ARBOR: An arch of branches, vines and/or flowers that the bride and groom stand under to say their vows. Also sometimes called a “wedding arch.” BUSTLE: Fastening the wedding dress in back to lift the train off the ground. This is usually done for the reception to allow the bride to move and dance more easily. Bustling the dress is often accomplished with hidden buttons, hooks and/or strings. DAY-OF PLANNER: A wedding coordinator who works with you primarily on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes smoothly (as opposed to a full-service planner who works with you throughout all of the months leading up to the wedding). DESTINATION WEDDING: A wedding that takes place away from the couple’s home. Often, a destination wedding takes place in a dream vacation spot. ELOPE: Long ago, eloping meant getting married without telling your family, usually because they …
Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll make in regards to your wedding – besides the engagement itself, of course – is your venue. By locking down a location, you’re also making a final selection on your date, and therefore, your wedding season, which is a huge step toward hosting your nuptials. As with all aspects of your event, the decisions that you make will have their benefits and consequences, and this notion is particularly the case when the timing of your vow exchange is concerned. You may have your heart set on having your celebration during a certain month, but it’s important to do your research on what problems you may encounter before you sign that contract. Choosing the perfect season for your wedding reminds us of the scene in Grease 2 (if you have not seen it, we suggest that you do!), ‘A Girl for All Seasons.’ For the talent show, the Pink Ladies dress for each …
By Christopher Baity When planning a wedding, you may feel obligated to include every family member, friend and second cousin twice removed. However, as most dog owners consider their family dog a family member, these beloved companions are often left at home and not included into the festivities. After ensuring the venue will allow a non-Service Dog, your first consideration is temperament and training. Does your dog have what it takes to remain obedient and focused during a onetime attempt as a ring-bearer or as a member of the wedding party? If your dog can or has completed a basic obedience test (e.g., Canine Good Citizen(CGC)) they may have the obedience and ability to perform during the ceremony. Typically, a well-trained family pet needs several weeks of specific training to conduct a few simple tasks during the ceremony. Two of the easiest would be an escort of a groomsman or bridesmaid, …
Food and catering typically comprise one of the largest portions of a wedding budget. Whether it’s a local vendor who provides cuisine specific to your wedding theme or a full-service caterer equipped to help make your day seamless, asking the following questions can help to ensure your wedding food and reception will be unforgettable for you and your guests: Do you specialize in a certain type of food or serving style? Whether you’re looking for a certain serving style or a specific cuisine to coordinate with your wedding theme, it’s important to find out how your caterer typically handles receptions. Ask if menus are set or if there’s the option for customization. Can you make a family-favorite recipe for our reception? Some caterers are willing and able to recreate the dish on a large scale for all of your wedding guests if you provide them with the recipe. Have you previously worked at our wedding venue? Many …
Today’s brides and grooms are increasingly interested in outdoor weddings. Being outdoors gives a sense of relaxation, freedom and visual excitement that four walls just can’t match. Declaring your vows and saying “I do” with a slight breeze in the air and the sun setting behind the trees is romantic and unforgettable. Having your wedding outdoors does come with some unpredictable elements. But with a little planning and a bit of affability, nothing will stand in the way of experiencing all the best of your special day. When choosing an outdoor venue, determine if a “Plan B” is needed in the event of uncooperative weather. Additional tenting may be necessary in the occurrence of heavy rain, storms or high winds. Consider the seasonal temperatures to determine if additional heating or cooling may be necessary to keep you and your guests comfortable. A professional caterer will know how to handle the open air, but put yourself at ease by making sure …
Open bar versus limited bar … price per person versus consumption. Cash bar – no way! Remember, these are your guests, not your buddies out for a night on the town. Bar budgeting is a key part of reception planning and Christopher Williams, Event Manager for The Fish Market, has some great advice. An open (or full) bar includes wine, beer, and a variety of liquor (both rail and call brands) and is the most expensive to host. When estimating consumption, Chris says, count on two to three drinks per person. Beer is $4-$5 a bottle; wine $5-$6 a glass, and mixed drinks run $5-$6 for rail liquor (such as Aristocrat vodka) to $7 for a call brand, such as Absolute. “Plan on more than less,” advises Chris. “That way there is no sticker shock and if your bar comes in under budget, great. And your event manager will let you …
By Michael Evans Putting together a great wedding doesn’t happen by accident. It takes careful planning and the enlistment of talented event professionals. Use the following tips to help plan your perfect day. Take some time and visualize your event: close your eyes and walk through it in as much detail as you can, from start to finish. This takes a little time, but you’ll find that it enhances creativity and helps you anticipate and avoid problems. Your site sets the tone for the experience: make sure your site fits the guest list — don’t try to squeeze too many people into the venue. And don’t pick a huge site that will make a small gathering feel uncomfortable. And remember, you’re not just choosing a site for an event — you’re also choosing a backdrop for your wedding photos. Be clear about your reception’s purpose: This helps you create the right setting, mood and format. For example, if …
By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC ® A familiar experience for many Americans is that as fast as money comes in, it goes out the door again in pursuit of the next “must have” purchase. Such spending habits can take a toll on plans to build up savings for the future. The key is finding a balance between immediate gratification and long-term financial security. In many instances, we can all find ways to save on daily purchases to set more money aside to help meet goals like saving for retirement or a child’s education. The bigger challenge comes when it is time to make a major purchase – a home, a car, appliances or home improvements. These expenditures can require the immediate outlay of thousands of dollars. You may have to drain money from savings or, at the very least, reduce available funds to invest for your future. When is the expenditure worth it, and when is the cost …
From the first wedding they coordinated, Sedika Franklin and Angela Williams of Double Platinum Events established their professional reputation as meticulous planners who never overlook a detail. They’d received a call in early November for the December nuptials of a wedding coordinator who was getting married herself. They set up the initial consultation and used their comprehensive checklist to make sure the bride had covered every aspect up to that point. “We quickly discovered there were many elements that needed attention,” Franklin said. The bride was relying on family and friends for many key aspects of the event, including having a friend as DJ for the reception. So when that friend refused to serve as master of ceremonies at the reception, Franklin and Williams swung into action and moderated for the rest of the night. Four years later, the lessons …
A cherished and memorable day in your history as a couple, your wedding celebration should be entrusted not only to professionals who are well-organized but with whom you feel comfortable.
Brides & Weddings recently sat down with real estate husband and wife combo Bill & Peggy Burke to get their advice for engaged or newly married couples when it comes to buying your first home together.
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