The "I Do" Rendezvous

Photography becomes Art!

2011-05-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

So one of the most fun parts of my job is getting to meet and network with other vendors. Last week I met a new (to me) photographer, Erica with Erica Ann Photography, who blew me away with a very unique talent she brings to her business! Erica, who has a degree in Studio Art from George Fox University, loves capturing the emotions of weddings and then turning them into a work of art.

Yes, Erica is a very talented photographer. But in addition to that, she is also a very talented artist. She has taken these two amazing gifts of hers and combined them to offer her bridal clients an absolutely extraordinary service (you will see what I mean in just a minute!!).

For her clients, Erica offers the option of turning a canvas print from their wedding into a true work of art. Erica will take the canvas print and then enhance the colors, textures and details with acrylic paint. Let me show you what I mean ...

This one, entitled Blush, is a canvas print with acylic enhancements. Is that not amazing??

Or how about this one, Content, which is also a canvas print with acrylic enhancements?...

Or how about this acylic painting of a photo, entitled Elegance?...

(Are you getting a feel yet for how good she is??)

This one, entitled Wander, is a photographic print with natural beeswax painted on top.

And finally, Adore, another canvas print with acylic enhancements.

If you love Erica's works of art as much as I do, give her a call at 503-476-5059, or email her at ericaannphotography@gmail.com. She's amazing!

Fabric Boutonnieres and Corsages

2011-04-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! My name is Mikali. I am an intern for Becky, and I get the wonderful privilege to let you into a portion of my life.

As a college student, there are some silly things that you do with a houseful of girls. One of the things that we do is look through bridal magazines. My friend's sister got married last summer and had a bunch of magazines leftover, so when I got this internship it was time for me (and my whole house) to look at bridal magazines. In one of the magazines there was an article on how to make fabric boutonnieres and corsages.

For me this sounded like a lot of fun and something you can do to relax, or make on a rainy day. There are just as many variations of boutonnieres and corsages with fabric as there are with real floral, and they can be made in advance. They can be made to look like the real deal (like the blue one below I found on www.offbeatbride.com) while others can have a more quirky character to them like the ones above I found on http://elegantowl.blogspot.com.

You can use ribbon for a simple flower, or get a striped pattern fabric and gather it together to look like a real flower. Use a button in the center to add a more whimsical element to it. Another possible feature is to add a feather or two like in this fun creamsicle boutonniere I found on www.weddingsalon.com. You could also use a brightly colored peacock feather. If you want to get away from the traditional flowers, turn it into a mini-pinwheel, similar to the photo above. To add another twist, create the boutonnieres to fit the individuals. Really, the sky is the limit! Tap into your creativity and design away!

The Music of Your Life

2011-01-18T13:46:00.001-08:00

Videography or no videography ... that is the question. And many brides end up opting for no videography simply because all they've ever seen falls into the "cheesy" category.

But WHAT IF I told you you could end up with a video that resembles more of a high-quality movie than the cheesy videos "Uncle Fred" likes to do? What if you had a video that caught all of those things you never want to forget about your wedding day ... along with all of those things you never had a chance to see and hear?

And what if, in addition to your vows and Aunt Frieda's giggle and your dad's teary-eyed toast, your wedding video caught even more than that?

What if the videographer was so skilled that he was able to set your video to just the right music that brought out all of those very real and raw emotions from your day?

You know what I'm talking about ... have you ever thought about how much emotion a simple song or melody is able to invoke? In a movie? In a worship service? In a slideshow? What would those same experiences be like without music? Would the movie/pictures/experiences themselves invoke that same level of emotion without the music?

The music of your life ...

How could you not want to capture all of those memories and intense emotions that a still photograph could never do on its own?

The trick then is in finding the right videographer, the one who you feel comfortable with, the one who "clicks", the one who has the "magic" needed to create something for you you will cherish forever.

Sound good?...

Then if I were you, I would contact Ryan at Focal Point Digital Media sooner rather than later. Yes, girls, he's THAT good.

...And so personable that one of my brides recently teased her fiance that he had a "man-crush" on him. (Sorry, Ryan, it was too good not to add!)

Brides, this is one decision you'll thank me for...

New Reception Trend

2010-12-20T11:37:00.001-08:00

Are you one of today's brides who wants to forego the feel of a formal reception and instead dreams of a reception that looks beautiful, elegant & romantic, but has the feel of being fun, upbeat and casual? If so, count yourself in the majority! My clients are seeming to follow this new trend in weddings. Brides are looking for a way to offer their guests a fun celebration that includes more than just dancing.

In our area, there is one DJ who can deliver the whole package ... dancing, games (a multitude of choices!) ... anything to keep your guests entertained in an interactive fashion. Shawn from Event Team Entertainment can deliver it all!

Don't be afraid to think outside the box ... your guests will have a great time that won't soon be forgotten.

The Photography Puzzle

2010-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, choosing a photographer for your wedding can be a very daunting task. There are sooo many out there; how in the world do you narrow it down to "the one"?

Once you've gotten referrals from those you trust most (your Wedding Planner, your family, your friends), the next step is to take a look at each photographer's style of photography. Which style most resonates with you & your fiance? Which pictures strike you, and why? Whose style seems to fit best with the vision you have for your wedding?

The next step is to take a look at your budget and compare it to the packages offered by each of your favorite photographers. Who fits best within your budget? If you have one all-time favorite photographer and you can't afford their top packages, consider one of their lower packages where you end up with all of the images on DVD so you can print the individual photos later as you are able.

Finally, it's important to meet with your photographer ... you are entrusting the future memories of your wedding to this person. You want to know that they understand your vision, that they "click" with you personality-wise, that you have good rapport. There may be (and are!) many, many amazing photographers out there ... but possibly only one who is the "right one" for you! Often you can judge a lot about the personality of a photographer by their blogs ... are they fun, are they serious, what do they love?...

I am lucky to call many of the "best of the best" photographers my friend; but these amazing photos from my own wedding were taken by my friend Jenny of Jenny Hill Photography. If you don't yet have a photographer, check her out!

And tell her I sent you ... :)

Holiday Cards!

2010-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

We all love getting fun holiday cards from our friends & family. And let's face it -- us brides are eager this year to send out our own cards with some of our fun engagement and/or wedding photos. So which place am I using this year? Shutterfly!

There are a million and one places to get holiday greeting cards done, so why Shutterfly? It's fairly simple ... I have used Shutterfly in the past and trust the quality of cards, photos and photo books they produce with my personal pictures.

But let's be honest ... the fact of the matter is that they have AMAZING cards to choose from! Seriously, people. You need to see it to believe it ... go check out their selection of Christmas cards while you still have time!

