final piece of advice on this topic is to seek out professional assistance. A truly professional wedding consultant will be able to help you reframe your dream wedding so that you achieve the same look and feel, but at a budget that you're comfortable with. We know the industry, know the vendors, and can truly make your day more than you even imagined!

Until next time, happy planning...

Bridal Show in Puerto Rico

Hi all,

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit - while no excuse, I was away in Puerto Rico and had the pleasure of attending a bridal show over there! The Association of Bridal Consultants had a booth, and I got to know Sari and John Skalnik of Tropical Weddings (http://www.tropicalweddingspr.com/) - they are so much fun! If you are thinking of getting married on Puerto Rico, you MUST contact them!!

Sari, John and me (right-to-left) outside the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

I want to share some photos I took from the bridal show. Beautiful designs were on full display -I hope you get some inspiration!!

Until next time, happy planning...

Alternative Centerpiece Ideas

Recently I've been asked about centerpieces that don't revolve around flowers. My clients either are very eco-conscious or were looking for new ways to personalize their wedding celebration. So, to this challenging question, I came up with the following alternatives:

1. Use a potted plant with a decorated container. That way, the winner of the centerpiece can take it home and plant it, or add it to their houseplant collection.

2. Wrap up the favors into different sized boxes and pile them in the center of the table. At an appropriate time during the evening, tell your guests to pick their favor.

3. Do something really unusual - wrap a stuffed animal in beautiful paper and then announce that the centerpieces are being donated to a homeless shelter.

What do you think? Do you have any creative ideas for your wedding reception that you would like to share? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy planning...

Valentine's Day is coming!

Valentine's Day is this Saturday! A time for you to pause from your wedding planning and to remember why you're getting married - the love you share!

There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday, from lavish dinners out to an intimate dinner for two at home. Whether you go out or stay in, just focus on each other and your celebration will be just perfect!

Until next time, happy planning...

Congratulations to the Yoshas!

I was sooo excited to see Lindsey & Jonthan's great photo in the new issue of New Jersey Bride! Check out page 41 to see their beautiful ceremony site! Here's a little preview:

Also in this issue is a little article about me, when I went to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica and rubbed elbows with the industry's elite - Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine as much as I did!

Until next time, happy planning...

Sandals Royal Bahamian

For most of last week, I escaped the frigid temperatures of NJ for the relatively more balmy ones of the Bahamas! I was invited to go on a "fam trip" to Sandals Royal Bahamian - to visit the resort and experience it first-hand. Please contact me if you are interested in a Sandals honeymoon or vacation, as I can help you decide which resort is perfect for you!

Royal Bahamain is, like every Sandals resort, perfectly manicured. The grounds are beautiful and lush. The resort itself is relatively small, which makes it very easy to navigate. There are 2 main pools and many hot tubs dotted throughout. Also, there's a private island about 5 minutes away by boat that has a restaurant, spa, and great beaches. The restaurants have great a la carte menus and the drinks are all included!

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't all that great. We were mainly in sweatshirts and long pants. I know - you were getting snow, so I can hear the violins from here! It was the weird weather pattern that was affecting Miami that blew over to the island. Oh well!

Here are a couple of photos of the Royal Bahamian (I was the photographer, not the photographee!). The first one is of the resort from the private island, and the second is my friend and fellow wedding planner, Anna Weaver, on the pier back from the private island.

Until next time, happy planning...

Services & Fees

I just did something a bit radical in the wedding industry. Not many wedding consultants have done this, but for many reasons I felt I needed to do it. Mary Dann, a celebrity wedding planner in California with whom I met during the annual Association of Bridal Consultants conference, encouraged me to join her. So, now I went ahead and posted my Services and Fees on my website!

Why do something a bit outside the box? First, I thought it would provide some information to newly engaged couples like yourself as to the range of pricing for wedding consultants in the northern NJ area. There are so many TV programs that show how wedding planners help a couple throughout the planning process, and probably many of you think that because it's on TV that you cannot afford much needed help. By listing my services and fees, I wanted to take the mystery out of this process.

Second, I wanted to show you how many valuable services a wedding planner provides. As a newly engaged couple, you may not realize how much is involved in planning a wedding - as many as 120 decisions are made during the course of your engagement!

Third, when I started Bride Ideas back in 2002, I made the decision to charge a flat fee depending upon the services my clients needed, and not upon whether the reception is at The Pleasantdale Chateau, Stirling Ridge or The Bethwood. I also do not charge my vendors to be recommended by me, or take a commission from them when my recommendation is hired. In fact, I ask that if a commission is offered, that it be given to my client as a "Bride Ideas' discount." That's my philosophy.

Please know that I am not trying to make a "commodity" out of wedding consulting services. There is a range of pricing on Bride Ideas' site, as the exact amount can only be determined after we have an initial meeting and all of the details are discussed. Of course, custom packages are often created based upon your individual needs! I am here to help guide couples on their way down the aisle, and felt it was time that I lifted the veil, so to speak, on Bride Ideas' services and fees. I hope it helps!

Until next time, happy planning...