This invitation is ideal for a spring or summer wedding. The simplicity of a love bird-themed wedding is a unique way to share your wedding with guests. These invitations are perfect for a wedding in a park or botanical gardens. They are printed on 100% recycled plantable paper embedded with wildflower seeds. Plant the paper after the wedding and watch beautiful wildflowers bloom.

                        Photo: Cream Love Bird Invitations (50 ct), ForeverFiances’ 

These reception place cards are an elegant and simple way to differentiate your guest tables. Bird’s escape place cards are also printed on premium handmade 100% recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds. These place cards can also be customized to your wedding day with different colors and fonts.

  Photo: Bird’s Escape Place Cards (50 ct), ForeverFiances’

These cute and whimsical thank you cards are perfect for a bird-themed wedding. They are colorful and bright; a perfect way to bring in the springtime. Each card features a blank interior so you can write whatever you please. These invitations also are printed on vegetable based ink using recycled, acid and chlorine free paper.

  Photo: Lovebirds Thank You Cards, Ecojot

Get creative with your bird theme: hand out native bird seed favors for guests to toss at you and your beloved as you make your grand exit. You’ll be providing a sweet treat for the birds, and by using native seed, you can avoid accidentally introducing a non-native and potentially invasive plant species to your natural surroundings!

Visit our Wedding Shop for tons of bird themed eco-friendly products!

I like to think of true wedding DJs as symphony conductors.  Like the conductor and his baton, we use the perfect mix of music to inspire a diverse crowd of guests to dance.  Without the perfect mix, guests will eventually lose their rhythm and abandon the once full dance floor.

This “perfect mix” cannot be planned, but is spontaneously created by reading the energy of the crowd.  What can be planned and practiced is the technique and skill to provide a diverse mix of music that not only appeals to all ages and genres, but keeps guests dancing to songs that they would normally not dance to.  The outcome is a dance floor filled with guests of all generations…a true family event.

Most DJs fail at this technique because they rely on the bad habit of “sets,” or long groups of music from the same genre.  While this is great for the guests that love this genre, the rest will lose interest and retreat to their tables.  Once these guests lose interest, it is difficult to get them back on the floor.  Learning how to create the perfect mix requires the DJ to think out of the box and mix together songs that normally would belong in different sets.  By alternating genres and decades of music, all of your guests want to keep dancing in anticipation for next great song.

Example mixes would be:

“I Got a Feelin” by Black Eyed Peas

“Rock This Party” by Bob Sinclair

“PTY” by Michael Jackson

“I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops

“You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” by Barry White

“This Is How We Do It” by Montel Jordan

“Poison” by Bel Biv Devoe

Beat-mixing songs together will keep a consistent tempo and help to sustain the energy on the dance floor, but this cannot always be done.  This is where other DJ skills come into play.  Skills such as cuts and record breaks can help to transition between songs.  Also, using effects and filters, your DJ can be creative while not ruining the integrity or the original song.

Another great way to keep all decades of guests dancing together is to play remixes or “mashups.”  Old classic songs remixed to new beats can really bring crowds together on the dance floor.  A great DJ knows what remixes are done well and be a hit at your wedding.

Some great songs to remix are:

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

“Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns and Roses

“Billie Jean” by Micheal Jackson

Find a DJ that understands how important the perfect mix is to your wedding.  Ask questions about his/her mixing techniques and how they plan to keep all of your family and friends on the dance floor together.  Inquire about remixes and ask to hear some of them to be sure that they sound great.

Remember, the right DJ with the perfect mix can make your wedding the best it can be.

DJ Jimmie Espo | CEO, Move It Music DJ and Lighting

DJ Jimmie Espo, CEO of Move It Music DJ and Lighting, has been a successful disc jockey in Boston for over 20 years. His versatile resume spans from Boston’s hottest night clubs in the mid ‘90’s, to becoming the accomplished, premier wedding DJ and master of ceremonies he is today.

Send your guests news of your impending park wedding with plantable forest wedding invitations. This hand drawn artistic representation of an old tree is a great way to enhance your theme and comes in an earthy brown color or a vibrant green. All of the invitations are planted on 100% handmade paper and are printed on luxurious plantable paper, embedded with wildflower seeds. Guests will be able to enjoy the special wedding invitation as well as the beautiful flowers that come with it once you’ve planted the invite.

Photo: Plantable Forest Invitations (50 ct), Forever Fiances’

These cute owl cake toppers are another great idea for a park-themed wedding. These are completely hand crafted and designed from wood accented with wood burning techniques. They are painted in non-toxic water paints and finished with a natural sealer, then lightly polished with beeswax cream. Both owls come with a painted red heart, and the groom has a black hat and bow tie. Each topper comes with “Owl Mine” written on the bottom. This cute cake topper is ideal for a fun and outdoorsy wedding.

Photo: Owl Bride and Groom Cake Topper, Pokeberry Patch

Branch place card holders are a perfect way to let your guests know where they are sitting at the reception. These are ideal if your park-themed wedding is at a state park or in a forest. They are rustic looking but still elegant and simple. Each stump is hand selected and can be used for place settings, table number holders, food table name cards and more. The wood used is always from fallen trees. No trees are ever cut down to protect the wildlife and forests. Natural methods are also used to dry and preserve the materials.

Photo: Branch Place Card Holder, Roxy Heart Vintage

Wood save-the-date magnets are another unique way to incorporate a park-themed wedding. You can engrave the location of your park wedding, as well as the the couple’s names and wedding date. These save-the-date magnets are a great way to make sure your guests are well-informed of the date of your wedding: magnets are a great reminder because they are easier to stick on the fridge and keep track of than a piece of paper. The magnets are 100% biodegradable and can be created in a variety of wood choices.

Photo: Wood Save-The-Date Magnets (Cut-Out), Unique Custom

For more park wedding ideas, visit our Wedding Shop!