Already have your Christmas cards printed & mailed? Take advantage of some of the other things you can do with your wedding photos on Shutterfly ... check out their photo gifts section where you can create a keepsake box, an ornament, or some fun playing cards.

OR, and how cool is this? ... go create your own canvas art for your new home together!

That's the fun thing about your wedding photos ... they look gorgeous in that amazing coffee table album your photographer creates for you AND they can be used for all kinds of other fun things.

Memories live on forever through pictures ... that's why I love my photographer friends so very much!

Yo-Yo of Emotions

2010-10-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding? Let me assure you, bride to bride, that at some point in the planning process you will be the bride in this picture.

Sorry ... that's not exactly the kind of "assurance" you were looking for, is it? It's simply hit me anew that as a Wedding Planner, I am always somewhat "immune" from the emotional part of the planning that my brides experience. However, as the bride myself right now, those emotions have hit me in the past few weeks like a freight train I didn't see coming.

There's no getting around it ... whether it be family members who question who did & didn't make your guest list; or someone questioning the details of your planning, or the location of your venues; or a disagreement with your fiance on a part of the wedding; or financial stresses; or .... you get what I'm saying ... the list is infinite in its possibilities.

Here's what you need to do ... take a deep breath, surround yourself with your best "cheerleaders", use your Wedding Planner as a buffer/mediator/counselor/temporary bff, go do something fun that has nothing to do with your wedding, and, most importantly, stop and remember why you're doing all of this ... you're head over heels in love with that man standing next to you, and soon you're going to pledge to live the rest of your lives together. How awesome is that??!!

It's all in perspective. Those people driving you crazy?... they really, honestly do love you. Those guests who never RSVP'ed?... it wasn't personal; chalk it up to the reality of living in a busy culture. The financial strains?... take a step back and see if there is a place to cut back. "Understated" does not have to equal "embarrassing" or "boring"... there are so many ways to get creative that cost little or no money.

And that, my friend, is what I will be showing you this week!

Your Own 15 Minutes of Fame!

2010-08-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

So who doesn't love a personalized wedding website? ... It's your one chance to have your own personalized website, all about you and your wedding!

Better yet, it contains everything your guests could ever want to know ... all about your engagement, your Wedding Party, your ceremony & reception, After-parties, registries, directions, etc., etc.

However, there is that one touchy subject when you're talking personalized wedding websites ... those darn RSVP's. Do you dare use your website to capture your RSVP's?? Lots of brides do, but etiquette says no way. So what's the right answer?

Are you ready for my answer? ... because, dare I say, it flies in the face of all of that etiquette you've read. Here's the deal ... if your wedding is a formal affair, then by all means use the traditional snail-mail RSVP cards. It truly would not be right or proper to use anything else. If, however, your wedding is not a formal affair, feel free to throw those etiquette rules right out the window! I'm all about breaking rules when it comes to weddings. OK, not all rules, just some rules. Select rules. I'm just sayin' ...

The truth is, we're a technological society. We communicate online, we pay our bills online, we share pictures online ... we're tied to the internet. So, when being formal is not a concern, it only makes sense to allow your guests to use the most convenient way available to them to send their response to your invitation. And it will likely increase the percentage of your guests who RSVP at all (since that seems to be an issue in today's society). It will also take your guests to the one place where they're likely to get all of their questions about your wedding answered for them. It's a win-win.

So what did I do? ... While our wedding is going to have an elegant (yet rustic) look, the feel is going to be casual and fun. So for us the online RSVP made total sense.

There are many good options out there for personalized wedding websites; however, the one I loved most, the one we ended up using for our own wedding, is http://www.ewedding.com/. Love that site!! It is user-friendly (both for us and for our guests), it had absolutely everything we needed, and it allowed us to have our own domain name. How fun is that?

Cake-sultation!

2010-08-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

In the last two weeks there have been a whirlwind of decisions made in our wedding-planning process. Venues? ... Check! Guest list? ... Check! (And that, my friends, is not an easy one!) Invitations? ... Check! Wedding website? Although still a work in progress, Check!

But by far one of the most fun decisions in the past week has been the cake. Truthfully, I had no idea what I wanted. The flavors were the easy part for Michael & I ... after all, we're working with Renae of Custom Cakes and all of her flavors are SO GOOD! How can they not be when every single thing she makes is made from scratch? Want a blackberry mousse filling? You'll find Renae down in her own blackberry thicket picking the berries. Want a hazelnut filling? You'll see her picking the hazelnuts, shelling them, and going to town with her tried and true recipes.

Want a flavor she's never tried before? No problem! In the past she's customized a Green Tea cake for one of my brides, and for our wedding she's customizing the one flavor Michael has always wanted for one of our tiers.

No, my friends, my dilemma was not the flavors; it was the design. I have been so busy with everyone else's weddings that I haven't had time to give thought to the details of my own.

Until I saw a picture of "the one" ... and fell in love!

I can already see it in my mind, standing tall and gorgeous on the ornate, tarnished silver cake stand Renae is letting me use.

While the cake pictured here isn't "the one", it is one of Renae's cakes.

I think you should call her and let her help you find "the one" for you!

I Got the Gown!

2010-08-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took one of my sisters & my sister-in-law with me to go gown-shopping. (And just to clear up any confusion, this is not a picture of me, nor is this a picture of my dress ... my dress remains a secret until "the big reveal" on my wedding day!)

There was no hesitation in my mind where I would go to find a dress ... my one and only stop for a dress was The Bridal Gallery in Salem. Angie, owner of The Bridal Gallery, is absolutely FAN-TABULOUS! I love referring my clients to her, so it was a no-brainer to schedule an appointment with her myself for my own gown.

Angie is very patient, very knowledgeable and very honest ... and that honest part is a definite "must" for anyone helping you find that perfect dress. I walked in there knowing 100%, hands-down for sure that I didn't want a strapless dress ... and yet the one I fell head-over-heels in love with ... was strapless. Go figure!

I deferred many times to Angie's expertise in knowing which dresses fit not only my body type, but also my personality and my vision for my wedding. Funny thing is that my bridesmaids (minus one sister in Idaho!) and I had agreed on a dress that was very beautiful, one that I really liked after trying on several others. But Angie insisted on having me do one final walk-through in the store because, as she said, my smile didn't "light up" when I had that dress on. So one final walk-through, one final dress I hadn't noticed the first time through, and voila! My smile lit up in that dress!

When you're shopping for your perfect gown, don't leave the store with one unless your smile comes alive ...

And give Angie a call. You'll be so glad you did!

And for those of you who love the idea of a Trash the Dress photo shoot but don't love the idea of trashing your own dress, Angie now rents dresses just for that purpose!

