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Professional Consulting Tips
[Note: Wedding Tips recently interviewed one of the leading wedding consultants / coordinators in N. California, Robbin Montero of A Dream Wedding, We asked for her thoughts on the advantages of hiring a wedding coordinator. Her response follows.]
"So you've decided to plan your wedding. You feel slightly overwhelmed at the thought of planning an extravagant event, but are confident you can pull it off. However, many couples are at a loss when it comes to coordinating such event. With little or no experience in event planning, a professional wedding consultant is definitely in order.
The decision to hire a consultant is based on several factors. For many, time is lacking. Full time jobs do not allow the phone calls and visits required. Major oversights often occur when time is limited and the ability to stay organized and focused misfires. If the bride is new to the area, with few friends or family members close by, planning a wedding with little outside help could become a nightmare. What about an out-of-town wedding, or a bride with a narrow budget? Whatever the reason, the wisest choice is to hire a professional.
The goal of the wedding consultant is to offer the bride and her family peace of mind by keeping on top of the planning. A bride and her family should be able to enjoy the occasion, leaving the details and hassles to the consultant. My philosophy is that a bride and groom are deserving of anything and everything they want. I refer to them as my King and Queen. They are the ones in charge, and as such, are allowed to create their own rules and regulations.
Good rapport, communication, and a feeling that the bride can rely on her consultant is vital to the teamwork. A consultant will go the extra mile and resolve disputes that may arise between the bride and family members. The consultant acts as a couple’s liaison, smoothing over rough spots, that will inevitably present themselves during the period leading up to, and on the wedding day.
Stretching the dollar, while staying within a budget, a consultant will alleviate financial anxieties. An established consultant will have a wide selection of vendors and valuable connections. She/he will assist the bride by knowing who to book and when, providing price comparisons, overseeing vendor contracts, avoiding overtime charges, saving on services when guests don’t show, will collectively result in considerable savings to the couple. A good planner has developed relationships with many vendors, and because of the harmony that has developed, vendors may provide certain perks without charge. The couple benefits by getting the feeling of a more elaborate wedding.
The extra pair of hands on the wedding day is priceless. A schedule will be orchestrated and distributed to ensure a smooth-running event. Details such as coordinating and overseeing vendors, supervising and cuing the wedding party and music, and assisting with seating arrangements are just a few of the duties a consultant will assume. A bride can rest assured knowing the wedding day will be handled with care, while she relaxes and enjoys her glorious day.
If you want a worry and headache free wedding day, consider hiring a professional wedding consultant."
Take time to visit Robbin's web site at: www.a-dreamwedding.com
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Reception and Wedding Site
As you visit possible wedding and/or reception sites, keep notes of your observations and the information you obtain. Ask whether the quoted price is all inclusive, or whether there will be additional charges, such as gratuities, overtime fees, and sales tax. Insist that all details be reduced to writing, including dates, times, prices, and descriptions of services provided. Inquire into the payment requirements. Most sites will require a down payment to reserve the facility, with the balance due approximately one week prior to the date of the event, when the final guest count is known.
Remember Saturday night is the most expensive time to schedule your wedding reception. To save money, consider another evening or a weekend afternoon. Morning or afternoon weddings also call for a lighter menu, so you will be able to save on the catering as well.
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Wedding Formalwear Styles
There are no hard and fast rules so far as wedding attire is concerned. The outfitting of your wedding should be determined by your personal preferences, taking into consideration your budget.
Formal
A formal wedding can be had at any time of the day, but is particularly appropriate if the ceremony and reception are planned for the evening. The bride is ordinarily attired in a full-length gown and the groom in black or white tuxedo. The bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmens’ suits should complement the attire worn by the bride and groom.
Semiformal
A semiformal wedding is, as the title implies, less traditional than a formal ceremony. The bride’s gown may be of any length desired. The groom and his groomsmen may wear suits or black tuxedos. The formality of the attire worn by the bridesmaids and groomsmen may be reduced accordingly.
Informal
An informal wedding offers maximum flexibility. The bride ordinarily will wear either a traditional gown or a tailored suit. A suit is appropriate for the groom. In the final analysis, the decision regarding attire is yours. Do not feel bound to follow the rules set down by others. It is, after all, your wedding day.
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The Meaning of Flowers
Rose - Love
White Daisy - Purity
Gardenia - Joy
Orchard - Beauty
Carnation - Distinction
Blue Violet - Constancy
Forget-me-not - True Love
Red Chrysanthemum - Sharing
Lily of the Valley - Happiness
White Lilac - Youthful Innocence
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Bridal Gown Information - Part 1
You have thought about this day for your entire life, and it’s finally about to happen. Finding the perfect wedding gown can be both challenging and pleasurable. Wedding gowns come in many styles, fabrics and price ranges. Gowns vary from simple, informal types to elaborate puffy productions with intricate beading and long trains. Below are a few thoughts to keep in mind while searching for your perfect gown.
