Bridal News

Event planner Myrna Grossman, owner of For All Occasions, is a fountain of knowledge and a frequent contributor to the Bridal News Blog. It is always a pleasure to share her tips and words of wisdom with my readers:

What about Wedding Insurance?

Lately, many couples have asked me about this topic. Wedding insurance, in these economic times, is perhaps one expense best incurred. Unfortunately, wedding vendors can go out of business and into bankruptcy - or simply not show up for an event. Wedding insurance is worth the peace of mind to have financial coverage - just in case.

Insurance will cover the following in most policies, but of course each company is different. So make sure your coverage is well defined. Bankrupt vendors, unforseen terrible weather conditions, sudden death, accidents at the venue, gifts that get damaged are just a few areas of coverage. Typically, the policy will have a deductible and some will be quite high, so check carefully to avoid these policies. One area of coverage I feel is well worth including is liquor liability.

Plan carefully, and cover all aspects to ensure - and insure - a wonderful wedding day.

Myrna offers full service, partial planning and day of coordination. To learn more about her services, call 703.222.5912.

One of my regular blog contributors and a favorite wedding friend is event planner Myrna Grossman, owner of For All Occasions in Fairfax. Myrna is busy planning her own wedding to be held this month in Nashville, TN, but she had a few minutes and wanted me to pass along these words of wisdom ….

“I was at a resort this past weekend as a guest at a wedding, when lo and behold, another bride was walking with her photographer through the lobby with her mother holding up her gown and practically tripping so she could keep up with them!!! I was so upset for this poor mom.”

“Ladies and Gents, please, please - if nothing else, have a day of coordinator! Let an expert in the field help with the “chores” of the day. These are not to be done by your moms or any other family member. Every family member should be a guest at the wedding and be able to enjoy themselves. I am sure it was this mom’s pleasure to be holding up the daughter’s gown, but believe me - you don’t want to put your mother in that position!”

Good advice Myrna - isn’t it enough that she raised you? Moms are special guests - not ladies in waiting. To learn more about Myrna and her day of coordinating services, call 703.222.5912.

Best wishes to you, Myrna, and your groom Paul for a fabulous wedding and a long, happy marriage!

Cindie

You probably have a million questions when it comes to wedding planning and etiquette. One of my favorite blog contributors, Myrna Grossman, owner of For All Occasions, a Fairfax-based wedding and event planning company, has put together some frequently asked Q & A’s:

Beginning with invitations: When should they be ordered and mailed?

Invitations should be ordered when all the pertinent information for the ceremony and reception has been confirmed. Order them at least 3 months before the wedding and mail them six to eight weeks before the ceremony. Remember, the invitation sets the tone of the wedding. It’s the first glimpse into what your wedding will be like.

May guests be invited to a reception and not the wedding itself?

If the wedding ceremony is only for relatives and close friends, then yes, others may be invited only to the reception.

The Ceremony: What if the church has two center aisles?

You can use one of the aisles for the processional and one for the recessional; you do not have to use just one aisle for the entire wedding unless it’s church policy.

How many ushers and bridesmaids are needed?

It certainly depends on the size of the wedding, but normally there would be one usher for every 50 guests. The average wedding party for a formal or semi-formal wedding is typically four to six bridesmaids and groomsmen.

At the reception, on which side of the groom does the bride sit?

The bride is always seated on the groom’s right.

Who proposes the first toast?

The Best Man proposes the first toast to the bride and groom. He must remember that it is a toast, not a roast.  This is different from a welcome by the bride’s parents.

As always, thanks for the great info, Myrna. You can find this column, along with other insights, on our Myrna’s Memos page.

If you have any questions about your wedding, email Myrna at mg@fao-events.com. She’ll be happy to get the answer for you. And be sure to mention that you saw her on our Bridal News Blog.

Happy Planning,

Cindie