I Feel Your Pain!

2010-08-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

So, I'm on a fast learning curve, realizing how very good it is for me to be on this side of things ... as the Bride rather than simply the Planner! I thought I remembered much of what it was like to be a bride, but the truth is that I had forgotten some of the emotions and stress that come as a natural part of the planning process. Wow! I'm embarrassed to say that, a couple of weeks into it, I've already shed some tears.... the stress of planning a wedding while working full-time is challenging, isn't it? Not to mention trying to find that perfect venue and realizing what a "challenging" budget you have to work with. Creativity and thinking outside of the box become the name of the game.

Still working on finding just the right venue. We saw a beautiful, rustic barn, but are unsure since the size of the barn would mean a ceremony in a different location. Other barn possibilities have come and gone. Still more ideas are coming in.

In the meantime, another possibility emerged ... an amazing venue (with an owner I love!) that is nothing even close to resembling a barn. The idea of trumpeters emerging from turreted balconies flanking either side of the gorgeous fireplace as I enter the ceremony is ... well, rather tantalizing, to say the least!

Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

In the meantime I have two of your weddings to help make magical this weekend ... I so love what I do!!

Boy oh boy am I wishing I had a Wedding Planner for myself...

The Wedding Planner as a Bride!

2010-07-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

So here I am on the other side of the fence ... me, the Wedding Planner, as my own client. And perhaps my own most challenging client at that! I hope that as I blog through my planning process, you, as a bride yourself (or simply a future bride!), will feel a kinship with me and realize that I am just one of you... a bride trying to create her perfect vision with the budget she has. And when you're building a house at the same time, that budget can get pretty miniscule!

Day 4 of being engaged and I know, with a little over 3 months to plan, that getting my venue is Step 1. Michael & I have whittled down our guest list and know we need a venue that can hold 100 ... not just seating capacity, mind you, but there have to be allowances for a DJ, a dance floor, a buffet, a gift table, an escort card table and a cake table. And let's not forget the photo prop area I plan to create! Whew!

In trying to find your perfect venue, there are several factors to consider: aside from budget and space, it's also important to find a venue that represents you as a couple ... your personalities, as well as your vision for the day.

For Michael & I, that means a rustic barn. Why a barn? ... after all, we're not cowboys, we're not farmers, and Michael doesn't even like country music (but I do!). We chose a barn because of what it represents. We love to take pictures of old, falling-down barns; we love all things old & rustic (even though we may differ at times on which things); we are not formal people, nor are our families. We want a venue that can be fun & casual, while also being dressed up to feel romantic & elegant.

Can those seemingly opposite words co-exist in one environment, you ask? Absolutely! In the world of weddings, there are no rules and everything is possible!

That's not to say that we haven't already had our share of naysayers, or people who give us that blank or quizzical look when we say we want to get married in a barn ... but guess what? This is our wedding, and we couldn't be more excited about our vision!

So tomorrow it's off to see three different barns ...

And for you naysayers, Now is this picture cool or what??

Brides Against Breast Cancer

2009-10-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

As women, I think we all share an interest in Breast Cancer research and treatment. As a bride, you now have another way to get involved in this worthy cause.

Brides Against Breast Cancer allows those brides who have already gotten married to donate their gowns which are then sold at various shows around the country. The proceeds from these gown shows is then put back into breast cancer research. Since the gown shows offer gorgeous dresses at great deals to brides on a budget, this is truly a win-win for everyone.

The next Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale in our area will be held January 22-24, 2010, at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, 1000 NE Multnomah, Portland, OR, 97232. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on the 22nd & 23rd, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the 24th.

You can even purchase a special $20 ticket for earlybird "Power Hour" shopping on January 22nd, prior to the show being opened to the general public.

Put on some pink and show your support!

Disney Princess Weddings

2009-10-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

I know there are those of you brides out there who LOVE Disney and dream of that fairytale princess wedding.

You have always had your pick of Disney invitations, Disney cake toppers, Cinderella-inspired cakes and shoes, white carriages and, even more recently, a line of Disney fairytale wedding dresses.

You will now be happy, no ecstatic, to find out that Disney now has its own line of engagement rings and wedding bands as well. These rings correspond to six Disney princesses/heroines: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Ariel and Belle.

So put those glass-slippered feet of yours up on the desk and let your fingers do the walking on the internet as you waltz your way toward that fairytale wedding.

Those Darn RSVP's

2009-10-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

As a bride, you've likely experienced some "sticker shock" in planning your wedding. Because I'd hate for you to experience any additional shock/stress in the last weeks leading up to your wedding day, I'm going to let you in on a little etiquette secret when it comes to your guests.

So, here's the secret ... there is often very little etiquette or consideration shown by your invited guests when it comes to RSVP'ing for your wedding. You will find that a large number (often a majority) will not respond at all. I wish I could give you the reasons for this trend, or tell you how to remedy the situation. While I can't do that, I can give you a couple of tips for helping you to keep the frustration to a minimum.

Tip #1: Give your guests a very short turn-around time to respond. I'm talking about 2 weeks MAX. This may go against everything else you read. However, if you stop and think about it, it makes sense. After all, if you receive something that doesn't require your immediate attention/response, you often set it aside so you can get to it later. And many times it can get shuffled under something else and forgotten. However, if you receive something that requires your immediate attention, you are much more likely to tend to it right away. Send your guests a "Save the Date" card well in advance so they can get your wedding on their calendars. Then reserve the invitations themselves for about a month prior to the wedding.

Tip #2: Make sure your "respond by" date is 2 weeks prior to your wedding. That will allow you time to follow up with those guests who have still not responded and still get your caterer a correct head count in time.

Tip #3: Do not, I repeat DO NOT, take it upon yourself to contact those who do not respond by the deadline. If you have a Wedding Planner (which is so very helpful to you!!), she will take on this responsibility. If you don't have a Wedding Planner, delegate, delegate, delegate. Let your bridesmaids, family members, close friends, etc. take on this task. You don't need the stress, and you certainly don't want to make things awkward for you or your guests.

Your job as the bride is to enjoy the planning and enjoy the day. It's as simple as that.

Bra Straps Can Now Be Sexy!

2009-07-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself worrying that your strapless bra won't hold itself up throughout the entire wedding, or that the bra straps may show on your bridesmaids' dresses?

Well, never fear because Straptinis are here!

These beautifully decorative bra straps attach directly to your convertible bra. So now, instead of being a liability, your bra straps become an asset.

The Straptinis come in 16 different variations & colors. The site also claims to have a Bridal Line, although you might need to contact them directly about that. All of the Straptinis are made of glass, metal and/or Swarovski crystal beads that are strung together on a strong, clear elastic line.