You’re excited to “shower” the bride with love, good wishes and gifts as she prepares for married life, but you’re daunted by the planning? Follow my favorite tips for a great planning experience:

1. To Theme or Not to Theme

One of the most important decisions of your planning process will be whether to utilize a theme or not. Consider the bride and her tastes, as well as any quirky or fun aspects within the bride and groom’s history together that could make the event unique. This first step in planning then guides the location you choose, the décor, food served and so much more to create a cohesive setting. Top trend shower themes: Sex in the City, an activity shower {think cooking lessons or floral arranging} and Vineyard Wine Tasting.

2. An Event All its Own

Because the bride may have multiple showers and pre-wedding events, I always suggest creating an event plan that is all its own and does not duplicate any of the color schemes or aspects of the wedding or reception. It will be a fresh and unique memory for the guest of honor.

3. Make Room For the Groom

You’ve heard it said a lot, “It’s his day too!” and well, it is. So consider a trendy couples shower in the form of a unisex cocktail or dinner party, or at least invite and welcome the man of the hour to appear at the event to express his thankfulness and gratitude to the guests.

4. Consider the Gifts

The very nature of a shower is to help set the couple up for their new life together. When creating your event plan, don’t forget to consider the gifts. While bath towels and hand mixers are necessary components of newlywed life, if the bride and groom are already prepared in these areas, consider suggesting a gift giving theme that will better meet their needs. Top trends right now in shower gift giving: a money tree, gift card showers, and honeymoon funding websites.

5. Gaming

Some brides dread them, and others embrace them with relish, so it’s a role of the dice whether to incorporate shower games at the event or not. Consider if they fit the theme you have chosen, if they fit the “style” of your bride, and if they lend to the atmosphere of the event you have planned. If so, have fun with them! If not, it is quite acceptable to forgo this tradition!

The two cakes pictured above may look different but they’re actually exactly the same. The cake on the left is sitting on a fondant-covered board, while the cake on the right is set on a foil-covered board. It makes a big different, don’t you think?

It’s shocking to me that there are so many cake professionals still presenting their cakes on foil-covered boards.  And it’s even more shocking that some bakers charge to cover the board with fondant!Very few couples ask me about their cake’s board presentation during their tastings. But you should make sure that your cake board will be dressed in a way that coordinates with your cake.

When you visit websites of a potential baker, be sure to take note of the cake boards. That  will give you a good indication of how much attention to the detail your cake professional has.

Another important question to ask your baker: How thick does he or she roll fodant? Fondant should be rolled super-thin, about 1/8” thick. This way the fondant will melt into the buttercream a bit and won’t have as gummy a texture.

Although looking at pictures will not tell you if the fondant covering the cake is thin or not, looking at the thickness of decorations and borders of a cake will give you a good clue if your cake professional takes the time to roll her fondant thin.

Tip: If you have a smaller wedding cake, use a stand to elevate and give more presence to your cake. Just make sure that the stand can sustain the weight of your cake and still be stable.

Renata Papdopoulos | Owner, Lovely Cakes

Renata Papadopoulos is the owner of Lovely Cakes in Connecticut. One of her designs was selected by Brides magazine in 2011 as one of America’s Most Beautiful Cakes.

The Invites

Dr. Who invites are very easy to come by and to make, with various degrees of subtlety. As “TARDIS Blue” is now an actual color that items can be purchased in (and there’s currently a change.org position to get Crayola to recognize the color as well), it isn’t difficult to create a Who-inspired set of stationary to send off to all of your closest friends and relatives. Consider police box-shaped backing, blue envelopes, and even custom Who stamps via resources like photo.stamps.com. Some dedicated fans have even signed off on their mailings with the doctor’s famous catchphrases. Consider such gems as “Hope to see you there – Allons-y!” or “Wear your best bow tie; bow ties are cool!” As with any usage of fan culture in wedding accessories, it’s important that you try to make these inclusions accessible. Don’t write the address in Gallifreyan or list your names as “the future Rory and Amy Pond.” Have fun!

The Ceremony

The ceremony is possibly the best place for some wonderful fan-inspired Dr. Who inclusions. Aside from the color scheme and the attire (everyone loves a fez), think of including some personal touches within the wording and accessories of the ceremony itself. If you’re trying to find a unity ceremony that’s a bit out of the ordinary, that is a wonderful place for some Whovian inspiration.

My favorite touches for a ceremony? Have the parents “consent and gladly give” their children away to replace the traditional bride hand-off, or have the officiant recite the marriage vows out of a replica TARDIS diary a-la River Song. Again, keep it accessible! Your fandom is important, but you don’t want to lose the attention of those you love most in the middle of the ceremony. If necessary, explain why little things have been changed in the ceremony program you provide for them.

 The Reception

Reception accessories are always a favorite of fans looking to change up the wedding status quo, so go nuts! I’ve seen Dalek cake toppers, life-size TARDIS photo booths, garters with all eleven doctors charmed around the edges, and marriage certificates signed with replica sonic screwdrivers. Who knows? You might even convert a few friends and family, and at the next very Whovian wedding, no one will be asking: “Dr. Who?”

When a potential client reaches out to me for help planning their wedding, their top concerns are always budget management and negotiating with vendors. While many find this topic difficult, it really is not, if you take the time to do the following steps:

Step 1) Review your budget

Some brides are on a tight budget and others have unlimited resources. No matter the category in which you fall, you should always set a budget. When calculating your budget, do not put in a maximum amount that you can spend. Find a comfortable middle ground and allow yourself some wiggle room. I also suggest making a habit of entering in your data in a budget tool or spreadsheet. WeddingWire has the best budget tool in cyberspace. It is customizable, printable and easy to access via their app.

Step 2) Know and understand your event worth

Your wedding will be one of the most momentous days or your life. Couples get sidetracked by only considering their emotional attachment to the wedding instead of getting an understanding of the event’s worth to vendors.  Every wedding is different, but for your vendors, it’s their job. That means they know which dates and venues are ‘worth more’ to the average couple. The more valuable, the pricier; the lower the value to your vendor, the easier it will be to negotiate rates, extras and much more.