Shopping
Searching out the ideal wedding gown can be a demanding task, because there is so much to choose from. It’s best to have some idea what you are looking for before you begin to shop. Wedding magazines are a good source of ideas
Preference
Wedding gowns are very personal and should be chosen based on your individual style preference, the type of wedding you plan to have, the place you are being married and your budget. Almost anything is acceptable - - - so remember, this is YOUR day. Do it YOUR way.
Where To Look?
There are many sources available for bridal gowns: bridal salons, discount warehouses and outlets, resale or consignment shops, and custom designers. Call these merchants in your area and find out what they have to offer. Many of the boutique bridal shops require an appointment or have limited hours. Many, but not all, bridal stores have knowledgeable sales people, who can assist in selecting the right gown for you. If your choice is a new gown, allow at least four months for fittings, manufacture and delivery. Allow extra time to guard against the possibility of something going wrong - - - for example, delay in delivery of the gown, delivery of the wrong gown, or delivery of a damaged gown, which will require repair.
Reputable Source
It is not difficult to imagine the chaos that can result if, on the appointed day for delivery of your gown, you discover that the person or firm with whom you are dealing is no longer in business. The best protection is afforded by dealing with a firm which has long been established in the community, a store with national affiliation, or a shop which has qualified as an "authorized dealer" or representative for a nationally recognized product line. The reliability of the merchant with whom you are dealing is particularly important in the field of specially manufactured wedding gowns, because a non refundable deposit is almost always required at the time the gown is ordered. A quality firm will also be able to assist you if problems are encountered in the manufacture or delivery process.
Ask Questions
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by the salesperson who is assisting you. Feel free to ask questions about anything you are unsure of. Be sure to satisfy yourself that there are no additional or hidden costs, such as for steaming or final alterations.
Put It In Writing
Insist that all of the essential terms of your agreement with the salesperson be in writing. Do not proceed on the basis of an oral agreement or understanding. Unfortunately, should you and the salesperson later disagree on the terms of your agreement, the salesperson will have a distinct advantage in the negotiation process, since he or she holds your gown and, in all likelihood, you will not have sufficient time to make alternative arrangements, such as purchasing a gown from another shop.
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Wedding Entertainment - "Tips"
The music sets the tone for your wedding. Two sets of performers may be required, one for the ceremony and another for the reception. You may, for example, choose a live band, disk jockey, solo singer, piano/organ, harpist or combination of two or more. Wedding bands usually have audition nights at which you can hear them in person. If not, request an audio or videotape. Bridal shows often showcase bands. Your musician’s personality can add much to the marriage ceremony and can make or break your reception. So it’s important that you select your entertainment carefully.
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Wedding Gown Information - Part 2
When Choosing Your Gown
There are thousands of gown fashions to choose from. Brides can choose a gown with traditional embellishments like the bell-shape skirt with lace and a train, or a modern form-fitting gown made of satin and decorated with sequins. Whatever the bride may decide, she will eventually have to visit some type of wedding gown dealer.
Selecting Your Gown
When you visit the salon of your choice, make sure that you have a clear vision of your wedding's theme. Do not hesitate to let the salon know what you have planned for a budget. Bring magazine clippings of gowns you like, and see if they have those styles or something similar. Keep in mind that with most bridal salons, you get some consultation for free. Take advantage of the advice you receive. The consultant will be able to offer suggestions on fit and style based on your age and body type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine (and most do), but it may not look good on you. Your consultant will help you find the right gown at the right price. You should visit a bridal salon even if you do not plan on purchasing your gown through one. The advice you receive will more than pay for your time.
The Costs
Don't purchase a gown that is out of your price range. Bridal gowns can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Take some time to think about your selection. It may help to sleep on the idea and make a commitment on a different day. Remember that bridal gowns come with many unforeseen expenses. Don't spend all of your allotted money on the gown itself. Save a little for alterations and accessories. Plan to spend approximately 5.5% of your total wedding budget on your gown and accessories.