Go check it out and perhaps treat you or your bridesmaids to today's hottest new bra straps.

Making Your Name Change Easier

2009-07-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today is all about that all-important (and often overwhelming & daunting) task of changing your name after you get married. Our guest blogger is Dr. Linda Trott. As the inventor of The Name Change Kit for Brides 17 years ago, Dr. Linda remains the national expert on a bride's last name change. Dr. Linda discovered & documented the steps of name change and collected the forms for each state in America. Before this, there was no help for brides who were changing their last name after marriage. Today, with her staff of name change helpers, Dr. Linda has added name change video tutorials, live name change help, online planning & tracking, and so much more. Dr. Linda's national blogging on name change further informs the name-changing bride, even after their purchase of The Name Change Kit for Brides system software. From Miss to Mrs. ... It's a nightmare without it ... Here's Dr. Linda:

Making Certain That The Marriage Ceremony Is Legal Also Assures A Legal Bride Name Change

What seems obvious is not always. There are unrecorded and illegally conducted marriages in the State of Oregon. So, a duly appointed marriage officiator, as defined by Oregon State, does factor into a legal bride last name Change notification.

The Question: How do I know that my wedding officiator is legitimate, and that my subsequent name change will be as well?

Answer: For the legal "solemnization" of the marriage, the wedding officiator or marriage presider should be:

• A religious leader who is authorized by a religious congregation/organization.
• A judge. A list of judges is available from each local Marriage License Unit.

Conclusion: The Name Change Kit For Brides Software by The Wedding Helpers - Our name change software system includes detailed information for Oregon bride-to-be changing last name after obtaining a Oregon marriage license. It also includes marriage license issuing details for Oregon State. Ordering name change software prior to marriage license issuance will help a bride and groom prepare for marriage license application and name change notification. There is a lot to know about name change, technology has made this so!

NOTE:

To get a list of local wedding officiants, or to order your own copy of The Name Change Kit, please contact No Ordinary Affair at becky@noordinaryaffair.com. The Name Change Kit is personalized for each state, so please be sure to indicate if you are from a state other than Oregon.

RSVP's

2009-04-02T20:48:00.001-07:00

Our current economy has made it necessary for most of you brides to reduce your wedding budget. The trick is to find ways to cut costs while maintaining the quality of your vendors, preserving the essence of your dream wedding and ensuring memories you will keep forever.

So here's one easy way to save ... while being eco-friendly at the same time. Big bonus, right?

Instead of splurging on RSVP cards accompanied by stamped, return envelopes, have your guests RSVP for your wedding online. Many online sites offer this service. On The Knot, you can create a personalized website which will also track your guest list for you. All you need to do is upload your guest list; The Knot will send you an email each time one of your guests RSVPs. How's that for easy and stress-free?

When mailing out your wedding invitations, be sure to include clear instructions on how to RSVP online. For those guests (such as grandparents) who may not have access to a computer, you (or a family member) can follow up in a more personal way.

Have fun with this one!

Especially for You Chocolate Lovers!

2009-03-24T19:43:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for something unique for your wedding? Are you a lover of chocolate? Look no further! Totally Chocolate has come up with a way to wow your guests ... chocolate menus in several different sizes.

Not only does Totally Chocolate offer menus, but they also have a wide array of chocolate items as diverse as your imagination. All of their chocolate, both milk and dark, is imported from Belgium. They boast a full art department, so you can choose from one of their templates or work with them to create a custom piece especially for your guests.

What are you waiting for? Contact them today and create something your guests will be talking about for a very long time!

Handmade Jewelry

2009-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Whether you're in search of the perfect jewelry for your dress, or the perfect jewelry for your bridesmaids, Joelle's Jewels is a great place to start!

Joelle takes great pride in her work and wants nothing more than to provide you with quality jewelry that is uniquely you.

Check out Joelle's Jewels and see what you think. If you don't find something you like, there is a link on the right side of her page where you can contact her. She would be happy to work with you to create a piece (or pieces) of jewelry that will be the perfect compliment for your wedding.

Table Totals

2009-02-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

When you're in search of the perfect venue for your wedding reception, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Actually, it can be narrowed down to just one thing ... space.

While there are some venue owners who are very realistic about how many guests can comfortably fit for a nice reception, others fail to remember that much more is needed in the room than just the dinner tables.

Here are a list of items that you need to keep in mind as you go out to look at possible sites:

**Guest tables can technically seat ten, but are far more comfortable with eight if that can be arranged.

**Head tables are common, so you'll need to decide if you want one and how many, if any, of the wedding party will be seated with you.

**You'll want to have a cake table, as well as a separate table for the groom's cake if you're planning to have one.

**Plan room for a gift table and a guest book table.

**If you're going to have a buffet, or food and/or beverage stations, make sure you have room for those to be accessed on both sides.

**Don't forget to allot room for your reception entertainment (DJ or live band) as well as adequate space for a dance floor.

Choosing the perfect site for your reception involves a lot more planning than a simple maximum occupancy count. Don't cheat yourself!

Back in the Saddle!

2008-11-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have been absent for far too long. I would like to mark my return with a great website for you: Style Me Pretty.

This is truly a website for every bride, regardless of your budget. Real-life weddings are displayed and ideas range from the frugal to the flambouyant. There is literally an idea to fit any and every budget.

For the bride who truly wants a unique wedding that will highlight she and her husband-to-be as a couple, this is a great site to spark creativity and new ideas.

Enjoy!!

Size it Up!

2008-08-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

One common mistake brides can make at the beginning of the planning process is to choose a ceremony and/or reception venue that doesn't adequately fit the number of guests who will be attending.

Count, count, count! I can't emphasize that enough. I had one wedding where the bride & groom had booked the venue without first stopping to consider how many guests there would be. Once I got the max. capacity of the room, it was evident that they were going to have to scale back on their guest list. That proved to be harder than they thought it would be and I ended up having to troubleshoot to accommodate about 40 more guests than the room could hold. (Thankfully there was an outdoor deck!)

Be smart. For the ceremony, you need to have enough room to seat everyone ... and yet you don't want the venue to be so large that it overwhelms and makes your wedding look miniscule in comparison. Let the venue fit not only the style you envision for your wedding, but also the size of your guest list.

For the reception, have adequate room at each table (don't squish everyone together!) and remember to allow for things like a good-sized dance floor, a place for the DJ or band, buffet tables, drink stations, cake and/or dessert tables, gift table, guest book table, photo booth, etc. And give your guests room to mingle.

