Musings on this Holiday Season

Hello everyone!

Well, it's already December - time flies by so quickly. Sorry I've been mia for most of November! I had a couple of events, Thanksgiving and nice bout of the flu (which I've now passed along to my husband). Hope you've had a nice lead up to the holidays!

Given the economy, this holiday season is going to be challenging for many folks. And I think that no segment of the population feels it more than those of you who are just getting your engagement rings, and are planning your weddings. However, there is some good news on the horizon, as the economy is showing some signs of revival.

So, if you have just received your engagement ring, CONGRATULATIONS! This is such an exciting time!! Remember who and what is important to you and make sure to center your celebration and planning around those people and ideas.

If you are planning your wedding already, keep up the great work! Try to stay on your schedule so that you enjoy every step of the way. You will always remember the time you spent planning and you want those to be happy memories!

In my upcoming www.newjerseynewsroom.com Wedding Trends article, I'm going to write about The Engagement. Keep your eyes posted for the article - it should be up soon!

Until next time, happy planning...

Wedding Wisdom

I just received my copy of Mary Dann's newest book, Wedding Wisdom. It's "an insightful approach to wedding planning and life." I can't wait to read it!!

I'm especially proud to be mentioned by Mary in her "Special Thanks" section! She mentions me and Bride Ideas as a "wonderful wedding planner... that continues to raise the bar for our industry and exceed client expectations" - on page 124!

Until next time, happy planning...

Thank you's

Just imagine: you had a dream wedding and now you're relaxing on some island in the middle of nowhere enjoying your honeymoon. All those months of planning are behind you. No more stress dreams. Your family is all safely back to their home bases, away from you and your new spouse. Life is good.

Now, you're thinking all the wedding "stuff" is behind you, right? Well - not exactly. There are several things that still need to be taken care of after your relaxing honeymoon, such as putting your photo album together, reviewing your edited video and depositing all those gift checks! My guess is these are very happy tasks that won't feel like some of the planning tasks that preceded your wedding. However, there is that 1 pesky item that looms over your heads - writing thank you notes for all those lovely gifts!

Thank you notes don't have to be a burden. Divide them between the two of you, and try to write 5 or 10 a night. And when I say "write" I do mean handwrite, if possible (and legible). You don't have to go into a long dissertation here, but you do have to say thank you for their very generous and thoughtful gift. Also, let you guests know how you intend to use their gifts - if money, perhaps toward a down payment on a house; if fine china, you'll use it during the holidays and think of them. Please don't just take a photo card from your photographer with a preprinted "Thank you" and stick a label on it and mail it out! Remember, you took all that time planning every detail of your day, and your guests came to celebrate with you - this will be their final "touch" from you of your wedding. Make it as personal as your big day!

Until next time, happy planning...

CAKE!!

There are so many things that I love about weddings. I love to see which gown the bride has chosen. I love to sit in the back of the ceremony (even just for a minute!) and witness the joining of the couple whom I have worked with for so long planning that very event. I love watching the bride dance with her father. I love seeing the room come together before all the guests arrive.

One other thing I love is to see the cake! Before the big day, I usually have a good idea about what the cake will look like, its flavor and shape. But the big reveal of the cake is so much fun! I've worked with clients who had TALL cakes, transformer cakes, cakes that resemble the wedding gowns, round cakes, square cakes - you name it. A cake reflects the couple's personality and theme for the wedding. So, have fun with your cake!

Until next time, happy planning...

Your Vote Counts!!

Here in New Jersey, we are coming up on an election for Governor next month. There have been ads galore from the 2 major candidates (and 1 independent) that are just intensifying as the election draws closer. So, in this spirit, I'm putting out the vote to you!

What are you voting on? Well, to make a very long story short, Bride Ideas has 2 websites. Many of the pages are the same, but not all of them. I think it's time to stop my split personality and just go with one or the other website.

Here's the rub, I like elements on both sites! I can't make up my mind which site to keep and which will just disappear. I will keep both web addresses, but the physical site will just be one of them. Can you help me choose?

Please send me an email to rhonda@rhondaweddings.com and indicate if you prefer:

• www.rhondaweddings.com OR
• www.brideideasnj.com

You'll know soon enough which site won! THANK YOU for your input!!!

Until next time, happy planning...

Featured Speaker

Hello everyone! I'm excited because tonight I'm going to make a presentation before the Monmouth/Ocean Association of Family & Consumer Sciences about wedding planning! I was asked to do this back in August - but I can't believe it's already October 14th and the meeting is tonight!

My presentation is all about the career path to becoming a wedding planner. Plus, I will discuss some of my favorite wedding stories - cakes that fell (and the bride and groom never knew!), cupcakes redelivered, beautiful lighting... It should be an interesting time! Can't wait to hear their questions!

If you are interested in receiving a copy of my PowerPoint Presentation, let me know!

Until next time, happy planning...

New & Newsworthy in NJ!

Free. Wedding. It's not too often that these two words are put together! But, for Tara Meacham and Rick Clapper this dream phrase became their reality when they won a contest sponsored by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce (SOC Chamber), NJWedding.com, A.J. Meerwald, ReClam the Bay and the New Jersey Division of Tourism.

On July 25, 2009, the Clappers were married on board the A.J. Meerwald, NJ's official "tall ship" on LBI. Eighty family and friends were on hand to celebrate their nuptials in Beach Haven. The newlyweds are still over the moon about their wedding!

But the excitement isn't over for those of you still planning your wedding. The SOC Chamber is hosting its Second Annual Wedding Road Show on April 18, 2010. Mark your calendars for this date because three couples participating in the Wedding Road Show will be chosen to be on a new television show, which will detail their planning process! For more information about LBI, Tara & Rick's wedding and the contest, please go to my Wedding Trends article at http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/style/married-for-free-aboard-njs-official-tall-ship-in-lbi

Until next time, happy planning...