Get Fitted For Your Gown
When you go to get fitted for your gown, make sure that you bring your mother or maid of honor with you. If neither of these people can be there, take a friend whose opinion you trust. If nothing else, this friend can provide some moral support if you are in doubt. You should plan on at least six months to decide on and fit your gown. It will take at least three months for your order to be placed and your gown to be made by the manufacturer. Then you can plan on three fittings. The first when your gown arrives. The second to correct any mistakes, and the third to verify that everything is perfect. You should expect your gown to be perfect. After all, you will only wear this gown once. If you do not have six months, relax. You can still get everything done in time. It will just cost a little more to rush your order.
Your final fitting should take place a few weeks before your wedding. The last thing you should worry about on your wedding day is whether or not your gown fits. So make sure your gown is ready early. Your salon should hold your gown until the week before your wedding. They are better equipped to store your gown than you will be, and proper storage is essential to prevent your gown from wrinkling.
It would be a good idea to bring your maid of honor to your fittings. She will be able to learn her responsibilities for the wedding day. Sometimes, small emergencies come up right before the wedding is about to begin. Your maid of honor should know your gown, and she should also know how to perform small alterations in a pinch. If your mother would handle this situation better than your maid of honor, you might want her at the fittings as well.
On Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is going to be very hectic. Allow yourself at least two hours to get ready before your wedding is scheduled to begin. If you are planning to have photographs taken before your ceremony, start getting ready two hours before your session is scheduled to begin. These last few hours are stressful enough, don't add to the stress by running late. Take your time when getting ready, and enjoy the company of those around you. Bring an emergency kit. This kit should have sewing supplies, extra makeup, extra hose, and tissues. You should also bring a pair of comfortable shoes such as flats with you. During the wait before the wedding, you will not want to be running around in heels. Your feet may never forgive you.
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Health Beauty Tips
More than on any other day in your life, your wedding day is the day that you want to look beautiful. Whether or not you usually wear make-up, there are good reasons for wearing it on your wedding day.
Properly applied make-up will greatly enhance your appearance, particularly in the many photographs which will be taken in the course of the day. On the other hand, too much makeup, the wrong makeup, or improperly applied makeup can have the opposite effect A heavy eyeliner or heavy false eyelashes will cast unwanted shadows over your eyes and cheeks. No make-up may result in a washed out or anemic appearance. Ideally, your make-up should enhance your features without its presence being apparent. Some brides have a professional make-up artist do the entire bridal party.
If you decide to do your own make-up, the best advice is prac tice, practice, practice, until you achieve the look you want. It is not necessary to buy expensive products. Use your regular make-up or consult a professional salesperson to find what products best suit your skin and features, and how to apply them. Choose a make-up that is close to your skin tone. If the foundation is too dark, it will create a mask-like effect. Use a soft brown pencil for liner on the eyes. Apply brown powder using a sponge tipped applicator on top of the pencil to set the liner and avoid smearing. Pencil in the shape of your eyebrows lightly with a soft, gentle touch. Use a lipliner pencil and draw the natural lipline, which will help prevent lipstick from running. Blend with a cotton swab and cover with a pastel lipstick. Add a touch of lip gloss to the center of your lower lip. Apply foundation smoothly to the hairline. Cover your face and neck with a fine powder and blend it well with a brush. Apply a touch of blush high on your cheekbones and blend carefully. Apply concealer with a sponge to cover any blemishes and to hide circles under your eyes.
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Wedding Photography Tips
Your wedding photography will provide a long-lasting remembrance of one of the happiest days of your life. The right professional photographer should deliver a complete selection of photographs that tell the full story of your day. To help select your professional photographer, keep these thoughts in mind: Hire a professional, don’t trust your wedding memories to a friend with a camera. Interview as many photographers and review as many wedding albums as you can to find the style you like. Reserve your photographer as early as possible. The best photographers tend to be booked months in advance.
Ask the following questions:
- What packages are offered?
- How many photos are included in each package?
- Are the “proofs” yours to keep?
- Is there a set number of reprints you must order?
- What is the cost for additional time or photos?
- How much is the deposit and when is it due?
- When is the balance due?
- Is there a travel charge?
- Are the digital files / negatives available to purchase? What is the resolution?
- If so, do you have to wait a specified time before you can purchase them?
Most importantly, view his or her photographs. See if you like the style of photography and you seem to interact well with the possible photographer. Book as early as possible, some popular dates go quickly.
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Wedding Registry Tips
Regardless of the type of wedding you’re planning, your age or your budget, your friends and family want to give you a wedding gift. They want to give you something you need and want. You know yourself how good it feels to give someone a gift they really like. Everyone likes to believe their gift is special and won’t be returned after the wedding. Registration, therefore, is a service for your family and friends as well as for yourselves.
Developing a personalized bridal registry list will help you get started on the creation of your new life together. After the stress and rushing around of the wedding, reception, and honeymoon, it’s great to come home to the things that will make you comfortable and relaxed. You’ll have the necessities for your new home.