If you find that your guest list is too large for your venue, that's okay. That's when it's time to make out two separate lists. On your "A" list, include everyone who simply has to be there, such as close family members and close friends. Send those invitations out first ... and early! On your "B" list, include everyone who you would like to come, but who doesn't necessarily have to be there, such as co-workers, business associates, acquaintances, etc. As you receive a regret from someone on the "A" list, you can then send out an invitation to someone on the "B" list. Just make sure you're not sending out the "B" list invitations at the last minute or it will be obvious that they were "second choice".

Gotta Smell Good!

2008-08-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

When it comes to smelling good on your wedding day, I have found one recurring theme both online and in print ... Vera Wang's "Bouquet". It is mentioned over and over again as a delicate, sweet-smelling fragrance that is perfect for the bride.

I haven't personally had a chance to check it out yet.

Have any of you tried it? ...

Save Money on Your Reception

2008-07-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

I got the strangest email today. It was a random email from a bride-to-be in Ohio. She is getting married in mid-November and is soliciting what she calls "wedding sponsorships" from wedding vendors. In essence, she is trying to obtain free services (food, flowers, wedding planning, photography, etc.) in exchange for free advertising for the vendors. She is having a wedding that will be open to the general public and is hoping to attract media attention.

Now, if it has always been this bride's dream to have a wedding that is "in the media spotlight", then more power to her. I suppose this is one good way to try to achieve her dream.

If, on the other hand, she is prostituting out her wedding because she thinks it is the only way to afford the wedding of her dreams, she is mistaken and will likely be disappointed and in tears on her actual wedding day.

There are always ways to have the wedding you've dreamed of, even if a few of the little details have to be altered.

Let's talk food, for example. Food stations are very popular right now at wedding receptions. If you're needing to save money, you can use this growing trend to do so. For instance, have you considered having a dessert & coffee reception? A no meals, hors d'oeuvres optional, dessert-only reception. You could have a small wedding cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and focus instead on other desserts. Here are some possibilities:

Are you into ice cream? Have a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar!

Hire a caterer who can give you an abundance of yummy desserts. Or, for more savings, enlist the help of family members to make some favorite desserts. Then place signs by the desserts to give credit where credit is due. For instance, "Uncle Joe's Apple Pie", "Grandma Betty's Chocolate Chip Cookies", "Cousin Emma's Fudge Brownies", etc.

These chocolate shells speak for themselves. Yum!

Another scrumptious dessert bar.

Believe it or not, these are individually dipped mini-cheesecakes.

What is very popular right now is the Candy Bar/Buffet. All that's required are some decorative glass jars, some of your favorite candies (even in your wedding colors), and some pretty scoops. And if you set out some personalized bags, the candy can double as favors for your guests to take home.

Another thing that's big right now? Comfort foods! Check out these mini-root beer floats. Mmmm.

Comfort foods evoke our fondest childhood memories. Brides are having their caterers use favorite family recipes, or create main dishes like macaroni & cheese.

Some brides are serving snacks later in the reception as their dancing guests begin to need some carbs ... things like mini-grilled cheese sandwiches, mini-cheeseburgers, mini-french fries, popcorn, etc.

Consider also the possibility of foregoing alcohol in exchange for beverage stations. You could have a gourmet coffee bar or a hot chocolate station.

It's your wedding, and there are always low-cost ways to make it everything you've dreamed of.

Just don't forget the Wedding Planner!

Rent a Photo Booth!

2008-07-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a really fun alternative to the traditional guest book, think about renting a photo booth for your reception!

As one of the newest wedding trends, it ranks right up there in terms of guest enjoyment and entertainment. Once guests have had the fun of entering the booth to get their pictures taken, they can place part - or all - of the picture strip into a scrapbook you have displayed on a nearby table. Provide some scrapbooking pens and voila! You have a creative guest book you're sure to look at over and over again throughout the years.

It's the kind of innovative idea that brings a smile to everyone's face.

Wedding Programs

2008-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

If wedding programs are in your budget, they are a wonderful way to let your guests know a little about your ceremony and your bridal party.

Most people appoint a friend or family member to hand out the programs to the guests. However, an alternative is to place one program on every seat.

If your wedding is outdoors, a fun alternative is to tie or hang the programs on the chairs. This will keep them from being blown off. If your programs are printed on paper to match your wedding colors, this can add to the total visual effect. And if you know it will be a hot day, you can create your programs so they double as fans for your guests.

Be creative with the shapes of your programs.

Have fun with them!

P.S.
Becca, if you are still reading my blog, please know that your comment wasn't relayed to me by the site until today. I will be sure to get that problem fixed right away! But I wanted to thank you for your sweet comment last month. If you have any questions I can help you with, please feel free to contact me at becky@noordinaryaffair.com or 503-868-9455. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Personalizing the Bride's Bouquet

2008-07-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Bride's bouquets are so beautiful in today's weddings. The hand-wrapped look sure beats those ugly cone-shaped holders from days gone by!

Although wrapping the bouquets is a gorgeous and simple way to tie in the colors and theme from your wedding, there are other ways to personalize this most important bouquet of all. Just think out of the box and be creative ....

... do you have a swatch of material from your mother's wedding dress that could be used to tie your bouquet?

... what about a piece of that afghan or muffler your grandmother once knit for you?

... do you have a special or sentimental piece of jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelet, pin, brooch, etc.) that could be attached to the ribbon?

... what about something "borrowed" or something "blue" that could hook to or hang from the ribbon?

... how about the collar from your favorite pet? (This is one creative way to include your pet in the wedding without the chaos of actually having the pet participate in the ceremony.)

... what about something from your first date with your husband-to-be?

Do any of you have any other creative suggestions?? Please share them!

One Stop Shopping

2008-07-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding can be more than a little overwhelming. So when you come across a place where you can do a little "one-stop shopping", it can be a real God-send.

Life's Little Polka Dots is one of those wonderful sites where you can get a little of everything. The owner, Molly Guler, cares very much about providing quality products for her clients. She offers invitations, favors, jewelry, gifts, cake toppers, unity candles, sand ceremony vases, decorations and so much more.

And because her site is for more than just weddings, you'll know just where to go when you & your new husband get ready to welcome your future babies.

Straight Talk About Wedding Planners

2008-06-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

If you are like most brides, the thought of having a Wedding Planner seems like the impossible dream, right? You love the fantasy of having your own personal Wedding Planner, but you think you can't afford one, or that it is a "non-necessary" that just won't fit in your budget.

Let me tell you some stories about the last two weddings I was hired for. Here are but some of the last-minute problems I had to trouble-shoot on the "big day":

...The bride didn't purchase enough supplies for all of the centerpieces.

...Just before the toasting, we realized the designated bartender forgot to bring the corkscrew.

...The bride forgot the Mothers' roses (a surprise gift during the ceremony) at home.

...The rental company was 3 hours late and shorted us 12 napkins.