Being aware of when peak and off-peak wedding seasons are in your area can be helpful. Weddings in more sought-after seasons or on popular dates (like Saturdays or gimmicky dates like 12/13/14) are worth more to vendors because it’s easier for them to fill those slots. They will be less likely to negotiate your rate. Choosing a date in the off season gives you a lower starting rate and availability to add extras to your contract.

Step 3) Select the one or two elements of your wedding that are most important to you

Most couples start wedding planning like a kid in a candy story. Every magazine has a flower arrangement that speaks to you, and every bridal show you attend has a design element that is just right. Being so drawn to design often causes couples to go over budget, overlook details or just get lost in planning. Sit down with your fiancé and decide the one or two elements that are most important to you – prior to choosing any wedding vendors. This step is very important to future decision making. If food and music is the most important, adjust your budget to enhance these features. Take away from things that matter less, like escort cards or a 3rd meal choice.

I also suggest choosing a wedding inspiration that will drive the style of your wedding. Couples should use any one item that truly represents your wedding style: Your grandmother’s lace handkerchief, a cool chevron pillow you got at a garage sale, an interesting font that you love, or the first flower your fiancé ever gave you.

If you do make the commitment to stay true to your important elements, and your wedding inspiration, you can turn to those objects into anchors in times of difficult decision making.

Step 4) Seek Vendors that are within budget and fit your needs.

It sounds so simple but realistically it is one of the most difficult for couples. If your max budget for a band is $5,000, you should stay clear of bands whose pricing starts at that number. A comfortable fit would be a vendor that is has a middle package for around $4,000. This will give you room to add on something like including ceremony music, if you want. Don’t forget, if that $4,000 package is just right for you, you now have room in your budget to move that extra $1,000 to another category.

Step 5) ABN- Always be negotiating

There have been countless studies about women and negotiation. There is one thing all the studies have in common – woman tend to negotiate less than men. Studies also show that men view more things as negotiable where as women think that many things cannot be changed. For this final step, remember, EVERYTHING is negotiable when it comes to weddings. And if a vendor truly is not willing to work on a fair trade they may not be the vendor for you.

Taking time to consider each vendor’s offer is necessary to prepare yourself for negotiation. It will require that you take time away from the vendor to think about what you’ve seen and experienced in your initial meeting rather than making a decision on the spot.  After looking at a vendor package ask yourself: What do I really want and need from this vendor? Are there services that I can give up to get what I want? What services will equal more or less work for the vendor?

If negotiation really gives you much anxiety, remember, that is totally natural. Here’s my trick: Women who have issues negotiating for their own benefit almost always do 10 times better negotiating on behalf of others. Before your discussion with your vendor, take a breath. Imagine the people who will benefit from your wedding if it is the way you want it to be. Take their interest to the negotiation table with you and use them as back up when you need strength.

Approach your vendor as if you are on the same team rather than an “us against them” tactic. I recommend coming right out and asking for the concessions that you would like changed or added to the contract. What’s the worst they could say? If you get push back, then it’s time to discuss the services and features that you don’t need. Offer one of those up in exchange for the service you really want. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors to “throw in” a service. In the end, remember to get everything in writing. Take the time to review the contract before signing it to make sure that all your concessions are represented.

I hope that this guide give you some power towards taking control of your wedding.

Olivia Lee | Owner and Lead Planner, Precise Events, Inc.

Olivia Lee is the owner and lead planner of Precise Events Inc. in Philadelphia. She has been coordinating both large and intimate celebrations for over ten years.

As a historic venue, we see many variations on that “classic” theme.  Everything about Elaine and Charles wedding day seemed like a dream of elegance and grace: her lace-trimmed veil, the gloves, the bow on the dress; his white tie and tails and rose boutonniere; the layers of flowers between white flourished cake, the pearl-accented centerpieces .  “Each time I see the photos, I remember how happy everyone was and how much fun we all had,” agreed Elaine when reviewing her wedding day recollections.  ”I was absolutely floored at how gorgeous the place looked. It was like a fairy-tale wedding. I loved it!”

All photos taken by TommyPhoto

With a brand new Great Gatsby hitting theaters and breaking hearts all across the country, it’s no wonder so many couples are drawn to the glamour and romance of this Jazz Age original for their weddings. Though the message of the story is less than wedding-friendly, the style and aesthetic of the setting and the passionate hope and love exhibited by the titular character are no less than perfect for any nuptials. So, what wedding accessories can you add for a perfect Gatsby-themed event? Consider:

The Right Cocktails

Nothing says “Gatsby” like a glass of champagne in each hand as you’re out on the dance floor. Style your libations after the drinks most often found at Gatsby’s legendary parties by asking wait staff to tour tables with glasses rather than bottles. For added flair, litter trays and tables with glass gems. Avoid colors like red and yellow; stick to pale or emerald greens, a la the light at the end of Daisy’s dock. Another Gatsby favorite is the oh-so-refreshing mint julep. Better for a brunch or afternoon affair, the mint julep is the height of leisure and is sure to impress your thirsty guests. Add a generous sprig of fresh mint and contrast with a fat red straw.

The Right Jewelry

Though you might not have the budget to drip in Gatsby-esque diamonds, you can still utilize the extravagant style of the era as you walk down the aisle. Consider thick jeweled bracelets and collar necklaces, and substitute a traditional veil with a pillbox birdcage veil or a jeweled flapper headband. Eschew colors entirely and stick with the clear shine of diamond-like gems.

The Right Details

The small additions you make to your décor are the ones that really count toward a perfectly-executed Gatsby theme. With a text steeped in images of breezy white curtains and three-piece suits, leisure and extravagance are the names of the game. Rent classic day couches, invest in detailed beaded accessories, and stick long, dripping feathers in centerpieces. If you want to find details that specifically address moments and themes from the text itself, consider finding space for gold wire-rimmed glasses (a la the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg), donning colorful silk shirts, and finding room for a small green light at the end of the aisle: something for your new spouse to reach to as you travel ever-closer to the beginning of your happy lives together.