Today’s bridal registries are putting a new spin on tradition. Sure you may register for china, silver, and crystal, but, you will also register for sheets, towels, cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances. The things you need for everyday living. Your friends will want to know your favorite colors, the size of your bed, what pieces of cookware you need, and if you already have a toaster. If you register, you’ll get one toaster, not five!
An experienced, professional bridal registry consultant has the product knowledge to help you with your selections. It can be a little overwhelming when three are so many decisions, so many details, and so little time to take care of everything. It’s important that you have confidence in your registry consultant.
Register about 5 to 8 months before the wedding. This assures that your list will be in place before any parties or showers. Most companies will maintain your registry for at least one year after your wedding date When choosing a company for your wish list there are several things to consider. First is customer service. You’ll want your guests to be treated well, and you’ll want a positive experience while doing your exchange after the wedding. Next is accessibly. Will it be easy for your guests to obtain your list and the items on it? Selection, quality, and prices are important too.
Make an appointment to do your registry. The Consultant should set aside an hour to an hour and a half for you. It’s best to go in a day or two before your appointment to look around. That way you’ll have an idea of the things you want on your list, and won’t be overwhelmed by all of the questions. The consultant will answer any remaining questions at the time of your appointment. That’s his or her job.
Bridal registry is a complementary service. Your time with a registry consult and the servicing of your list is free. It will be the easiest part of your wedding plans, and the most profitable. Remember, choose someone you have confidence in . . . and have fun developing your wish list. Your guests will appreciate the time you spend making their gift selection so easy and convenient.
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Wedding Videography Tips
When interviewing a videographer, ask to see examples of his or her work. Examine the approach and style of the videographer as well as the sound quality and picture clarity. Of utmost importance is the quality of the editing. Keep these thoughts in mind: What video format is offered? The formats in order of preference (lowest quality to highest) are VHS, 8mm, Hi8, and SVHS. You should insist that the video be shot at the highest available speed. Does the artist provide lighting, or does he rely on available light? What are the charges for extra time or extra tape? Will the videographer have available back-up equipment in the event difficulties are encountered? Can a photographic /videographic collage be provided? Is a choice of background music, where appropriate, available? Are title screens provided? How many cameras will be covering the events? Has the videographer had experience in conducting interviews?
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Wedding Florist Tips
Weddings are costly, and everyone is interested in saving money if possible. Floral designs created from fresh and silk flowers may help you stay within your budget.
Choose wedding flowers that either can serve more than one function or can be kept as a remembrance of the occasion. Standing baskets filled with sprays of fresh or silk flowers that decorate the ceremony can later be moved to the reception site, where they look elegant placed behind the head table or at the entrance to the room. An arch is useful at the site of the ceremony, in a garden wedding, or the bride may wish to make her entrance under a flower covered arch before being escorted down the aisle. Later, this same arch could showcase the cake table or the guest book table. A swag, placed at the top of such an arch, made of silk or dried materials, can be retained by the newlyweds, evoking fond memories of the wedding day. The head table can be highlighted by using a swag or floral centerpiece made of permanent botanicals. This later becomes a lovely addition to a first home.
Perfect for a flower girl may be a silk headwreath made of ribbon, tulle and tiny flowers, which can be enjoyed by the wearer after the wedding as well as on the special day itself. This wreath is sometimes hung on a wall with the brim of a straw hat, to be worn or displayed in the home.
These are just a few ideas for maximizing your floral budget. The most important thing to remember is that careful planning is essential if you hope to get the most for your money, without compromising the beautiful, romantic setting that flowers can add to your wedding day.
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Wedding Speech Ideas - Tips
This is a simple guide to making your wedding speech. It answers some of the most frequently asked questions, and gives you some tips on making it as easy as it can be.
HOW DO I STOP MY KNEES FROM SHAKING?
I won’t tell you that you will not get nervous, because the plain fact is, you probably will. But you should know this: most people do. In fact, if there's no adrenalin, it probably won’t be much of a speech. The important thing is to keep it in perspective. Just use these tips, and you'll find that there's nothing to worry about.
For starters, remember that you're not taking an exam, you're talking to your friends. Your friends and family are the warmest audience you'll ever have. They've come to your wedding, and they're on your side. Think of it as a bigger dinner party than usual - and it's your turn to tell a story. Just relax and remember how comfortable you would be back at the dinner party - then go ahead and tell your story.