...The large floral arrangement in the sanctuary fell - twice!

...The bride's bustle broke and, since the reception floor was cement, the underside of her wedding dress was black with dirt within minutes.

...The bride & groom, although counseled prior to sending out the invitations, invited more guests than the reception venue could hold.

...The tape to secure the wedding dress to the bride (provided by the bridal salon) wouldn't stick.

Add to that some additional stories from a wedding a friend was in on Friday:

...As a surprise to the bride, she was picked up from her hair & make-up appointment in a limo that delivered her to the church; once there, she realized that all of the centerpieces had been left in the trunk of her car.

...It was an outdoor wedding (at the hottest part of the day) and the temperature soared to over 100 degrees; the bridesmaids & groomsmen (in their 3-piece tuxes) almost passed out.

...The bride forgot the large under-skirt needed for her dress.

Can I just tell you this? In the examples from the first two weddings, all of the problems were handled without the bride even knowing about 90% of them. One of the greatest pleasures of my job is seeing the bride & groom laughing and smiling and having a wonderful time ... oblivious to any problems going on behind the scenes.

In the wedding from Friday, that bride didn't have a Wedding Planner. She was stressed-out, overwhelmed and in tears. And her family and wedding party were stressed out trying to help her fix the problems instead of being able to enjoy the day with her.

The cost of a good Wedding Planner will always be off-set by the discounts they are able to get for you, and by the research they can do on your behalf to find you the best deals and creative solutions. No, the discounts and deals do not account for the full cost of the Wedding Planner. Instead, what you are left paying for is your peace of mind.

Think about it: What is it worth to you to have the wedding of your dreams without the stress? What is it worth to you to spend your magical wedding day laughing and smiling and dancing your heart out with your new husband and your guests?

Stress or fun? Tears or romance? Anxiety or laughter?

Which will you remember when you look back on your wedding?

Fun Cookies!

2008-06-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

Now here's something a little fun and different ... personalized wedding cookies! I will tell you up front that they are on the pricey side. However, I know that there are some of you with larger budgets; I also know that there are ways for the rest of you to be creative with just a few of these fabulous cookies.

The owner/creator, Eleni Gianopulos, is able to match any detail of your wedding on the cookie ... your bouquet, the colors of the wedding, the design of your dress, etc. She has had many celebrities as her clients.

An obvious use for the cookies is as desserts or even favors. However, Eleni is willing and able to get very creative. She's made specialized themed cookies to use as centerpieces, she's made them as save-the-date "cards" for destination weddings (think tropical palm tree), she's created them as engagement announcements and has even made bridesmaid cookies ("dressed" in full detail) for brides to use to invite their friends/family to be in the bridal party.

Here's her link: Eleni.

Go check it out and see what you can dream up!

Very Cool Marriage Certificate!

2008-06-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

In the June/July issue of Modern Bride, there was a little blurb about these "antique" marriage certificates that are handmade by a man named Jeff Cane in Los Angeles. These marriage certificates are created with high-quality materials to replicate 15th Century pieces. They can be purchased on parchment, tile or wood. For an extra fee of $55, you can even have the exact signature of the bride & groom copied onto the piece. It's pretty cool for the Bride & Groom who want to "start their future with a sense of history". Check it out! ... An Englishman in LA.

Let's Talk Centerpieces!

2008-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize for my lack of blogging the last 3 weeks (was it really 3 weeks??!). A combination of severe poison oak and preparing for a large wedding got me off track.

Today I thought we could talk about centerpieces. This is one area where you can really let your creativity run wild. Your centerpieces can be very traditional or very unique. They can be very expensive or very inexpensive. They can be large or small. They can be romantic or whimsical. They can be the same at every table, or they can vary from table to table (while keeping the same color scheme throughout). This can actually be very visually stimulating to the eye and create an interesting flair to your reception.

The ideas are absolutely endless and I won't pretend that I could come up with even 5% of the ideas that exist. But here are some ideas that can get your brain working. Don't be afraid to brainstorm!

Rather than using flowers or candles, use these little romantic lamps.

For a themed wedding, use glass bowls filled with fun items. Place a candle in the middle for that romantic ambience.

Be fun ... use jelly beans to fill the bottom of your vase! You can add small dishes of jelly beans around the vase that your guests can munch on.

Don't be afraid to get fruity! Fruit comes in all different colors and can easily be used to fill vases and bring in the colors of your wedding.

Frame your favorite poem or a picture of the two of you. This bride & groom had a love of books, so they were a perfect addition to the centerpieces. It allowed their personalities to be showcased.

Floating candles are very inexpensive and can be quite beautiful. Group some of varying heights.

Here's another fun vase filled with fruit.

If brown is one of your accent colors, coffee beans can be a great, aromatic filler.

Simple can be beautiful. Each centerpiece consists only of a small wooden tray (painted), some small stones, a silk flower and a candle. Notice how the candle heights are not all the same.

For those of you who are crafty, it doesn't get much easier than this. Buy an inexpensive cylinder vase and glue bamboo sticks all the way around.

One great idea is to have either cupcakes or a miniature wedding cake on each table. This allows you have a small cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, and it allows you to use your desserts as centerpieces. You no longer have to worry about what to do with all of those centerpieces at the end of the reception.

(*For those of you who are getting married in the Yamhill Valley/Portland/Salem area, I do have a multitude of different candleholders that can be rented out as centerpieces. This will save you about 50% off the cost of buying them!)

Here's something that's great for outdoor weddings. You get the romance of candles without the fear of them being blown out.

So how 'bout it? Did I get your creative juices flowing?

Sand Ceremony ... An Alternative to the Unity Candle

2008-05-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

A very popular alternative to the Unity Candle during a wedding is the Sand Ceremony. While no one is quite certain whether this tradition began with the Native Hawaiians or the Native Americans, the symbolism of the ceremony is identical to that of the Unity Candle. It symbolizes the joining of two lives into one.

The way the ceremony works is this: there are 3 glass vases, the outer two containing two different colors of sand, one representing the bride and the other representing the groom. When the officiant comes to the part of the wedding ceremony where he talks about the joining of lives, the bride and groom pour their sand into the middle vase. The groom traditionally pours a little of his first to represent the fact that the man builds a strong foundation for the marriage. The bride then pours a little of hers to represent her commitment to the support of the marriage. The two of them then pour the remainder of their sand together to show the blending of their lives and their equality in the marriage. Sometimes a bride & groom will choose to leave some sand in the original vases to represent the fact that, while joined as husband & wife, they are still individuals.