Though there are many apps aimed at couples, who are frantically searching for some organizational tool to make their lives easier, it’s hard to weed out the showy, novelty ones from the divinely useful. The right apps can really guide you along during the planning and design process on your march toward the altar, but how will you know what to look for before you know it exists? Instead of searching “wedding” in the App Store, try these (completely free!) wedding planning apps, even if that’s not what they were originally intended for:

RedLaser

Most brides know about the apps provided by some retailers for registry building (and if you don’t, look into it; they’re very helpful tools), but RedLaser is much different. It can not only scan bar codes and give you product information, it also compares prices to nearby retailers and online deals, working to find you the best price. It logs away previously viewed items, provides UPC and description info, and even provides an assortment of online reviews.While this is an all-around helpful tool, it’s particularly nifty for couples looking to save money any way they can during the wedding planning process. When you’re unfamiliar with the world of the products you’re buying (while you’re registering, purchasing unity candles, linens, or other décor), knowledge is power. This app also reads QR codes, if you were looking for another reason to grab it immediately.

ColorGrab

Originally an artist’s tool, ColorGrab allows you to point and click at any color near your immediate person, using your phone’s camera. Simply focus the shot on the color you like, and it grabs and stores away the color for you. You can log colors, keep folders of colors, and rearrange them in any way you like. Artists like this app for inspiration; it serves the same purpose for brides.
Though you may have an imagined color palette for your wedding day, you are going to have a hard time remembering all of the complimentary colors you’ve decided on when you’re out looking for shirts or flower girl baskets or flowers. This handy app allows you to, say, point and click at the proposed colors of your bouquet, store them in a folder and compare them to potential linens, shoes or anything else you like at your leisure. While the app doesn’t provide a tool for giving you industry names for the colors, they do allow you to input your own names to keep your head straight.

WedHappy

If you want the quintessential “wedding organizer” app make it WedHappy. This unobtrusive app keeps your tasks organized, suggests tasks you may still need to complete, sets up a general timeline for wedding duties and rounds it all out with an aesthetically pleasing pie chart of completion that will keep you focused without making you feel overwhelmed. The free version of WedHappy never overloads you with bells and whistles, and most couples will be very thankful for that. My favorite detail? WedHappy allows you to link up vendors with contacts from your phone to keep everything just a little more organized. Also, when you complete a task, it vanishes from your screen altogether.

When your wedding planning gets into full swing, you will learn quickly how hard it is to get anyone to answer when you decide to call them. Games of phone tag begin innocently enough (a few apologetic voicemails with a hasty return number) but can swiftly turn irritating when you find that you’ve gone a month or more without directly catching the person you need to reach. A woman can only handle so many “Sorry I missed you – call me back on the following…” messages before she throws a brick through a bakery window. Don’t do that. Instead, try one or both of the following techniques:

Leave Specific Messages

When you don’t reach your hopeful audience during the course of hectic wedding planning phone calls, leave more than just your name and number. If you’re a potential customer, give them a reason to be adamant about reaching you – specifics about the service you need and the information you need from them. If anything, you’ll receive a counter message that is more than just THEIR name and number; it may even be information you can use! That way, you may not need to waste any more time chasing them down. If you are already using the services of the audience you’re trying to reach, a specific message helps to guarantee that a return message will contain any of the information you need, such as cake topper pricing or shipping details. Even if you’re both too busy to catch each other, the game of phone tag gets a little more productive with the application of a little specificity.

Use More than One Medium

While phones are your best bet for reaching a real live human when you’re trying to check off your to-do list, there is something to be said for a solid email. Either of these mediums alone often isn’t enough, however. On their own, forgetting to respond to an email or a voicemail is pretty easy, but one of each is harder to miss. One will help to remind your audience about the other. If they receive a voicemail from you, they may or may not pencil in a reminder to call you back. An addition email files you back to top priority – at least some of the time. The trick here is to not come off as obsessive or nuts – a harder task than it sounds, as many of your vendors will likely be familiar with the trope of the “clingy bride.” Leave a specific voicemail and follow up with an email that sounds something like “Just following up concerning my call earlier today. I look forward to hearing from you about those custom toasting glasses…” Short, simple, and friendly. Good luck, and may all of your voicemails be brief and helpful!

I’ve been attending NY Bridal Market for four years and each time I fantasize about rolling around in couture gowns and dream about making a bedspread out of them. But that would be strange, so I hold myself back.

Maggie Sottero’s Spring 2014 collection took a page from “The Great Gatsby,” and showed silk charmeuse sheaths and beaded, slinky silhouettes. This was by far the most sexy they’ve gone, and I was a fan. It was risky but in the most tasteful way possible.

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero; Photo: Dan Lecca

Justin Alexander is always a highlight for me. Designers Jose Diaz and Terry Hilferty always seem to have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to trends. The Spring 2014 preview included some off-the-shoulder gowns, ball gowns that would make even me want to wear them, and peplums. I’m obsessed with peplums.

Dress Designer: Justin Alexander

Junko Yoshioka, best known for her red carpet gowns and architectural details showed a collection that I fell in love with. From the names of her gowns like, “Macaroon,” and “Éclair,” (which made me think: “I need to get over to Laduree before they close”), to the gorgeous fabrics like crepe de chine and Bellagio silk, the collection was delicious.

Rita Vinieris, for Rivini, showed a collection that was diverse in design and silhouette. From plunging necklines to a sheer lace top that left nothing to the imagination, she took a risk and it paid off. BIG time. While still staying true to her design aesthetic, she always manages to keep things fresh and the audience excited.

Dress Designer: Rivini; Photo: Dan Lecca

A new designer on the scene, Berta Bridal from Israel took sexy and RAN! These gowns were smokin’ hot, made impeccably with backs that were plunging and lace-embellished detail that you HAD to see up close.  Berta Bridal was truly a stand out at market.

Dress Designer: Berta; Photo: Robert Mitra

Lazaro always delivers, but this season it was beauty channeled through lace, sleeves, open and keyhole backs and beading. Lazaro knows a woman’s body and this collection truly focused on that. Not to mention- the collaboration between him and the Maria Elena Headpieces accessories in his gowns made me squeal. I think I turned a few heads in the showroom, but I couldn’t contain my excitement.