Here's another tip. It's the waiting that's more likely to make you nervous. Once you're on your feet, and you've started talking, as long as you know what you're going to say, it's suddenly a whole lot more fun. So remind yourself of that as you're sitting and waiting, and make it easier by repeating your first line to yourself. That way when you get to your feet, and the room goes silent, you won’t suddenly freeze. Instead, you'll just say that line you've been repeating to yourself over and over. And with that out of the way, you'll find the rest just follows.
WHAT ARE ALL THE RULES I NEED TO KNOW?
The usual routine is this: A welcome by the master of ceremonies, who introduces a friend of the family or close friend of the couple, who makes a speech leading up to a toast to the bride and groom, followed by a speech in reply by the groom, or bride, or both, who thank everyone who has helped organise the wedding, usually ending with a toast to the bridesmaids, who have toasts made on their behalf by the best man who then makes a toast to the hosts - who might or might not be the bride's mother or father or both, who reply.
But you don't have to do any of that. It's all a question of saying the things that matter to you, and having the people who matter to you involved. Choose the people who you would like to say something, decide who should be recognized and thanked, and then work out an order that suits you best.
It's always a good idea to have a master of ceremonies, because they can keep it all in order, and you really should have someone to introduce all the speakers. But apart from that, choose what seems right for you.
One of the ways you can make it particularly interesting is to make some unconventional toasts. For example, each speaker could choose a year that they think is particularly appropriate to toast. (For example "1976, because that was the year that..."). By taking this approach, you give people the chance to think about things in an original way, and have more of a chance of steering away from making speeches that recite all the usual platitudes.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Write a speech to practice as soon as you can. That'll give you more time to hear how it sounds, and adjust it so it sounds like your usual style of speaking rather than your usual style of writing. And, more importantly, it'll make you so familiar with the speech that by the time you stand up, you'll know just what you want to say.
Once you have it written, practice whenever you can - in the car, in the shower. The more you prepare, the more confident you'll be.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR SPEECHES
You can have the speeches at any stage you like, but generally, they tend do be most successful before you eat, and after people have had some time to mix and drink.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Be yourself, and speak your mind. This is a chance to say some things that mean a lot to you about people you care about, in front of all your friends and family. That's not a chance people get very often, so make the most of it.
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Wedding Ring Tips
The purchase of your wedding jewelry should be an exciting part of your engagement. Unfortunately, in today’s marketplace jewelry shopping can oftentimes be a confusing experience. Since there is so much competition in the field, you can expect to receive conflicting information, most of it intended to sell you rather than assist you. Here are some basic tips that can help you cut through the technical jargon and sales tactics..
WHERE TO SHOP: Your first stop should be a locally owned jewelry store which has established a good reputation over a number of years. It’s also a good idea to look for a store with an in-house jeweler so any sizing or custom work can be performed on the premises. A jeweler that’s rooted in the community has a vested interest in making you a satisfied customer because they typically advertise by "word of mouth."
DIAMONDS: Most consumers have difficulty choosing a wedding ring because of the many variables involved in diamond quality and value. Diamond grading is broken down into “Four C’s” carat, clarity, color and cut. All of these add up to a "Fifth C," cost. Ask how the "Four C’s" apply to the ring or rings that you are considering.
AFTER THE DECISION: Before reaching a final decision on your rings, there are several other consideration that you should take into account. How long will it take to have the ring sized? If the ring is being ordered from an outside jeweler or manufacturer, how much time will be required for delivery and size adjustments, if necessary? Allowance of sufficient time in advance of your wedding date is essential.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Ask questions? Good salespeople like to share their knowledge and experience. Visit a number of jewelry outlets. Take good notes and compare them as you shop. Don’t make snap decisions. Think about it overnight. Are the financing terms competitive? Trust yourself and your own eye. If something doesn’t look right it probably isn’t. Make the choice that is right for you, not what someone else wants to sell you. Don’t rush. Enjoy this special occasion.
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Flower Girl Ideas
A flower girl (or three) can add a nice touch to a wedding. They usually are close relatives or good friends of the couple. The ring bearer and the flower girls usually walk before the bride and her escort but behind the rest of the bridal party. Flower girls usually (if allowed) lay a bed of rose petals for the bride to walk on. Trainbearers walk in pairs following the bride and her escort, holding the bride’s train (somewhat rare but classy).
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Ring Bearer Tips
Your attendants can add a nice touch to a wedding. They usually are close relatives or good friends of the couple. The ring bearer and the flower girls usually walk before the bride and her escort but behind the rest of the bridal party. Flower girls usually lay a bed of rose petals for the bride to walk on. Trainbearers walk in pairs following the bride and her escort, holding the bride’s train.
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Click On The Tips Of Choice Below.
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