The outcome is a beautiful, lasting reminder of the couple's commitment to one another. It is something that can be saved and displayed forever in their home. There are many Sand Ceremony vases that come with some kind of lid or cork so that there are no issues with the sand ever spilling out. And almost all of these special vases can be engraved.

While the Sand Ceremony is a beautiful alternative in any setting, it is especially fitting for outdoor weddings (where wind could extinguish a Unity Candle) and in venues where candles are prohibited. Because this tradition is gaining so much popularity, it is easy to find sand in almost any color you can imagine.

The Sand Ceremony is also great when there are children from a previous marriage or relationship. It is easy to create a Family Sand Ceremony where each member of the new family has their own vase of colored sand they can pour into the blended family vase.

Unique Bridesmaids

2008-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

It used to be that every bride "dressed" her bridesmaids exactly alike... same dresses, same shoes, same jewelry, same manicure, same hairdo, same bouquets. If every woman had the same shape, height, hair color and length, skin tone, etc., that method of cookie-cutter perfection would be great. However, we women come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and what looks wonderful on one woman can look downright horrible on another.

Today's brides are much more kind to their bridesmaids. Bridal shops offer dresses that come in a multitude of shades so that a bride is able to choose her color and then allow each of her bridesmaids to select their own unique dress in that color. Each bridesmaid is able to choose a dress that flatters her individual figure.

Another newer trend that allows a bride to add a unique touch when it comes to her bridesmaids is varying their bouquets. There are two way to do this. The first is to have every bridesmaid carry a different color of the same flower. The second is to have every bouquet be completely different while carrying out the same color scheme. For instance, if a bride wanted all of the bridesmaids bouquets to be red & white, her florist could use different flowers for each bouquet while keeping the red & white theme.

Try out one of these unique ideas and your bridesmaids will love you!

Favors: To Be or Not To Be

2008-04-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

In today's world of weddings, favors have become something that brides feel is expected of them by their guests. But is that really true?

Favors, by definition, are a gift from the bride & groom to their guests, a small token of thanks. While they are a very sweet gesture, they are not mandatory and can easily be cut out of your budget if you are looking for ways to save money. The guests who attend your wedding are there because they love you and are honored to be able to celebrate with you on your special day. They come expecting nothing in return.

If, however, you do have room in your budget for favors, they can be a very fun part of your planning. As you search through the myriad of ideas in magazines and online, keep in mind that, while the favors should reflect your unique personality as a couple, they are ultimately for the benefit of your guests. In other words, while a magnet of the two of you might seem cute, the only people who may ever use it are your moms and grandmas. And while it might seem elegant to have a favor with your names & wedding date engraved, again, only mom & grandma are going to see them as sentimental tokens worthy of keeping.

If you want to have favors that display your picture, names or wedding date, think edible and perishable: candy, cookies, water bottles, plant seeds, etc.

If you're thinking more along the lines of a keepsake or something practical, keep it generic. Your guests will appreciate it more and your money will not have been spent in vain.

If your favors are truly a "thank you" to your guests, make sure your choice reflects that.

Thankfully there are thousands of choices when it comes to favors. If you're looking for a great place to start with ideas, The Knot is an excellent choice. Go check it out!

Local Venue - Navarra Gardens

2008-04-25T15:49:00.001-07:00

Today I would like to tell you about another local venue that is a gorgeous place to have a wedding... Navarra Gardens in Willamina, OR.

Owners Joe & Marie Navarra have worked hard to provide a natural setting full of beauty. In the late spring and summer, the grounds will be in full bloom, ignited with all sorts of brilliant colors.

If you look, you can imagine the peaceful sound of the river, the beauty of the flowers, lights or lanterns strung from the trees, and tables adorned with beautiful centerpieces.

Marie is one of my favorite people to work with. She is very flexible and wants nothing more than to provide a way for each bride to have her own unique wedding just as she's envisioned it.

Marie is so accommodating that she even welcomes brides to hold their rehearsal dinners in a relaxed atmosphere right here on the grounds.

She has a cute little cottage for the bride & her bridesmaids to get ready. She even welcomes them to spend the night in the cottage the night before.

When everything is in full bloom, the grape arbor provides a beautiful backdrop for pictures.

There are so many photo opportunites on these grounds that a bride is sure to want her photographer to come out beforehand to make a mental list of locations for some unique wedding pictures.

One thing that every bride is sure to love is how many water features there are. Imagine you and your new husband with this backdrop in your photos.

Navarra Gardens is perfect for both small and large weddings. Although you would have to rent all of the tables, chairs and linens for your wedding, the fee for the venue itself is so reasonable that there is nothing cost-prohibitive about it. And while Marie is able to provide you with vendor referrals, she is open to accommodating anyone you choose.

If you get the chance, call Marie and experience the pleasure of your own tour. And if you book through No Ordinary Affair, you can look forward to receiving a discount on this venue!

Local Venue - The Mansion at the Bayou

2008-04-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things I'd like to do with this blog is to provide you with glimpses into the local Yamhill County wedding sites.

Today I'd love to tell you about The Mansion at the Bayou in McMinnville, OR. Here's a little history straight from their website:

The Mansion was built back in 1948, and was the family home of Dr. Byron A. White. Dr. White was well known for his chiropractic practice, which he began in 1922. Thousands of patients came from around the world to see Dr. White. He was known as “The Miracle Worker” to many and performed a method called “bloodless surgery” on his patients.

Interests of Dr. White were not limited to his chiropractic abilities. At the time of his death, Oct. 16, 1963, he was directing construction of a large golf course project. On April 11, 1964, the White family opened the first 9 holes plus a short 9. Dr. Whites dreams still lives on as many people enjoy and love the surroundings of the Bayou.

Amanda Mercier, the Mansion's Event Coordinator, is very personable and easy to work with. She and the new owners have done a lot of work toward renovating the Mansion in order to make it a very desirable location for a wedding. She has also secured discounts for brides from local vendors.

The grounds of the Mansion are gorgeous and well-manicured. For outdoor weddings, there is this beautiful gazebo for the ceremony, and room to easily accommodate up to 300 guests. The possibilities are endless as far as design, theme and decoration.

For indoor weddings of up to 75 people, there are two spectacular ballrooms. You can use the downstairs ballrom for the ceremony and the upstairs ballroom for the reception. There is ample room for dancing upstairs (even with tables!), as well as a special loft alcove for your DJ. The upstairs ballroom even comes complete with a bar area.

All of the Mansion's wedding packages include tables, chairs and linens for all of your guests.

It's a gorgeous place for a wedding.... and if you are referred through me (as your Wedding Planner), you get the added bonus of receiving a discount at this venue!

Wedding Cakes: Fondant vs. Buttercream

2008-04-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

It's time to choose your wedding cake and you're faced with a dilemma... what kind of frosting you want on the cake. This is a matter in which you want to choose wisely!