Dress Designer: Lazaro

Speaking of squealing, I’m taken back to last Fall when I was introduced to “Guindon,” a striped ruffled ball gown by the gorgeous Miss Hayley Paige that I couldn’t stop thinking about. Once I saw this creation come down the runway, I knew Hayley was going to be a star; and a star she quickly became. For fall, she didn’t disappoint- with point d’esprit and crisscross backs and an airiness that she does so well.

One of my favorite designers, Carlos Ramirez for Liancarlo showed us Lyon, Chantilly and Alencon laces coupled with Italian embroidery and Swarovski detail throughout. One gown in particular, a blush colored ball gown with peplum and embroidery almost went home with me- I just couldn’t fit it under my suit.

Dress Designer: Liancarlo

If there’s one thing I can say about NY Bridal market, it’s that designers are listening to you! The request for sleeves, higher necklines and removable boleros were affluent throughout designers’ collections and this is a great thing. Brides, you’re in for a treat as you peruse through gowns in your local bridal boutiques. Just hurry before I get to them first.

Jim Verraros | National Bridal Sales Manager, Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

Jim is the National Bridal Sales Manager for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury and wears multiple hats, ranging from servicing designers and bridal salons to copywriting and editing, participating in strategy sessions with the entire sales office, and choreographer for its weekly fashion shows.

Engagement Shoot Tips: The engagement shoot is the first step of the process. If it’s your first time meeting the photographer, it might be a little awkward. Don’t worry – with these tips, you’ll be fast friends. (If you’re in need of a wedding/engagement photographer, ask your married friends. They can tell you how the pictures came out, how much the photographer charges, and how the overall experience was.)

1. Be on time! Start off on the right foot by keeping to your schedule. Prepare for traffic and start the day off right.

2.Be social. Photographers are people too! Bonding with your photographer makes for an overall better experience, and it will show in your pictures. Grab some coffee and make small talk.

3. Make suggestions. Engagement/Wedding photographers tend to use the same spots for photography sessions, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. They typically know what they’re doing, and know where to get the best pictures. However, if you want to revisit your favorite cafe where you had your first date, suggest it to your photographer.

4. Touch base about the wedding day. Make sure your photographer knows about the wedding ins and outs – location of ceremony/reception, special events/ceremonies, times, and type of wedding.

Wedding Day Tips:

1. Ask Questions. Your photographer is with you bright and early, from make-up to the reception. They’ve been through many weddings and know all about the process. Feel free to ask any questions that are on your mind about the photographs or the wedding process in general.

2. Make sure your photographers eat. Photographers are usually on their feet on wedding days for 10 hours or more, and they might insist that they are not hungry. Make sure the photographers (and other vendors) have a place to sit down and eat before and during the wedding.

3. Should I tip? While tip is generally optional for photographers, it’s customary to tip photographers if they do not own a studio themselves. If you think they did a good job, let them know it!

4. Smile! Your wedding day will be crazy, but it will all be worth it. Put on your best smile and remember – you’re getting married!

Tips For the Guests: 

1. Enjoy the wedding. Whether you’re a close friend, family member, or a co-worker, you were invited for a reason. Smile and celebrate the wedding – candid pictures are almost always the best.

2. Help gather your table/family members. Group pictures are a bit of a hassle. Help make this process quick and painless by gathering the people around you for a photo.

3. Smile! This goes for the guests too! A wedding is a happy occasion and you’ll want to remember it as such.

(Pictures by Adam Ho)

Hoping to sink your toes in the sand and soak up some rays on your honeymoon? Looking for a location that also provides all the necessary ingredients for a memorable destination wedding?

If you’re looking for something exotic, beautiful and sure to please your intended and maybe those wedding guests too, we have some ideas for you! Here are just a few of our favorite beach wedding destinations and some of the top reasons why we love them so:

Honeymoon in Bora Bora – This Pacific Ocean paradise practically defies description. This amazing island is famed for its unusual natural beauty, practically perfect weather and outstanding resorts. Plus, you and your honey will be hard-pressed to find a more romantic destination that also offers plenty of things for wedding guests to enjoy. For your honeymoon in Bora Bora, you can even choose to stay in a highly romantic over-the-water bungalow. Just imagine waking to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the beach!

Vacation in Fiji – This tropical wonder is considered one of the South Pacific’s best destinations for good reason. The volcanic islands here make for an incredible landscape, plus there’s so much to see and do. Tourists here find the beaches are practically perfect, the locals friendly and the scenery is to die for. From scuba diving to see the coral reefs to strolling local shops, it’s impossible to get bored in Fiji. Add to that the fact Fiji is famed for its resorts that have staff ready to cater to your every whim and it’s hard to go wrong with a destination wedding in Fiji.

Tie the knot in Tahiti – This South Pacific jewel is a favorite destination for couples in love. Its crystal clear waters are famed the world over. The island is famed for its stunning waterfalls, picturesque mountains and splendid beaches. Choose to honeymoon in Tahiti and you’ll discover this paradise also offers lots to see and do. From its world-renowned resorts to its amazing water activities, Tahiti always makes an awesome choice.

Host your wedding in Aruba – If you’d like your wedding to take place a little closer to home, Aruba might be the ideal choice. This Caribbean island has all the ingredients you need for an amazing adventure. Its beaches, landscape, culture and historical flavor are all major draws. Plus, you’ll find the resorts here are world class and more than ready to help you make your dream of an Aruba destination wedding become reality.

Are you ready to research a beach destination wedding more closely? Just consult with our honeymoon travel advisors for information on destinations at home and abroad.