Fondant icing is a sugar dough that is rolled onto cakes. It is what you see on most cakes in bridal magazines. It's the very pretty, very smooth icing that comes in a multitude of colors. Cake decorators use it to make the elaborate concoctions that are able to replicate literally anything. Without a doubt, fondant makes for some gorgeous and creative cakes. It also holds up well in heat if you have an outdoor wedding.

If you choose fondant, you can expect to pay about 3x more than you would for buttercream. Before committing to that kind of expenditure, do yourself a favor and request a taste test. In many instances, you will find that fondant is tasteless. Some cake designers are able to add flavoring to the fondant and this may or may not make it seem a little more edible to your guests. You'll have to decide. If you choose fondant, you might find that your guests simply eat the cake and leave the fondant shell on their plates.

Buttercream frosting, on the other hand, has a wonderful flavor. Some people will say that you cannot get that same smooth, finished look with buttercream like you can with fondant, but a good cake designer will be able to design a cake with buttercream frosting that looks every bit as good as one with fondant. (Note: Not every cake designer can achieve this, so be sure to view their portfolio!) By choosing buttercream, you are sure to get a cake that is delicious.

Either way you go, you will want to request to see pictures of past weddings your cake designer has done so you have a good idea of their level of expertise. Decide first what is most important to you... Is it taste? Is it appearance? Does your choice fall within your allotted budget?

Be Kind to Your Feet!

2008-04-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

I just got done coordinating a rehearsal and wedding this past weekend and I was reminded anew how important it is to have some comfortable shoes for the reception!

As a bride, I know how much thought and preparation and time go into finding just the right shoes to compliment your wedding dress. The shoes can add that extra bit of "bling" to help you feel like a princess on your special day.

However, by the time you reach the reception, you have already been in those princess shoes for several hours and suddenly they may not seem as comfortable anymore. Unless you slip into something a little more comfortable, you may find that you are hobbling before the day is even over.

Here are some suggestions for you:

If you love being barefoot and your reception area has grass, sand, or even carpet, then by all means kick off your shoes and enjoy! Just don't try going barefoot on cement, tile or hardwood floors or your feet will still be aching by the day's end.

Some brides opt for cute ballet shoes. These, however, are little more than covering for bare feet. They will keep your feet clean, but they won't provide any cushion between you and the hard floor.

Many websites offer special flip flops for brides. One such site I found is AnaDia T. Another one is Exclusively Weddings. While this site is a little more pricey, the shoes are elevated so your dress is less likely to drag on the floor. Advantage Bridal offers rhinestones on their flip flops instead of bows.

If you're not a flip-flop type of bride, you can always opt for some cute, comfortable sneakers. You can buy and/or decorate your own, or you can opt for an online company like Savvy Sneaks and Sandals.

There is also an online discussion board for brides on this very subject. It's found on Yahoo! Answers.

No matter what you choose, do keep in mind that your dress will be altered to fit with your ceremony shoes. If your reception shoes are significantly shorter (or if you choose to go barefoot), your dress may drag a little. Be sure to try out your dress with your reception shoes before the big day. In most cases, your dress will drag very little and your feet will be very grateful.

The Making of a Great Reception

2008-04-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

According to a survey conducted by Modern Bride Magazine, what your guests are likely to remember most from your wedding is not your dress or the food or the cake or the decorations. What they are most likely to remember is the entertainment! Yes, there will be tender and touching moments that they savor along with you; and yes, there are likely to be some funny moments that live on as stories long after your wedding is over. But what your guests may remember most is whether or not they had fun.

Think of it this way: while the wedding ceremony is the joining of two lives, the reception is technically the first party the two of you host as husband & wife. While the ceremony is all about you, the reception is just as much about your guests as it is about you.

Your choice of entertainment has the power to make or break your reception. Whether you hire a band or a DJ or have Uncle Pete stand in as the Master of Ceremonies, your reception can be a great success if you choose wisely. The person or band you choose needs to be able to direct the pace and flow of the reception, they need to be able to creatively involve your guests, they need to have an entertaining personality and be skilled in public speaking, and they need to take the time to get to know you on a personal level beforehand. It's important that they make this event unique to the two of you and that they carry out your vision for the day.

Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for. If someone's prices are far below average, you need to ask yourself why. Get referrals from people you know; see the DJ or band perform live at another event, if possible; or contact a local Wedding Planner for some great referrals.

How A Wedding Planner Can Help

2008-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

In our world where the economy is tight, gas prices are soaring, and everyone is trying to save money, many of you brides wonder why you would need a Wedding Planner, or just how you could ever afford to pay for one. Am I right?

Let me put your mind at ease... not only can a good Wedding Planner help you, they can also save you both time and money.

All brides go into planning with the thought they get only one shot at having the perfect wedding. Right off the bat there is that pressure to get everything right, to live out the dream wedding and to impress the guests. For some brides that pressure becomes overwhelming right from the start. It takes about 250 hours to plan an average wedding ("Plan Your Wedding in No Time" by Leah Ingram). Trying to fit an extra 250 hours worth of work into your already busy schedule can be difficult, to say the least. A Wedding Planner can alleviate much of that stress and pressure and can allow you to enjoy your engagement with your new fiance.

By bringing a Wedding Planner in right from the beginning, you have someone who can take your vision and turn it into a reality. The Wedding Planner can either work with you from start to finish, or they can simply head you in the right direction by referring you to the best vendors for your budget. The Wedding Planner is able to keep your budget on track and is often able to get you vendor discounts that you could not get on your own.

If, however, you love the planning & organization parts of a wedding (as I do!), you may not think about bringing in a Wedding Planner until a month or so before the wedding. This is usually the time that most brides really feel the stress of the last-minute details; the handling of the guest list and seating; the coordination of the vendors and the decorating; the organization of the rehearsal, ceremony and reception; etc. The Wedding Planner can take all of that responsibility off your shoulders.

Perhaps, though, it is simply the actual wedding day that causes your stomach to go in knots. You wonder who will make sure that the cake knife is at the table, that your family is in the right place at the right time for the pictures, that the florist delivers the right flowers, that the photographer isn't AWOL at a critical moment, that the reception schedule flows smoothly and your guests enjoy themselves. The Wedding Planner will confirm with all of your vendors, will have detailed itineraries for both the wedding party and the wedding vendors, will coordinate the rehearsal, will handle the tiny details, and will troubleshoot any last-minute problems that arise. This allows you, your family and your guests to enjoy the wedding celebration that you have worked so hard to put together.

So is a Wedding Planner a luxury or a necessity? Why don't you take advantage of a free consultation with one in your area and then decide for yourself...