Do you have a friend, family member, or acquaintance who has offered their services for your upcoming nuptials? Fantastic! Weddings tend to be collaborative efforts that take a team of loved ones to plan successfully, and if you have a neighbor, who owns a bakery or a friend just out of film school, it can sometimes be tempting to use their services during your big day. There are a few questions you should be asking yourself before proceeding, however, as friendly service contracts can get messy if you haven’t thought them through. Ask yourself this before laying any money down or accepting any donated goods:

1. Did you ask for this service? For free?

Again, if you know someone who specializes in a professional wedding service (a cousin DJ, an artist former roommate), using their services for your wedding is completely acceptable, but are you asking them to do this work for free? Sometimes we forget that our friends and family members may have businesses to run and bills to pay and asking for a free service is not always the best choice. If you really want this person’s contribution to be a part of your day, begin the conversation by asking what compensation they typically expect and be willing to pay. If they want to offer the service to you gratis, that’s their prerogative, but it should never be your expectation. Even if they want to gift you their services, think of taking them out to dinner or purchasing a gift card as an extended thank you!

2. Would they be missing out?

If this friend or family member would typically be invited to the wedding (or could reasonably assume that they might be invited), think twice about asking for their contribution. Even if they offer, you don’t want your acquaintance to be spending more time working on your wedding day than enjoying it. Consider the implications of the task before asking for or accepting the help. This obviously isn’t a problem if you are being offered services such as baked goods or design help, but using your uncle’s band or your good friend’s catering service could cause those you love to miss out on the big moments of your wedding day. If they do offer, counter with something like: “Thank you so much for your generosity, but I wouldn’t want you to spend more time in the kitchen than on the dance floor! Maybe we could get together and prepare the rehearsal dinner feast at my house!”

One final word: If you do accept a friend or family member’s professional services, and you agree to monetary compensation, think of drafting an informal contract, just to be sure everyone is on the same page!

A fingerprint tree wedding guestbook is ideal for someone who wishes to display this keepsake after the wedding in their home.

Photo: Fingerprint Tree Wedding Guestbook, Burlap Babe

You will not have to sacrifice your carbon footprint because this product is made from unprocessed burlap, and all jute fiber. Every guest will leave their thumbprint and their signature on the guestbook, a mark that you will cherish year after year.

You can make a guestbook even more memorable by personalizing it.  Add your initials, last name or wedding date!

Photo: Fingerprint Tree Guestbook, J&K Art Shop

This cute Owl Wood Slice Guestbook has a lovely rustic appearance: it includes a wood burned design and comes with two adorable owl pens. The bride and groom’s initials are drawn into the inside of the tree heart. The catchy quote “Owl Love You Forever” is printed along the bottom of the  tree. This guestbook also comes with a personalized pencil for guests to leave a special message. After the wedding you can hang this up anywhere!

Photo: Owl Wood Slice Guestbook, J&K Art Shop

 If you are really tired of the traditional guestbook look, then the Rustic Nail Art guestbook is perfect for you. You can personalize this guestbook by adding your initials or name along with the wedding date. The heart can be modified to fit your wedding theme, and the script that you chose is done by hand. The guestbook can be hung at your home with the attached wire to savor special memories from your wedding day.

Photo: Rustic Nail Art Guestbook, J&K Art Shop

For more rustic wedding ideas visit our green Wedding Shop.

These handmade kraft bee tags are a fun and quirky addition to wedding favors, thank you gifts, birthday gifts, hostess gifts and more. All of the materials used to make these tags are from local vendors and are hand stamped in black ink  featuring a beautifully designed bee. All of the tags come with mustard colored twine. The kraft bee tag is a must-have for a bee themed wedding!

Photo: Kraft Bee Tags (5 ct), Paper Clip Shoppe

These handmade vintage bee stickers are eco-friendly and made from natural acid free card stock (Green Seal Certified 30% recycled post-consumer fiber) and an acid-free adhesive, which is easy to remove from the backing.

    Photo: Vintage Bee Stickers (150 ct), Queen Bee Inspirations

Check out these bee hive stickers too! They’re perfect for sealing the envelopes that your wedding invitations are sent in.

Photo: Bee Skep Stickers, Queen Bee Inspirations

The beehive candle is ideal for a bee-themed wedding. These candles have two little bee details and are perfect for table decor. They are beautiful alone or as a pair.  All of the candles are made from wax from a local beekeeper and naturally scented. The wonderful smell of honey and beeswax will fill your reception room when you light this candle. Beeswax candles do not burn off toxic carcinogens like other candles do, so this is also a healthier green alternative to the traditional candle.

 Photo: Beehive Candle, Sweet Bee Honey

Find more inspiration for you and your honeybee in our Wedding Shop!

Ms. Magazine front cover, circa 1972, touting a "Wonder Woman for President." Photo: Gloria Steinam.com

Ever since Gloria Steinmen co-founded Ms. magazine in 1972, the prefix, or title before a women’s name has never been the same.

In fact, there is not a day as a national etiquette expert and owner of a stationery store owner, that I do not get asked the lead question, “Do I use Ms. or Miss? Please explain!”

To sum it up I will quote directly from my book, The Write Stuff: A Modern Guide to Personal Stationery and Weddings.

“In the last thirty years, Ms. has entered into our lexicon. Now more and more brides prefer to use Miss on their wedding invitation envelope,” said well-respected calligrapher, Christopher Watkins.

Many women choose to use Ms. in their everyday life; however, on a social envelope Miss is the correct term.

Miss means she is not married– no matter if she is in her teens, thirties or eighties.

When your guests are unmarried, then the female guest is always on the envelope. A guide to help you to remember who is listed first, ask yourself,”Who goes through the door first?” A women!

Still wondering? Then, use Miss. It is gracious, knowing of what to do beautifully.

]]> http://www.weddingaces.com/2013/04/ms-vs-miss-whats-on-your-wedding-envelope/feed/ 0 http://www.weddingaces.com/2013/04/6-questions-to-ask-a-destination-wedding-professional-before-hiring-them/ http://www.weddingaces.com/2013/04/6-questions-to-ask-a-destination-wedding-professional-before-hiring-them/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:40 +0000 The Desti Team http://www.weddingaces.com/?p=26411 So, you’ve decided to have a destination wedding.

Congrats! What’s next? Couples often consider planning their destination wedding on their own, using the internet.  Once they start the process, they quickly come to the realization that there are too many landmines to go it alone! The first step is to find a professional that you trust.  Here are some questions to ask a destination wedding professional before handing over the details of your big day:

1. How many weddings have you/your company planned in the past? How long have you been in business?

Experience is everything.

2. Do you work alone or do you have a team?

Back up is essential. What if your wedding specialist is sick or has a family emergency? You want to make sure that your specialist has someone who has access to all your details and can sub in.

3. How do I know that I am getting the best price?

One word: Volume. In order to get the most competitive price for you and your guests, choose a planner that is affiliated with an organization that plans over 500 destination weddings a month. This way, you will take advantage of the relationships they have forged. The outcome: more perks to make you and your guests feel pampered.  Also, ask your planner if they price match.

4. Will you help me stick to my budget?

Anyone can plan a royal wedding. Pros can plan a wedding on a budget. If you call a destination wedding specialist and tell them you are considering a wedding in Mexico, and they try to talk you into Hawaii, you need to think twice.

5. Can I see photos and read testimonials from actual weddings?

Three references don’t cut it. Make sure the person you hire can point you to at least 15 testimonials about their company. If they cannot provide this, it’s time to move on.

6. How do you communicate with your couples?

Organization is vital. There are countless details to keep track of when it comes to destination wedding. Make sure your specialist has a system and will keep you apprised of every step. Ask specific questions about their processes and their methods of communication.

What is most important to you when choosing a destination wedding specialist? Tell us what’s top on your list!

Catering: JPC Event Group
Florals/Props: GARNISH Event Design {a division of JPC Event Group}

1. Preregister for the show: This will only take you a few moments to do online, but could be a long wait at the show to fill out a form.

2. Know your budget: Don’t waste your time pining for things you can’t afford. Know what you can cross off your list to make decisions easier and your bank account easier.

3. Divide and conquer: Bring a friend or two and divide your responsibilities. There won’t be time to speak with every florist, every band and every planner, but with a little help, you can cover more ground.

4. Arrive early: Beat the rush and get a leg up on free swag!

5. Bring your calendar: Know your schedule so you can make follow-up appointments with vendors and take notes on what you like best.

6. Bring a camera: Sometimes your memory just isn’t enough! Snap pictures of your favorite vendors so you can remember what you loved.

7. Do your research: Scout out the vendors before hand and know which ones really interest you, so you can focus your efforts on the ones you really like once you’re there.

Your wedding day is coming up, and you’re looking forward to a honeymoon that’s romantic, relaxing and adventurous. You dream of not having to lift a finger during the entire vacation – unless you want to – and it’s your hope to spend it in a place that’s sure to create memories to last a lifetime.

There’s the problem: Where should you go?

If romance, adventure and lots of pampering matter to you and your honey, a Mediterranean cruise just might be in order.

Why cruise the Mediterranean for your honeymoon? Here are just a few of the many reasons why this is a trip worth taking:

• The world-renowned sights – Destinations throughout the Mediterranean are known the world over for its amazing appeal. Whether you opt for a cruise that takes you to Italy’s shores, or you visit the Greek isles or even Spain, you’re going to find plenty of things to see and do. This entire region is famed for its amazing architecture, beautiful landscapes, pristine waters, museums and historic sites. From the water you’ll see white-washed cities that are post-card perfect. On shore, you’ll enjoy some of the most famous destinations on the planet.
• The on-board fun– Worry you’ll miss out on some of the fun of touring the Mediterranean by opting to cruise? Let that concern at home. Going by cruise ship is one of the best ways to take in all the beauty that has made this region a favorite for centuries. Plus, while you’re onboard, you’ll find there’s never a lack of things to do. Mediterranean cruise ships boast activities around the clock. From swimming and playing games to taking in live shows and dancing, you’re likely to find yourself having so much fun you won’t want to get off!
• The cuisine – Cruise ships are famous for their five-star spreads. You can count on enjoy some amazing fare while on board. Now, when you visit the different ports of call in the Mediterranean, you’ll also find culinary treats that defy description. From the amazing flavors of Italy to the distinctive tastes offered in Greece, the culinary offerings are not going to disappoint.
• The service – If you want to enjoy incredible service the entire time you’re away, a cruise is absolutely the way to go. Just step onboard and you’ll find an entire crew ready to cater to your every need. From room service to the planned activities, you’ll find yourself being treated like royalty.

Looking for a post-wedding getaway that’s romantic and maybe just a little exotic? Just consult your honeymoon travel advisor for information about a Mediterranean cruise. You’ll be glad you did!

I was recently reminded of this during our own house search.  We weren’t thrilled with our agent’s performance, but kept putting off making a change.  After all, once we found the perfect house it wouldn’t really matter, and she had worked, so firing her would mean that she would earn nothing.  In the end, however, we pulled the plug, it just wasn’t working.  The result?  She worked for us a lot longer and still earned nothing.  It would have served both of us better had we ended the relationship sooner.

So what about weddings?  It’s not that different; if you have a vendor that you have lost faith in you should absolutely consider severing that relationship.  If you don’t, here are the downsides:

• You will have angst up until the wedding
• You will have angst at your own wedding
• You won’t have the wedding you wanted

Here are some things to consider before firing a vendor:

• Can the relationship be salvaged?
• Are you angry, and if so, why?  Did you call them on Friday, and they didn’t return your call until Tuesday?  It’s not uncommon for wedding vendors to work throughout the weekend and take Monday (or even Monday and Tuesday) off.  Make sure you are unhappy for the right reasons.
• Are you dissatisfied with the “product” or is it the “salesperson?”  If it’s the product, is their “style” different from what you thought you were getting?  If so, you need to have a conversation.  It possible that they are simply misreading you and that can often be cleared up by a simple conversation.  If it’s the salesperson, large vendors, especially hotels, can and will, often happily, reassign you to a different salesperson.

If in spite of the above, you decide you need to part ways:

• Review your contract; chances are pretty good that you will not leave totally unscathed, but I often find that wedding vendors are surprisingly reasonable.  But be mindful of that their business is their livelihood.  It’s also important to be aware of key dates that trigger changes in cancellation penalties.
• Review your budget; losing a 50 percent band deposit sounds pretty dramatic, but that could be less than 10% of your total wedding budget, and if necessary you might be able to recover it in different areas.
• Do it as quickly as possible; it will minimize the pain, it will give vendors a better chance to replace your business (which could have positive financial implications for you), and it will give you more time to find alternatives.
• Be prepared to talk candidly (and nicely!) with the vendor.  If you aren’t feeling the love, there is a pretty good chance that the feelings are mutual.
• Have a backup plan; you do not want to cancel a venue if all the other venues are booked.

The bottom line is that after you have tried everything and still aren’t happy, cut the cord and have the wedding you want. To paraphrase Aldo Gucci, quality is remembered long after cost is forgotten.

Guest Post By: Sandy Malone, Weddings in Vieques

You might think the question “how many bridesmaids and groomsmen do you have in your wedding party?” would be fairly simple for most couples to answer, but it isn’t.

First, having a wedding party isn’t an assumed thing anymore. Lots of couples are opting to do away with the tradition for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the expense associated with having a wedding party. Both for the attendants AND for the bride and groom. In fact, I’d go so far to say that almost fully one-third of my clients either have just a maid of honor (MoH, in wed-speak) and a best man, or they don’t have any attendants at all.

I have watched couples anguish over this issue – will their friends be offended? Do they have to include the crazy cousin? What if she has more girls in the wedding than he has reliable guys to call on? Oh the suffering that goes along with this one is hard to watch sometimes because I truly understand how seriously my clients take these things.

I remember choosing my bridesmaids – and I did it in the worst way imaginable. Bill proposed to me on December 20th, right before a close girlfriend’s Christmas party. By the time we left the party, I already had two MoHs and two more bridesmaids. Yikes. That is exactly how you should not do it.

On the flip side, this is not something to get all worked up about. The world will not end if you decide to leave somebody out. No really, it won’t. The friendship will probably even survive. That said, if you don’t have a good reason to cut someone, and your wedding party isn’t starting to resemble a roller derby team, perhaps you should find a way to include that person if cutting him or her is bothering you that much. You know yourself. Go with whatever decision is going to put an end to your suffering – worrying about baloney like the makeup of your bridal party shouldn’t suck up this much of your time. The position – being asked – is an honor. And once accepted, it’s a job. Some do it well, others, not so bueno. But regardless, it’s not something you’re supposed to waste time worrying about.

Here are five reasons to seriously consider keeping your wedding party small, no matter where you get married:

1) Small bridal parties are easier to manage. Anytime you have more than two standing up on each side, it turns into a wedding “par-tay” rather than a bridal party. The alcohol consumption increases, the volume increases and the attention the bride and groom must pay to their friends increases exponentially.

2) It is expensive to be a member of a wedding party, and not all of your friends have the resources to do it. Even in some cases where you think you can “help out” some of your attendants, realize that can be a very uncomfortable situation for that person to be in. Now they can’t say no because not only have you extended the honor, but you’ve also taken away their best out  if they needed
one.

3) It is expensive to have a big wedding party. If you’re having a destination wedding, nobody is renting tuxes or anything else for a whole week. So, the bride and groom usually end up buying the shirts for the gentlemen, unless they all go out and buy new suits together (also frequently done). Ladies, on the other hand, are endlessly pricey. Serious biz, from gifts for the bridesmaids to
accessories (oh yes, if you’re going to force them to wear the stuff, you have to buy it). And making the accessories their wedding party gift is totally cheating – just gets you out of buying something else to thank them while you force them to wear your taste in jewelry or carry your taste in evening bags. Point made.

4) The more people you have in your wedding party, the more chaotic all of your events will be and the higher the drama factor. Suddenly, instead of just worrying about you and your future spouse and your families’ happiness at your wedding festivities, you have another 10 people to babysit through the weekend. It would be fine if everybody was mature and you didn’t need to worry about
anybody’s behavior, alcohol consumption and random hookups, but we all know that isn’t what is going to happen. No way you’re going to get a mix of 10 of your best friends together and nothing happens. Dream on ere bring on the drama.

5) Having a large wedding party takes the focus off of the bride and groom. And for some people (especially shy brides), that’s just fine with them. But for others, who want to have people watching them walk down the aisle rather than focused on the front of the church placing bets on whether somebody’s chest is going to pop out of her clearly undersized dress, having too colorful a group of friends standing up front draws attention away from the bride. It’s the reason so many women skip having a flower girl too – not wanting to share the spotlight with an adorable little nymph, who is going to steal the show before the bride has even set foot on the aisle. It doesn’t make you narcissistic to want your wedding day to be all about you and the groom – it makes you the bride.

Until next time, happy wedding planning from Weddings in Vieques and Weddings in Culebra!

Sandy Malone | Owner, Weddings in Vieques

Sandy Malone is the owner of Weddings in Vieques, a Caribbean destination wedding planning company based on Vieques Island. A former Wall Street Journal reporter and public affairs expert, Sandy has executed more than 400 destination weddings on Vieques and Culebra islands, and writes a wedding planning column for the Huffington Post.

At one of our recent UNVEILED events, guests took a journey through our design showcase including the Ceremony Setting, Luxury Lounge and Reception Rotunda we titled ‘MARTINI’. Taking our design cue from fashion trends, we’re seeing the prevalence of retro colors, including Tangerine Tango, Solar Power and Cockatoo. Pop culture has embraced this style with shows like Mad Men and movies like Hitchcock. Drawing on inspiration from famed architect, Aero Saarinen, we pulled together spandex shapes that were reminiscent of New York’s JFK airport. We paired these ideas with mod furnishings in silver and black giving a nod to the visual style of high fashion Madison Avenue of the 1950s and 1960s. Always looking for unique reception seating we created low tables and used modern leather sofas as a retro inspired banquette. This paired with a series of round glass and chrome tables for the head table created varied levels and visual interest. Whether shaken or stirred, we hope you are inspired by this Martini concept.